# Watercolor Horizons Retreat with Artist Jenna Rainey in Scotland

Embark on an inspiring artistic journey with renowned watercolor artist Jenna Rainey in the heart of Scotland’s breathtaking countryside. Let your creativity flow as you explore new techniques and build a vibrant body of work. This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, and Jenna’s attentive guidance will help you deepen your practice whether you are discovering watercolor for the first time or refining your skills. From florals and landscapes to plein-air sessions, you will immerse yourself in mindful artistry while also learning how to digitize your work and strengthen your approach to color mixing, composition, and layout.Your stay will be in a welcoming country house set among rolling hills, with nourishing meals prepared with care. Between studio sessions and shared meals, you will experience Scotland’s beauty and culture: wander the storied streets of Stirling, paint along the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, and sketch in the village of Buchlyvie with its surrounding countryside walks.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 15 - 22, 2026
- **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK
- **Starting Price:** $4,850
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Watercolor Horizons Retreat
Join artist Jenna Rainey for a once-in-a-lifetime art retreat in the heart of the Scottish countryside, where rolling green hills, ancient woodlands, and quiet stone villages set the stage for your creativity. Nurture your artistic spirit, break through the blocks that hold you back, and embrace self-discovery. With Jenna’s personalized guidance, live demonstrations, and one-to-one instruction, you’ll find support no matter if this is your first step into watercolor or you’re eager to refine and elevate your skills.Beyond the studio, immerse yourself in Scotland’s natural beauty as you sketch and paint on location. Capture the timeless atmosphere of Stirling’s historic streets, the stillness of Loch Lomond’s shores, and the charm of Buchlyvie and its surrounding countryside walks. Deepen your connection to place and expand the ways you see and translate the world into watercolor! Some topics covered in the classes include:Crafting loose florals and landscapesApplying mindfulness to creative processesColor theory and palette selectionUsing hue, contrast, and consistency to your advantageCreating a cohesive compositionEngaging in plein-air painting sessions inspired by various scenic backdropsOne-to-one tuition and support that fits your artistic needsLetting go of your inner critic and developing your artistic identityCapturing striking reference photosDigitizing your artwork and boosting your social media presence...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.

### Days 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 Jenna 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
Start your day with a delicious breakfast, followed by your first painting session, either indoors or outdoors in the gardens. Settle into the retreat schedule, ease into your materials, and set a few personal goals for the week ahead.In the morning, Jenna will demonstrate watercolor basics so everyone begins on common ground. You’ll get comfortable with your supplies, play with different brushstrokes, and create loose, vibrant floral paintings. Watercolor has a forgiving nature, so this is the time to enjoy experimenting and finding what feels right!After a refreshing lunch, the afternoon class picks up where you left off, giving you space to build confidence and start shaping your style. Jenna will guide you step by step, helping you discover new approaches as you move from practice into more personal expression.As the day comes to a close, you might wander through the gardens and nearby countryside, gathering inspiration among the plants and wildflowers, or pause to relax by the pool. When evening arrives, sit down with Jenna and the group for a lively three-course dinner paired with local wine.

### Day 3: Trip to Loch Lomond
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off for Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most celebrated landmarks, surrounded by the sweeping scenery of Trossachs National Park.After a scenic one-hour drive, arrive at the loch, where the calm waters and rugged hills create a view that feels timeless. Wander along the shoreline, notice the wildflowers and shifting light on the water, and take photos of the landscapes that catch your eye. If inspiration strikes as the sound of bagpipes drifts through the valley, make a few quick sketches to capture the moment, knowing you will return with plenty of material to work from in the studio.Back at the venue, enjoy a light lunch before settling in for an afternoon of painting. With Jenna’s guidance, go through the photos and sketches you collected earlier and use them as a springboard for new watercolor studies. Jenna will be by your side with advice and encouragement as you bring the impressions of the morning into your art.The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Take a walk through the gardens and surrounding countryside, unwind by the pool, or keep working on your paintings at your own pace. As evening falls, gather around the table for a freshly prepared three-course dinner paired with local wine.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Kick off the fourth day with a delicious breakfast alongside your fellow artists.Then, gather outdoors with Jenna for a painting class surrounded by the soft hills, stone walls, and gardens of the countryside. From climbing vines and wildflowers to open fields stretching into the distance, Jenna will guide you in arranging elements within your artwork and share ideas for overcoming creative challenges, helping you see the landscape and its details in fresh ways.After lunch, return to your workspace to paint delicate, vintage-inspired floral elements. Draw on the charm of old-world blooms, weaving subtle details and layered colors into your studies, and bring a sense of timeless beauty to your growing collection.As the late afternoon unfolds, take a break to recharge. Sketch in the gardens, slip into the hot tub, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the farm before the evening begins. Dinner is freshly prepared and shared with Jenna and the group, accompanied by plenty of laughter and good wine. As the night carries on, the mood turns festive with Scottish music and dancing, the perfect way to celebrate the day’s creativity and the spirit of being together in such a special place.

