Let's Paint the South of England!
Library Arts Center ART TRIP | April 30 – May 8, 2024
The Library Arts Center is hosting an 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 morning and afternoon sessions most days, and light hiking between locations some days on some of Britain’s copious footpaths.
Lodge at a gorgeous British inn, which will provide beautiful and 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. Paint in Heidi’s favorite locations in this picturesque region, with a morning and afternoon session most days, with light hiking between locations some days on some of Britain’s copious footpaths. These walks are scenic between locations, and are an opportunity for taking in the British landscape with your eyes & cameras.
Lodge at the Bear of Burton, a gorgeous British inn which will provide delicious breakfasts and dinners. Feel free to participate in added evening activities such as watching the sunset on Fisherman’s Bank with fish and chips, or a critique night at the inn. Visit local museums and castles as well.
The group will visit a countryside church, a town priory, magnificent castles, old historic ruins, a museum, and a mill. We will venture in town, by the sea, & into the country. Participants will take a close look into the Christchurch, Dorset region of Southern England. While witnessing how the Brits live, we can record our experiences in our art journals. Carrying the simplest of tools, we will paint and walk this part of Great Britain. Opportunities to sketch and paint the essence of these historically rich locations will abound. Also, participants can increase their international photographic library for future creations, and leave with a full expressive sketchbook. After our evening meal we can share & discuss our day’s work, our thoughts & 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.
**Inquire if you would like to bring a friend or spouse along on the trip as a non-artist participant.
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. Britain has copious footpaths & some days we travel from one location to another by foot. These walks are scenic between locations, an opportunity for taking in the British landscape with your eyes & cameras. 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 & fun artistic experience for artists who are eager to explore & record the places we travel. All levels are welcome. While basic drawing skills are helpful, you are sketching this journey at the level you’re at.
This workshop is not geared toward tutoring students. Heidi is your artist guide available for guidance & discussion based on the principles of art & personal experience.
Paint the South of England
Costs
TRIP COST: $3,800
*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 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 $2,600-$2,800 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.
*There may be an option for you to bring along a friend or a spouse who is not an artist participant, as space allows. Please contact us for details.
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
Drive from Heathrow airport (2 hrs approx.) check-in at the Bear of Burton, take this time to freshen up, take a walk, have tea or simply relax after your travel.
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.
AFTERNOON
Hengistbury Head: a fascinating place not only for its wide variety of habitats including heathland, grassland, scrub, woodland, freshwater wetland and coastland but also for its internationally important archaeology and geology. A natural headland with trails, stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. There is a visitor center that provides information about the site’s natural & cultural history. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the unique ecology & archaeology with habitat restoration & land management. We can walk across the headland or there is a land train that can take you from the parking lot to the headland for a fee. There is a cafe, bird sanctuary, a gift shop and a visitor center packed full of interactive displays and a cultivated garden.
Day Two Morning
May 2nd
MUDEFORD QUAY
Mudeford Quay is a charming area rich with wildlife. It’s an ideal location for birdwatching & nature enthusiasts, artists & photographers. It’s a place to watch the boats go by, take a leisurely stroll or watch the children catch & release crabs. You may also spot seals in the waters around Mudeford Spit.
At the quay there is Haven House Inn Pub, Cafe, shop & public restrooms.
Day Two Afternoon
AVON BEACH
Mudeford Beach is situated along the shores of Christchurch Harbour, facing out toward the Solent & the Isle of Wight. It is part of the larger Mudeford Spit, which is a narrow sandbank that separates the harbor from the open sea. The beach at Mudeford is renowned for its soft golden sands & clean waters. It is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, building sandcastles, windsurfing & more.
At the beach there are public facilities such as the Noisy Lobster Cafe, gift shop, ice cream stands, coffee hut & restrooms.
Day Three Morning
May 3rd
CHRISTCHURCH PRIORY and CASTLE RUINS
Christchurch is a historic town known for its picturesque setting on the confluence of the River Stour & the Solent. Christchurch features the beautiful Priory Church, a notable landmark, & has a rich history dating back to the Saxon era with castle ruins including dunking stool & stocks. The town offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage & modern amenities, shops & eateries.
