Hello! I'm Karen Blacklock, a lifelong artist, and it's my privilege to host art retreats and residencies in North Yorkshire from the Well House Haven Art Venue.
I offer professional and experienced artists not just a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in one of the most beautiful corners of the country, but an opportunity to find new inspiration in this peaceful new venue incorporating an extensive studio along with comfortable on-site accommodation.
If you have any questions, please email me at
hello@karenblacklock.co.uk
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The main studio space in the Barn is available free of charge to creatives staying at Well House. The Barn has eight workstations in an open mezzanine plus a further three workstations in an adjacent winter studio complete with log burner. The main benefit of staying at Well House is the plein air opportunities on the doorstep but for demonstrations or in case of inclement weather the Barn provides perfect space for indoor creative activities.
Some will see you embarking on leisurely walks through the Nidderdale AONB to collect ideas before working on them back at Well House Haven, while others will be conducted en plein air and see you painting, sketching or exploring other mediums in the great outdoors.
Whichever type or style of retreat you are planning, you can be assured that you will leave Well Haven House with a new appreciation for the countryside, a new perspective on your chosen artistic medium as well as perhaps some new friends
Additional activities such as Yoga or Life Drawing can be organised using local providers on request.
Each retreat will be different as it can be tailored to the individuals that are attending. There are a number of options that are available please contact me to discuss or view the sleeping accommodation details here.
Escape to the country and let your creativity soar
Please send all questions or enquiries to hello@karenblacklock.co.uk
Each retreat will be different and I can work with you to tailor your required experience. The only proviso to staying at Well House is that you and/or your group will be engaged in some form of creative practice while in residence. While non creative partners are welcome to stay the purpose of providing the venue is to engage with like minded creatives rather than to provide holiday accommodation for the general public. Well House may also be occasionally available as holiday accommodation but at a different price point.
Last summer a group of artists from Norfolk helped me test out the facilities this is what they had to say........
"Nidderdale is the perfect spot for an Art Retreat. Beautiful walks from the door and really comfortable accommodation. Karen was a most welcoming and generous host providing us with lots of information about the local area. Absolutely stunning and inspiring landscapes all around. The art barn was an excellent base for developing work in any media and for retreating to when it rained. We would highly recommend a refreshing stay here!”
Anthea Eames @antheaeamesart
www.antheaeamesart.com
Joceline Wickham. @jocelinewickham_
www.jocelinewickham.co.uk
Well House Haven Art Venue is the perfect location to host your workshop. You will enjoy full and free access to Well House, giving you time and space to explore and develop your medium with endless inspiration right on your doorstep. We also can provide comfortable accommodation throughout your residency!
About The Venue
The Well House Haven Art Venue is set in 6 acres of remote farmland bordering on the famous How Stean Gorge, consisting of Well House itself and the Barn.
Well House is a traditional stone farmhouse and annexe, boasting four double en-suite rooms available for classic bed and breakfast accommodation.
The Barn is an indoor facility where your artistic ideas will flow if the weather doesn't permit plein air efforts. It contains a large first floor studio capable of accommodating up to eleven artists , and is well-equipped with workstations, floor standing easels, a kitchenette and WC/shower facilities.
The Setting
Well House has far-reaching views down the Nidderdale AONB and up towards the moors, with the banks of the How Stean George sitting only a few minutes' walk away. A public footpath runs through the site and into the villages of Middlesmoor and Stean, as well as the striking Scar House Reservoir further away.
Meet Your Host
My own artistic journey from my first exploration with watercolour to mixed media and then more recently to oils and sculpture has been a lifelong pursuit. I have studied under different artist mentors and learned from a plethora of workshops both in-person and online, so I know what makes a great learning art experience.
I see hosting creative retreats in Yorkshire as my way of giving back to the artist community at large, helping the tutoring artists to make a living by running the courses while allowing their students to explore new mediums and styles.
Recharge, innovate and explore!
I will be sharing news and updates about upcoming collaborations and workshops with my quarterly newsletter.
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