Art Retreats & Painting Classes

Experience our 4 hour relaxing art retreat in a gorgeous wildlife garden!

Ric Horner is a professional fine artist & qualified art tutor offering mentoring for small groups (maximum 5 people) and individuals in his Whitstable garden. Known for his evocative seascapes and atmospheric interpretations of the Kent coast, Ric has long drawn inspiration from the shifting skies and tidal rhythms that define this part of the world. He now welcomes students into his outdoor classroom tucked into his terraced garden, where easels stand among wildflowers and the scent of salt hangs on the breeze.

Classes are kept deliberately small

(groups of max 5 people),

offering personalised tuition in drawing and painting. Students will be working in the open air, surrounded by lush nature with over 260 bee-friendly flowers and many blossom-bearing shrubs, as well as tall, shady trees. You will also get to enjoy the sweeping views of the sea — a changing subject that lends itself perfectly to studies of atmosphere and colour.

“Painting here isn’t just about learning to put brush to canvas,” he said. “It’s about observing, slowing down and responding to the world in front of you in a calm, meditative way.”

For those of you interested in a more playful, free and experimental approach they will encourage you to use colour spontaneously and expressively, as this technique bypasses the censoring of the conscious mind and lifts your spirits. In these sessions you will see how blue and green hues release tension, whereas yellows and orange colours are joyous, warm and uplifting. The colours purple, or violet can also effect us positively by calming the mind and nerves. Furthermore, it is believed that people who like bright, strong ‘warm’ colours are extrovert and strong characters, while those who prefer ‘cool’ shades have a more introvert characters with a gentle, quiet personality. Consequently, by combination these aspects in a painting you can attract certain beneficial energies and bring about wonderful changes to your life.

Find samples of her work at: annettebanksart on eBay and instagram.com/annettebanksart

“Teaching art is an interesting process. We are all burdened with preconceptions about art And how “one fits in” in some kind of imagined creative hierarchy. As a tutor it is important to replace these obstructive ideas with new understanding, both technically and personally. Creativity is in all of us, and teaching is partly about the removal of inhibition, and encouraging the student to overcome fear of failure and the judgement of others. Studying nature can be a useful way of overcoming these difficulties, it requires concentration, and hopefully for brief but significant moments, we forget the self, as we are often getting in the way of our natural ability.

“These sessions are for anyone who is looking to sharpen their skills, refresh their creativity, or simply spend time immersed in a beautiful, relaxed natural setting. My one hope for a budding artist to leave with, would be that they feel inspired and encouraged that with practice, they can shut out the doubtful mind and suspend their disbelief.”

With summer approaching, places are already filling quickly. Ric offers weekday classes with occasional weekend workshops, giving visitors and locals alike the chance to experience a true artist’s life on the coast...

Residents have welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a further boost to Whitstable’s creative economy. “Its wonderful to see someone of Ric’s calibre offering something so…

“… unique & therapeutic!”

said Stuart, a resident living nearby. It adds to the town’s reputation as a serious destination for art lovers.

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A Truly Inspiring Art Lesson with Ric Horner

“I recently had the pleasure of attending an art lesson with Ric Horner at his Whitstable studio, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget. The day began with a leisurely look around his studio and gardens. Perched overlooking the sea opposite the Isle of Sheppey, and with the weather clear and bright, the water seemed incredibly close. The environment itself was immediately inspiring.

From the moment I arrived, Ric made me feel very welcome, and I soon settled in comfortably. The lesson was wonderfully relaxed, and it felt like such a privilege and luxury to receive one-to-one tuition from a well-known and accomplished artist. My art knowledge and abilities are very basic, and I had worried that Ric might see me as amateurish—but I couldn’t have been more mistaken. He was genuinely interested in my questions and guided me throughout the morning in a supportive and patient manner, which I found both encouraging and charming.

A particular highlight was a guided tour of his studio, offering a peek behind the scenes. Being surrounded by his work in progress, especially the larger oil paintings, was mind-blowing. It was a rare insight into the life and process of a professional artist.

Although most of the original oils were beyond my budget, I was thrilled to purchase one of his prints and some greeting cards. Ric was kind enough to offer me a discount for being such a “good student,” which made the experience even more memorable.

Overall, the lesson was inspiring, educational, and full of warmth. Whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced, a session with Ric Horner is a truly unique opportunity to learn, observe, and be inspired by an exceptional artist.”

.Whitstable, already a popular destination for visitors from London and beyond, is well-known for its galleries, seafood, and distinctive charm. Just a 90-minute train ride from the capital, the town has increasingly become a magnet for those seeking an escape into art, culture, and slower coastal living. Ric’s studio is easily reachable, a 25minute walk from the station and the historic harbour. Free Parking is available; however, due to its very steep and uneven location, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Please bring what you have in terms of art materials, but we also have prepared drawing boards and canvases, as well as easels and a range of charcoal for you to use.

Many of his participants choose the afternoon sessions in the spring/summer months from 1:30 – 5:00 pm and all of them have found their time spent here

extremely relaxing, fun and uplifting!

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We are flexible in regards to days and hours, so just let us know when it suits you best. Prices are per person and payment will be by bank transfer in advance, or in cash on the day..

A 50% deposit in advance is required to secure the booking.

View different areas of the garden.

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Half day (3 1/2 hours) 1:30-5pm – £ 60

Full day (7 hours) 10-5pm – £ 120

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You can also opt to book a session via our Gift Voucher page, if it is a birthday present, etc. for someone special. Just buy it online and once received it, the receipient has to make an appointment in order to redeem it.

The voucher is for £ 60 (3 1/2 hours).

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PLEASE EMAIL  enquiries@richorner.com to discuss your requirements.

During your stay, you will also have access to Ric’s studio filled with original paintings, beautiful greeting cards and prints.

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