# Brushstrokes of Joy Art Retreat with Artist Kristy Rice in Scotland

Join artist Kristy Rice for a soul-nourishing and invigorating retreat in the heart of Scotland’s breathtaking countryside. Over the course of a week, reconnect with the spirited joy of watercolor painting in a welcoming space designed for artists of all experience levels. With an intuitive, heart-led approach, explore expressive techniques and let the natural beauty around you guide your creativity. Throughout the retreat, you’ll build a personal watercolor collection rooted in meaningful experiences while forming lasting connections and memories shaped by art, place, and presence.Settle into a spacious country home tucked among rolling hills, where each day brings time to paint, reflect, and unwind. Enjoy meals prepared with care, using fresh local ingredients, and soak in the calm rhythm of your surroundings. Inspiration flows from time spent sketching on the peaceful shores of Loch Lomond, wandering the charming village of Buchlyvie, and exploring the rich history and architecture of Stirling.

## Details

- **Dates:** August 22 - 29, 2026
- **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK
- **Starting Price:** $4,400
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Brushstrokes of Joy Art Retreat
Join artist Kristy Rice for an immersive watercolor retreat nestled in Scotland's peaceful countryside. Over eight inspiring days, you'll reconnect with your creative spirit through a thoughtful, intuitive approach to art. Drawing from the vivid beauty around you, explore diverse watercolor techniques under Kristy's nurturing guidance. Your art materials, selected by Kristy, are included: the Art for Joy’s Sake Watercolor Palette, the Free from Fear and Art for Joy’s Sake Brush Collections (12 Brushes), a block of Legion watercolor paper, a collapsible painter's pot, extra water containers, and paper towels.Artists of every experience level are warmly welcomed to rediscover authentic creative expression and embrace artistic exploration with openness and curiosity. Engaging sessions with Kristy will lead you to create vibrant floral paintings, serene landscapes, and personal artwork inspired by your surroundings and travels. Whether working comfortably indoors or outdoors amid nature’s tranquility, every activity will enrich your artistic journey.Explore foundational watercolor techniques with renewed vision, experiment with unique compositions, and create an intuitive travel journal capturing your experiences and reflections. Enjoy personalized one-on-one support, insightful demonstrations, and encouraging feedback in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Alongside Kristy and fellow artists, immerse yourself fully in creativity, discovery, and meaningful connections.In addition to studio time, engage with Scotland's stunning scenery, painting and sketching outdoors in beautiful settings. Experience the historic charm of Stirling, capture serene moments along Loch Lomond’s shores, and find inspiration in the delightful village of Buchlyvie. Each day offers new possibilities to deepen your bond with art, nature, and yourself. Some topics covered in the classes include:Watercolor basics with a twist (wet-on-wet, washes, gradients) like you've never done them beforeInterpreting your environment through sketching, painting, and smartphone photographyBuilding confidence in your travel sketching with beginner-friendly composition and loose perspectiveExpressive landscape and floral how-tosJoy-filled skill-building exercisesStep-by-step lessons on creating Kristy's signature travel journal compositionsExpressively mixing your colors directly on paper...and many more.Your venue for this art retreat is a breathtaking holiday estate nestled in the peaceful Scottish countryside, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy lavish accommodation spaces, bespoke design, a spacious art studio, and electrically heated outdoor hot tubs. Immerse yourself in Scottish history and culture with delicious meals prepared by a private chef, a gin-tasting event, and a night of traditional Gaelic dancing.

### Day 1: Arrival
Get transferred from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 3:00 PM and arrive at your venue at around 4:00 PM, a stunning countryside estate with gorgeous views of the Highlands. Unwind in your well-appointed room, freshen up, and gather with Kristy and your art group for a pleasant orientation tour. Discover the stately accommodation spaces, the spacious art studio in the barn, the hot tubs, and the gardens. Enjoy a special welcome dinner prepared by the in-house chef to kickstart the retreat. Discuss the upcoming week with your fellow artists over delicious wine.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast, followed by a relaxed coffee gathering with Kristy and fellow artists to discuss the day's creative activities.The morning's watercolor session gently reconnects you with your creativity through mindfulness and enjoyment. Kristy will guide you in calming breathing exercises to ground yourself, ease tension, and open your heart to the artistic process. With renewed calmness, transition into playful warm-up activities to explore foundational watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, gradient blending, and color mixing directly on paper. Emphasizing discovery and joy, you'll practice painting simple florals and landscapes.Following a nourishing lunch, move outside into the vibrant gardens for an inspiring plein-air painting experience. Kristy will support you in connecting deeply with your surroundings, demonstrating how to translate the energy of the moment into expressive art. Let the lush greenery and textures inspire your brushwork and intuitive designs, allowing the natural beauty around you to spark your imagination.As evening approaches, enjoy some leisure time before gathering again for a freshly prepared dinner. Reflect on the day's creative experiences and share insights with one another over pleasant conversation, appreciating the mutual inspiration from painting together.

