Sunday, 3 May 2026 - Sunday 10 May 2026

Leslie will share her 40+ years of drawing and painting experience with you, demonstrating how to compose dynamic compositions, draw what you see, mix colours masterfully, and create paintings that will delight. The mornings will feature demonstrations and tutorials in the Haytor Room (our private art room for the week) and its adjacent, private garden. We will focus on building observational and drawing skills, watercolour techniques, and learning to scale your work down to a small level. After lunch, you’ll have time to paint en plein air in the beautiful gardens and adjacent village of Ilsington (when we’re not off on one of our three painting adventures!). Leslie will be there to guide and help you take your art to the next level. The retreat is limited to 15 students to allow for personalised guidance.

Three inspiring day trips to some of Leslie’s favourite places will allow you to experience and paint a variety of what Devon has to offer: a full day painting in the idyllic seaside village of Shaldon at a secret beach; a visit to the popular medieval town of Totnes, where you can paint everything from a castle to a river; and an afternoon jaunt to one of the most picturesque and charming moorland villages, Widecome-in-the-Moor, followed by a hike to one of the tors characteristic of Dartmoor (those who don’t want to hike can paint the tor!). By the end of the week, you’ll have a wealth of inspiration and knowledge to carry you forward with your art practice.

What’s Included:
• Art Classes, Individual Instruction, and Demonstrations with Leslie

• 7 nights of accommodation at Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa

• Full use of the spa, workout room, sauna, steam room, indoor pool, and therapy pool

• 7 Daily Breakfasts and 3-course Dinners with non-alcoholic beverages

• A welcome drink on the first night

• A wine tasting experience

• 4 lunches on site and 2 packed lunches for day trips

• 4 mid-morning power smoothies

• Tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit available throughout the day in the Haytor Room (our private classroom with adjacent garden)

• Full use of all the Haytor Room and common areas of the hotel, including cozy lounges and beautiful gardens (with croquet lawn).

• A Devonshire Cream Tea Experience

• Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, sketching paper

• A small selection of Leslie’s personal art library to browse and use for photo references (in the Haytor Room)

• Art trip to Shaldon and Ness Beach

• Art trip to Totnes and Totnes Castle

• Art trip to Widecombe-in-the-Moor and Haytor

• Art trip to Ilsington village (walking distance to hotel)

• All local taxes and tourist fees

• Private transportation for all planned activities

• Hotel staff to assist you with all of your personal needs

• Access to a private Facebook page beginning on January 1st 2026 for Leslie and all retreat members to meet and chat

What’s not included:
• Airfare

• Travel Insurance

• Transportation to and from the hotel (because people will be arriving from various places, Leslie will individually help you find the best way to reach the hotel. Taxis from Exeter Airport, Exeter St.David’s Train Station, or Newton Abbot Train Station are easily available. This means that YOU can arrive as soon as check-in, or later in the day depending on your individual travel arrangements.)

• Art materials (a detailed list will be provided four months in advance)

• A small restaurant and bar is located in the hotel for your convenience. Although ALL meals will be provided, this is an additional resource where you can purchase any extra drinks or snacks that you might desire.

• Other expenses guests might incur on their own