Let's Paint the South of England!
Library Arts Center ART TRIP | April 30 – May 8, 2025
*Workshop Dates: May 1st-7th.
The Library Arts Center is pleased to host its 2nd artists’ trip to the South of England with Arts Center staff member Heidi Lorenz. Eight participants will enjoy an incredible arts travel experience, painting in stunning locations with the simplest of travel art supplies, visiting castles and museums, while lodging in a gorgeous British inn.
Artists – Join us!
Paint the South of England with Artist Tour Guide and Dorset native, Heidi Lorenz!
Paint in Heidi’s favorite painting spots in this picturesque region, with different inspiring locations each day.
Lodge at a gorgeous British inn and enjoy authentic English breakfasts and dinners. Visit local museums and castles; paint and walk the South of England, carrying the simplest of tools. Leave with a full expressive sketchbook, and an incredible travel experience.
The group is limited to eight participants. Artists of all experience levels are invited. Some basic drawing skills are encouraged. Heidi will be offering artistic guidance and encouragement, but not specific instruction and lessons each day.
Trip Accommodations
THE BEAR OF BURTON
Dorset, Christchurch, England
The Bear of Burton is a beautifully restored boutique country inn located in Burton, just outside of Christchurch. Whichever of the 10 Beautiful Bedrooms you choose, you’ll sleep in the finest Egyptian cotton bedding and have quality Teapigs teas, Nespresso coffee, Wi-Fi, 100% natural botanical toiletries from Bramley and fluffy towels at your disposal.
Paint the South of England
Trip Overview
Paint the South of England with Artist Tour Guide, and Dorset native, Heidi Lorenz. This is an experience you will not forget. Participating artists will feel the essence of England, enjoying time and space in a historically rich environment observing and recording their travels in artist journals. The group will sketch, paint, and art journal the essence of these locations all from life, while also taking photographic references for future art making once back in the states.
Participants stay in a beautiful and convenient Inn location, with daily art and touring outings. There will be shared evening meals and activities such as critiques at the inn, or evening walks, all of which are optional.
Daily outings to one to two locations will create morning and afternoon sessions in the Southern region of Dorset and Hampshire, England. Each day, participants may choose to take part in both art making sessions or may choose half-day art sessions and half-day self-guided tours in the group locations.
Scenic daytrip locations offer copious opportunities for taking in the British landscape with eyes, cameras art journalling, and live observation. The group will paint and walk Great Britain, carrying the simplest of tools. Country house estates, a town Priory, magnificent castles, old historic ruins, a working mill and views of Blackmore Vale; including locations in town, by the sea and in the country.
After the evening meal the group can share and discuss the day’s work or simply relax. Critiques and evening art discussions are optional and enjoyable, focusing on technique, composition, use of color, values and light.
Breakfast and dinner will be at the inn most days, and is included in the cost; lunch breaks will be provided during daily outings so participants can purchase lunch should they like. There is walking within each location so participants should pack for comfort.
Space is limited to 8 participants.
Paint the South of England
Artist Itinerary + Information
These workshops focus on one & two locations per day; divided into morning & afternoon sessions. We stop for lunch. We will study all aspects of the British south from our live observations. After our evening meal we can share and discuss our day’s work, our thoughts and insights or we can simply relax or go to the ‘chippie’. Our discussions can focus on technique, composition, use of color, values, light & what we wanted to emphasize in our work. Evenings will include individual critiques, if desired, based on the fundamentals of art & a brief discussion of the day to follow.
For more information on what to pack for art supplies, see the FAQ section below. Additional guidance for packing will be provided for registered trip participants.
The trip is kept small to allow for one-on-one time with the art & tour guide. Space is limited to 8 participants.
Prerequisite:
This is an active and fun artistic experience for artists who are eager to explore and record the places they travel. All levels and all mediums are welcome. While basic drawing skills are helpful, participants are sketching and painting this journey at their own level.
This workshop is not geared toward tutoring students, there are not set art lessons. Heidi is your artist guide available for artistic guidance and discussion based on the principles of art and personal experience.
