Summer Art Retreat - United Kingdom

Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, Wych Cross (Near Forest Row), East Sussex

Registration fee: € 100 (reserves your spot)

Total price : € 3,600 for a shared room and € 5,200 for a single stay in a room.

Payment plan: 4-6 instalments accepted (or more if you need); final payment due 4 weeks before arrival.

The retreat runs only if minimum numbers are met. If it’s cancelled for low bookings, your deposit will be refunded.

8–14 of August 2027

Book Your Spot

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

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

Surrounded by woodland, grazing land and roaming deer, the estate offers a peaceful, restorative setting - perfect for escaping city noise and immersing yourself in plein‑air and studio watercolor practice with like‑minded creatives.

Join botanical watercolorist Kristine Rapohina for a week of painting in England. Kristine will give live watercolor demonstrations and provide one‑to‑one tuition throughout the retreat.

The hotel combines 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. You can learn, relax and recharge in comfort.

What You'll Learn During Our Painting Sessions

Over five inspiring days, we’ll immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of botanical watercolor. My teaching approach is built around understanding why something works, not simply copying what you see. Rather than focusing only on completing beautiful paintings, you’ll learn the techniques, observational strategies, and decision‑making process that will allow you to confidently paint botanical subjects in the future.

Throughout the workshop I’ll demonstrate every stage of the painting process, explain my thought process in detail, and share practical tips I’ve gathered during nearly a decade of teaching botanical watercolor to thousands of students around the World

Together we'll explore:

🌸Learning to truly observe – seeing shapes, colors, values, and subtle details that bring a painting to life.
🌸 Understanding tonal values – one of the most important foundations for creating realistic, three-dimensional paintings.
🌸 Essential brush control exercises – building confidence through intentional brushstrokes, water control, and paint consistency.
🌸 Freehand botanical drawing – simplifying complex flowers and leaves into manageable shapes while improving observation skills.
🌸 Working from reference photos – how to photograph botanical subjects, choose the best references, and accurately transfer drawings when needed.
🌸 Color mixing with confidence – understanding pigment behavior, creating vibrant yet natural botanical colors, and avoiding muddy mixtures.
🌸 Building luminous first layers – creating transparent foundations that allow later layers to glow with light.
🌸 Layering techniques for depth and realism – learning when to glaze, soften, sharpen, and increase contrast without overworking the painting.
🌸 Painting realistic petals, leaves, stems, and fine botanical details using controlled watercolor techniques.
🌸 Personal feedback throughout the workshop with guidance tailored to your own progress and goals.
🌸 Countless professional tips and tricks that make the painting process easier, more enjoyable, and more successful.

Every demonstration is broken into clear, manageable steps, with plenty of time to ask questions, practice and receive individual guidance. Whether you’re trying botanical art for the first time or refining existing skills, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of botanical watercolor.

The greatest gift from this retreat isn’t just a finished painting - it’s the knowledge and confidence to approach any flower, leaf or botanical subject with clarity.

 Book a Spot - Reserve with €100 deposit

PROGRAM:

Day 1 - Arrival & Welcome
Arrive at Ashdown Park, check in and settle into your room. Meet the group for introductions and a brief orientation, including a materials overview. 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 - Sheffield Park & Garden visit
Acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland 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 & 5 o'clock experience
Full day of extended demonstrations focusing on layering, texture and detailed botanical features, followed by intensive painting sessions to refine compositions with personalized feedback. Late afternoon "5 o’clock tea experience".

Day 5 - Advanced Practice & Vineyard Visit
The morning focuses on demonstrations and guided practice emphasizing realism and finishing techniques. After lunch, visit the Bluebell Vineyard - Cheese Tour & Tasting. The afternoon and evening are available for practice, socializing and dinner.

Day 6 - Final Touches & Presentation
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
Breakfast, optional final sketch walk, farewells and check out. Leave with new skills, finished artworks and resources to continue your botanical watercolor practice at home.

