21–26 June 2026 · 6 days / 5 nights
Past retreat
This retreat, led by painter Anna Hymas, invites you into the vibrant world of still life painting — working both from life and from your imagination.
Still Life Painting Retreat
The retreat
This retreat, led by painter Anna Hymas, invites you into the vibrant world of still life painting — working both from life and from your imagination. Over Six days, you’ll explore colour, composition and mark-making using oils or acrylics (your choice).
Expect a relaxed, encouraging environment where experimentation is welcomed. Whether you’re new or experienced, Anna will guide you through drawing, layering, colour play, spontaneous adjustments, and refining a final piece (or pieces). The aim is more than completing paintings — it’s about rediscovering joy, momentum and freedom in your creative practice.
What you’ll do
• How to arrange still life scenes using foliage, vessels, fruit, cloth and found objects
• Loosening-up drawing and sketching exercises to build confidence and observation
• Translating compositions into painterly works with oil or acrylic
• Layering, scraping back and reworking — embracing changes as part of process
• Colour mixing, visual rhythm, and playful decision-making
• Techniques for stepping back, seeing what “feels right” and adapting
• Time and space for independent exploration, supported feedback and group reflection
• You’ll leave with fresh energy, new paintings, and the confidence to keep exploring colour and composition long after the retreat ends.
As a residential guest, expect delicious fresh food created by our wonderful chef Kirstie, as well as tea, coffee and more throughout the day, and the bar is open for you from 6pm.
Anna Hymas
Your tutor
Anna Hymas is a London-based artist working in her home-studio. A Central Saint Martins graduate, she has exhibited widely, including at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and internationally in London, New York and Paris.
Her work is characterised by bold, expressive colour, layered imagery and a playful, liberated approach to mark-making. Anna describes her retreat intent:
“We will set up still life scenes and work both from life and also from imagination. I hope to create a relaxed and fun space where people can paint freely without inhibitions or overthinking.” “I’m an impulsive painter … I paint, scrape back then build up layers until it feels right.” Anna Hymas
This retreat is designed to allow participants to leave not just with paintings, but with new energy, and an urge to continue creating.
In their own words
Booking
This retreat has already taken place. Get in touch and we’ll let you know as soon as the next one is announced.
Reserve your place
21–26 June 2026 · 6 days / 5 nights
Past retreat
Register interest in the next oneA question before you book? Get in touch.
Life at Court House Farm
Characterful bedrooms in the medieval and Tudor manor houses, each furnished with vintage finds and rich fabrics.
Resident chef Kirstie cooks seasonal, generous meals to bring everyone together at the end of each studio day.
Walled gardens, the orchard and quiet corners for sketching, reading or doing nothing at all between sessions.
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