Weekend Retreat: Calligraphy & Watercolour Artworks

Join us for a weekend retreat designed for calligraphy lovers ready to take their creativity to the next level. Over two inspiring days, you’ll learn how to combine expressive lettering with colourful watercolour washes and masking fluid techniques to create your own calligraphy artwork.

Guided by expert tutors Kirsten Burke and Maisie Minett, you’ll explore how to plan and build a design from start to finish, experimenting with backgrounds, colour, composition, and texture to enhance your calligraphy. Whether you prefer working with a pointed nib, brush pen, or watercolour brush, you’ll leave with a beautifully finished piece that feels personal and professional.

You’ll discover which papers, inks or paints work best with masking fluid, how to apply it successfully using either a nib or brush without causing damage, and how to build up a balanced design layer by layer. This retreat is perfect for those with some calligraphy experience who are ready to experiment, refine their style, and push their creative boundaries.

ITINERARY

Friday: Arrive from 2:30 pm and settle into the Beach House Guest House before our 6 pm ‘meet and mingle’ over bubbles and a delicious buffet dinner. We’ll chat through the weekend plan and start building your inspiration book—a collection of colours, lettering styles, and layout ideas to guide your project.

Saturday: After a hearty breakfast, the workshop runs 9:30 am – 3 pm, with a hot lunch included. You’ll begin experimenting with masking fluid and watercolour washes to create atmospheric backgrounds, and practise layering your calligraphy over them. The afternoon is yours to keep creating in the studio until 5 pm, or to explore the local area.

In the evening, you’re welcome to join us for dinner at The Wittering Pub, just 100m from the guest house—perfect for unwinding after a creative day.

Sunday: Start your day with breakfast or a peaceful stroll along the beach before we reconvene at the studio. From 10:30 am – 3 pm (open from 9:30 for early birds), you’ll bring your design to life—refining your composition, adding final calligraphic layers, and enhancing details. We’ll enjoy a hot buffet lunch before finishing around 3 pm, giving you time to relax or explore before heading home.

LOCATION

The Beach House, in the beautiful coastal village of West Wittering, is just 4.5 miles from our studio. Each room is designed with relaxed, seaside charm, and the sandy beach is only a short walk away.

GROUP SIZE

To ensure plenty of one-to-one guidance, the retreat is limited to 16 guests.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 2 nights’ accommodation with cooked or continental breakfasts

• Friday evening welcome event with bubbles and grazing boards

• Saturday workshop (9:30 am – 3 pm) including hot lunch

• Sunday workshop (10:30 am – 3 pm) including hot buffet lunch

• Teas, coffees, and refreshments throughout

• All materials provided, including masking fluid, inks, and paints

• TMCC Weekend Retreat Goodie Box

  
  

CANCELLATION POLICY

Retreats are non-refundable unless your space can be filled from our waiting list. We recommend travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event that we must cancel, you’ll be offered a transfer or a full refund.

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