KnoydART Skye Retreat
KnoydART Skye Retreat provides the ultimate in painting holidays on the Isle of Skye. Hosted by Julia Christie in her home and studio in Ardvasar, Sleat, on the southern peninsular of Skye, the retreat is set in a stunning location with breathtaking sea and mountain views. Conveniently situated within a 5 minute drive from the Mallaig/Armadale ferry terminal and only a 30 minute drive from the Skye Bridge.
KnoydART Skye residential painting retreats offer luxury en-suite accommodation and a nurturing atmosphere where you can relax and unwind and discover the artist within. Click here to see your accommodation, views of the area and a virtual tour of the house and grounds.
These bespoke courses cater for all ages and abilities from the complete beginner to the more advanced painter in any medium of your choice. Numbers are limited so you will have plenty of individual tuition. Julia’s style of teaching and expertise will inspire and encourage you to try new techniques and mediums, learn new skills and develop your confidence. Julia will share her wealth of knowledge, offering guidance and tips to help you improve your painting. Instruction on composition, colour mixing, sketching and new techniques that you might not have tried will all be covered. Julia has been teaching for over 3 decades. She is qualified in a multitude of media and has been running painting holidays on Skye, France, Menorca and Gloucestershire over the past few years.
Julia will spend time individually with you discussing your goals and aspirations to better understand how to develop the potential within yourself and take you to your next creative level. She will help you to identify your strengths and gently encourage you to discover your own style in your preferred medium.
Each day will include demonstrations, some studio work and painting en plein air in the immediate area or a short drive to one of the many inspiring locations (weather permitting). Julia’s modern garden studio is fully equipped, well lit with fabulous sea and mountain views which will inspire you to paint. There will be an opportunity in the week to visit some of the local artists in their galleries/studios and see a variety of inspiring work.
Non-painting partners are welcome to stay and relax at KnoydART. They may join trips and excursions with the artists, but Julia is also happy to assist with an alternative itinerary to suit personal needs and interests. There is an abundance of activities available such as walking, fishing, cycling, photography and guides who will take you eagle and otter spotting, and lots more. Please contact Julia for further details.
Breakfast is served in the breakfast room with panoramic sea and mountain views. The spectacular views across the sound of Sleat to the Knoydart peninsular from the house and studio are breathtaking. A varied picnic lunch will be provided daily. The local Ardvasar hotel is a few minutes walk away where you can enjoy your evening meal (not included in the cost). The newly opened Deli Gasta at Armadale Castle is nearby and serves a variety of local Scottish tapas. On the last night refreshments will be served in the studio where we will enjoy a celebratory drink, discuss the week’s work and see it on display before heading off for dinner.
Come and share Julia’s passion and love of this beautiful area of Skye and enjoy a truly memorable, inspirational and relaxing experience.
Typical Day
- Breakfast 8.30-9.00am
- Morning session 10.00-1.00pm
- Lunch 1.00-2.00pm
- Afternoon session 2.00-5.00pm
- Celebration of work 6.30pm Time to reflect on day’s work
- Dinner 7.30pm at the local Ardvasar Hotel or Deli Gasta at Armadale Castle
Student testimonial
Had a magical time on Skye with Julia; pastels, mountains and the elements! Amazing to be drawing and painting in the landscape – to be enthusiastically introduced to a new pastel media by Julia and to be shown around the most gorgeous mountain and beach locations plus meeting local artists and viewing their work. Entrancing stunning views to draw, paint or just gaze at and be inspired. Invigorating to share with other artists under Julia’s attentive guidance. Very comfortable accommodation with excellent food completed a perfect holiday!
Madeleine Cardani