### Day 5: Trip to Stirling
Day five begins with a warm and satisfying breakfast before setting off for Stirling, a historic town just a short 30-minute drive away. Known for its rich past and picturesque charm, Stirling is surrounded by gardens, green spaces, and rolling hills that capture the essence of Scotland.The morning takes you to Stirling Castle, where the grounds are alive with seasonal flowers, wild heather, and carefully tended beds that burst with color. Stroll through the gardens, take photos of whatever catches your eye, and sketch only if inspiration strikes. From there, wander into town to explore its streets and hidden corners, stopping for lunch at a local café or pub of your choice.In the afternoon, visit the Wallace Monument, set high above meadows filled with native plants and wildflowers. Take in the sweeping views, enjoy the fresh air, and gather more inspiration from the natural beauty around you. Paint or sketch if you feel moved to, or simply soak in the scenery and atmosphere.As evening falls, return to the retreat for a well-earned dinner. Gather with Jenna and the group around the table for a freshly prepared three-course meal paired with wine. The night unfolds with lively conversation and laughter, a warm end to a day filled with history, beauty, and the spirit of Scotland!

### Day 6: Walk to Buchlyvie & surrounding countryside
Seize the day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a gentle 15-minute walk to the village of Buchlyvie.The path to the village winds through open countryside with sweeping views of the hills and fields. Take your time on the walk, noticing the wildflowers and changing colors of the landscape. Once in Buchlyvie, explore at your own pace. Browse small shops, pause in a café or pub, and step into the pottery shop to admire handcrafted ceramics. Wander the surrounding lanes and countryside paths before heading back, taking photos or making quick sketches if something sparks your interest. The walk itself, with its blend of village life and wide horizons, is as much a source of inspiration as the town.Return to the retreat for lunch, then spend the afternoon painting. Use the photos, sketches, and impressions gathered during the week to create new watercolor pieces that bring your experiences to life. Work with your references to capture both detail and atmosphere, weaving together memories of flowers, hills, and gardens into personal studies that reflect the spirit of Scotland.Later in the afternoon, gather for a lively gin tasting, sampling local varieties that carry the flavors of the region. As the evening deepens, sit down together for a freshly prepared dinner, with the day ending on a joyful note.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
On the last morning of the retreat, enjoy a hearty breakfast before settling in with Jenna to put the finishing touches on your artwork. Bring together everything you have created during the week! Jenna will move around the room offering personal guidance, helping you polish details, and sharing friendly advice on photographing and digitizing your paintings so you can keep growing long after the retreat ends.After lunch, gather with Jenna and the group for a lively exhibition. Display the pieces you have worked on, listen to the stories behind each painting, and celebrate the progress made throughout the week. Enjoy the warmth of the circle, where encouragement and connection come naturally.As evening arrives, come together for a farewell dinner that will feel like a true celebration. Share a generous meal, raise your glass, and enjoy the sound of laughter, conversation, and music carrying through the night. End the retreat surrounded by the spirit of Scotland, taking home not only your collection of paintings but also the friendships and memories that made the week unforgettable!

### 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

- **Jenna Rainey** - Illustrator, Watercolorist, Surface Designer

## 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/watercolor-horizons-retreat-artist-jenna-rainey-scotland](https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-horizons-retreat-artist-jenna-rainey-scotland) to make a reservation.

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