Paint the South of England
Costs
TRIP COST: $3,950-$4,350
*Cost varies depending on room choice, and includes accommodation for seven nights, full English breakfast and dinners, travel between the Inn & paint locations, artist tour guide, and museum trips noted in itinerary.
**Airfare not included.
Participants are responsible for booking their own airline reservations, lunches during the trip, and personal incidentals. *Included meals do not include gratuity, alcoholic beverages or other premium add-ons.
NOTE: The cost of the trip you see above is based on a single occupant in a room. The price of your trip may significantly decrease if you are inclined to share a room with another trip participant. Trip costs for those sharing rooms would range from $2,950-$3,350 depending on room choice. Check out the accommodations at the Bear of Burton to see shared room options. (Recommended: “Suite” or “Family Room” options.)
If you would like to share a room with another trip participant, please contact us via email so we can invoice you for your adjusted trip amount, rather than paying at the link below.
Paint the South of England
Trip Itinerary
*Itinerary is subject to change and may be flipped to accommodate for weather shifts.
**Travel Days on April 30th and May 8th. Workshop dates: May 1st-7th
Day One
May 1st
MORNING ARRIVAL
Meet at the airport and ride in the group van to the Bear of Burton Inn (2 hrs drive time approximately).
For anyone unable to travel on the same flight, use National Express Bus Service leaves from Heathrow Airport to Ringwood Center, then take a taxi from Ringwood to the Bear of Burton at 15-17 Salisbury Road, Burton, GB BH23 7JG.
Check-in at the Bear of Burton, take time to freshen up, take a walk, have tea or simply relax after travelling with an optional walk around The Christchurch Priory and surrounds. This morning will offer an opportunity for the group to get settled, take photo references and/or create quick sketches to warm up for the week ahead.
Day Two
May 2nd
BEAULIEU, a visit to Fairweathers garden center & cafe
Patrick’s Patch, a group garden & the picturesque center town
The name Beaulieu means “beautiful place”. The village, mainly unspoiled by modernization, is situated in the New Forest. Beaulieu is known for its National Motor Museum, historic Abbey, and Palace House, the ancestral home of the Montagu family, the Beaulieu River, and the New Forest ponies roaming free within designated areas. In town there is the Beaulieu Art Gallery for added inspiration from area artists. The group will stop for lunch at the local Fairweathers cafe and garden and may choose to sketch surrounding guests or the picturesque garden center. Participants can do urban sketches or choose to set up in the community garden and potting sheds of Patrick’s Patch.
Day Three Morning
May 3rd
CORFE CASTLE
Corfe Castle dates back to the 11th century, built by William the Conqueror, the Norman king, as part of a network of castles to secure control over England. It served as a royal fortress and later as a residence for English monarchs. The castle was constructed using local Purbeck limestone and features a mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Medieval, and Tudor elements. Its design includes defensive features like battlements, a drawbridge, and a keep. The castle offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Purbeck Hills and the English Channel. The castle passed through different noble families and eventually became the property of the National Trust in 1982.
Day Three Afternoon
TOWN OF CORFE
The village of Corfe Castle, located at the foot of the hill, is picturesque and features traditional thatched-roof cottages, tearooms, and gift shops. The Swanage Railway, a preserved steam railway, runs nearby, offering scenic rides through the countryside. Additionally, there is an interesting miniature village of Corfe worth a visit as well as some local artist studios.
Day Four
May 4th
Full Day (10am-4pm)
CHRISTCHURCH PRIORY and CASTLE RUINS & TOWNSHIP
Christchurch is a historic town known for its picturesque setting on the confluence of the River Stour and the Solent. Christchurch features the beautiful Priory Church, with its rich history dating back to the Saxon era. There are two castle ruins including stocks and dunking stool. The town offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage and modern amenities as well as shops, eateries and small free museum, gallery and cafe.