Day Three Afternoon
RED HOUSE MUSEUM and CHRISTCHURCH TOWNSHIP
The Red House Museum in Christchurch is a fascinating cultural & historical attraction. It is housed in a distinctive red-brick Georgian building & showcases the history & heritage of the local area. The museum features a diverse collection of artifacts, including displays on archaeology, geology, natural history, & the social history of Christchurch & its surroundings.
Visitors to the Red House Museum can explore various exhibitions that provide insights into the town’s development, from its Saxon roots to the present day. It also hosts special exhibitions & events throughout the year. The museum is an excellent place to learn about the rich history of Christchurch & has a beautiful outdoor cafe & gardens.
Day Four Morning
May 4th
CORFE CASTLE
Corfe Castle’s history dates back to the 11th century when it was 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 & later as a residence for English monarchs. The castle was constructed using local Purbeck limestone & features a mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Medieval, & Tudor elements. Its design includes defensive features like battlements, a drawbridge, & a keep.
Over the centuries, Corfe Castle played a significant role in various historical events, including the English Civil War. It was a Royalist stronghold during the conflict but was eventually besieged & partially demolished by Parliamentarian forces in 1646. The castle offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Purbeck Hills & the English Channel.
Day Four Afternoon
TOWN OF CORFE
The village is located halfway between Wareham and Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, the civil parish faces both the English Channel and Poole Harbour, which includes part of the sandy heathland to the north of the castle, and the Jurassic Coast to the South. There are shops, pubs & cafes to grab some lunch & an interesting miniature village of corfe as well as some artist studios.
Day Five
May 5th
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE
Highcliffe Castle, located in the town of Highcliffe, is a Grade I listed building built in the 1830s by Lord Stuart de Rothesay & redesigned in the 1860s by the famous architect William Donthorne for Lord William Cavendish. The castle overlooks the Isle of Wight & offers picturesque views. Known for its remarkable architecture, beautiful grounds, & its connection to historical figures, Highcliffe Castle also has access to trails, cliff tops & paths to the beach. There is a gift shop, cafe & restroom at the castle.
Day Six Morning
May 6th
BEAULIEU & a visit to Patrick’s Patch (group garden) & Fairweathers Garden Center & Cafe
The name Beaulieu comes etymologically from French beau lieu, which means “beautiful place”. The village has remained largely unspoilt by progress, & is a favorite tourist stop for visitors to the New Forest & also for birdwatchers seeking local specialities like Dartford warbler, European honey buzzard & hobby. The local garden center has a picturesque cafe & garden center where we can stop for lunch & partake in some cafe or garden sketching.
Day Six Afternoon
BUCKLER’S HARD (2 mile walk)
Buckler’s Hard is a hamlet on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the county of Hampshire. With its Georgian cottages running down to the river, Buckler’s Hard is part of the 9,000-acre Beaulieu Estate. Buckler’s Hard, originally called Montagu Town, was built by the second Duke of Montagu, & was intended to be a free port for trade with the West Indies. Its geography also favored the development of shipbuilding, as the hamlet possessed access to a sheltered but navigable waterway with gravel banks capable of supporting slipways for vessel construction. Shipbuilding at Buckler’s Hard declined in the nineteenth century. During World War II, the village was used to build motor torpedo boats, & the river was a base for hundreds of landing craft for the Normandy invasion, Operation Overlord. Today the hamlet is given over to tourism, with a small maritime museum & a modern yachting marina. Buckler’s Hard was where Sir Francis Chichester began & finished his solo voyage around the world in the Gipsy Moth IV.
Day Seven Morning
May 7th
CHURCH at BOLDRE
Boldre is a village & civil parish in the New Forest district of Hampshire. It is in the south of the New Forest National Park, above the broadening (estuary) of the Lymington River, & two miles north of Lymington. The parish has visitor parking around its mixed woodland & heath hamlet of Norley Wood.
Day Seven Afternoon
WALK + PICNIC in ROYDON (BLUEBELL) WOODS
I don’t think we can go to England in May without visiting Roydon Woods where the bluebells burst open in a velvet purple-blue carpet of flowers. We will find a location overlooking the river & sit there to sketch, eat our packed lunch & enjoy the English countryside.
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 by car to our retreat destination, flights would need to be coordinated. Alternatively, there is transportation through https://www.nationalexpress.com.
The Bear of Burton, where we will sleep for the next week, 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 British Airways:
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 $800-$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 invoice you for a shared room.
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.
