Klein Karoo Art Retreat – 12-20 March 2024

12 – 20th March 2024

Are you tired of the same old routine? Ready for a thrilling escape? Join me in the mesmerizing Klein Karoo for an unforgettable Art Adventure!

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 I have explored extensively by car and motorcycle including the magnificent Seweweekspoort Pass, the Red Hills and the Swartberg Mountains, so I know all the hidden gems!

What’s in Store:

You will learn how to capture your experiences with Pen & Ink and Watercolour using the surrounding scenery, old buildings and plants & flowers for inspiration in your handmade Travel Journal filled with watercolour paper, and we will also explore the exciting world of botanical printing. I will be giving demos on the different techniques & you will also have some time to yourself to relax…

What else can you expect:

Cozy 4 star accommodation for an authentic Karoo experience.

Savor local delicacies and farm-fresh cuisine

Endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation

Your Escape Awaits! Book your journey to the Klein Karoo today and leave the ordinary behind…

courses@sharonkuisis.com

0763530330

Where: The Retreat at Groenfontein near Calitzdorp

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g472519-d658048-Reviews-The_Retreat_at_Groenfontein-Calitzdorp_Western_Cape.html

The Retreat at Groenfontein near Calitzdorp

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g472519-d658048-Reviews-The_Retreat_at_Groenfontein-Calitzdorp_Western_Cape.html

The Salt and Pepper Silos
Travel Journal & Botanical Printing
Pen & Ink

Costs

Full Art Package – R10200 – There will be a maximum of 8 tuition places available.

Tuition & Organization

Daniel Smith Professional Watercolours & colour chart

Half pans

Set of Micron pens

Pencil & Eraser

Bespoke Handmade Leather Travel Journals with Watercolour paper

Jute bag with Art Goodies

Materials for botanical printing – Gel plates & Cyanotype Paper

Information Booklet

Excludes:

Car hire and flights, Accommodation, Drinks, gratuities, lunches & Materials – Travel Palette / 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 2024

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.

The Rock Pools
Watercolour & Pen & Ink

Itinerary

Day 1 – 12th March

2pm Arrive and settle in

7pm Dinner – Introduction

Day 2 – 13th March

8am Breakfast

9.30 am Travel sketching essentials & colour mixing – we will take a short walk (or drive) to the Salt and Pepper Silos and capture the colours of the area using a limited palette.

Afternoon Free

6.30 pm Dinner

Day 3 – 14th March

8am Breakfast

9am Pen & Ink techniques – using dipping pens and nibs, and micron pens – learn to capture what you see and how to create textures

Afternoon Free

6.30pm Dinner

Day 4 – 15th March

8am Breakfast

9am Full day – Essential Watercolour techniques & textures

6.30pm Dinner

Day 5 – 16th March

8am Breakfast

Day of contemplation – day to yourself to explore, paint and draw or just relax

6.30pm Dinner

Day 6 – 17th March

8am Breakfast

9am Meet up and drive to an old building and use your new skills to practice what you have learnt

6.30pm Dinner

Day 7 – 18th March

8am Breakfast

9am Full day – Botanical Printing using different techniques – Cyanotype, Gel and Relief

6.30 pm Dinner

Day 8 – 19th March

8am Breakfast

9.30am Finishing off of artworks and decorating journals

Day 9 – 20th March

8am Breakfast and say our goodbyes

NB -Itinerary may change slightly from day to day.

*Please note Itinerary may change slightly from day to day

Pen & Ink

Accommodation

( I will book the room of your choice for you as I have booked the whole farm)

Click here ⬇

The Retreat at Groenfontein.

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. 

Trail Klipspringer

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 

( there are only 7 places available for single accommodation & it includes a 3 course Dinner, Bed and Breakfast – there is no other option)

2 off 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.

Single R2400 pppn

2 Sharing – R1600 pppn

3 Sharing – R1100 pppn

4 Sharing – R1050 pppn

See attached floor plan (not to scale)

2 off SEPARATE GARDEN ROOMS IN A CONVERTED WEAVING SHED with spectacular Mountain views, king-size beds which can be made up as twins, sitting-areas with fireplace, one with Victorian bath and shower, one with only shower

Single – R2260 pppn

Sharing R1510 pppn

1 off 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 Mountain View

Single R1250 pppn

Sharing R825 pppn

2 off COMFORTABLE STANDARD EN-SUITE BEDROOM IN THE MAIN HOUSE – Queen Bed – With French doors leading onto patio (no Mountain View)

Single R1250 pppn

Please let me know if you have any questions!

TO BOOK – please Whatsapp me

Sharon Kuisis

0763530330

Book Now!

Email me for more info at courses@sharonkuisis.com or Whatsapp 0763530330