Brambles Art Retreat

We are closed during lockdown.

Tutors Peter Davies and Janet Brady have been hosting painting courses for 17 years. It all began with courses at their cottage in Devon and now at many other locations worldwide.

There is no bigger compliment than a satisfied customer.

“Thank you for the wonderful 5 days we spent with you in October. We loved it, our room was delightful, the food as delicious and Janet, Peter & Jupiter (the dog) could not have ben more welcoming. The art was fabulous; Janet & Peter are truly great artists and superb teachers. We learnt so much, tried new things and came away not only with new skills but feeling really inspired. We enjoyed it so much that we are returning again in February!” Tracey and Jackie – Brambles 2020

“Thanks once again for a really enjoyable week. Good company, hospitality and lots of learning.“ Sylvia – Amalfi 2019

“A very big thank you from us both, but particularly me, for such a wonderful week. “ Mary – Corfu 2019

“Thank you so much for a marvellous time at Brambles it was such fun! Great food, tuition and company.” Clare – Brambles 2018

“I can’t believe it was only last week I was packing to come down to your wonderful retreat. I had such a good time with you all and am only sorry I couldn’t have longer. ..So much to learn!” Juliet – Brambles 2018

Brambles host holidays all over the world. They feel it’s important to get the best out of a trip for guests, providing good hotels, great food, amazing locations, and special events. They like to change the trip locations each year, keeping it fresh, and are always looking for new exciting places to paint.

Long haul destinations – The Trip to Japan it was amazing! Experiencing such a different culture was fun, the people were polite and friendly, very organised and welcoming. The food was really different from our western diet and very enjoyable. They had a guide 24/7 and she was proud to show off her country and culture in so many ways. Painting and Sketching at inspirational locations, interspersed with studio days.
Most memorable event – seeing Mount Fuji in real life, it’s huge, it was a WOW moment! Breathtaking!
Most fun – eating at a different restaurant every night, tasting a full range of Japanese food.
Most inspirational Location: The shore of Lake Kawaguchiko with the best view of Mt Fuji straight ahead!
Reviews

Their trips to India, to Darjeeling in the Himalayas, were exploratory, loose, and free-flowing. People were inquisitive, friendly and helpful.
Most memorable events: visiting the Taj Mahal, and watching the sunrise shine on Everest at 5.30 am from Tiger Hill in Darjeeling.
Most Fun events: several hairy rides in Tuck tucks! Fireworks at Dewali.
Most inspirational location: The view from the Deck at Karmi a Farm.

Europe – “We love Italy! “
Venice was special, such an incredible location. Arriving For the first time in style, by water taxi was a real treat. Their hotel – two minutes from St Marks Sq. Everywhere was paintable, it’s busy but easy to find beautiful off the beaten track paintable places. Wonderful food and wine. They went to a performance of La Traviata at La Fenice. It was so grand. The whole place is magical.
Most memorable moment: Arriving by sea.
Most fun moments: Taking a gondola ride and a scary traghetto.
Most memorable location: Painting St Marks from the square.

The Amalfi Coast took their breath away. Deciding to hire a car was not recommended, but they did it anyway. The roads were narrow the traffic was challenging. Their hotel was superb, with the most relaxed welcoming, family-run business they have ever known. The locations were stunning.
Most memorable moment: Taking a boat along the coast and town hopping.
Most fun moments: Watching “Scouse” tourists try and walk in platform shoes on cobbles in tiny mountain villages. And asking for a light lunch then three courses arriving, one a huge plate of pasta.
Most memorable locations: The Cimbrone Gardens in Ravello, Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Ancora di Chianti – a beautiful Italian home, nestled in the Chianti hills.
Surrounded by olive groves and vines, with long views of the countryside. Laura the host is always so warm and welcoming. Their chef made locally speciality dishes, and the warm evenings on the terrace, by candlelight, were magical. Phillipo her husband makes the wine, they paint the grapes on the vines and sit in the tranquil olive groves. When it gets hot, they have a fabulous air-conditioned studio surrounded by acres of grounds to explore and paint.
Most memorable moment: Misty hills in the morning.
Most fun moment: Wine tasting at Castello Verrazzano.
Most memorable location: The Olive groves.
Review

Living in the centre of Florence For a week was inspirational. You start to get a feel of the routine, the energy and pace of the city. The accommodation an apartment only yards from Piazza del Signoria. It’s a busy city, full of tourists milling around, exploring everything, they learnt to ignore them. Painting the city is challenging, knowing the right time of day for the best light and shade is important.
Most memorable moments: Finding the Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella after visiting Florence for twenty years, a Wow moment! Seeing fireflies sparkling as you walk back through the streets from the Boboli gardens, and visiting the Ufizzi to see the Michelangelo’s.
Most fun moments: climbing to the top of the Duomo, scared of heights, but it’s worth it!
Most inspirational location: Drawing and painting the Ponto Vecchio.

And there have been many many more locations……..
GREECE – Corfu, villas by the sea, ancient crumbly towns in the hills.
FRANCE – Montbrun, Miropoix, Chateaux Belleneau.
MOROCCO – Marrakech and Essaouira and Eureeka in the Altas Mountains
CITY BREAKS –
Paris – painting the Eiffel Tower, sketching at Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame. Dinner up the Eiffel tower.
Rome – painting the city streets, Visiting the Vatican Museum the Pantheon and the Colosseum. Painting in the Forum.
Barcelona – Guell Parc and the Sagrada Familia. Dinner in a wine cellar.

UK
Brambles Art Retreat – And last but not least Brambles their home in Devon. It all began when they decide to host painting courses at home. Residential weekend and 5 day breaks in Devon. They provide a relaxing environment to learn and experience painting and drawing. Wether in their garden studio or out and about at great locations nearby.

Staying in their Country cottage that was built in the 1600s is an experience to remember. It’s set in the tiny hamlet of Sprytown on the border of Devon and a Cornwall, with long views of Dartmoor National park. Their home has open fires, traditional low beams and doors, slate floors, a big country kitchen, and the warmth of the Aga. Set in 3/4 acre of garden, half-tamed, they grow our fruit and vegetables. There are flowers and trees in abundance, several outbuildings, a large garden studio and their beautiful pink cottage, all very paintable.

Other Uk locations….

The Isle of Skye – Elgol – An amazing location with a view from the picture window of the Cullins mountain range, often in full sunset – breathtakingly beautiful.

Calamansac – Port Navas – Cornwall – set in 56 acres of meadowland this house is truly special. Views of Frenchman’s Creek, via the private beach on the Helford river. , Its secluded forest turns into a dream of a bluebell wood.

Their newest location for 2021 Cork – Southern Ireland.