Art Retreat in United Kingdom

Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, Wych Cross, Nr Forest Row, East Sussex

Registration fee: € 520 - reserves your spot.

Total price : € 4,500 for a shared room and € 5,200 for a single stay in a room.

Payment can be made in 4 payments up to 4 weeks before arrival.

14th - 20th of June 2026

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Welcome to Kristine’s Botanical Watercolor Workshop at Ashdown Park, East Sussex

We are thrilled to invite you to Kristine’s Art Botanical Watercolor Workshop at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club - a 19th‑century country‑house hotel set within 186 acres of landscaped parkland in the heart of Ashdown Forest, East Sussex.

Surrounded by woodland, grazing land and rolling Sussex countryside where wild deer roam, the estate offers a peaceful, restorative setting - perfect for escaping city noise, daily routine and immersing yourself in plein‑air and studio watercolor practice with like‑minded creatives.

The hotel pairs elegant period interiors and unique heritage features (including a deconsecrated chapel with notable Harry Clarke stained‑glass windows) with modern leisure facilities - a country club, golf, spa, gym and indoor pool - so attendees can learn, relax and recharge in comfort.

PROGRAM:

Day 1
Arrival & Welcome: Arrive at Ashdown Park, check in and settle into your room. Enjoy welcome drinks, introductions, and a brief orientation with an overview of materials. The day concludes with a welcome dinner.

Day 2
Foundations & Inspiration: In the morning will introduces botanical watercolor techniques with demonstrations and guided practice. After lunch, explore the estate to select botanical muses, take reference photos and sketches, then return to the studio for focused painting time. The evening offers group critique, informal feedback and dinner.

Day 3
Market Visit & Studio Practice: Begin with a visit to a nearby local market to gather inspiration and observe plant varieties and seasonal produce. After returning to the estate and lunch, spend the afternoon in concentrated painting sessions with one‑to‑one guidance from Kristine. Evening studio time and a communal dinner round out the day.

Day 4
Deepening Technique: Devote the day to extended demonstrations on layering, texture and detailed botanical features, followed by intensive painting sessions to refine compositions with personalized feedback. Take time in the evening to stroll the grounds or relax before dinner.

Day 5
Advanced Practice & Cookery Experience: The morning focuses on demonstrations and guided practice emphasizing realism and finishing techniques. After lunch, join a hands‑on cooking class with our chef to explore seasonal recipes and creative plating. The afternoon and evening are available for practice, socializing and dinner.

Day 6
Final Touches & Presentation: Start with a short market or garden visit for last reference material, then return for final refinements, optional demonstrations and preparation for a group showcase. After lunch, present and discuss finished works in a relaxed sharing session, followed by a special thank‑you celebration dinner.

Day 7
Departure: Enjoy a final optional sketch walk, say your farewells and check out. You leave with new skills, finished artworks and resources to continue your botanical watercolor practice at home.

What Awaits You:

  • Immersive Artistry: Delve into the captivating world of botanical watercolor painting. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative adventure, Kristine will guide you to unlock artistic potential.
  • Provencal Beauty: Provence is renowned for its natural splendor, and we'll take full advantage of it. Explore exquisite gardens, engage in outdoor sketching sessions, and capture the essence of Provence's unique flora and fauna all while nurturing your creativity.
  • Culinary Delights: Our private chef will ensure your taste buds are treated to the finest Provencal cuisine. All meals will be served at our cozy retreat location, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your art. And as a special treat, enjoy a private cooking class where you'll learn the secrets of Provencal culinary artistry.
  • Local Market Visits: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture with visits to Provencal markets. Explore stalls filled with fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and artisanal treasures a perfect source of inspiration.
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This is a 4th workshop in France since 2024

What’s included:

  • Transfer from and to Marseille airport and private transportation to all activities
  • 6 night stay at a very comfortable, peaceful and beautiful estate Fontblanche
  • Full Board Meals: 3 meals per day of Provence dishes, cooked by local chef
  • Cooking Class at the estate
  • Art classes with Kristine, demonstrations and guided support during this workshop
  • All art materials required for this workshop will be provided and yours to keep
  • Winery visit, wine tasting and sketching
  • Local morning markets visit
  • Local rides provided

Not included:

  • Air tickets;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Extra expenses that might occur during the trip.

Workshop Registration & Pricing Information

You can book now for € 450 or € 520 to secure your spot.


Total Price € 4500 for a shared room and € 5200 for a single stay in a room.

You can take your spouse or a friend to stay with you in a double room for a special price, contact art@kristineart.com

Single stay will have only 5 spots and 6 shared spots. In the big house there are 8 available rooms.

Booking information:

Payment can be made in 4 payments up to 4 weeks before arrival

All bookings are nonrefundable (€ 500 only)

 BOOK A SPOT