# English Elegance Watercolor Art Retreat with Artist Ellen Crimi-Trent in England

Immerse yourself in the 'English Elegance' watercolor art retreat, a journey of artistic discovery led by artist Ellen Crimi-Trent. Taking place at a historic English manor (much beloved by novelist Jane Austen), surrounded by a vast garden estate, this experience invites you to master the subtle art of watercolor painting. From the gentle strokes depicting florals and landscapes to the expressive renditions of still-life, unlock a world of creativity. All experience levels are welcome!Set against the backdrop of the majestic Goodnestone Park Estate and enriched by excursions to emblematic destinations like the medieval town of Rye and Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, this retreat is not just an art course, but a deep dive into the very soul of England.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 6 - 13, 2024
- **Location:** Goodnestone, Kent, England
- **Starting Price:** $3,850
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Painting in the English gardens
Step into a world of vibrant colors and picturesque landscapes with the 'English Elegance' watercolor art retreat led by the talented artist Ellen Crimi-Trent. Nestled in the heart of England, Kent, this retreat will immerse you in the gentle art of watercolor painting, focusing on florals, captivating landscapes, and evocative still life. Whether you're a budding artist or a seasoned painter, everyone is welcome to join this enriching experience.The retreat offers an extensive exploration of a myriad of watercolor techniques and lessons. Under Ellen's guidance, delve deep into the nuances of choosing the right supplies, play with color theory, achieve a cohesive palette, and explore techniques like wet-on-wet and different brush strokes. The hands-on sessions, set against the backdrop of England's timeless beauty, ensure that by the end of the retreat, you will leave with your personal collection of watercolor paintings – each a reflection of England's charm.Your artistic haven for the duration of the retreat is the magnificent Goodnestone Park Estate. This venue is more than a place to stay; it's a journey through England's rich history. Walk in the footsteps of novelist Jane Austen, who found endless inspiration in the gardens of the estate.Complement your classes with excursions to the ancient town of Rye, a place where every corner seems to tell a story, and the Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, a manifestation of botanical beauty and historic elegance. These trips are not just about sightseeing; they offer unparalleled opportunities to sketch, paint, and capture the authentic essence of England.During the retreat, you will learn how to: Use color theory and create color palettesPlay with various watercolor techniques including wet on wet, expressive painting with brushes and pen and inkCreate a compelling composition and layoutPaint nature and your surroundingsTake reference pictures and use them to create beautiful paintingsUse your sketchbook for future ideasDiscover your strengths and personal themes through experimentationCreate your own unique art collection...and much more.Beyond painting alongside Ellen every day, you'll also have plenty of free time to enjoy the premium facilities of Goodnestone Park Estate, savor delicious food, and form lifelong friendships with like-minded creative souls over a glass of wine.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Richmond-upon-Thames and catch the 2:30 PM transfer to Goodnestone Park, arriving around 4:30 PM. Meet Ellen Crimi-Trent, your instructor, then get shown to your elegant room, followed by a property tour. Discover the lush grounds of the estate, including a woodland garden replete with oaks and chestnut trees, the well-manicured parterre and terraced lawn, and the mesmerizing wildflower meadow. Enjoy a fresh drink, get acquainted with your fellow artists, then gather round in the evening for a delicious welcome dinner, paired with a delightful glass of wine.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Kick off your day with a delicious breakfast in the historic ambiance of Goodnestone Park. Gather around with Ellen and your fellow participants for a check-in session. Share your feelings, expectations, and intentions over a heartwarming cup of tea.Your first classes of the retreat will take place in the cozy indoor studio, or out and about, in the beautiful gardens. With Ellen guiding the way, dive deep into the fundamentals of watercolor. She'll share insights on selecting the right supplies, help you unravel the mysteries of color theory, and introduce the art of crafting a harmonious palette. As you follow along with her demonstrations of wet-on-wet techniques, you'll also discover the power and versatility of various brush strokes. Try these methods out with a couple of leisurely warm-up exercises.Take a break and enjoy a delicious two-course gourmet lunch, then rejoin your art group for the afternoon class. You'll learn how to sketch out thumbnails quickly and loosely. Don't be afraid to experiment and allow yourself to work without inhibitions. Ellen will also perform a demonstration on creating loose florals, guiding you along the way.In the afternoon, unwind by further exploring the vast grounds at Goodnestone, or sit down for a chat with your fellow artists over a cup of tea. The evening culminates in a three-course gourmet dinner, where each dish is thoughtfully paired with wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to Rye
With the sun gently warming the English countryside, your day begins with another sumptuous breakfast at Goodnestone Park. Freshly baked bread, aromatic tea and coffee, and a range of delectable options will energize you for the day’s artistic escapades.Today, you'll journey to the historic town of Rye. Nestled atop a hill, overlooking lush marshland and the English Channel, Rye's cobbled streets whisper tales of yore. With its preserved medieval architecture, every nook and cranny of this town feels like a step back in time. Tudor-fronted buildings, half-timbered houses, and the shimmer of the River Rother offer a myriad of visual treats.In the morning, wander freely, drawing inspiration from the picturesque surroundings for your sketches and reference photos. You might wander to the historic Rye Castle, which dates back to the 14th century. Or perhaps, drift towards Mermaid Street, famed for its beautifully preserved medieval buildings like the Mermaid Inn, with its intriguing history and tales of smugglers.Enjoy lunch at a local pub of your choice, taking in the delectable local flavors. Come afternoon, reconvene for an enriching on-location workshop with Ellen. Amidst the picturesque setting of Rye, you'll learn more about the nuances of structuring a composition. You'll try your hand at creating urban sketches that capture the essence of the town.In the evening, head back to Goodnestone Park, where a three-course gourmet dinner awaits. Share tales from Rye, talk about your artistic insights, and enjoy chats with your fellow artists late into the night over a glass of wine.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
On the fourth day at Goodnestone Park, begin with a hearty breakfast, followed by a rejuvenating check-in with Ellen and fellow artists over coffee. The morning art class invites you to transform your Rye sketches and photographs into vivid paintings. Under Ellen's guidance, delve into composition techniques, breathing life into your reference photos.Take a breather with a delicious lunch with your fellow artists. An afternoon class follows, following a more relaxed structure. Wander the park, drawing inspiration from the wildflower meadows or majestic woodland gardens. This is a good chance to practice some plein-air landscape techniques. Ellen will be ready to help you at any time, offering individualized feedback and encouraging playful experimentation with the layout of your art. Revel in the therapeutic act of painting freely, without worrying about the end result.As twilight descends, the day concludes with a three-course gourmet dinner. Each dish, meticulously crafted and paired with the perfect wine, ensures a fitting end to a day drenched in art, nature, and camaraderie.

