Fri 6 - Sun 8 Nov 2026 | StanthorpeSketch & Paint: An Art Holiday
What to expect
Three days of sketching, painting and good company at a gorgeous Granite Belt winery.
Fri 6 – Sun 8 November 2026
Ridgemill Estate, Boutique Winery & Vineyard
What we’ll be doing
An immersive, hands-on few days, giving you a proper chance to slow down and enjoy the process of making and filling a sketchbook! Both beginners and more experienced artists are welcome.
We’ll be sketching from reference photos and on location (there’ll be an excursion on Saturday) in all different ways, building a souvenir of experiences and joy that you’ll continue to reference. There will be an option to develop some of your sketches into more detailed watercolour paintings.
We’ll also have a special behind-the-scenes tour of the award-winning Ridgemill Winery, sketchbooks in hand!
Where we’re staying
The award-winning boutique Ridgemill Estate Winery, Stanthorpe.
There are 12 luxury, self-contained, Studio Cabins: including king bed + sofa bed, sleeping 2 adults (ideal for a couple, or 2–3 friends travelling together). Accommodation price will be $640 per cabin for the 2 nights, including a continental breakfast… so think of a friend (or two) that might like to come with you!
Accommodation will be booked and paid separately from your Art Ticket, directly with the venue.
Prefer to stay elsewhere? You're welcome to arrange your own accommodation nearby.
Once your Art Ticket deposit is confirmed you can book directly with Marty at Ridgemill. :)
Getting there
Ridgemill Estate is at 218 Donges Road, Broadwater, Queensland - about 5 minutes south of Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt.
It's a leisurely 2.5-hour drive from Brisbane (via the M5, Cunningham Highway, then the New England Highway near Warwick), or under 1.5 hours from Toowoomba.
Coming from further afield, Stanthorpe also has a rail-and-coach connection - worth checking Queensland Rail's Traveltrain for the closest option to you.
Arrive & Meet
Sketch & Wrap Up
Friday 6 November - from 3pm
Arrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, make our sketchbooks and start sketching over a wood-fired pizza dinner.
Saturday 7 November
Sketch & See
Today we’ll tour the winery, have an excursion further afield, sketch sketch and sketch some more and end the day with dinner at a local restaurant (own cost).
Sunday 8 November
Sketch & Wrap Up
We’ll work on filling our sketchbooks and developing our favourites into finished artworks (optional). We’ll wrap everything up and you’ll farewell your new Art Friends after lunch!
What you’ll gain
Hands-on guidance to grow your watercolour and sketching skills, whatever your starting point -confident first strokes if you're brand new, fresh techniques and challenges if you've been sketching for years.
One-on-one feedback on your own work, so you leave knowing exactly what to keep practising.
A few days fully immersed in creativity and slower living - sketching vineyard views, sharing meals, and switching off from the everyday.
New connections with a small, friendly group of fellow artists.
And the kind of inspiration that sends you home ready to keep sketching.
What's included?
Included in your Art Ticket
one-on-one feedback and guidance on your own sketching, alongside group masterclasses.
behind-the-scenes winery tour
a selection of quality watercolour papers and detailed instructions to make your unique sketchbook
a selection of shared art supplies including an extra ‘everyday’ sketchbook
all meals (including morning and afternoon tea) except Saturday night’s restaurant meal (own cost)
Included with your Accommodation
Continental Breakfast
Bottle of wine on arrival
What’s NOT included
Travel costs to/from Stanthorpe
Accommodation (booked directly with Ridgemill)
Saturday night dinner
Some art supplies (see below)
Supplies List
You’re invited to BYO any of your own art supplies
You can share Anna’s supplies if you need to travel light (+$50)
Suggested materials list (more detailed list shared on booking):
watercolour set (at least Van Gogh quality)
at least 3 Prismacolour pencils
tube of Titanium White gouache paint (Winsor & Newton)
sharpener
notebook
Cancellations & Refunds
Life happens - here's what to expect if your plans change.
More than 2 months before the retreat: full refund of your Art Ticket, minus a $50 administration fee.
Between 5 weeks and 2 months before: 50% refund, minus a $100 administration fee.
Within 5 weeks of the retreat, your Art Ticket becomes non-refundable.
Your $200 deposit is non-refundable once minimum numbers are confirmed, unless we need to cancel the event - in which case you'll receive a full refund.
Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.
How It Works
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Express your interest with a $200 deposit… and when you receive confirmation from me you then book your cabin directly with the venue. I’ll invoice you for the remaining $500 Art Ticket fee for payment by 30 September 2026.
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Once you make your deposit you will receive an invoice from me for the remainder of your ‘Art Ticket’ amount of $500. It’ll be due to be paid by 30 September 2026. Here’s the link for your deposit.
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Numbers are limited so please don’t wait.
Get excited!
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Full Terms and Conditions for this event are listed here.
FAQs
Can non-painting partners come?
Yes, they can come and share your accommodation. There will be a reasonable fee if they are joining us for meals and snacks.
What skill level is this suitable for?
My sessions are always beginner friendly, but I also welcome more experienced artists as I will challenge you to expand and improve your skills in the loveliest of environments.
What should I bring?
Art supplies (or use mine) and suitable clothes for November in Stanthorpe. Sensible walking shoes and a folding chair or stool will also be very handy.
Stanthorpe in November averages highs around 23–24°C and overnight lows around 11–13°C.
Is there a wet weather plan?
We will have access to the homestead on the property so we can comfortably fill our sketchbooks, rain, hail or shine (but hopefully shine!).