Painting Retreats

There are four stunning bedrooms with ensuites, and a fifth with twin beds and ensuite which can be shared by two artist friends with a commensurate reduction in price; two large living spaces to share and a picture-perfect cottage garden.

We will pick you up from the Christchurch airport then head out to the peninsula to our gorgeous stay, where we will enjoy a BBQ dinner our first night.

After breakfast each day we will head out to an especially selected locations to paint for approx. 4-5 hrs (painting materials all supplied, acrylic, watercolour, or oils), after which we will head to the nearest restaurant or back to Akaroa for you to get your lunch and browse for the afternoon.

Then we will re-group and all go out for dinner, or you can have dinner where you like, no pressure.

I will supply all the art materials - watercolour, oils or acrylics and teach/guide you to create 6 lovely paintings to take home.

Please note you need a reasonable level of fitness as you will be standing painting for 4-5 hrs. and walking with backpack to locations, though it should be emphasised that on this trip there will be minimal walking.

A few highlights of our painting week -

• Stunning private gardens with historic cottages opened especially for us.
• Painting opportunities from the jetties and decks of local yacht and boating clubs.
• The Akaroa Lighthouse
• Boatsheds
• A tiny exquisite historic church at the local Marae.
• Secret gardens and ancient sheds.

PRICES:                                           

• King room with ensuite per Artist $4785 inc GST.  
  3 available -  Partners welcome  $2500 

• King room with ensuite (with sloped roof) per Artist $4345 inc GST.  
  1 available -  Partners welcome  $2500
                         
• Twin share room with ensuite for 2 artists $4345   
  1 available

There are many activities for non-painting partners which our host and hostess Timmy and Jackie will assist with, including a variety of walking tracks, boat trips, bike and mini mo-ped hire, the cinema, museum, and Giant’s House.

INCLUDES:                                                                     

• Pick up and drop off from Christchurch Airport
• 7 Nights stay at French Bay House
• Double room or (one only) shared twin  for two artists.     
• All breakfasts 
• 2 dinners, arrival night and last night
• 1 Fully catered Lunch at the private home and Gardens of award-winning chef and cooking tour operator in Puglia and Italy, Lyn Baynes
• The use of easel, brushes, paints, backpack, seat
• 6 Canvases or  watercolour pad depending on the medium you choose to use.

Please note this
DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfares
• 5 Dinners
• 5 Lunches
• Alcohol