2026 Summer Painting Retreat
Friday 21st to Monday 24th August
Join Ali for a four-day painting holiday set within the historic house and grounds of Clayesmore School, Dorset. This retreat offers the rare opportunity to slow down, work thoughtfully, and develop your painting skills in a setting rich with visual and historical character.
Rooted in careful observation and supported by specialist tuition, the experience is designed to be immersive, generous, and restorative — a chance to paint with focus, curiosity, and confidence.
Teaching & Approach
All tuition is led by Ali, whose teaching practice is grounded in extensive experience as an educator and artist. Ali’s approach is structured yet flexible, offering clear guidance while allowing space for individual exploration.
Each day will include:
Demonstrations and guided exercises
Practical advice on observation, colour, composition, and mark-making
Individual support tailored to your experience and interests
Time for independent working, reflection, and discussion
The focus is on helping you understand how and why paintings work, so you leave with skills and confidence that extend beyond the retreat itself.
Fees: Residential - £695.00 Non-Residential - £575.00
Who This Is For
This painting holiday is suitable for adults at all stages of their creative focus. You do not need formal training or prior experience — only a willingness to look carefully and engage with the process of painting.
The atmosphere will be supportive and thoughtful rather than pressured or competitive, making it equally suitable for beginners and those returning to painting after time away.
The Setting
Clayesmore School occupies a distinguished country house surrounded by expansive grounds, layered architecture, and the changing light from the surrounding Cranborne Chase. Its history is present in the building itself — in surfaces, proportions, and atmosphere — while the surrounding hills of Okeford, Hod and Hambledon provides open space, texture, and variety.
Throughout the holiday, the house and grounds will be used as primary sources of inspiration. You will be encouraged to work directly from what you see, allowing place, time, and attention to shape your paintings.
The school and grounds are extensive enough to offer both communal working areas and more private corners. Participants can choose to paint alongside others or find a quieter space to work independently and at their own pace.
Materials
All painting materials are provided, allowing you to work freely without needing to prepare or purchase supplies in advance. If you have favourite materials you enjoy using, you are very welcome to bring them along.
Accommodation & Meals
You may choose between:
Residential participation, staying on site at Clayesmore
Non-residential participation, attending each day if you are local
Breakfast and a buffet lunch are provided for all participants, whether residential or non-residential.
Evening meals are not included. There is a pub within easy walking distance, and Dorset offers a range of local options should you wish to explore.
If you choose to stay at Clayesmore, you will be occupying the very generous dormitory wing of the school with all your bedding and towels provided. You room may have more beds than your own but you will be occupying it alone, unless you are joining us with a friend and would prefer to share. Bathrooms may be shared (this is subject to numbers) but they have individual showers and toilet cubicles.
For those staying on site, the scale of the school offers space beyond the teaching areas, allowing time to work quietly or step away when needed. Non-residential participants are equally able to make use of the varied indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day.
Access & Inclusivity
Level access is available for accommodation, teaching spaces, and painting locations. If you have specific access needs or questions, please feel free to get in touch in advance so arrangements can be made to support your participation fully.
Booking & Payment
To secure your place, a small non-refundable deposit of £50 is required to assess participation and needs.
The remaining balance will be payable nearer the start of the holiday (please see the booking timeline below). Places are limited to ensure a high level of individual support.
Booking Timeline:
Secure your place with a non-refundable deposit using the form above.
Fees: Residential - £695.00 Non-Residential - £575.00
The balances will be due by Wednesday 1st July:
Residential - £645.00 Non-Residential - £525.00
You are welcome to spread the cost of your booking by using a service supplied by Klarna at the checkout (please consult their website for more information)
As soon as you have paid your deposit, Ali will email you confirmation and start an email conversation so that you can ask her any questions about what to expect or anything you might need during your time together.
You are welcome to attend an informal Zoom get together on Tuesday 21st July at 18:30pm so you can hear the latest information, meet others who will be attending and ask questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior painting experience?
No. This retreat is suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience. Teaching is adapted to individual needs.
What kind of painting will we be doing?
The focus will be on observational painting inspired by the house and grounds, with scope to explore interpretation, abstraction, and personal responses.
What materials are included?
All essential painting materials are provided. You may bring your own materials if you prefer.
What is the daily structure?
Each day will include guided teaching sessions, demonstrations, individual working time, and informal discussion. There will be a clear structure, balanced with flexibility.
Can I attend without staying overnight?
Yes. Non-residential places are available, and breakfast and lunch are still included.
Are meals included?
Breakfast and buffet lunch are provided daily for everyone. Evening meals are not included.
Is the retreat accessible?
Yes. Level access is available for accommodation and participation. Please contact Alison in advance to discuss any specific requirements.
What happens after I pay the deposit?
Once your deposit is received, your place is secured. Full details about the balance payment and practical arrangements will be shared via email and a brief outline of how this happens is detailed above.
A Thoughtful Space to Paint
This painting holiday is an invitation to spend time looking, making, and learning in an inspiring setting, guided by specialist teaching and supported by a small, focused group. It is about process, attention, and developing a deeper relationship with painting — at a pace that allows ideas to unfold.