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home to best selling watercolour & charcoal courses 

Hello and welcome to my website. If you’re looking for help and advice on your painting or drawing skills then you’ve definitely come to the right place. This website is packed with information about classes, retreats, videos, blog posts and other free stuff. So whether you’re trying to loosen up your watercolours or you simply want to learn how to draw a family pet, you will find a course to help.

 

Over the last few years of teaching and with over 100,000 courses sold, I have had the opportunity to listen carefully to the techniques and skills that my students want to learn and have designed easy to follow, structured lessons to suit… both face to face and virtual. There is no magic involved in learning how to draw or paint. It is simply a process and with understanding, play and practice, I can take you on an incredible and fulfilling journey of discovery and creativity.

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Introducing Olive and Plum Retreats!

I’m proud to announce that all of my upcoming art holidays will be hosted by Olive and Plum Retreats, a new luxury art travel company dedicated to crafting exceptional, immersive experiences led by the best artist teachers. 

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I have three brand-new, exclusive art retreats now available to book through Olive and Plum Retreats, designed to inspire and captivate! Whether you’re dreaming of a wildlife watercolour experience in the heart of the Cotswolds, a chance to paint with me and the renowned Jane Davies in a charming Italian farmhouse, or an exhilarating art safari in South Africa, I have the perfect retreat for you!

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Italian Art Retreat, Puglia, Italy

Autumn in Puglia is a feast for the senses, with an abundance of fresh produce and seasonal dishes. October is the magical time of harvest with farmers busy picking olives, grapes and other crops. To celebrate this fact the Autumn retreat will also entail a wine tasting event at the nearby town of Manduria, the home of Primitivo wine, also known as Zinfandel in the United States. 

 

The  weather during this time of year is warm and pleasant making it a great place to explore without the heat of the Summer…  yet the Sea is still warm enough to swim in, for those of you visiting the pristine sands of the local beaches. 

Located in a lovingly and sympathetically restored 19th Century Masseria (traditional farmhouse) in Puglia, you will be able to immerse yourself in the culture and warmth of this beautiful part of Southern Italy. The venue is in the most incredible location, close to natural flamingo lakes, white beaches, crystal clear water, picturesque towns, villages and olive groves. You won’t fail to be inspired and to fall in love with the myriad of beautiful sights, sounds and tastes that this truly enchanting location has to offer.

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Cotswolds Art Retreat, UK

Immerse yourself in a week of beautiful wildlife, English culture, painting, delicious food, great company and ancient history.

I'm excited to announce my new art retreat, organised by Olive and Plum Retreats, taking place in September 2025.

 

Come and join me for a special week of painting wildlife in a grand Edwardian house, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Southwest Cotswolds. The Manor House and the adjoining stable block have been painstakingly restored to a very high standard where you will enjoy your own beautifully furnished ensuite room. Set amongst 18 acres of secluded private woodland, we'll relax and paint in authentic surroundings, with delicious meals provided throughout your stay, cooked by our in-house chef. 

I hope to see you there!

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Popular workshops & retreats

Explore my most workshops at my Art Studio in Arley, Worcestershire, UK & worldwide Art Retreats...

Popular online courses

If you live further afield and can't attend my face to face classes, explore my range of online courses available with Domestika & Etchr. 

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Sarah Stokes News

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