7 Day All-inclusive, Painting Retreat in Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight
This will be released for sale at 9am on Sunday 14th June and places can be reserved for a £100, non-refundable, deposit.
Read the full details below…
Join me on this all-inclusive, residential, 7-night painting break on the Isle of Wight; secure your place for a deposit of just £100 per person, for Friday 2 - Friday 9 July 2027
About this course:
Paint the glorious views and vistas of the Isle of Wight; wide-open seascapes, hidden bays and clifftop coastal scenes.
During this retreat, you will have the chance to work plein-air (from life) with me. From our 4* hotel, Freshwater Bay House, we will be within pebble-throwing distance of some of the island’s show-stoppers; the imposing Stag and Mermaid rocks, the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay and the best views of The Needles.
I will both demonstrate and guide you through some of the best methods for painting and sketching outside, in both oils, acrylics and/or gouache (in case of inclement weather, we will have the use of an indoor painting space). Bring your walking boots and a sun hat and join me (for manageable strolls) along coastal paths, and across the sands, with your paints in hand, on what promises to be a fantastic week of painting, in the month of July, in gorgeous surroundings.
What will we paint?
This retreat will be all about the coast; painting the blues of the waters, the crashing movement of the waves, the texture and colours of the rocks and the beautiful wildflowers expected on the coast during July. Whether painting famous sights like The Needles or smaller, colourful, beach moments, we will explore a range of painting techniques to capture the life and drama of the coast.
What is included:
Full painting tuition for 5-days (Sat, Sun, Mon/Tues, Wed and Thurs - with a free day on Mon or Tues to explore the island at your leisure) including group demonstrations and plenty of 1-1 guidance, working from 10am - 4pm
Fully planned itinerary: based around the weather, paintable locations and convenient amenities
7-nights accommodation from Friday 2 - Friday 9 July 2027
All food (including breakfast, a picnic lunch and evening dinner).
Free parking, Wifi and use of the amenities and public rooms in the hotel
The Accommodation:
Our home for this fully inclusive retreat will be Freshwater Bay House. Freshwater Bay House has well-appointed guest rooms, three cosy lounges (one has a grand piano), a licensed bar, and a light-filled restaurant for a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. There’s a handy boot and drying room, books and games to borrow during your stay, and a Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and easy-to-follow information for self-guided walks. Equally fabulous is the putting green, and lovely gardens with paths leading down to the beach in one direction and Tennyson Down in the other. For sunny days, there’s an outdoor heated pool with a seating area and far-reaching sea views.
Non-painting partners are warmly welcomed to join this retreat to take advantage of the accommodation, food, amenities and ideal location for further exploring the Isle of Wight.
Seasonal dining, tailored for you:
The hotel will feed us well, starting each day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from a continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Each day, we will also be given a personalised picnic lunch, perfect for a day out sketching, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes, before coming back to the hotel for our evening meal, showcasing a vibrant range of summer dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.
For more information about the hotel, click here.
All participants are required to arrange / bring the following:
Travel to and from the hotel - you will need to be able to drive and organise your own ferry or hovercraft crossing to the island, to both get to the hotel and to get around to the different painting / walking locations during the week.
Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for everyone. You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.
Your own preferred painting tools and materials, suitable for plein-air work. A detailed materials list will be sent to participants nearer the time.
Participants working in all painting mediums are welcome to join this retreat. Peter will be working in oils, acrylic and gouache. To see Peter’s usual recommended materials, please take a look at his Artist page on the Jackson’s Art Supplies website, by clicking here.n.b. this is an affiliate link and I will be paid a small commission if you make a purchase from the site.
Pricing and booking:
We have secured an Early Bird offer with this hotel, for a limited number of rooms; to secure this Early Bird price, places must be secured by Friday 10th July 2026, by paying a non-refundable deposit. After this time, we cannot guarantee that a place will still be available or guarantee the price.
Prices are as follows:
Painting participant, sharing a Classic room (double or twin): £1864
Non-painting partners (sharing a room with a painter): £1249
Single rooms incur a £35 supplementary fee
If you have any questions about the pricing, please email us, info@peterkeegan.com or call 01296 733200
FAQ’s
Can I join as a day participant without staying in the hotel?
I’m afraid not. This is an all-inclusive retreat and the package and price I have secured at the hotel is based upon a group booking, meaning that we all need to be guests of at the hotel.
Do I have to share a room?
No, there are a few single rooms for which there is an additional supplement to pay.
How many places does the £100 deposit cover?
Each £100 covers one guest. Painters and non-painters must each pay a deposit.
What will happen after I have paid the deposit?
Kimberley will contact you to confirm your booking and confirm the total cost. She will then discuss and agree a payment plan for you. You can pay in instalments or in full - Kimberley will discuss the options with you.
Is the deposit refundable?
No, I’m afraid not. We will be passing your deposit onto the hotel in July 2026, which secures us this group rate. Their terms are that it is non-refundable.
Will we be the only group at the hotel?
No, there will be other groups at the hotel, we do not have sole occupancy.
Can I come on the holiday as a non-painter?
Non-painting partners, sharing a room with a painter, are most welcome to attend; every room booking must contain at least 1 painting participant.
Will you provide transport?
You are responsible for your transport to and from the hotel, and whilst visiting locations on the island.
Can I attend from outside of the UK?
Absolutely, all are welcome. If you need help getting to the Isle of Wight from an airport, we can provide you with help and assistance to book your transfers.
Why do I need travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking with the hotel that all guests have adequate travel insurance. It is mandatory for everyone travelling on a holiday with them and is a condition of booking (UK and overseas holidays). You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, neither we nor HF holidays, will be liable for any losses arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.
Can I reserve a space now?
Not quite… spaces for this retreat will be released at 9am on Sunday 14th June 2026 and places are first-come, first-served. By giving everyone advance notice of the release date, we think this is the fairest way.
