Oban is a bustling resort and harbor town on Scotland’s west coast known as the "Gateway to the Isles". Acting as the central ferry hub for the Inner and Outer Hebrides, it offers a spectacular mix of the Highlands, the Bay, one of Scotland's favorite seaside villages, and offers an opportunity for day-trip island exploration.
Dunheanish House is an elegant detached Victorian stone house beside Oban’s landmark, McCaigs Tower, with stunning panoramic views overlooking Oban Bay and the surrounding islands of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull. The Town Centre is just 5 minutes away, with easy access to shops, restaurants and the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminal where you can sail to the island of Mull to enjoy the scenery and wildlife or perhaps Iona with its peace and tranquillity. Oban is the central ferry hub for the Inner and Outer Hebrides
If you rent a car, in less than an hour you can be exploring one of my favorite places on earth: Glencoe.
These retreats are meant to give YOU time to reconnect with your creative self, and have the freedom to explore your own medium in a new environment. Do as many or as few of the scheduled events as you wish! My retreats are designed to make sure that even the introverts among us can feel comfortable attending! There have been writers and artists that are hardly ever seen, as well as attendees that both enjoy socializing with others & those that prefer to be alone. - all are welcome! The week is yours to do what you wish, when you wish, without interruption, obligations, or guilt.
These retreats are not based on your portfolio... they exist to invite artists of all mediums to experience time and space away from their daily routines, environments, and obligations. They allow creative time to reflect, make art, relax, and explore a new area with new inspirations. Immersion into an area other than your home can be healing and inspiring. Something magical happens when artists explore their creativity within a new community!
The front porch/landing has exceptional views of the islands and the village.Perfect for an afternoon of sketching or painting!
Dunheanish house has six guest bedrooms, all of which are ensuite. There will be a maximum of 7 people on this retreat (just 6 people if the twin room is rented by just one person). The fully equipped kitchen has a stove, oven, dishwasher, and washing machine. The living room/dining room offers stunning panoramic views over the busy bay and beyond to the mountains of Mull and nearby islands.
Itinerary
The Itinerary evolves as time goes on! Additional art classes will be added as optional add-ons! Artists who attend the retreat will be sent a confirmed itinerary 6 months before the retreat. This is just a general idea of the schedule of these retreats
Day 1: Arrive for check in at 4 PM. Relax, wander, and meet the other artists in the sitting room at 6:00 PM for a meet and greet.
Day 2
Free mini-class from 10-1 (to be determined)
Day 3
Free mini-class from 10-1 (to be determined)
Day 4
Free mini class from 10-1 (to be determined)
Day 5
FREE DAY
Free Days are a great time to hop on the train to a nearby town, take a ferry to one of the islands, explore the trails and mountains of Glenco, go see some of the historical sites in the area, or stay at the houseand work on your art!
Day 6
FREE DAY
Day 7
Check out day
What to Expect/What's is and isn't included?
Included in the cost of your retreat will be:
- three art mini-classes (about 2-3 hours each)
- a ferry ride to explore Duart Castle.
Meals and transportation are not included in the cost of your retreat. There is a kitchen where you can prepare food, and we are just a walk into the village. (Please note that this is a town of steep hills. If you don't rent a car, be prepared to get some hilly exercise!). In the kitchen you will find basic food supplies for everyone to share... items like: tea, coffee, milk, bread, jam, fruit, veggies, crumpets, eggs, cheese, etc... and some treats. On the first day of the retreat, I will drive people without a car to a local grocery store as well.
Please note that there is no art studio in the house. During the day, the dining room/living area will be used for classes and as a make-shift studio space. Be prepared to move your work in the evenings so that people can sit at the dining table to eat, should they wish to. If you plan to make art in your room (as I typically do), you must bring a drop cloth to protect the house.
I always recommend people rent a car on these retreats. Although others will be renting cars, it's not fair to expect others to become a taxi-service during their creative week. There is a train stop just a half-mile from the house for getting around the country if you would like to explore. There is also a direct bus from the Glasgow Airport terminal to Oban! It's a steep walk up the hill to the house, so I will gladly pick up anyone arriving by bus or train. Walking uphill with luggage isn't the way to start your week!