Day Five
May 5th
MOTTISFONT
Mottisfont is a historic estate located in Hampshire. It is most known for Mottisfont Abbey, a former priory that was transformed into a stately home in the 18th century. The site is now managed by the National Trust and is known for its beautiful gardens, particularly its world-renowned rose collection, as well as the blend of medieval and Georgian architecture of the house itself. Visitors can explore the historic interiors of the house, stroll through expansive lawns and riverside walks, and enjoy the serene beauty of the grounds year-round. The estate is located alongside this famous chalk stream, which adds to the scenic beauty of the grounds. Mottisfont regularly hosts art exhibitions and is home to a permanent collection of 20th-century British art, particularly works by artists from the Bloomsbury Group.
Day Six Morning/
Early Afternoon
May 6th
LULWORTH COVE & DURDLE DOOR
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are on England’s Jurassic Coast and are among the most breathtaking natural attractions in the UK. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors an extraordinary combination of geological wonders, dramatic scenery, and opportunities for exploration and dramatic paintings.
Lulworth Cove is a nearly perfectly circular bay formed by the sea’s erosion over millennia. Its tranquil turquoise waters are framed by rugged cliffs and pebble beaches. The area is rich in geological history, with visible layers of rock dating back over 150 million years. It’s an ideal spot for fossil hunting or learning about the region’s unique landforms at the Lulworth Heritage Centre. The Southwest Coast Path offers spectacular views and an excellent way to explore the surrounding cliffs and countryside. Cafes, restaurants, and restrooms are available near Lulworth Cove.
Durdle Door is a short walk from Lulworth and is a majestic natural limestone arch that rises dramatically from the sea. Visitors can access Durdle Door via a scenic but steep path that winds down to a beach. The beach itself is an excellent spot for picnicking, relaxing, or marveling at the arch’s beauty, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the light creates magical hues across the landscape.
Day Six Late Afternoon
TYNEHAM VILLAGE
On our return from Lulworth we will stop to walk, photograph and make sketches of Tyneham a small village and former civil parish in Dorset known for its unique history and that it was evacuated during World War II to make way for military training exercises. In 1943, the British government requisitioned the land around Tyneham to use it as a military training area for troops preparing for the D-Day landings and other wartime operations.
After the evacuation, Tyneham became known as the “Ghost Village” because the buildings and structures in the village remained intact, frozen in time. The schoolhouse, church, and cottages remained as they were when the residents left. www.dorsets.co.uk/tyneham
Day Seven
May 7th
SHAFTESBURY
A Charming Hilltop Town
Nestled in the rolling countryside Shaftesbury is a picturesque hilltop town steeped in history and brimming with character. Known for its cobbled streets, stunning views, and historic charm, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in England. A Historic Town with Saxon Roots, Shaftesbury’s origins date back to the 9th century when it was established by King Alfred the Great. It became an important religious center with the foundation of Shaftesbury Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that played a significant role in the town’s development. Although the abbey was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, its ruins can still be explored today, along with a museum that brings the town’s Saxon past to life. One of Shaftesbury’s most famous sights is Gold Hill, a steep cobbled street lined with charming cottages and offering breathtaking views of the Blackmore Vale. Visitors can walk up or down this iconic street, enjoying its timeless beauty and snapping photos that capture its storybook appeal.
Paint the South of England
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How do I officially book a spot on the trip?
Once your completed trip registration form and waiver is received, along with your full fee, you will officially have a spot reserved for the trip.
* We recommend booking early for the best choice of room accommodations!
REGISTER for the TRIP HERE.
Complete your PAYMENT and ROOM SELECTION here.
What is the recommended Air Reservation if I would like to travel with the group?
If artists want to travel with Heidi in the group’s van to our retreat destination, flights would need to be coordinated. Alternatively, there is transportation through https://www.nationalexpress.com.
The Bear of Burton — the Inn–is 2 hours from London Heathrow Airport. Heidi will not be able to pick you up once she leaves the airport!
Here is information for the recommended flight on Delta that some members of the group will be travelling on:
What if I would like to share a room with another trip participant?