### Day 3: Trip to Loch Lomond
Kick off your day with a satisfying breakfast before venturing out to Loch Lomond, nestled within the scenic beauty of Trossachs National Park.After a picturesque one-hour drive, arrive at the loch, where the serene water and abundant plant life provide endless artistic inspiration. Take a moment to capture reference photos of the mesmerizing scenery, focusing on details that catch your eye. Kristy will share tips on how to record your impressions effectively, preparing you for the afternoon’s creative work. The occasional sound of bagpipes drifting through the valley will enrich your experience, heightening the charm of this remarkable setting.Returning to your accommodation, savor a freshly prepared lunch before settling in for an afternoon dedicated to painting. With Kristy’s guidance, transform your morning’s reference photos and impressions into a personalized travel map, creatively arranging elements that resonate with you into a cohesive artwork. Through engaging demonstrations, you'll learn techniques for combining various imagery into intuitive compositions. Inspired by the day's discoveries, experiment with patterns and layouts, allowing your artistic instincts to lead the way.The remainder of the afternoon is open to enjoy at your leisure—take a peaceful walk, reflect quietly, or continue your creative exploration. As evening falls, gather once more for a thoughtfully prepared three-course dinner, sharing conversations and reflections on the day's inspirations and artistic progress.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
After enjoying a hearty breakfast and a relaxed morning check-in with Kristy and fellow artists, start the day with a collaborative brainstorming gathering.Reflect together on your recent experiences, sharing insights and inspiration for your upcoming artwork. Kristy will help you explore ways to infuse your creations with the essence of the landscape and atmosphere around you, guiding you to express the natural beauty and tranquility through your unique artistic lens.Following a leisurely lunch, immerse yourself in an afternoon focused on expressive watercolor painting, combining seascapes, landscapes, and floral elements. Drawing from your exploration and experiences, Kristy will encourage intuitive painting, allowing your personal impressions to freely emerge on paper. She will support you in embracing a relaxed, mindful approach to perspective, easing any concerns and helping you trust your creative instincts.Later in the afternoon, take time to unwind. Sketch quietly, enjoy a calming walk, or simply reflect on the creative energy of the day. In the evening, come together for a thoughtfully prepared dinner, sharing engaging conversation and experiences from the day. Round off your evening with lively Scottish music and dancing, creating the perfect end to an inspiring day.

### Day 5: Trip to Stirling
Day five begins with a warm, satisfying breakfast before heading to Stirling, a historic town just a short 30-minute drive away. Renowned for its rich history and picturesque charm, Stirling offers ample inspiration with its iconic castle and surrounding landscape.Your day starts at Stirling Castle, an impressive historical landmark filled with captivating architecture and scenic views. Spend time exploring the castle grounds, taking reference photos of the intricate stonework, expansive vistas, and historic structures. Kristy will offer guidance on capturing effective reference imagery, highlighting interesting architectural details, textures, and angles to inspire your artwork later in the day.Pause for lunch independently at a local café or pub, then continue exploring and gathering inspiration.In the afternoon, visit the Wallace Monument, another significant historic site set within stunning meadows and native Scottish landscapes. Absorb the beauty of the area, taking photographs and quietly noting elements that resonate with your artistic vision. Kristy will lead demonstrations on how to approach various sketching techniques—using pencil, watercolor, or direct brushwork—while offering a refresher on compositional strategies. You'll then collaboratively outline plans for your focused painting projects.As evening approaches, return to your accommodation for a relaxing dinner. Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared three-course meal, reflecting together on the day's experiences, exchanging ideas, and appreciating the day's creative inspirations.

### Day 6: Trip to Buchlyvie
Start the following day with a hearty breakfast, then take a leisurely 15-minute walk to the charming village of Buchlyvie.This peaceful Scottish village, with its cozy cafés, welcoming pubs, and quaint local shops, offers a delightful insight into countryside living. Enjoy exploring at your own pace—browse local stores, visit the Buchlyvie Pottery Shop to admire handcrafted ceramics, or settle into a quiet corner to sketch. Capture your inspiration by focusing on how the morning light interacts with the surroundings, framing interesting scenes, and observing unique details. Kristy will provide support and personalized guidance as you immerse yourself in your creative process.After a refreshing lunch, spend the afternoon painting and refining your artwork in the studio or your preferred workspace. Kristy will be available to offer personalized advice and thoughtful feedback as you develop landscapes, florals, or abstract reflections inspired by your morning experiences.Later in the afternoon, gather for a relaxed gin tasting, sampling local varieties and unwinding together. Conclude the evening with a freshly prepared dinner, sharing enjoyable conversation and reflections on the day's creative highlights.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Join your art group for a final hearty breakfast before preparing for your last art session with Kristy.The morning features an interactive Q&A with Kristy, where you can address lingering questions and gain valuable insights. Kristy will offer guidance on techniques, creative challenges, or any aspect of your artistic journey, providing demonstrations to clarify concepts and inspire continued growth.Following lunch, gather for a special mini-exhibition event—optional but warmly encouraged. Celebrate your creative achievements, share your favorite pieces, and exchange supportive feedback with fellow artists, highlighting the unique path each has taken during the retreat.In the evening, join together for a farewell dinner, raising a toast to a week filled with creativity, inspiration, and meaningful connections.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast and get ready for your transfer to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- **Kristy Rice** - Artist, author, designer, entrepreneur

## Accommodation

### Scottish farm estate

### Shared standard room (female only)

### Shared superior ensuite room

### Shared bathroom - single room (female only)

### Single standard room - external bathroom

### Single superior room - adjacent bathroom

### Single standard ensuite room

### Single superior ensuite room

### Deluxe ensuite room

### Deluxe private villa

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/brushstrokes-of-joy-retreat-artist-kristy-rice-scotland](https://uptrek.com/retreat/brushstrokes-of-joy-retreat-artist-kristy-rice-scotland) to make a reservation.

*Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*