Melbourne Art Retreats
Tuition takes place in the outdoors as well as in the classroom and there are several opportunities to paint each day.
Participants enjoy several days of solid tuition, delicious home cooked meals and comfortable accomodation all in a nurturing, relaxed, friendly environment. A feature of the experience is always the camaraderie of the group.
Melbourne Art Retreat Dates for 2023
Places are limited so I advise you to book and pay early. Payment secures your place.
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS TO THE 2023 RETREATS
Once you have booked your place further instructions with a more comprehensive schedule, materials list, directions, bedding ECT will be sent to you. I am very excited about the next Retreat and ‘getting away from it all’ –hope to see you there!
Ben Winspear
Ben Q&A RRetreat
COVID 19 refund policy:
If the retreat is cancelled due to covid 19 a full refund will be issued less a small administration fee.
Melbourne Art Retreat Reviews
Attending the end of year retreat was the best decision I made in 2020; five full days of immersive painting, tuition and camaraderie was exactly what I needed. The accommodation was superb – especially the catering. The valley offers breathtaking views and subjects to paint such as Powers Lookout and Paradise Falls. Each year the retreat provides something fresh and exhilarating. Can’t wait for next year!
Michael Watson
To immerse myself in painting for five days, without interruption is such a luxury. The daily tuition is fantastic, Ben is so generous with his knowledge. To watch him paint is a lesson in itself. We had so many opportunities to learn in ways that would not present itself in a classroom setting. I benefit most from jumping in and having a go, which I would not do on my own. The accomodation and environment is perfect for artists and the scenery is so inspiring. I am counting down till the next retreat!
Caroline Lewallen
There is nothing like escaping the city and all of the usual irritations of daily life and heading up to the beautiful mountains, rivers, and lakes of the King River Valley. To be painting every day from dawn to dusk and beyond is such a rare treat for this usually housebound bod. Ben Winspear galvanizes the group of like-minded artists in such a positive way and great friendships are made that there is real regret when the week is over. The accommodation is basic but clean and the food is plentiful. What more could you want?
Denise Tomlinson
6 reviews for King Valley Art Retreat 2023
Christine Carter –
What a wonderful opportunity it was to join Ben and other artists on the King River Retreat. Surrounded by bushland and stunning river views, we painted, enjoyed interesting conversations and deepened our skills and knowledge about all things art under Ben’s patient guidance.The event was fully catered. I can’t wait to go again! ????
Margaret Lacey –
I was totally immersed in painting during this retreat. Ben’s teaching was excellent, focussing on the basics so that you can build skills and grow in your own direction. We got up at dawn every day to go painting, sometimes being under pressure to finish something before breakfast produced surprising results. Ben’s energy and commitment to passing on sound techniques was infectious. I will be signing up again.
Sarah More –
Ben is a thoughtful and patient teacher, and unstintingly generous in sharing his knowledge and experience. He helped make it such an enriching experience to be part of this group retreat. A great setting and environment. The pre-breakfast quick painting sessions were excellent at getting your hand and eye in, and materials ready without fiddling and procrastinating!!
jcurrie –
The valley is beautiful, we painted all day long, the company was great (I arrived knowing no one), we were fed hearty plentiful meals and we received so much wisdom from Ben. Ben took us to all sorts of gorgeous painting spots- rivers, lakes, mountains, and cow filled fields . I am a beginner at oils and a beginner at plein-air but that didn’t matter- being surrounded by so many talented artists was wonderful and inspiring, and the general vibe was inclusivity and encouragement. The accomodation is basic and comfortable, and meals and discussions by the fireplace happened in the cosy camp hall.
A great retreat, can’t wait to go again.
Katrina Pullin –
Another amazing oil painting retreat with Ben Winspear at King Valley, Victoria, Australia. Ben is an extremely experienced and generous teacher, sharing his extensive knowledge with traditional oil painting craft. The location is heaven on earth, food is wholesome and delicious, accommodation basic but clean, hence the bargain low cost retreat. Being surrounded with supportive and encouraging fellow artists is also a highlight of this retreat.
Katrina Pullin –
Photos of paintings from retreat. Pls read my review previously posted.