Anglesey
September 4-7 | Anglesey
Welcome to our painting retreat at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens on the beautiful Island of Anglesey. During your stay with us we hope that you will enjoy both the formal and guided art sessions along with your free to roam time. You’ll be able to follow along, ask questions and do it your way.
Everyone has the creative inside. We are here to help you develop it.
The Place – Anglesey
Once you have been to Anglesey you cannot help but be captivated by its unique beauty; whether watching a stunning sunset at South Stack lighthouse; boats bobbing in Beaumaris; taking in the breathtaking views over the Menai straits or relaxing on one of its many beaches, Anglesey has it all.
During the art retreat you will be staying at the historic Plas Cadnant estate, a short stroll from the town of Menai Bridge, which boasts a variety of independent shops, vegan cafes and restaurants. There will be some free time when you can take a walk to the town or simply relax in the gardens. If you would like to lengthen your stay to take advantage of more of Anglesey’s gems, we can surely recommend places to stay and visit.
The Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Mon in Welsh) is separated from the mainland by two picturesque bridges: the Britannia Bridge and the Menai Suspension Bridge. Anglesey was known as Mam Cymru because of its fertile lands and formed the breadbasket of Wales. Today it has several thriving towns including the historic town of Beaumaris with its castle built by Edward 1 and Holyhead on Holy Island which is the main ferry port to Dublin.
Anglesey enjoys an unrivalled reputation for wildlife spotting. It is no accident that the famous painter Charles Tunnicliffe made his home here and documentied many native sea birds. You can see his work at Oriel Mon. We also boast a healthy population of red squirrels in the woods surrounding Newborough and Penrhos; puffin colonies at South Stack and Risso dolphins at Point Lynas. Of course, these are seasonal, but we promise plenty for you to see during your visit. Hopefully one day you will return.
The Venue – Plas Cadnant
Described as one of the most “Amazing Retreats” on the Isle of Anglesey. The unique 200-acre Georgian Manor private estate is situated overlooking the Menai Straits. The cottages are set within 10 acres of beautiful gardens and mature woodlands which lead down to secluded waterfalls and the river Cadnant. Why not take a dip ??!
In 1996 the present owner bought the estate and work began on the restoration of the historic garden and is now considered as one of the finest gardens in Wales.
Plas Cadnant dates back to 1804 when John Price built his Georgian house there and cultivated its cottage gardens. Its trees waterfalls and plants now provide the perfect inspiration for painters.
You will be staying at the Coach House with its homely log fire, immaculately kept bedrooms, oak beams, slate floors and friendly entertaining space for painting and dining. In the evening there will be time to relax on the sofas around the fire with fellow artists or maybe finishing up some work from earlier in the day.
How to get here
By rail. Your nearest railway station is Bangor.
From Bangor city centre
Follow the road to the Telford suspension bridge (A4080)
After crossing the bridge, turn right at the small roundabout (2nd exit)
Follow the road signed Beaumaris through Menai Bridge (A545) until you see a new road bridge ahead, approximately half a mile further on
Turn left at the lay-by (with white lines on it) just before the bridge and Plas Cadnant Estate entrance is 50m along on the left
From the A55 Expressway Mainland
After crossing the Britannia Bridge, take the first slip road.
Turn right at the T junction (A4080) taking you back under the expressway towards Menai Bridge and Beaumaris
At the roundabout go straight ahead (second exit) and downhill into the centre of Menai Bridge
Turn left at the main road towards Beaumaris (A545), through Menai Bridge town until you see a new road bridge ahead
Turn left at the lay-by (with white lines on it) just before the bridge and Plas Cadnant Estate entrance Is 50m along on the left.
Accommodation – The Coach House
The coach house can accommodate up to 12 people on 2 floors with 6 bedrooms and an impressive upstairs dining space. The rooms have been designed with a mix of twins, doubles and singles providing flexible accommodation for any combination of visitors’ needs.
On the ground floor you can find two double bedrooms, a twin bedroom and a triple bedroom. There is also a bathroom with bath and shower on this floor. One of the double bedrooms has the advantage of an ensuite shower too.
On the first floor there is a double and a single bedroom
The cottage was part of the original dwelling in the 1600s and has been restored to the highest standard. With crisp bedding and stunning views from every window, the Coach House is the perfect combination of relaxation and luxury.
Parking is available for 6 cars.
Room Details
The Double Ensuite
A beautiful carved wooden bed with wardrobe and drawers with the benefit of an ensuite bathroom
Twin Beds
Two wood carved twin beds with wooden wardrobe and a shared bathroom 
A beautiful four poster bed and wooden wardrobe. Double Bed (Shared Bathroom)
Triple Single Beds
3 single beds with wooden wardrobe and shared bathroom 
Double Bedroom 1st Floor
This includes double brass bed
Single brass Bed with a shared bathroom The Single Room 1st Floor
So here is what we shall do…
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It's time to make yourself at home in the beautiful coach house and share a coffee or a glass of wine with your fellow creatives. Supper will be served at 7pm after which you will be free to explore your wonderful surroundings or head into town. Anglesey is your oyster for the evening.
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Once everyone has eaten breakfast we will sit at the huge table in the coach house and get our paints out.
We will firstly explore the paint and how to use it in different ways to create textures and patterns. We will also paint two colour wheels so we can see what can be achieved with just a small set of primary colours plus black and white. This will help you to see how the paint behaves and how gouache tends to shade shift as it dries.
