Editorial listing | This page has been compiled by the AtelierBound editorial team using publicly available information and is not managed by the retreat host. Pricing, dates, and availability should be confirmed directly with the host before making any plans. Last verified: March 3 2026. If you run this retreat, claim your listing at hosts@atelierbound.com to take full control of your page, add your own photographs, and respond to guest enquiries. --------------- July 19 - 25 2026 The ideal chance to dive into 5 days of watercolour fun – getting to grips with this wonderful medium while finding and developing your own artistic voice, whatever your current level. It’s also the perfect introduction to painting from life and working outdoors. Set in the beautiful and extensive grounds of Westcott Barton in Devon, this is the perfect place to immerse yourself in watercolour, switch off from everyday life, and simply enjoy painting in a supportive and inspiring environment. One of the days we’ll also head out further afield to sketch and paint at carefully chosen spots nearby – with the stunning Devon coastline right on our doorstep! The week has a gentle structure that steadily builds over the 5 days, equipping you with the foundations of watercolour: tonal values, composition, colour mixing, edges, and how to bring everything together – including how to look at your subject, which can sometimes feel overwhelming, and translate it into a painting. Along the way you’ll paint from life, photos, and sketches, while exploring different approaches to the medium. A continual thread runs through it all – capturing the light and creating lively, dramatic watercolours. Tom’s speciality as a tutor is not only in making the principles and techniques of watercolour clear, fun, and exciting – but also in helping you discover your way of painting. Expect plenty of demonstrations, guided exercises, and one-to-one support throughout the retreat. Above all, the emphasis is on enjoying the medium. You’ll be encouraged to play, to take risks, and to develop your own practice – in whichever direction feels right for you. Weather allowing, we’ll be painting outdoors in the grounds as much as possible. But there’s also a welcoming studio space for when you prefer to work indoors, or to balance life painting with photos and sketches. Ultimately, this is your retreat – a chance to learn, recharge, and take your watercolour painting to the next level. Painting Media Whilst this is a watercolour week, with all demonstrations in watercolour, Tom is very happy for you to bring along other mediums as well (or even instead of) Tom has extensive experience teaching and guiding artists across all mediums, and while the technicalities may differ, many of the core concepts and principles are entirely transferable. This could include line and wash, pen, pencil, or even charcoal sketching. Gouache or acrylics also work beautifully, and even oils are very welcome. In short — any medium is welcome, though the focus of the week, in terms of demonstrations and group tuition, will be on watercolour. Bookings are accepted in GBP. USD Price is an approximate conversion, and other rates are available for shared occupancy or non-participant partners. We welcome non-residential participants on our retreats​/​courses - please enquire for further details.

Website Link

https://westcottbarton.co.uk/art-retreat-shepherd-july-5-day-2026?utm_source=atelierbound&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=listing

What's Included

- Tuition, accommodation and meals during your stay, including an evening meal on day of arrival and breakfast on day of departure.

What to Bring

Students will need to bring their own painting equipment. Tom is very happy to advise in detail on any aspect – from colour choices to setup – either by email or over the phone. As a general overview, you’ll need your chosen medium and the equipment you normally use with it. Many students enjoy using the retreat as an opportunity to fill a sketchbook, while others prefer working on larger sheets of paper – or anywhere in between. Sketchbooks are especially handy for our day out, though bringing a more substantial setup is also absolutely fine. Stools and small tables, plus foldout easels, and small boards are available to take out on the grounds and stools on the day out. All though many like to bring their own stools too. If you are travelling form abroad and don’t wish to carry lots of heavy or large equipment (just your actual painting gear), we can sort things for you. Some people are comfortable working on their laps, particularly with watercolour and sketching. Others may prefer a standing easel, tripod, or pochade box. You might also want to bring a lightweight fold-out stool or chair if you’d like to work seated. The main thing is to think about the medium(s) you plan to work with, and how you like to paint. A more detailed materials guide will be sent out about a month before the retreat.

Leader Bio

Tom Shepherd has spent many years travelling up and down the UK teaching and demonstrating. He runs a wide range of his own workshops and courses, and has also led many painting holidays abroad. In that time, he has become a highly regarded and much sought-after tutor. From complete beginners to more experienced artists, Tom loves helping others discover the joys of painting. He is passionate about supporting people to grow in confidence, develop their skills, and advance their own creative practice. Tom’s art journey began in an unusual place – creating custom artwork on guitars with graffiti pens. A move towards brushes and more traditional mediums opened up an entirely new world, and he hasn’t looked back since. His work has been featured in publications such as Artists & Illustrators Magazine and is widely collected across the UK and, more recently, internationally. He has also been a highly commended finalist in the world-renowned Wildlife Artist of the Year competition on several occasions.