Registration is now closed for the 2022 retreat.
Ages 17 to Seniors welcome – women only.

Location: Five Oaks Retreat Center, 1 Bethel Road, Paris, Ontario. N3L 3E3 Beautiful location out in the country by the Grand River, 1 hour from London.
Picture yourself with nothing to do except paint and relax with a group of art friends. Painting demonstrations twice per day, and Cheryl there with you to answer any questions you have as you paint. All meals are provided, and in the evening you can relax at the pool or with a campfire. Delightful!
DATES
Dates for the 2023 retreat – to be announced.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Beginners through to advanced painters are welcome – women only, age 17 to senior. Cheryl has been teaching drawing and painting to adults for 25 years and is comfortable teaching all levels of ability.
PAINTING
Each day will include 2 painting demonstrations and Cheryl is available 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – to help you at any moment with questions as you paint. Participants bring all their own painting supplies, watercolour or acrylic. No oil allowed. A recommended list is available here: Art Supplies. References, and some linework will be provided (with recommended sizes for canvas or wc paper), however, students are also encouraged to bring their own references and Cheryl will help you work through those if that is your preference. The theme will be “Painting Bold & Free”. Weather permitting, plein air painting is also an option. Lots of creative possibilities!

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
Each participant has their own room. Accommodations are dorm style – not fancy but nice and comfortable. There is a beautiful large common area with lots of comfy couches, a fireplace, and large windows overlooking the property where we can relax when not painting. All 3 meals are catered and served in the dining hall. It is a retreat center – not a fancy hotel – but we are not roughing it either! NOTE: meals begin with lunch on Monday and go through to including breakfast on Friday. Breakfast is NOT included on Monday. Also NOTE: There is no air conditioning in the building.

The Upper Common Room – for relaxing
OTHER THINGS TO BRING
- Bathing suit. The outdoor heated pool has been booked for our group for 1.5 hours in the evenings, with a lifeguard.
- A standing easel is very optional for painting out of doors. You can simply work with your painting on your lap, as long as it isn’t too large.
- A comfy folding chair for outside.
- Bring your own soaps, shampoos, etc. (towels and bedding are provided)
- Snacks for between meals or evenings (just if you want)
COST
The cost is $1105. + HST per person.
It’s a great deal! Simply google Bed & Breakfasts and you will see that you can pay a lot more for just a B & B – that is without art instruction, lunch or dinner.
If you have any questions, contact [email protected] . I am so happy to have an art retreat on the calendar again, and hope you can join in.
SUMMARY
Your fee includes 4 days of painting and painting demonstrations with Cheryl O, accommodation (1 person per room) and meals from Monday lunch (arrive Monday 9-10 a.m.) to Friday breakfast (depart Friday 11 a.m.) in a great country location and relaxing venue. A refreshing escape for painters.


REFUND POLICY
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to the retreat start date – 30% of your fee is non-refundable.
Cancellations 29 days or closer to the retreat start date – 50% of your fee is non-refundable. No refunds after the start date.
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