Would you like to join me? The dates are:
Saturday 7th - Wednesday 11 October 2023
I'm often asked if I teach or take groups painting and now the opportunity has arrived!
Together with Karen Simmonds, founder of multi award winning travel agency, 'Travel Matters.' We look forward to spending four nights by Loch Tay, sharing and enjoying the delights of not only painting by the Loch but also swimming in it!
Click on the Travel Matters link for further information and Booking
About…
A unique bespoke Outdoor Painting & Wild Swimming Retreat on the banks of Loch Tay, Scotland - Saturday 7 - Wednesday 11 October 2023
In a magnificent Edwardian Lodge on the banks of Loch Tay, this outstanding new retreat runs for four nights and five days, facilitated by Plein air Artist, Susanna MacInnes and wild swimmer Karen Simmonds. Morning swims in Loch Tay with invaluable information on safely swimming in cold water and the health benefits therein, will be followed by a painting session until lunchtime, then the afternoons are yours. Roam in the spectacular countryside surrounding the lodge, ancient woodlands, cascading burns and the nearby mythical Waterfalls of Archan, all looked over by the brooding Ben Lawers mountain range. You are cordially invited to take a step into the great unknown, and emerge rejuvenated, creative and inspired.
The Edwardian Lodge
Breakfasts, Lunches & Evening Meals will be catered for by a private chef giving you time to enjoy the majestic views over Loch Tay.
All Activities are included.
The Morning Dip
We will swim in Loch Tay each morning, and learn how to safely swim in cold water with breathing techniques, how to heat up your core and understand what happens to our bodies during and after immersion. You will experience the transforming benefits of cold water to the system, from improved circulation, muscle relief from pain and mental health. We will encourage you to feel the full benefits of cold water to body and mind by not wearing a wetsuit! Whether you just put a toe in, or swim for several minutes, we go at your pace.
The Painting Session
Over four mornings between 10am and 1pm. Susanna is passionate about painting from, and in nature. She welcomes all artists from the occasional painter to those who aim to paint every day. Loch Tay and the surrounding estate are bursting with inspiring subjects as well as an ever changing landscape exuding atmosphere
On this course Susanna will explore different aspects of outdoor painting from the practicalities of painting outside, choosing a composition, capturing light, water and reflections and working in oils. An opportunity to share work and benefit from each other’s ideas will be encouraged at the end of each day.
The Daily Programme
You will be given a sketch book at the beginning and are encouraged to sketch each day. We prefer you not to have your phones on you except for taking pictures at swim and walk times, and check it only when you are in your rooms. There is a large stone built ‘Snug’ with a significant open fire and Library, also with open fire, television, baby grand piano and media and entertainment room if required. We will also have times around the firepit outside and inside around the fire to sing around the piano, talk and gather.
Photo Credit Gary Ellis Sample Itinerary
•8am. Swim in Loch Tay
•9am. Breakfast
•10am. Painting demonstration
•10.30am. Painting session
•1.15pm. Lunch & Free Afternoon*
•4pm. A final dip before sunset for the brave at heart!
•6pm relax and reading/sketching time
•7pm. Drinks in “Snug”, sharing of the day
•8pm. Dinner
*The afternoons are optional to paint or walk (there will be group walks if required)
Your Hosts
Susanna MacInnes specialises in oil painting outdoors in all weathers and lights. She studied Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University and Ecole des Beaux Arts, Rennes. A professional Artist for over twenty years, exhibiting annually in London and Suffolk. She featured as a contestant on Skyarts Landscape Artist of the year and is known on social media as @pindroppainter. To view her work visit her website www.pindroppainting.com
Member of the Chelsea Art Society and Chelsea Arts Club
Karen Simmonds is the Founder & CEO of Travel Matters. Karen has been providing tailor made holidays & experiences for 23 years. Her hunger for adventure has symbiotically merged with her sense of Sustainability, which inherently paved the way for the Make Travel Matter™ Campaign – aimed to ensure economic prosperity, social equality and environmental & cultural protection. Karen is an avid open-water swimmer and is well known amongst the SW swimming community.
