The Colours of Aire (Painting Retreat)
Acrylic abstract painting retreat, overlooking the River Aire, Saltaire.
Friday, 20th of June - Sunday, 22nd of June (10 am - 2:30 pm.)
4 hours of daily painting + 3 Lunches + Bellini to toast with
Taught by: Nina Hunter
Beginners to advanced
The Changing Colours of Aire
3-day Abstract Painting Plein Air event on the outskirts of Saltaire Heritage Village.
20th - 22nd of June 2025
Spend 3 days overlooking the everchanging colours of the River Aire and record your vision on canvas.
Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of artistic inspiration, breathtaking views, and professionally crafted, delicious lunches with our exclusive painting retreat in Saltaire.
Nestled in a serene semi-rural setting, our riverside event, based in the artist’s studio garden, offers an idyllic escape where your body and mind can reset, and creativity will flourish.
From the scenic terrace, which provides a direct view over the River Aire and is situated just meters away from the weir, you can breathe in invigorating fresh air, listen to the sounds of birds, perhaps catch a glimpse of a kingfisher, and spend quality time painting, come rain or shine.
The three-daily schedule accommodates daily 4-hour painting sessions from 10 am - 2 pm under the guidance of the artist and owner of the property, Nina Hunter. During the sessions, our focus will be entirely on capturing the everchanging reflections in the river. This retreat aims to loosen up the way we perceive nature and focus on colour and brushstrokes.
The retreat provides a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow artists and create work for your portfolio in a wholesome and inspiring environment.
While accommodation isn’t included in the offer, we listed a couple of neighbourhood hotels to stay, ensuring you complete your adventure filled with nature, colour and creativity.
Post painting, during your free time, we recommend seizing the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings and getting to know the local area, including Saltaire Heritage Village, Shipley Glen and the 5-rise lock to recharge your batteries.
The immediate surroundings are renowned for their natural beauty, providing ample time for walks, relaxation, and immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere.
Whether you seek to enhance your painting skills, connect with like-minded artists, or simply unwind and rejuvenate, this painting retreat is the perfect choice for unforgettable memories.
Designed for beginners and advanced artists, this retreat caters to those eager to elevate their skills and spend time in the company of like-minded individuals.
Tuition and guidance are available in the capacity that is required by the participants, please let us know about your expectations for the retreat ahead of the start.
During the retreat, you will receive:
• Goody bag containing painting essentials
• Daily 4-hour space at your own easel with a view of the river (10 am - 2 pm)
• 3 Small Canvases (if you require more - these can be purchased from the tutor, or feel free to bring your own)
• Access to a selection of brushes and acrylic paints
• 3 x Delicious lunches consisting of a selection of mezze platters, some of which are also gluten-free (plenty of veggie and vegan options available)
Location
The retreat is based in Nina’s studio home.
Set in the most picturesque location on the edge of Saltaire, with undisturbed views over the River Aire, this private riverside terrace offers the perfect setting for painting and alfresco dining.
Your Host
The retreat is led by the artist - Nina Hunter. Nina graduated with a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts, Poland, where she followed the traditional path, learning to draw and paint under renowned Polish Professors. Nina is the founder of Saltaire Art Gallery and School and a Visiting Lecturer at Leeds Art University.
Why is this retreat unique?
This retreat aims at breaking the usual ways of seeing and focusing on colour and brushstrokes instead. We will try to ignore the form and intuitively capture river reflections.
The event is largely focused on self-exploration and aims to connect painters of all levels offering interaction with like-minded creatives seeking to be inspired by each other.
Directions
Address: 1 Hirst Mill, Hirst Mill Crescent, Saltaire, Shipley BD18 4DA
Nearest Car Park: Hirst Wood
Nearest train station: Saltaire
Additional Information
Overnight stay: The overnight isn’t included in the stay, however, Nina can assist with finding suitable accommodation in the neighbourhood.
Lunch: We are offering versatile lunches. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements ahead of the time. Lunches will be served in another part of the garden or indoors in case of rain.
