CLARENS LANDSCAPE PAINTING ART RETREAT
12-19 APRIL 2026
Join me for an unforgettable week of painting in the breathtaking landscape of the Golden Gate National Park and surrounding areas. Nestled at the foot of the Maluti Mountains, St Fort Farm, home of the famous mushroom rock, provides the perfect setting for a Plein Air retreat, with endless vistas, sandstone cliffs, rolling farmlands, and the vibrant colours of autumn.. and 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 personal 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
Sunday 12th April
Arrive from 2pm
5pm – Dinner at St Fort – Introductions
Monday 13th April
Morning – Colour mixing essentials for the Landscape
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Afternoon – Practice mixing colours using the scenery around us.
Tuesday 14th April
Morning – Composition of a Landscape & Perspective
Afternoon – Simplification and tonal underpainting
Wednesday 15th April
Morning – Plein Air Demo and practice
Afternoon – Free
Join us for Sundowners high on a hill overlooking St Fort Farm.
Thursday 16th April
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 various areas sketch/paint from there. There are ample opportunities to test your new found skills and to enjoy the nature surrounding you in the process.
Morning Plein Air Painting Session
Evening Plein Air Painting Session
Friday 17th April
Morning Plein Air Painting Session
Join us for a genuinely old school Picnic Lunch in the Forest!
Afternoon Plein Air Painting Session
Saturday 18th April
Morning – Finishing off artworks & discussion session. This takes time, so in the morning I will be there to give advice on how to finish off some of your artworks.
Afternoon to yourself!
Final Braai at St Fort Farm
Sunday 19th April
Early Breakfast and say our Goodbyes!
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 Caledon 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 fireplaceDSTVSunny patioElectric blanketsTea traysHeaters for winter and fans for summer
Cost
Art Package – Materials & 6 days Tuition : R9950.00
7 nights Accommodation
Main house (3rooms) – Single R9680 – Sharing R5800
BOOKED – Annex (2 rooms) – Single R8250 – Sharing R5360
BOOKED – Cottage – Single R10150 – Sharing R6600
Please note: due to the limited amount of accommodation available non-participants sharing will pay an extra R1500.
Meals (optional) – R3150 – Self help breakfast, 6 dinners at farm and 1 dinner at restaurant
Excludes transport, lunches, drinks and gratuities
Payment Structure:
To book your place – R3000 deposit on art package plus a non refundable 25% on accommodation
1st February – 25% of Accommodation
1st March – Balance of package and Accommodation and meals if you take that option
Cancellation policy of 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 R3000 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 100% of Package and accommodation unless I can find someone to take your place.
To book your place – Please WhatsApp Sharon on 0763530330
Other things to do in Clarens
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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