19–24 June 2027 · 6 days / 5 nights
Anna Hymas returns to Court House Farm for six days of still life painting, from life and from imagination, in oils or acrylics. Colour, composition and mark-making, with plenty of encouragement along the way. 19–24 June 2027.
from £3,250 · £500 deposit
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. Across the retreat 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.
Booking options (all inc. VAT):
Own room with en suite – £3,900
Own room with shared bathroom (two bedrooms share) – £3,700
Shared room, both guests taking part – £3,250 per person (£500 deposit each)
Non-residential place – £1,500 (all six days, no accommodation)
Bringing a partner? Partners are very welcome to come along, even if they’re not taking part – please get in touch before booking and we’ll see if we can accommodate them.
Guests who have stayed with us before receive 10% off. A £500 non-refundable deposit secures your place; the balance is due three months before the retreat.
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.
From last year’s retreat
Photos and film from last year's retreat, to give you a feel for the week.
In their own words
Booking
Hold your place with a deposit today. Once we’ve confirmed the retreat is going ahead, we invoice the remaining balance directly — there’s nothing else to pay online.
Balance due by 19 March 2027
Reserve your place
19–24 June 2027 · 6 days / 5 nights
from £3,250£500 depositinc. VAT · 10% off for returning guests
Secure checkout through our shop. The balance is invoiced once the retreat is confirmed.
A 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.
You might also enjoy
2–7 August 2027 · 6 days / 5 nights
With Kaffe Fassett & Brandon Mably
from £3,250 · £500 deposit
Find out more
25–30 April 2027 · 6 days / 5 nights
With Jane McCall
from £3,250 · £500 deposit
Find out more
9–14 May 2027 · 6 days / 5 nights
With Jayne Emerson
from £3,250 · £500 deposit
Find out more
