10 – 17 March 2023
Where: The Retreat at Groenfontein near Calitzdorp
Escape the humdrum of ordinary life, and come and explore the Klein Karoo!
This Exclusive Art Retreat & Workshop is based in the Klein Karoo on the farm ‘The Retreat at Groenfontein’ which is off the beaten track near Calitzdorp. This award winning destination, is in a 560 hectare nature reserve adjoining the Swartberg World heritage site. It is situated 20 kms from Calitzdorp, on a good gravel road. The surrounding area is one which Professional Artist Sharon Kuisis has explored extensively by car and motorcycle including the magnificent Seweweekspoort Pass, the Red Hills and the Swartberg Mountains, so she knows all the hidden gems!
You will learn how to capture your experiences on paper, using mixed media, Pen & Ink, Watercolour, Charcoal & Pastels using the surrounding scenery, old buildings, plants & flowers for inspiration, and Assemblage – the art of collecting objects and adding to your artworks. She will be giving demos on the different techniques & you will also have some time to yourself to relax..
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We will also have the opportunity to do some wine tasting at the famous Boplaas Winery.
Costs
Full Package – R9500 – There will be a maximum of 10 tuition places available.
Includes Tuition & Organization
Daniel Smith Professional Watercolours
Mediums for watercolour techniques
Dipping pen and inks
Bespoke Handmade Leather Travel Journals with Watercolour Paper
Cotton Tote Bag & Fabric Paint
I will supply pastels & charcoal to be used in the mixed media
Excludes:
Car hire and flights, Accommodation, Drinks, gratuities, lunches & Materials – Travel Palette / Pencil / Micron pens / Watercolor paper / Watercolour brushes – a list will be supplied ( if you need materials I can supply at cost price)
To Book: R2000 deposit to book place plus 20% of accommodation
Balance of package and accommodation payable on 1 February 2023
Cancellation Policy of the Klein Karoo Art Retreat:
60 days or less before start of retreat – forfeit deposit and deposit on accommodation unless I can find someone to take your place.
31 days or less before retreat – forfeit 100% of package and deposit on accommodation unless I can find someone to take your place.
The Retreat at Groenfontein Cancellation Policy:
100% of the booking total is to be settled a month prior to arrival. This amount would be non-refundable if cancelled within 7 days of the booking and they are not able to resell the rooms. In case of extreme illness or death in the family, they do not charge a cancellation fee.
I will be flying down to George from Gauteng. If you want to share cost of vehicle hire with me, let me know.
Itinerary
10th March
Arrive and settle in – Introduction
11th March
Travel sketching essentials & composition & colour mixing – capture the colours of the area using a limited palette – outside (weather permitting)
12th March
Morning – Pen & Ink techniques – using dipping pens and nibs, and micron pens – learn to capture what you see and how to create textures
Afternoon – explore area and take photos in good light / using sketchbooks do quick sketches using pen & ink lesson from morning
13th March
Morning and afternoon Essential Watercolour techniques & textures
Add charcoal, salts and other mediums etc to create different effects
14th March
Day of contemplation – day to yourself / join us on a walk or drive around /wine tasting at Boplaas / explore Calitzdorp/ or gather sources for painting
15th March
Combine pen, ink and watercolour and techniques learnt using own references & Assemblage – add your collection of objects to your artworks
16th March
Paint a Cotton Tote Bag with Botanical Illustrations
Plein Air Painting – Demo and Find a beautiful spot or 2 to draw and paint and practice what you’ve learnt
17th March
Breakfast & leave
*Please note Itinerary may change slightly from day to day
Accommodation
( I will book the room of your choice for you as I have booked the whole farm)
Click here ⬇
The Retreat at Groenfontein – 3 course Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
*Lunches for own account
The Retreat is a gracious Victorian farmhouse in the lovely Groenfontein Valley conservancy, bordering on the 129.000ha Swartberg World Heritage Site and situated 20kms northeast of Calitzdorp on a winding gravel road, and 59kms northwest of Oudtshoorn (gravel and tar roads) just off the Route 62.
We enjoy treating guests to true Klein-Karoo hospitality with hearty breakfasts and traditional home-cooked dinners. Vegetarians are welcome and we cater for problem diets.
We have a full liquor licence and carry a selection of wines from the region.
Enjoy peaceful walks along the charming lanes of the Groenfontein valley, climb into the foothills of the Swartberg, or simply relax and soak up the peace and silence.
Please take note of the following
* We all sit down to dinner in the evening, so please let us know should you expect to arrive late.
* There are no kettles or fridges in our rooms, the reason being that we are on solar power. We are more than happy to bring you any beverages during the day or store food in our fridges/ deep freezers.
Available Rooms & Rates
Rooms With a View of Swartberg Mountains
Already Booked – 2 SEPARATE GARDEN SUITES IN A CONVERTED MILKING SHED, with spectacular views of the mountains, sitting-areas with fireplace, Victorian bath and shower. Each with a main bedroom with king-size beds that can be made up as twins, and a second bedroom with 2 single beds. These suites are the largest and have the best view
2 SEPARATE GARDEN ROOMS IN A CONVERTED WEAVING SHED, with spectacular views of the mountains, king-size beds which can be made up as twins, sitting-areas with fireplace, one with Victorian bath and shower, one with only shower
Booked – Garden Room (Weaving Shed 7) with victorian bath – 1 room Larger
1 off single R2300 pppn
Or 2 sharing R1400 pppn
There is an extra bed in an Alcove which will be cheaper option
Booked – Garden Room (Weaving shed 6) with shower – 1 room Smaller
Single R2300 pppn
Or 2 Sharing R1400 pppn
Other Rooms
Booked – Cosy standard room in a converted Creamery, with king-size bed which can be made up as twins, a sleeper couch, fireplace and shower – no view of mountains
Single R1500 pppn
2 Sharing R1200 pppn
Main House
Booked – Standard Queen Room – no view of mountains – with French doors leading onto a patio
Single R1500 pppn
Available – Standard Twin Room – 1 room – no view of mountains – with French doors leading onto a patio
Single R1500 pppn
Sharing R1200 pppn
Book Now!
Email me for more info at courses@sharonkuisis.com or Whatsapp 0763530330