Earth Sea & Sky Painting Holiday Retreat
Immerse yourself in a journey of texture & colour this May in the heart of Connemara
Do You Dream of Painting?
Be Inspired By This Wild & Rugged Landscape
Follow me to Roundstone in Connemara on the West Coast of Ireland, one of the most beautiful places on the planet for a transformative painting holiday retreat. A place where you can unwind and reconnect with your creativity amid the stunning, untamed landscape. Let go of the stress of everyday life.
This painting holiday retreat offers a harmonious blend of artistic exploration, feel the rhythm of nature as you gather inspiration from the vibrant scenery that surrounds you enriching the soul. Indulge in culinary delights crafted from the freshest local ingredients, relax & unwind in the evenings by an open fire chatting about the day.
Secure your spot now for an unforgettable artistic journey of self-discovery and artistic expression in the heart of nature.
What's Covered
Join Nina for a 4-day, 3-night painting retreat in some of her favorite scenic spots. With hands-on demonstrations and personalised feedback, you’ll push artistic boundaries and find your unique voice on canvas. Explore diverse painting techniques to boost creativity and skills in a supportive environment surrounded by Connemara’s stunning landscapes.
For All Levels & Media
From oils and acrylics to watercolors or sketches, all mediums are welcome. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike.
En Plein Air & Studio Sessions
Enjoy guided outdoor painting excursions, learning to capture light, shadow, and composition. Nina provides demonstrations on sketching, scene selection, and focal points. Choose your own spot to work and receive guidance on technique, color, and texture.
Weather-Proof Creativity
Rain or shine, you’re covered! Use a pop-up studio when needed, where outdoor inspiration can be sketched or photographed and brought to life indoors. Studio sessions allow experimentation and deeper exploration of your medium.
Special Techniques
Discover Nina’s unique approach to poured acrylic painting using her custom paint recipe, blending techniques inspired by the rugged scenery. Engage in guided exercises on color theory and texture application.
Daily Reflection & Materials Included
End each day with group discussions, work reviews, and photo preparation for the next session. All materials are supplied: paints, brushes, palettes, canvases, sketch kits, easels, aprons, and more.
This retreat is a perfect blend of creativity, learning, and nature – an unforgettable experience for any artist!
The Itinerary
There will be plenty of time to stroll about the harbour or along the unspoilt white sandy beaches of Gurteen and Dogs Bay. Swim in the sea (if you wish!), talk and listen, laugh and learn, enjoy a tradition session with local musicians. Prepare to loose your heart in it all!!
The retreat will open on Thursday afternoon just in time for a welcome lunch @1pm taking time to say hello & getting to know the group before getting started. After checking in, students are invited to stroll about the harbour & village to find their bearings & relax into their environs, using viewfinders to seek out subjects that catch the eye. Taking time for a little sketching before a studio painting session.
Prior to the retreat start date, a daily detailed itinerary will be sent to students.
For the duration of the retreat and to allow ease of communication, a WhatsApp group will be set up.
What's Included
Painting
- Six guided painting sessions over the course of four days. Each approximately 2-3 hours long.
- All materials & equipment needed for students to work in thir chosen medium – paint, brushes, medium / solvents, canvas/ paper, drawing & sketching kit, aprons, watertubs, wipes, hairdrtyers etc. equipment is supplied field / table easels, aprons, watertubs, hairdryers, etc.
- Full use of our own pop up studio space.
- Tutorials & demonstrations.
- Adventures in En Plein Air Painting to remote & ancient places.
- A safe place of inspiration to express your artist skills no matter what your level.
- One very special studio session with Nina’s innovative approach to poured acrylic painting – using her own paint recipe. Experiment & explore all materials and equipment are supplied for this session.
- Complimentary goodie bag.
Stay
Earth Sea & Sky is an all inclusive painting holiday retreat.
Offering 3 nights accommodation in the Roundstone House Hotel, a small family run boutique hotel tucked away in one of Ireland’s most beautiful and rustic regions; Connemara. Booking out this hotel completely, the Vaughan family will be looking after us to create a cosy & intimate atmosphere for our painting retreat group. Forge lasting memories with fellow art enthusiasts. where laughter, creativity, and camaraderie flourish in this idyllic setting that feels like home.
There are with single, twin or double rooms available.
- Free Parking
- All Rooms Private Ensuite Bathroom
- Free Wifi
- Flatscreen TV
- Coffee and Tea making facilities
- Phone system
- Hair-dryers
- Toiletries
- Morning wake up calls
- Ironing board available
- Wardrobe/Closet
Dine & Wine
Dine out for three nights enjoying the best of fresh local produce.
Vaughan’s Restaurant
With a delectable menu, Vaughans restaurant is acclaimed worldwide for its exquisite award winning food and fine wines. It is credited with 2 Rosette by the Automobile Association and is a member of the prestigious BIM seafood circle and Georgina Campbell Guide.
O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar & Restaurant
Run by the O’Dowd family for four generations since 1906. It is widely regarded as the oldest pub in Connemara operating on the premises since 1840. It is now famous for its excellent fresh local seafood which can be enjoyed with a delicious pint of creamy Guinness. The bar is small & intimate with its traditional turf fire. You can watch the fishermen unload their catch or just relax in the calm tranquility.