Materials: High-quality professional artists are supplied. Your goodies include a Saltaire Art School tote bag, a palette, and one jar of turpentine. Should you run out of turpentine, to encourage economic usage, a £5 refill will be available. Extra canvasses are also available for purchase at £15 each
The event is limited to 6 spaces. In case of rain, we will be sheltered under a marquee.
What to take:
Clothes for any weather
Painter’s Apron
Raincoats
Cloth to wipe the brushes
Your own materials, should you wish so
What’s included:
Painting materials and a canvas
Lunches
Painting guidance if required
What’s not included:
Overnight stay
Insurance (recommended)
Transport to and from the venue
Choice of hotels nearby:
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Hollins Hill Hotel This high-end hotel and golf resort is 6 miles from both the National Media Museum and the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford.The modern rooms come with flat-screen TVs, pillow-top mattresses, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Upgraded rooms feature 4-poster beds and sofabeds, while suites feature separate living areas and additional TVs. Room service is available 24/7.The hotel has an upscale restaurant and a casual brasserie/bar, both of which serve breakfast. Other amenities include an 18-hole golf course, a fitness centre with a sauna and a solarium, and an indoor pool and a whirlpool tub.
MORE -
This impressive Gothic-style Yorkshire mansion in the heart of Brontë country is set in landscaped gardens on the banks of the River Aire, with superb countryside views in every direction. MORE
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The Busfeild Arms is a family run pub that serves fresh homemade food 7 days a week. It also has a B&B with 3 very luxury rooms. MORE
CANCELATIONS POLICY
At Saltaire Art School we are dedicated to providing the best possible experience to our attendees, we understand that sometimes unexpected situations arise that lead to cancellations. Therefore, we have created a cancellation policy that is designed to be fair both to attendees and to our business.
In the event of cancellation by the customer, regardless of the circumstances, the following refund fees, excluding the deposit, shall apply:
Cancellation 30 days before retreat start date: 0% refund
Cancellation 4 - 6 weeks before retreat start date: 25% refund
Cancellation 6 - 8 weeks before retreat start date: 50% refund
Cancellation more than 8 weeks before retreat start date: 100% refund
PLEASE NOTE:
Your deposit is non-refundable or transferable.
All cancellations must be made via email to contact@saltaireartschool.co.uk
If we (Saltaire Art School) need to cancel for any reason, we shall inform customers as soon as possible. Alternative dates will be offered; however, we do not accept responsibility for any costs incurred, including airfares. Where the alternative arrangements offered are not amenable to you, then a full refund will be made to you.
We understand that life can be unpredictable and that unexpected events can arise. However, please keep in mind that when you make a reservation for a retreat, we make preparations and arrangements based on that commitment. Therefore, we ask that you carefully consider your plans before making a reservation, and inform us of any changes as soon as possible in order to minimize any inconvenience to you or to our business.
We hope that this policy helps you to understand our approach, and we look forward to sharing this special time with you!
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Thank you for joining our painting retreat in Saltaire! We aim to provide a one-of-a-kind creative experience for all participants. In signing up you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions:
By booking you agree to our cancellation policy
- You agree to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case of unexpected circumstances
- By participating in the holiday, you release Saltaire Art School from any responsibility, claims, rights and liability from injuries or damage to the property resulting from your participation in the retreat.
- We reserve the right to make changes to the retreat itinerary, accommodations, or any other aspect of the retreat if necessary.
- In the absence of negligence or breach of duty, Saltaire Art School accepts no liability for loss, damage, injury, or illnesses which may be received during customers’ stay or travelling to and from the retreat.
- Saltaire Art School shall not be liable for any failures, which are reasonably beyond its control. This covers natural disasters, war, ‘acts of God’, civil strife, health pandemics, accidents, or failure to perform by third parties, including suppliers and subcontractors.
- Any photos or videos taken of attendees may be used for promotional purposes unless the attendee specifically requests otherwise.
- We strive to cultivate a positive and respectful environment for all attendees. Any behaviour deemed disruptive or disrespectful may result in the attendee being asked to leave the retreat without a refund.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all retreat attendees.
If you have any questions or concerns about these terms and conditions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're looking forward to an amazing yoga retreat experience together!