Spring Painting Break - Celebrate the Return of Colour!
Join Derbyshire artist Hazel Money and friendly, likeminded company in this peaceful rural location and enjoy an art holiday with a difference. Suitable for all abilities including complete beginners, we will be inspired by the centre's tranquil, leafy surroundings as we head into the Springtime. Focussing on themes such as spring woodlands and early flowering bulbs, we will try out different mediums and methods, with a spring themed still-life set up in our studio room for some direct observational work and as a starting point for more abstract interpretations and experiments. You may also wish to venture out of doors, weather permitting! Your tutor Hazel will give short demonstrations and offer a number of structured workshops for you to try, including mixed media and abstracts, and also a useful workshop focussing on mixing useful spring greens.
Alternatively, you may also decide put your feet up or work on your own existing project - everyone is welcome to let their inspiration lead them in different directions. One-to-one help and advice will be available all week for all those arty questions you have as you go along.
Do you have an idea of what you'd like to acheive but can't quite make a start? Maybe you love painting but need some inspiration to give you a push? Maybe you feel that you could try a different medium or approach? Perhaps you just need to give yourself time to develop your own work in the company of other likeminded people. This relaxing art break will give you the opportunity to let you respond creatively and try new ways to express yourself.
General materials are supplied, plus specific items which may be used in the workshops, with participants bringing any extra painting materials they wish to use during the week. Painting will take place in the studio as well as the grounds of the Nightingale Centre and with optional trips to the local area, using shared cars at the individuals own risk.
If you have previously enjoyed attending our annual Summer Art School in July, you will find this break is run on a similarly relaxed basis where you can continue with your own work or follow ideas set out each day for new compositions.
Arrive from 4 pm on Monday 13th April, departing at 2 pm on Thursay the 16th April 2026.
The programme details along with the suggested list of materials will be forwarded 4 weeks prior to the workshop start date.
Your accommodation
The Nightingale Centre at Great Hucklow, near Tideswell in Derbyshire is a spacious, warm and friendly residential centre where you will have your own single-occupancy en-suite room. Meals are set out in the communal restaurant area and the car park is very close-to, with access ramp. The teaching room is light, secure and surrounded by the wonderful Derbyshire countryside. You can choose to stay non-residential if you live locally, or prefer your own choice of accommodation (Derbyshire is full of places to stay). Non-painting partners are also welcome, please enquire for availability and pricing options. All different dietary options are catered for, so please do advise us, or ask for details when you book your place. We hope that you will enjoy your stay!
Price Options:
Fully residential places (four nights) £540 single en-suite room
Non-residential place £270, includes lunches and dinners, and refreshments
An £80 deposit is payable to secure your booking (Please see How to Pay ) balance fees are payable 8 weeks prior to the start date. Terms and Conditions apply.
Above - the glorious setting of the Nightingale Centre in the heart of the Peak District, Derbyshire.
Below - colourful indoor painting fun, and a quick demonstration using graphite with Hazel
