2024 Clarens Ladies Art Retreat – 5-12 May

Immerse yourselves in a captivating journey of creativity and camaraderie at our Ladies Exclusive Art Retreat in Clarens. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of St Fort Farm, home of the famous Mushroom Rock, this retreat is tailored for women seeking a unique blend of artistic expression and soulful connection.

What will we be doing?
Travel Journalling in Nature: Capture the beauty of Clarens and its surroundings in your handmade travel journal. Explore your creativity with watercolours, pen and ink as you document your artistic impressions.

Cyanotype Printing Adventure: Explore the fascinating world of cyanotype prints using local botanicals. Let nature be your canvas as you create unique, one-of-a-kind prints inspired by the rich flora of the region.

Clarens Art Scene: Immerse yourself in the vibrant art community of Clarens. Visit local galleries and shops to witness the diverse range of artistic expressions that make Clarens a haven for creativity.

Golden Gate National Park Exploration: Embark on a journey into the heart of Golden Gate National Park. Let the breathtaking landscapes fuel your artistic expression as you explore this natural wonder.

St Fort Farm: Time to BreathSt 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.Enjoy the well laid out Hiking trails and Mountain bike trails.

Fresh mountain air and breathtaking vistas await you.

“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 5th May

Arrive and Introductions & Decorating your Travel Journals

Monday 6th May

Morning – Introduction to Travel Journalling

Pen and Ink Techniques – Learn how to create different textures using Micron pens so that you’ll be able to capture anything & any scene!

Light Lunch provided

Afternoon – Relax or Practice what you’ve learnt on a walk on the farm with me, learn about Composition & collect Botanicals for Pressing

Tuesday 7th May

Morning – Essential Colour Mixing with Watercolours capturing the colours of the area

Light Lunch provided

Afternoon – Various Watercolour techniques and creating textures & adding thread & Botanicals

Wednesday 8th May

Exploring Golden Gate Highlands National Park & learning about atmospheric perspective

Practice your new learned skills!

Late Lunch for own account in Clarens

Afternoon Free

Thursday 9th May

Day off to relax, explore, take a hike on the farm, practice or join me exploring Clarens

Light Lunch provided or lunch in Clarens for own account

Join us for Sunset Sundowners

Friday 10th May

We will explore Clarens and its art galleries and sketch what you see in your travel journals

Lunch for own account in Clarens

Saturday 11th May

Learn about Cyanotype printing using the Local Botanicals we’ve collected and pressed.

Light Lunch provided

Sunday 12th May

Breakfast and say our Goodbyes!

ACCOMMODATION

https://www.stfort.co.za/

“A meeting place. Where time stands still, the weary find rest and the adventurous play”

ONLY 5 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.

Spacious kitchen with underfloor heating

Cost

Tuition Package R8950.00

Includes

Tuition

Micron Pens

Daniel Smith Watercolours

Travel palette

Paintbrushes

Handmade Leather Travel Journals

Cyanotype Printing Materials

Light Breakfast and Light Lunches as described in Program

Sunset Sundowners

Excludes dinner, drinks, gratuities & transport

Accommodation for 7 nights:

Single: R8200.00

Sharing: R4100.00 (only for participants)

Payment Structure:

To book your place – R2000 deposit on package plus a non refundable 25% on accommodation

1st March – 25% of Accommodation

1st April – Balance of package and Accommodation

Please note – a minimum of 4 participants is needed

You will be refunded if the minimum is not met

Cancellation policy of Clarens – Ladies Art Retreat

  • Any time before the start of the art retreat – forfeit the 25% – R2050 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 Trails.

There 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.