After lunch we will do some nature studies and, weather permitting, go outside to sketch in the grounds and do some plein-air painting in sketchbooks. Then we will head back in and talk about any challenges anyone is having so we can work through them.
In the evening after supper you will be free to explore the gardens after the public have left, relax in front of the open fire, read, sketch and generally do what makes you happy.
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Today we will be heading out for a walk to explore the church on the straits. It's only a short walk so bring your cameras to take reference pictures, a sketchbook and a flask.
We will head back for lunch and then begin a finished piece of your choice using the references you have taken. It can be a close up, a person you saw and found interesting, a building, anything you want to challenge yourself with. I'll be there to guide you if you need help. We will work on these all afternoon with breaks for tea, cake and natters.
After supper there will be a little exhibition of everyone's work. We can all stand open mouthed as we wonder at everything you've achieved. Then, just for fun, an outside adjudicator will join us and pick a winner who will receive a small prize for their efforts.
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Breakfast will be served between 7.30 and 8.30 after which you will have free time before you leave Plas Cadnant hopefully with a sense of achievement, full of cake and joy and feeling relaxed. Check out is 10am
Gouache
Gouache is often thought of as a child's paint or something to practise with. It can, in fact be both, but it is also so much more. In fact, the paint itself isn’t much different from the paint used in cave paintings which I think, is testament to how good it is. It's also pretty eco-friendly as paint goes.
Unlike its cousin, watercolour, gouache can be used to create large flat areas of velvety colour. It can be used to layer and you can easily work light over dark (which can make cleaning up the odd mistake a breeze). It can be used for everything from delicate pastel skin tones to bold and punchy graphic pieces... what's not to love? Also, unlike acrylic which will sit forever where it's placed once it's dry, gouache can effortlessly blend with the colours underneath as it reactivates with water. This can be a blessing or a bind but I will teach you how to use this to your advantage.
It's such a creamy, velvety and addictive joy to paint with...it even comes out of the carpet when you drop your paintbrush!
A mixed media sketchbook. Strathmore have some nice ones and toned ones are great.
Something to draw with. For example, pencils, pens or charcoal.
A putty rubber
Synthetic brushes. A selection of flat, round and filbert, We will be working no bigger that 12x8. Meeden make a set of 10 which are perfect for gouache. You don’t need expensive brushes for this paint!
A Palette. Here, anything goes, A white plate, a tin, a stay wet palette. Whatever you like to use.
Gouache paint. We will be providing some basic colours for the indoor practice sessions but if you would like to paint outside or in the evenings please feel free to bring your own. Windsor and Newton’s designer gouache, Holbein, Shinhan, and Meeden are all lovely to use, Of course if you want to paint in another medium during your free time, bring what makes you happy,
Something to sit on when we go to draw outside. A small stool if you like a comfortable place to rest your bot bot.
Any surface you like to paint on. Gouache works on a thick paper. A hot pressed or cold pressed watercolour paper is ideal but any paper that has a bit of weight will work. Also, illustration board and stiff canvas boards will work. We will be providing paper for the workshop pieces but if you want to use your own, thats absolutely fine too.
What materials to bring along
Food
A message from your Chef, Dave.
To help fuel your creativity throughout the retreat, I will offer homemade dishes using the finest quality ingredients from here on Anglesey. I will deal in food metres and not miles.
We are blessed here on the island, with a wealth of passionate people who put their hearts and souls into making sure they produce ingredients that are second to none. From quality meats, vegetables, and cheeses, to hand crafted breads. I want you to leave feeling refreshed and satisfied, having experienced the very best of what Anglesey has to offer.
I myself have a healthy appetite for simple, quality cooked meals. I’ve been cooking for over 30 years both at home and within professional kitchens. I’m very approachable and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the produce during your stay.
You will take in a 3 course dinner each evening of the retreat, and a light cooked and continental breakfast each morning. Lunchtime will be informal and buffet style to allow you to continue with your masterpieces. Finally, a light afternoon cream tea with homemade cake including Welsh cakes will be served in the afternoon.
There will be tea, coffee and water available throughout your stay.
Whilst we will try to cover pre-notified dietary requirements, we are not able to allow for severe allergies, food or otherwise, and cannot guarantee an allergen-free kitchen or cross contamination controls which may be necessary for some conditions.
Apart from a glass of fizz on arrival, alcohol will not be available. However, please feel free to bring your own.
Extras you will need:
Good walking shoes and comfortable clothes
Ipad, phone or camera
Something to sit on outside
Art materials (list provided)
What’s included:
Fully catered
Fully supported painting practice
What’s not included:
Alcoholic drinks
Transfers or transport to and from the event
Travel insurance
Pricing
A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking.
The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 12 weeks before the start of the retreat.
Shared Rooms
Double Shared Bedroom – £895 per person
Twin Shared Bedroom – £895 per person
Double Ensuite Shared Bedroom – £925 per person
Solo Occupancy
Double Solo Occupancy – £1,075
Twin Solo Occupancy – £1,075
Double Ensuite Solo Occupancy – £1,095
Single Solo Occupancy – £945
Other
Non-Participating Partner – £725
Prices for shared rooms are per person. Room sharing will be arranged by the organiser unless booking together.
Please note our shared occupancy twin and triple rooms are single sex only. You will not be asked to share a room with a member of the opposite sex.