Photos by Annabel Crichard
Photos by Annabel Crichard
Photos by Annabel Crichard
Photos by Annabel Crichard
Watercolour And Calligraphy Retreat
Join Helen Ridley Illustration and Jodie Rose Calligraphy for a day filled with the soothing flow of ink on paper and the vibrant hues of watercolours.
We will guide you through the intricacies of calligraphy and watercolour painting, helping you discover the beauty of penmanship and the meditative rhythm of each brush stroke.
Guest host Sharon will be joining us to bring a wonderful, relaxing breath work session to this day retreat.
After a sold out Autumn Event, you can join the now book tickets for the next retreat on 6th April 2025.
Spring Retreat Details:
Date: Sunday 6th April 2025
Time: 10am - 4.30pm
Location: The Garden Gallery, Museum of Farnham, 38 West St, Farnham GU9 7DX
Testimonials From Our Autumn Retreat Guests
A gorgeous retreat
“Helen and Jodie thought of every last detail. From the immaculately put together personalised box with everything we needed for the day, to the delicious lunch and yummy cookies for afternoon pick me up. It was such a special way to take time for myself and lose myself in creativity. Gorgeous venue too. 5 stars, smashed it, thank you ladies!”
- Sarah
A truly wonderful day
“Helen, Jodie and Jodie’s mum hosted an excellent event. It was well organised, welcoming and very creative in a lovely setting. Both Helen and Jodie ran excellent workshops that were easy to follow and resulted in some lovely art created by every one who attended. The box of supplies was excellent quality and a delight to receive. I would definitely recommend future events”
- Jennifer
The Retreat Was Superb
“[I had a] brilliant time at the art retreat by Jodie and Helen. The communication before the retreat was excellent, I knew exactly what to expect.
The retreat was superb. So well thought out, led and hosted. The two workshops - watercolour florals and dip pen calligraphy were really well thought out to work together and we ended up with finished pieces. Both Jodie and Helen are excellent teachers.
Lunch was delicious and we were well fuelled with tea, coffee and drinks throughout the day. We also each got a box with all the supplies needed, beautifully laid out and presented.
The venue was lovely too and so nicely decorated. Would highly recommend. Thanks so much for a very lovely day!”
Roche
About The Retreat
3 Workshops
You will split into 2 groups of 12 with one group starting on the 2 hour watercolour workshop and the other with a 2 hour calligraphy workshop. After lunch, the groups with switch over. We will then end the day with a 30 minute relaxation experience.
Refreshments
On arrival, you will receive a non-alcoholic welcome drink of your choice. At lunch time, there will be a gorgeous spread of healthy food for you to enjoy. Throughout the retreat, there will be hot and cold drinks available.
What's included?
Everything is included in the price - food, drinks and art kits to use throughout the day and to take home with you (pen holder, nib, ink, worksheets, watercolour paints, paint brush and palette).
About The Workshops
Watercolour Painting
Helen Ridley Illustration will lead you through how to paint floral arrangements, using different brush stroke techniques.
Pointed Pen Calligraphy
Jodie Rose will lead you through the basics of the pen pressures and strokes before moving onto letterforms, forming words and adding in simple flourishes.
Breathwork
To round off this wonderful day retreat, you will be indulged into the world of relaxation, with a short breathwork session by Sharon.
The Venue
The Garden Gallery, part of the Farnham Museum in the centre of Farnham. These secluded walled gardens are a beautiful and peaceful space
Directions: head to the Farnham Museum on West St. and go to the left side of the building (as you look at it). There is a white gate along there which opens up to the garden of the museum. The Garden Gallery is at the end of that garden, which is where the retreat will be held.
There's plenty of free parking around the area, including West St. but none on site of the museum itself.
Address
The Garden Gallery, West Street, Farnham, GU9 7DX
FAQs
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Yes, The Garden Gallery (part of Farnham Museum) a ground level venue and fully wheelchair accessible. For specific accessibility information, please feel free to phone the venue directly to ask any questions - 01252 715094
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Yes absolutely! We have designed both the watercolour and calligraphy to be suitable for both beginners and those with more experience. Each workshop will include warm up exercises and demonstrations as well as worksheets to follow to create your final projects.
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Please let us know upon booking your space what your dietary requirements are so we can pass them onto the catering company. Please ensure you make it clear if it is a serious allergy.
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Of course, there are plenty of left handed calligraphers. Jodie Rose will guide you through any questions you have and will give you tips throughout the workshop.
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Modern Calligraphy is more like drawing, than writing. It's a slow and mindful activity where you form letters from single strokes, instead of rushing through the letters to write. So long as you take your time, you will be just fine at learning this form of lettering.
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Yes! The tutors are very hands on throughout the workshops and will answer any questions you have. The demonstrations and worksheets are very detailed too. Helen knows how to mix any colour - she's a watercolour wizard.
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The retreat starts at 10:00 and finishes at 16:30. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to ensure you have time to settle in, grab a drink and get chatting to the other attendees! There will be a small shop of items from Jodie Rose and Helen after the retreat ends.
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Yes, there is plenty of parking around Farnham and as it's a Sunday, it'll likely be free. There's on-the-road parking outside Farnham Museum on West Street, or the (paid for) Waitrose car park is a short walk away.
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The Garden Gallery, 38 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DX
It is accessed via a side gate to the museum and the venue is at the end of the museum's garden.
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We understand circumstances can change, but we cannot offer a refund. Instead, you're able to transfer your space to a loved one or if there is enough time to do so, and the event is sold out, we will contact our waitlist to see if we can find someone to take your space.
