Join me, Sharon Kuisis on a captivating journey of creativity and camaraderie on the Clarens Autumn Art Retreat. Autumn in Clarens brings with it a kaleidoscope of colours as the leaves change, enhancing the beauty of the already picturesque town, setting an artistic soul on fire with ideas!
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of St Fort Farm, home of the famous Mushroom Rock, this retreat is tailored for artists seeking a unique blend of artistic expression and creative connection.
St Fort’s sandstone homestead which was built in 1913 is nestled below the Mushroom Rock with the Little Caledon river meandering below; creating the quintessential Eastern Free State farm experience. Enjoy the well laid out Hiking trails and Mountain bike trails.
Fresh mountain air and breathtaking vistas await your artistic impression!
“Unleash your creativity, connect with fellow artists, and let the tranquil spirit of the Drakensberg Mountains inspire your artistic journey. Book your spot now for a unique blend of art, nature, and exploration, blending artistry with the rich tapestry of Drakensberg Landscapes!
PROGRAM
Monday 5th May
Arrive from 2pm
5pm – Dinner at St Fort – Introductions & Decorating your Hand Made Leather Travel Journals with gem stones and charms. Making it a unique artwork in itself!
Tuesday 6th May
Morning – Introduction to Travel Journalling
Pen and Ink Techniques – In this lesson you will learn how to create a variety of different textures using Micron pens & dipping pens and nibs so that you’ll be able to capture anything & any scene quickly and accurately!
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Afternoon – Practice what you’ve learnt using the scenery & buildings around us
Wednesday 7th May
Morning – Essential Colour Mixing with Watercolours – learn how to use a limited palette to capture the colours of the area so that you will be able to reproduce a colour you see in no time at all!
Afternoon – Here you will explore the different watercolour techniques used in paintings, and you will learn how to create textures using various other mediums, which will add something unique to your artworks.
Thursday 8th May
Morning – We will drive through Golden Gate Highlands National Park
&
Using the spectacular views before you, you will learn about composition & atmospheric perspective, a positively eye opening experience.
Join us for Sundowners high on a hill overlooking St Fort Farm.
Friday 9th May
Day of Contemplation
A day just for you to relax, explore, take a hike on the farm, go shop in Clarens, explore the overhang cave with its bushman paintings, or practice what you have learnt.
Saturday 10th May
We will explore Clarens and its fabulous art galleries and then learn to sketch what you see in front of you in your travel journals during lunch.
Lunch for own account in Clarens
Sunday 11th May
Morning – We will take a walk on St Fort Farm & sketch/paint one of the old fascinating textured buildings on the farm. A great way to use every technique you have learnt so far.
Join us for a genuinely old school Picnic Lunch in the Forest!
Afternoon – With so much to choose from at St Fort, it will be a matter of which of the best scenes to paint! We will walk/drive down to the river in the forest and sketch/paint from there. There are ample opportunities to test your new found skills and to enjoy the nature surrounding you in the process.
Monday 12th May
Full day – Finishing off artworks & discussion session. This takes time, and we have the whole day, so in the morning I will be there to give advice on how to finish off some of your artworks, and in the afternoon we will sit and discuss each ones creations, no matter how few or many.. over a glass of wine.
Braai at St Fort Farm
Tuesday 13th May
Breakfast and say our Goodbyes!
*Itinerary may vary slightly form day to day
ACCOMMODATION
“A meeting place. Where time stands still, the weary find rest and the adventurous play”
ONLY 6 ROOMS AVAILABLE
St Fort’s sandstone homestead which was built in 1913 is nestled below the Mushroom Rock with the Little Calendon river meandering below; creating the quintessential Eastern Free State farm experience. It truly offers the ideal getaway for family and friends to enjoy a wholesome and authentic farm stay while in close proximity to Clarens.
St Fort Farmhouse has been lovingly restored into a luxurious and comfortable Guesthouse with 6 en-suite bedrooms, inviting one back to a bygone era that reflects the grandeur of pressed ceilings and wooden floors.
The Guesthouse is divided into 2 units, the Main House with 3 large rooms and on suite bathrooms and the Annex with 2 large rooms and on suite bathrooms. An inter-leading dining room joins the 2 units. Double or single beds can be arranged in each room.
The Cottage is a stand alone unit.
Spacious kitchen with underfloor heating
- Big lounges with a log fireplace, DSTV, Sunny patio, Electric blankets, Tea trays, Heaters for winter and fans for summer
Cost
ART PACKAGE R8850.00
(Maximum of 10 Participants)
Includes:
Tuition
Micron Pens
Daniel Smith Watercolours
Travel palette
Paintbrushes
Bag with Art Goodies
Handmade Leather Travel Journals
Excludes: ACCOMMODATION, LUNCHES, DINNER, DRINKS AND GRATUITIES
COST OF ACCOMMODATION FOR 8 NIGHTS AT ST FORT FARM – BED & BREAKFAST
Please note : due to limited accommodation at St Fort Farm, Non – Participants sharing with a participant will pay R1500.00 plus the sharing cost.
Main House (3 en suite Bedrooms)– Single participant R10252 pp / Sharing participant R5426 pp / Non Participant sharing R6926
Annex – (2 en suite bedrooms) – Single participant R9152 pp / Sharing participant R4876 pp /Non Participant sharing R6376
Cottage – Single R11000 participant pp / Sharing participant R5800 pp / Non Participant sharing R7300
Optional: 8 dinners R2800 p/p (2 in Clarens, 1 Braai and 5 dinners at St Fort Farm & Sunset Sundowners)
PAYMENT STRUCTURE
To book your place – R2000 deposit on art package plus a non refundable 25% on accommodation
1st March – 25% of Accommodation
1st April – Balance of package and Accommodation
Cancellation policy of the Clarens Art Retreat
- Any time before the start of the art retreat – forfeit the 25% deposit on accommodation unless I can find someone to take your place.
- 31 – 60 days before start of the retreat – Forfeit deposit of R2000 plus the 25% non refundable deposit on accommodation unless I can find someone to take your place.
- 30 days or less before start of the retreat – Forfeit 50% of Package & 50 % of accommodation unless I can find someone to take your place.
- 14 days or less before start of retreat – Forfeit 100% of Package and accommodation unless I can find someone to take your place.
To book your place – Please WhatsApp Sharon on 0763530330
Things to do in Clarens on your day off!
Golden Gate Walking TrailsThere is the route to vulture feeding place.Visit a spa treatment at Kiara Lodge.Explore the many art galleries.
Go for beer and whiskey tasting.Visit the Purple Donkey and eat delicious waffles.Go to the German restaurant to experience their exquisite food.Visit the Jacket Factory for bargain hunting . Preferably on a Thursday when they put out new stock.There is cheese tasting to do on the road between Bethlehem and Clarens.
For the adventurers at heart.
Go on the Ash river with rubber ducks, it’s an unforgettable experience!
Horse riding at the Red Bus can be arranged as well as quad biking.And many more things to do at the adventure place next to the jacket shop.
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