If you would like to join together with another trip participant and SHARE a room, the cost of your trip would decrease by approximately $1,000 (a tremendous cost savings!)
Take a look at the beautiful accommodation options at the Bear of Burton at the link HERE.
Please contact the Library Arts Center at info@libraryartscenter.org so we can work to coordinate a shared room for you and invoice you for a shared room price.
**Please note theat most of the room types have a single queen or king-sized bed , so participants may either share a bed, or a “rollaway”-type bed may be able to be brought in. Please inquire.
What is the trip cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your reservation for the trip, if you cancel by the following dates, you will be entitled to the following refund amounts:
75% refund, if canceling by March 10th
50% refund, if canceling by March 31st
25% refund, if canceling by April 15th
No refunds will be given after April 15th.
What art supplies should I bring for the trip?
Materials and Equipment: Keep it simple! We will be on a plane, walking & exploring with our supplies each day. This is a great time to think minimal! I will give you a list of supplies you may use or adapt your kit according to the supplies you already have on hand! *Overall, these supplies are easily transportable taking up little space both on the plane & in our bag or backpack. I recommend using a combination of pencil, pen & ink, watercolor & at least one white gouache. While you may bring your oil paints you may not travel with any solvents. Note: All art materials you bring need to fit into one tidy backpack or bag.
Artist grade pencils – 2H, 2B, 4B (or) water soluble pencils are fun!
kneaded eraser
Travel brush or three with case
Compact watertight container
Watercolor block/pad approx 9×12” Mixed media sketchbook
Fountain Pen -sepia &/or black india ink
black permanent technical pen
Soft brush to remove eraser shavings is nice but not essential
Compact camera or phone
Backpack or comfortable carry bag that fits everything in with spare room for a sandwich.
Paper Towels or rags
Compact easel Travel easel I like something light, expandable with the capacity to tilt. This is an example but I’m going with a style easel with a tripod. james gurney easel
Clips to hold art to easel or clipboard
The supply list is completely up to you. This list is practical for me. You can adapt to meet your needs and comfort. You can go without a tripod and easel if you are more comfortable with a clipboard & compact folding seat.
If you have any questions or additions and suggestions please share!
RELEASE OF LIABILITY and ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Responsibility: The Library Arts Center, the sponsoring organization and its employees, officers, or directors do not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for your program including, for example, lodging, airline, or other transportation companies, food service or entertainment, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, the Library Arts Center/Richards Free Library is not liable for any act, failure to act, financial failure or other defaults of any such person, entity, supplier or any other third party.
In addition and without limitation, the Library Arts Center and Richards Free Library are not responsible for any injury, financial or other loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, force majeure, acts of governments, denial or delay of entry into any country, acts of war or civil unrest, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of any means of transportation, or for any failure to arrive or depart timely or safely. Further, I release the Library Arts Center and Richards Free Library from negligence and assume all risk thereof.
If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a program participant, or remove from a program, without refund, any person the Library Arts Center representative judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other program participants, leaders or third parties, or who the Library Arts Center determines to detract from the enjoyment of the program by others. Specific room assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel.
The Library Arts Center reserves the right to change the itinerary or program features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice. Program schedule is subject to change or cancellation. The Library Arts Center may cancel or postpone a program for any reason to ensure the best experience for trip participants.
Not Included: Taxes; passport, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, internet or any other expenses unless specifically described; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; gratuities; optional sightseeing excursions (outside of those included in the trip itinerary; baggage charges on aircraft; departure air/airport tax(es); airfare and associated taxes, airport facility/security/federal inspection fees; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transportation; any overnight due to change in flight schedule(s); meals, beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned as included in the travel program.
Airfare: Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline.
Luggage: Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in this trip, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement.
IMPORTANT: New UK ETA requirement - please read.
PLEASE NOTE:
The UK has a new ETA requirement for all travelers who are US Citizens. You will be required to complete the process at least several days before the trip.
Find out more at the link HERE.
