Mid-week and Weekend Pastel Art Breaks

"I have learned a lot.  Vivien is an excellent teacher.  Many thanks for the wonderful hospitality".  Anita Wishart, Crewe

"A wonderful course, expertly tutored.  I'm leaving full of enthusiasm to try new things out".  Helen Mattacott, Exeter

"Wonderful tuition.  A great time was had by all of us".  Margaret Addison, Chippenham

'Fish pond'

We run art courses at our home in beautiful North Devon. Why not come for a break and develop your pastel skills in a friendly, homely atmosphere, and make new friends? You can paint in our studio or in our wooded grounds where you can enjoy some lovely views towards Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin. In the summer you can relax and enjoy refreshments by the swimming pool.

These breaks are workshop based and are suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced.  Tuition has a "follow my leader" format, making it easy for you to learn and develop pastel techniques under expert supervision.

To ensure individual tuition, places are limited to four artists for each course.

If you are coming by public transport, we will be more than happy to come and collect you from local bus and train stations.

Non-painting partners will find plenty to see and do. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there is some maginficent scenery to explore. We are located between two spectacular river valleys, and within easy driving distance of Exmoor and Dartmoor. The Tarka Trail runs a short distance to the south and west, and we have Libbaton Golf Couse literally just down the road. There are many places to visit at nearby Torrington, including the ever popular Royal Horticultural Society gardens at Rosemoor and the Dartington Crystal factory and shop, with tours of the factory and finished fine crystal for sale - an ideal gift to take back. For those who love horses, the Exmoor Pony Centre near Dulverton is a must. As might be expected, the area is well supplied with traditional inns serving local ales and good food, where you are always sure of a warm welcome. Try The New Inn at Roborough or the Cranford Inn at St Giles-in-the-Wood.

'Woodland steps'

There is plenty of local B&B accommodation. Please refer to list below.

Our art breaks are run over a three day weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), or midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Please refer to the next page for programme details.

The cost of our art breaks is £175.00 per person. This includes pre-drawn images and all materials, together with light refreshments and Saturday/Wednesday lunch. Sunday/Thursday lunch will be an extra charge.

                         ***2009 dates will be posted shortly***

                                                             Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

Ford Mill, Umberleigh, Devon EX37 9AG.  01769 540326 or email Sandy Sharpe at sandy@fordmill.eclipse.co.uk.  For the website, visit  www.uniquehomestays.com  and click the link to Bed & Breakfast for Ford Mill.  The Unique Home Stays website has details of luxury Bed & Breakfast, Country House and self catering accommodation throughout the UK.

Gables Tea Rooms, "On the Bridge", Umberleigh, Devon EX37 9AB.  01769 560461.  www.gablestearooms.co.uk.  Tea rooms, arts and crafts gallery and B&B accommodation.  Stunning location next to the River Taw.

The Cranford Inn, St Giles in the Wood, Nr Torrington, Devon EX38 7LA.  01805 623309.  www.cranfordinn.co.uk.  Traditional country inn offering bed and breakfast and holiday cottage accommodation. 

No Place B&B, Ebberley, Nr Torrington, Devon EX38 7JR.  01769 560879.  www.noplacebandb.co.uk.  Traditional and comfortable B&B accommodation, and just round the corner!

Snowdrop Cottage B&B, Roborough, Devon.  01805 603093/07855 303035.  Cosy thatched self catering B&B cottage, with continental breakfast provided. 

Click here to download the booking form.

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