Ballynahinch Castle
One of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels and a member of Relais & Chateaux. Set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks. A visit to Ballynahinch Castle’s award winning Owenmore restaurant is a treat for all the senses offering a relaxed elegance. Award winning Executive Head Chef Danni Barry’s food is simple but sophisticated, with a strong visual appeal. Complementing the artistry of the kitchen works a beautiful collection of art that adorns the walls, take in the works of Gerard Dillon, Louis le Brocquy, Jack Yeats , Mary Swanzy, Walter Frederick Osborne, William John Leech and Leo Whelan. A thoughtful and subtle collection that sits comfortably in this most beautiful of restaurants.
LUNCH
Enjoy 3 light pub lunches – a hearty bowl of seafood chowder or soup with freshly prepared sandwiches – (or similar to your taste) & tea / coffee.
BREAKFAST
With a cooked to order breakfast served to you each morning, enjoy a traditional full Irish breakfast or healthy options such as scrambled eggs with Connemara smoked salmon. There is something to suit everyone’s taste. All served with freshly homemade brown bread.
MORNING / AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
Tea / Coffee with refeshments will be available daily whether we are in studio or painting out on location.
WINE
Some wine, beer and beverages are included with dinner. Dinner at Ballynahinch Castle includes one pre dinner aperitif.
OTHER
Taxi transfers are included for dining at Ballynahinch Castle. All other restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel.
& More...
- Enjoy a traditional session one evening with local musicians.
- Private taxi transfer to & from Ballynachinch Castle for dinner.
- Free time to rest & develop friendships, swim in the freezing cold sea if you wish.
- Walks along the pristine white sandy beaches or rocky shore to gather shells, drift wood & make memories.
- Have a friendly chat with locals & learn about the traditions of Connemara.
- Make new friends with like minded people & find your art tribe – chat, laugh & let go.
Like The Idea But Are Not Sure?
Don’t panic!! Nina will be on hand throughout the retreat to ensure you have a memorable stay.
All levels of student ability are catered for from total beginners to intermediate and advanced levels.
Nina will help you choose a subject, get painting, build and then complete your chosen piece.
So What Do I Need
- Travel insurance to cover any circumstance that may arise that would effect your ability to attend the Painting Holiday Retreat. Should you need to cancel for any reason no refunds are given.
- For studio & En Plein Air painting sessions students are advised to wear old clothes and their most comfortable pair of shoes!!! Bring sun cream, sunglasses, bug spray, a big hat, a light warm jacket or raincoat & a camera or phone. If you prefer to work seated for outdoor painting sessions bring a camping stool or chair.
- This retreat requires students to have a moderate level of mobility. Some painting sessions will be worked En Plein Air on location. Students will need to carry their painting kit to their chosen spot. Connemara is a rural place, harbour piers, beach walks, boreens & pathways all have uneven ground. The accomodation has some stairs.
What's Not Included
- Airfares.
- Transfers / transportation costs to & from Roundstone House Hotel.
- Travel insurance to include Painting Holiday Retreat fees – highly recommended to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may effect your ability to attend the Painting Holiday Retreat. Should you need to cancel for any reason no refunds are given.
- Daily travel to & from painting locations.
- Drinks other than with dinner.
Deposits Payments Refunds & Cancellations
Payment transactions are handled with care to provide customers with peace of mind throughout their purchasing experience. Please read the following cancellation policy carefully before booking.
If you have any questions or there is anything that is unclear to you please email Nina with your query [email protected]
- Pay up front or pay by installments.
- A €500.00 non refundable deposit per person is required on booking. The deposit is non – refundable under any circumstances whatsoever. Full fees have to be paid one month in advance of the workshop start date.
- Failure to make payments on time will nullify your booking with no refunds.
- The retreat is priced for single occupancy rooms or per person sharing a twin or double room.
If You Have To Cancel
- More than 90 days in advance: 50% refund of the total payment (excluding the non-refundable deposit).
- Between 60 and 90 days in advance: 25% refund of the total payment (excluding the non-refundable deposit).
- Less than 60 days prior to the retreat: No refunds available. If you have to cancel within 60 days of the retreat refunds are not made unless your place can be filled. If your place can be filled a refund will be made less your deposit payment. Please note even with a waiting list, cancellation places are more difficult to fill nearer to the retreat start date.
- Insurance Reminder: While retreat insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to safeguard your investment.
- Please see full Terms & Conditions
Nina's Commitment
- Nina is committed to providing the retreat experience as described, and we will make all necessary arrangements in advance to ensure your participation is enjoyable and rewarding.
- Should an unforeseen circumstance arise where Nina needs to cancel the retreat, refunds of fees LESS deposits will be made.
This policy balances the needs of the retreat group, ensuring fairness and flexibility while acknowledging the upfront costs associated with organizing retreats. Please consider your personal circumstances and insurance coverage before booking this retreat.
”Can’t wait to sharing a memorable and inspiring retreat experience with you.”
Location Location Location
The Wild Atlantic Way
Tucked away in one of Ireland’s most beautiful and rustic regions along the Wild Atlantic Way – Roundstone, Connemara.
A scenic fishing village in the heart of Connemara is the base of our retreat. With spectacular views across Roundstone Bay, Inishnee Island and the backdrop of the majestic Twelve Ben’s Mountain range.