Description
If you’d love a peaceful, festive day just for yourself, join me at Rudyard Lake for a Christmas Watercolour Retreat. Spend the day painting a cheerful Christmas wreath and a row of colourful jumpers on a washing line — a fun, relaxing way to get into the festive spirit. You don’t need to be an experienced painter. Beginners are very welcome, and anyone wanting to try new watercolour techniques will have plenty of guidance. I keep the group small (6–12 adults), so you’ll get individual support while still enjoying the fun of painting alongside others. The day has a relaxed rhythm — you’ll experiment with colour and brush techniques, then move on to your festive pieces. There’s plenty of one-to-one guidance if you want it, and lots of tea, coffee, biscuits, and a delicious buffet lunch to keep you cosy and energised. It’s a day to take a break from the usual rush, enjoy beautiful surroundings, and reconnect with that simple joy of creating something with your own hands. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with your festive paintings and a warm, happy feeling that’s perfect for the season. Whether you’re treating yourself or giving someone a thoughtful Christmas gift, this day is about calm, creativity, and a little bit of festive magic. The venue is stunning — large windows and balconies overlooking the lake, and peaceful surroundings to help your creativity flow. If you’d like to make a weekend of it, there are forest walks, lakeside paths, and a wooden train ride nearby. I can also advise on local accommodation if needed.
What's included in the price?
~ All art materials for watercolour painting. ~ Delicious buffet lunch from the tea room. ~ Dietary requirements catered - vegan, vegetarian, meat. ~ Unlimited tea, coffee, juice & biscuits. ~ Freshly baked cakes. ~ Parking fees included. ~ Ample paper to do more than one painting if you wish to. Please bring an apron or wear clothes you don't mind getting stained from paint, and if you require any alternative milks please bring that along, as only standard milk provided.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable - Refunds are not available
Maker
Joan is a full time professional watercolour artist working from her garden studio in Staffordshire. She is a multi-award winning artist, illustrator and children's author. She taught babies and toddlers through music for over 19 years through her Little Hands Music business, and believes every day is a school day regardless of whether you are an adult or a child. In fact she wants you to find your inner child once again through the joy of painting in watercolour. Most retreats are held at a beautiful lakeside location at Rudyard Lake and classes fill up very quickly. However she is expanding to other beautiful locations around Staffordshire for extra variety and inspiration. Having recently and very unexpectedly loosing her husband Joan feels that turning to art and creativity is a way of healing the pain of loss and hopes to help others find their joy even for a few hours. For complete beginners in a small intimate group of 6-12 students. Includes buffet lunch. Private Day Retreats, hens parties or corporate events can also be arranged.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Wheelchair users
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Parking provided
- Suitable for beginners
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Intermediate level
- Stag dos
- Christmas
- Hen dos
- Corporate days out & team building
FAQs
To ensure a relaxing and focused experience for all participants, we kindly ask that only those attending the Retreat Day stay in the painting space. This helps maintain a calm and creative environment.
Additionally, while we love pets, we ask that they are not brought along, as some guests may have allergies or feel uncomfortable around animals.
That said, depending on the venue such as Rudyard Lake it is a stunning location with plenty of lovely walks and boat rides, making it a perfect day out for friends or family members who wish to explore the area whilst you enjoy your painting experience. For other venues it is best to contact Joan prior to booking for to learn more about the area and whether it's suitable for dog walks etc.,
The lake is 2 miles north of Leek on the Staffordshire-Cheshire border.
From Leek take the A523 towards Macclesfield for approx, 1 mile. Turn left onto B5331 for half a mile to go past Rudyard Station, and then take a right at the mini-roundabout. Turn right again to head down Lake Road where you will find the Hotel Rudyard or the path down to the Dam shortly after. Make sure you are going to the South end of the lake. Please note you will need to phone Joan before 9.30am if you are lost. If using the app "what three words" you will find the venue at tree.public.fractions
The class starts 10am and finishes 4.00pm. However, please arrive from 9.45am to grab a warm drink and biscuits and settle ready to paint.
No, there is no pressure to go on the boat. If you would prefer to stay and continue to paint in the room, that is fine and I will stay there with you. Everyone who wishes to go on the boat ride can go ahead on their own. However, taking time away from your painting helps the creative process and you come back with fresh eyes, so it is worth giving it consideration.
(Note: boat ride is not confirmed as it is weather dependent and time of year, so it is not a guarantee to this course).
All art materials are provided, and no discount given if you bring your own materials, however if you have favourite brushes or particular paint you enjoy working with, then bring them along.
Dietary requirements offered by the catering company is either meat, or vegetarian option. The meal option is buffet lunch sandwiches, salad and cake. If special milk is required, please bring that with you as we only have ordinary milk. If you have specific dietary requirements please contact me (via the 'message the tutor' button before booking, to enable me to confirm if it is possible otherwise it will the two options offered.
Please Note: Only for full art retreat days is lunch offered. On half day events if you wish to purchase a lunch afterwards you can order from the tea room down below or failing that bring a picnic.
Yes, if at Rudyard then there is a lift and can cater for wheelchairs. If you find it difficult walking (as we are on the second floor) you can come in the lift.
For other venues listed, just message Joan if you need reassurance. However she will have checked out the venue prior and will have confirmed prior to listing the booking
Wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on, and perhaps bring an apron.
It's best to wear layered clothes, so perhaps a t-shirt and cardigan, and bring a jacket should we go on a boat ride, (which is complimentary for full day retreats). It does not apply for half day retreat events.
The room is comfortable, and can get warm, however, equally it can be chilly near the lake side.
