Idyllic picture of an art retreat location with a wooden fence along a green, grassy field with rolling hills in the distance and wind turbines on the horizon, under a lavender sky with pink clouds. Reference by Sketches.n.Scrubs

Gouache & Watercolour Art Retreat

Clear background with the text 'Sketches n Scrubs' written in cursive font.

March 2026 Retreat

21st -27th March 2026

Devon, UK

Join me for relaxed, joy-filled days of painting with gouache, watercolour, and mixed media touches in the beautiful Devon countryside. In this 6-night retreat you’ll have catered meals, inspiring surroundings, beautiful accommodation, no chores, curated art demonstrations by me (Sketches.n.Scrubs) and 5 full days of painting.

Ideal for all skill levels, whether you’re new to gouache and watercolour or experienced and looking to dedicate quality time to your creativity.

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Sketches.n.Scrubs 's Art Toolkit watercolour palette with various colours set up outdoors on a sunny day, with a garden and trees in the background.

What we’ll cover:
- Introduction to watercolour and gouache as well as exploring your unique qualities

- Building and mixing your own colour palettes

- Understanding layering and combining mixed media

- Fundamentals of value and composition

- Taking and using references to inspire your work

- Guided demos and hands-on practice

- Q&A and personalised support

Open sketchbook by Sketches.n.Scrubs with a vibrant landscape painting of a river, rocks, and trees in bright colours. Surrounding art supplies include watercolour paints, gouache, coloured pencils, markers, and paintbrushes.

What to expect:

You’ll be surrounded by like-minded creatives, nourishing food, and inspiring views—indoors and out. By the end, you’ll leave with artwork and a renewed sense of creative direction.

  • Arrive at 3pm on Saturday 21st March 2026

  • Paint for 5 days: Sunday 22nd March - Thursday 26th March 2026

  • Leave on Friday 27th March 2026 at 10am (after breakfast)

I share more information about the retreat below, booking is facilitated by Westcott Barton via their website and spaces are limited. The accommodation, all meals, art demonstrations and creative course for the 6-night retreat is available, while spaces last.

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The Details

  • A woman with long black hair holding several colourful watercolour paintings of boats near a coastline with cliffs and water in the background.

    The Host

    I’m the artist behind Sketches.n.Scrubs - a Christian mixed media artist based in the UK with a fond love (and understanding) of gouache, watercolour and the fun process of making art with a range of mediums. I’ve spent the past few years growing a thriving art community through my Youtube channel and membership; sharing sketchbook sessions, painting adventures across Europe, and the joy of playful creativity.

    My teaching style is gentle, supportive, and personal — whether you’re completely new to painting or returning to your practice, I’ll help you explore materials, build confidence, and reconnect with the fun of making art just for you.

  • A scenic view of a stone house on a hill surrounded by greenery, with a small pond in the foreground and a bright blue sky with some clouds overhead.

    The Logistics

    Date: 21st March - 27th March 2026

    Duration : This is a 6 night retreat - we will arrive in the afternoon of day 1, paint for 5 days (until day 6) and check out in the morning of day 7.

    Accommodation: An idyllic place in North Devon. Single and shared occupancy options available

    The Art Supplies: You’ll need to bring all your own art materials. A detailed list will be sent before the retreat, but the main essentials are watercolour and/or gouache paints, watercolour paper, mixed media brush and supplies that you enjoy using with them.

    Meals: All meals included

    Skill Level: This retreat is suitable for all levels, from total beginner to professional.

    What’s included: Accommodation for 6 nights, all meals and curated art demonstrations for £1061 - £1106

  • Paintings of coastal landscapes laid out on the pebble beach near the water's edge, with boats visible in the distance and cliffs in the background. Paintings by Sketches.n.Scrubs during art retreat.

    The Plan

    Arrive from 3pm to settle in, meet your fellow artists, and enjoy a relaxed three-course dinner at 6:30pm.

    From Day 2 to Day 6, we’ll dive into five full days of painting with morning demos, creative sessions, and plenty of free painting time. Each day includes a delicious breakfast, lunch at 12:30, and a cosy group dinner at 6:30pm.

    One day (weather permitting), we’ll head outdoors to sketch the stunning Devon countryside for fresh inspiration.

    The retreat is structured but relaxed, with gentle guidance, lots of painting time, and space to rest, recharge, and connect. Tea, coffee, and snacks are always on hand.

    We wrap up with breakfast and goodbyes on Day 7.

    Retreats are limited in size so you get personalised support throughout.

Fully Booked - Join the Waitlist

FAQs

A woman, Sketches.n.Scrubs, with long hair smiling at a wooden table with colourful artwork she painted in front of her, with a beach and boats in the background.

  • This retreat is for you if you want to spend some dedicated time painting with watercolour and gouache.

    It is for artists of all skill levels whether you are seeking to start your art journey or are well versed in painting and seeking a fun retreat with like-minded artists to focus on your creativity.

    The focus is on enjoying the process, learning and spending time with other artists while being catered for.

  • Your accommodation, all your meals, daily art demonstrations and curated extras are all included.

    The effect of this experience and impact on your art - indescribable.

  • Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, art supplies are not included.

    You will need to bring your own art supplies and a list of suggested supplies will be provided ahead of time.

  • Yes, there are single occupancy rooms available. That said, there are some shared room options available at a reduced rate too.

  • Absolutely — most guests come solo, and leave with new art friends. You’ll have your own space to unwind, and plenty of opportunities to connect.

  • Yes! This retreat is for all skill levels and provide an excellent opportunity to start your art journey in a beautiful place, with kind guidance and lots of fun.

  • This retreat is primarily indoors. That said, some demos may take place in the beautiful gardens onsite. Weather permitting, there will also be a day trip to a stunning place in Devon - an opportunity to paint outdoors, gather references and enjoy the scenery.

  • Yes. Non-participant guests are welcome for an additional fee.

  • I’m happy to answer them! If your question is art related, please get in touch via the contact form or email me via sketches.n.scrubs@gmail.com

    If your question is about the accommodation, dietary requirements & logistics please contact Westcott Barton through their site or email: enquiries@westcottbarton.co.uk

  • I’m so happy you’re coming! Bookings and payments for this retreat are taken by Westcott Barton here.

    You’ll be required to pay a deposit on booking, and complete the payment closer to the retreat.

    I’ll see you soon!

Sketches.n.Scrubs is watercolour painting on paper, sitting at a wooden dock by the water with boats in the background. Art supplies, including watercolour paints, gouache, mixed media, brushes, and a palette, are on the dock.

Glimpse of Devon Retreat

  • A quaint stone house surrounded by lush greenery and a small pond, with a bright blue sky and scattered clouds overhead.

  • Open sketchbook displaying watercolor paintings and sketches of pink roses and leaves, surrounded by paint supplies and markers.

  • A wooden fence along a green grassy field with trees to the right and wind turbines on a hill in the background, under a partly cloudy sky at dusk.

  • Close-up of a vibrant pink rose in full bloom with a rosebud nearby, surrounded by green foliage in a garden setting.

  • A stone house with a slate roof sits on a grassy hill surrounded by trees, with a small white-flowered tree in the foreground and a clear blue sky in the background.

  • An outdoor scene with watercolor paints, a palette, and a sketchbook resting on a white surface. In the background, there is a lush green yard with a large tree, a potted plant, and a sunny sky.

  • Pink flowers with water droplets in the foreground, blurred stone house with greenery in the background.

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