Daily schedule

Day 1 - Arrival

  • Arrival and check in (details provided after booking)
  • Welcome meet & greet and orientation
  • Evening: dinner together

Days 2–6 - Teaching days (five full teaching days)

  • 07:00–09:30 Breakfast
  • 10:00–17:00 Painting session (painting room available until 18:00)
  • 10:00–17:00 Tea/Coffee station available
  • 12:30–13:30 Express lunch
  • 19:00–21:30 Dinner
  • Evening optional portfolio review / informal Q&A

Day 7 - Departure

  • Check out and goodbyes

What Awaits You:

  • Immersive Artistry: Delve into botanical watercolor painting. Whether you’re new to painting or an experienced artist, Kristine will guide you to unlock your creative potential.
  • Explore the Hundred Acre Wood trail to experience Ashdown Forest’s landscape and the charm of a timeless story.
  • Stay the finest country house hotels in Sussex, each room and suite has been beautifully styled with luxurious country furnishings and modern amenities, with each suite named after a species of tree found in the surrounding forest.
  • Ideal stay for guests with families and four-legged friends.
  • Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience.
  • Sheffield Park & Garden Visits: Immerse yourself in Acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland.
  • Bluebell Vineyard - tour & tasting.
 Reserve with €100 deposit

Art Materials Included (yours to keep)

  • Big sketchbook
  • Professional watercolor set (14 pigments)
  • Ceramic palette
  • Set of 2 brushes
  • Pencils and erasers
  • Stickers, washi tape and color swatches

What’s included:

  • Transfers to and from London Gatwick Airport and private transport for all scheduled activities.
  • Six‑night stay at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, peaceful and comfortable.
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner daily). Vegetarian accommodation is available on request.
  • Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
  • Art classes, demonstrations and guided support with Kristine.
  • All art materials required for the workshop (listed above) - yours to keep.
  • Trip to Sheffield Park & Garden.
  • Trip to Bluebell Vineyard - tour & tasting.
  • Use of the hotel swimming pool.

Not included:

  • International or domestic flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Spa treatments (available at additional cost)
  • Golf (18‑hole, par‑3 course - additional fees may apply)

Companion Activities

While you’re in the studio painting, companions - partners, family members, or friends - will have plenty to enjoy nearby.

Golf
The hotel’s country club has a pleasant, well kept golf course suitable for a range of abilities. Green fees and club hire aren’t included in the painting program, so please check availability and booking details with the hotel front desk when you arrive.

A Local Story - Pooh and the Area
This countryside feels wonderfully storybook-ish - I love to think of it as the kind of place that inspired A. A. Milne’s Winnie‑the‑Pooh. Wander the lanes and small woodlands and you can almost picture Pooh and his friends exploring a quiet clearing. It’s a lovely backdrop for a peaceful walk.

Hotel Grounds and Walking
The hotel sits in extensive grounds that are perfect for short or longer walks. There are well‑marked paths, garden corners, and lovely viewpoints where you can relax, read, or take photos without leaving the property.

Local Sightseeing and Nearby Towns
Charming nearby towns offer independent shops, cafés, antiques, and local markets - ideal for a morning out or an afternoon of browsing. If you fancy a city day, London is accessible for day trips: regular trains run from the nearest station, making museums, theatre, and dining easy to plan. The area also hosts seasonal events and local festivals; check the hotel noticeboard or local listings for what’s on during your stay.

Gardens and Historic Houses
There are several lovely gardens and historic houses within easy reach, from grand landscaped estates to intimate cottage gardens. These make delightful half‑day excursions for anyone interested in horticulture, architecture, or photography.

Spa and Relaxing Hotel Facilities
For pure relaxation, the hotel spa and leisure facilities offer treatments, a pool, sauna, and quiet lounges - perfect after a day of sightseeing or shopping.

Practical Notes for Companions

  • Book activities and treatments in advance where possible, especially spa appointments and golf tee times.
  • Check opening hours and any seasonal closures for gardens and historic houses.
  • If you plan a London day trip, reserve train tickets and attraction bookings ahead to avoid queues and allow extra time for travel.
  • For special meal requests or dining options, contact us or the hotel directly.

Registration & Pricing

Reserve your spot with a €100 registration fee (non‑refundable unless the retreat is cancelled).


Total price: €3,600 (shared room) or €5,200 (single room).

Bring a partner or friend for an additional €1,000 (double occupancy). Email support@kristineart.com to request a shared room booking.

Booking & Payment:

  • Reserve with a €100 registration fee.
  • Payment may be made in 4–6 instalments; final payment is due 4 weeks before arrival.
  • Please note: the retreat will run once the minimum participant number is reached. If the retreat is cancelled due to insufficient bookings your registration fee will be refunded.
 BOOK A SPOT - Reserve with €100 deposit