### Day 6: Trip to Sissinghurst Castle
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast, energizing yourself for the enchanting adventure ahead. You'll embark on a journey to the renowned Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, one of the most famous gardens in England.Steeped in history, these gardens are the masterwork of Vita Sackville-West, the poet, writer, and gardening enthusiast, and her husband, Harold Nicolson. Over the years, the pair transformed the dilapidated surroundings of Sissinghurst Castle into a garden of exquisite beauty and harmony. Divided into a series of smaller, intimate gardens, each section has its own theme, showcasing a masterful blend of color, texture, and scent. The iconic White Garden, the fragrant Rose Garden, and the vibrant Cottage Garden are just a few of the many pockets of wonder within Sissinghurst.You spend the entire day creating in this verdant paradise. Whether you're captivated by the delicate arch of a flower's stem or the vibrant hues of blossoms, it's a splendid opportunity to delve into botanical painting. Under the dappled sunlight and with the soft rustling of leaves as your soundtrack, Ellen will be at hand to guide and inspire, ensuring your sketches and paintings capture the essence of the gardens. As midday approaches, indulge in a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant, then continue your artistic exploration in the afternoon.You'll return to Goodnestone Park in the evening, where a gourmet three-course dinner awaits. Wind down after another fulfilling day of artistry with a delectable glass of wine.

### Day 6: Art at the venue
Your sixth day starts with a scrumptious breakfast, setting the stage for a morning filled with the quiet joys of still-life painting.During the first class of the day, imbue your art with the typical English charm as you look for inspiration through Goodnestone Park. Allow yourself to be captivated by the simple yet profound details - the vibrant petals of English roses, intricate objects of vintage decor, the refined curve of delicate tea cups, or the inviting spread of gourmet dishes. Create compositions that encapsulate the timeless beauty of England.Relax with a refreshing lunch, then dive back into another class in the afternoon. Continue your still-life exploration with Ellen, as she helps you weave your finds into expressive, delightful artwork that brims with life and character. With her expertise at your fingertips, expect to refine your techniques, unearth painting secrets, and get answers to any art queries you might have.The day winds down with leisure time, perfect for reflection or bonding with fellow participants. As night falls, a meticulously curated three-course gourmet dinner awaits, paired perfectly with wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Start your morning with the fragrant aroma of breakfast tea and delicious cakes, then join Ellen in the spacious studio or the lush gardens. Together with your art group, you'll spend the morning adding the finishing touches to your artwork. Play around with the many techniques you learned during the retreat, and ask Ellen for guidance if you need to. She will be on hand to offer personalized feedback and lots of encouragement. Watch your wonderful collection of watercolor works grow.Revel in a delicious lunch, then get ready for a special event in the afternoon. Gather with your fellow artists for a mini-exhibition of your works, showcasing your growth during your time in England. It's not obligatory to participate, but this little gallery showing is an excellent opportunity for you to give and receive constructive feedback. Besides, progress tastes sweeter when celebrated together.In the evening, gather round for a special farewell dinner, the perfect end to the perfect retreat. Toast to your amazing growth and to the friendships made during your time in England!

### Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, get ready to catch the 10:00 AM transfer to Richmond-upon-Thames (arriving at 12:00 PM).

## Instructors

- **Ellen Crimi-Trent** - Artist and Designer

## Accommodation

### Goodnestone Park Estate

### Shared room - shared bathroom (cottage)

### Shared twin ensuite room (manor)

### Single with shared bathroom (cottage)

### Single with shared bathroom (manor)

### Single standard room (manor)

### Single superior ensuite room (manor)

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/english-elegance-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-england](https://uptrek.com/retreat/english-elegance-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-england) to make a reservation.

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