Artist’s Retreat
An Artists’ Retreat in Ancient Malta
September 30th – October 7th 2023
You love to paint. You love to create…
But Life is always busy!
Or maybe you are yearning to take your creativity to a deeper level, to step forward toward something new?
You know that if you had time free of distractions and filled with inspiration, you would find your way back to that place.
Or simply discover your voice.
Let Malta’s ancient light bring you back to life!
The sun-kissed archipelago of Malta is a dreamy Mediterranean destination with 300 days of sunshine, a weighty history, and some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean.
In Malta, it’s not that they have seasons as much that they have different seasons of light. Limestone and water are the perfect palette for what is served by the heavens.
THE RYTHYM OF THE DAY
Let’s talk about the gatherings
You are invited to
an artists’retreat in Malta
Sept 30th – Oct 7th 2023
A nurturing blend of painting without expectation,
Breathing life into your creativity,
Eating and drinking well,
Swaying to the music and
Allowing yourself to be looked after, for a change!
What you can expect:
Characterful Boutique hotels in 15th-century buildings with ac and every modern luxury.
Mediterranean Cuisine; Healthy, delicious Mediterranean cuisine in our own private hotel reserved for just us and in Ró's favourite local restaurants.
An unforgettable creative pilgrimage over ancient spaces and windblown shores
Sea swimming for the soul.
Painting focusing on cityscape painting.
Simply Stunning Location In Malta's 'old town area' of the Three Cities, rich with character and set in Valetta's Grand Harbour.
Sunsets overlooking the water.
Daily invitations to set the possibility of the day and inspire
Music, Poetry & Craic.
And lots of painting in our own dedicated painting studio and outside.
Join Me In Malta!
LET’s pAINT TOGETHER
A completely new painting experience with me
If you have previously studied with me, this retreat will offer a progression. The focus will be on practice and process and on landscape, rather than on still life. How could we not, in such a beautiful place?
Malta is full of spectacular views, crying out to be painted. Boatyards, alleyways, Grand Harbour vistas, cupola-filled roof lines and village squares. But you and I know that painting outdoors is a time-consuming set up. The sun can be intense and there can be showers. In other words – all the stuff weather throws at us when we paint outdoors.
And because we are also doing other things in this Artists Retreat besides painting, I have put some thought into capturing the stunning views while also making our precious time work for us.
En Plein Air and/or Studio with AC!
Whether you prefer outdoor or indoor painting, the choice is yours. I’ve organised a dedicated studio as our base, complete with AC! I’ll guide you through my favourite locations or you can set up in the studio or on the balcony.
On the first day, I will show you my system of collating references for painting. How to take photos that are good to work from, sketching tips and what I mean by colour mapping.
Then for the rest of that first day, I will take you on what I’m calling my Creative Pilgrimage. Basically I’ll show you Malta with my eyes. There will be some history, stories you won’t hear from a tour guide, some poetry along the way and questions to start us thinking about our own creative journey.
We will stop to frequently to take reference photos, make preliminary sketches and colour mapping. I will bring you to all my favourite locations, all within walking distance of our hotels, and I also give you a map so you can find them easily throughout the week.
You will need to bring a sketching kit and something to note the colours – a small watercolour or gouache set.
All levels welcome
The retreat is designed for people from a wide variety of disciplines and skill levels, from beginner to professional. The sole prerequisite to attending is an openness to being inspired, growing creatively and a willingness to explore your artistic practice.
Media
You can paint in your media of choice. Oils, Acrylic, Watercolour Gouache, Pastel, Pencil Sketching or whatever you feel comfortable.
There will also be some short informal sessions where I will focus on teaching exercises to help you:
learn how to create great paintings from your own less than professional photos.
sketching for reference, value and features.
colour mapping to record the sense of the place
use dynamic design - to bring drama to your paintings
atmospheric perspective - to create a sense of depth
amplify your focal point - using leading lines, sharpness and diverse line
BONUS OFFER
LTP ONLINE COURSE
GET THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS
Enjoy the benefit of an ARTISTS RETREAT and
IMPROVE YOUR SKILL AS AN ARTIST
GET EIGHT WEEKS FREE ACCESS WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR ANY 2024 RETREAT
MUSIC TO MAKE YOUr HEART SING
THE RETREAT experience
Although there will be painting, this is a retreat, not a course, so this will be a different kind of week with me. There will be time to rejuvenate and inspire by doing other things as well as painting.
Eating in Malta
Food is meant to be savoured here, and the locals can spend many hours over a meal.
Traditional Maltese food is rustic and based on the seasons. With lots of fresh vegetables, fish, seafood, cheeses, and bread, Maltese food has some of the best flavors in the Mediterranean.
We will be eating in a mix of my favourite local restaurants. Some no fuss, friendly places and some extra special, you’ll ‘remember forever’ kind of places. Places that you would never find on your own.
We are also happy to accommodate your dietary requirements.
Soaking it all in
A visit to St. John’s Cathedral
We’ll be making a special visit with our own guide to St. John Cathedral in Valetta. Built between 1573 and 1577, this cathedral contains two masterpieces by Caravaggio.
Join Me In Malta!
This retreat was so enriching for me, I wish I could participate in every single one. Ró, you found ways to stimulate our minds and nurture our souls. I will be processing it all for months to come. Thank you for sharing who you are and encouraging us to do the same.
Mary Dorrell
It was an absolutely incredible experience that I shall treasure for ever. Everything Ró said on the can and much much more!! I had the most amazing adventures with total strangers who have become beautiful friends. If you have the opportunity to go on one of Roisin O’Farrells Art Retreats take it. They are life-changing!!
Jane Aston
Peace of mind from start to finish
I know the normal flow of things has been disrupted in the last few years. Joining things again might look great on paper but in practice, it can be a slower affair.
For instance, an artistic retreat might sound like just what you need but the idea of going alone, with people you may have never met before? Not so much!
So, I’ve come up with a cunning plan for the small group of us attending my Artistic Retreat. One that would reassure me if I was going.. Which I am!
Pre-Retreat travel &bonding session
A zoom session facilitated by me. It will be a fun and relaxed session to get to know each other and put names to faces so that when you arrive will already know everyone a little bit.
It will also be a chance to chat about practical things like what to bring, how to getting there, what to expect so you won’t have anxiety about travel, packing, and all that practical stuff.
Constant contact when you need it
You will have the option to join our retreat WhatsApp group before the event so you will always be in contact, while traveling, at the event and afterwards to keep in contact with your gal pals and have a way to connect with me, the team and everyone in the group.
Private space
We are offering private rooms (there are a small number of shared rooms available) where you can rest and relax away from the fun whenever you need to. You are also free to opt out of any activity if you need a little quiet time for yourself.
Welcome reception
On our first night together we will have a special, warm and welcoming reception together (with a light dinner) to give us a chance to further get to know each other, settle in, relax and get the fun started.
Róisín is not just an artist. She has a special gift for caring and encouraging and many years of experience in giving workshops and teaching.
From the serious business of passing on the tradition of creativity to the simple joy of painting, Róisín is committed and passionate about teaching, sharing and living creativity.
Although many artists will attend, you do not have to be an experienced artist to attend or enjoy the retreat. It will be a down-to-earth, inclusive experience, designed to bring people together for the joy of painting, living a bigger creatively life and enjoying some good company.
Róisin’s has been teaching workshops for over a decade, with many attendees returning year after year.
Testimonials
I can honestly say that Róisín’s teaching has completely changed the direction of my life. She has given me the confidence I needed to just simply go for it. I am proud to now call myself an artist and I still can't quite believe how well things are going. The time she takes with people, her generosity to share, and her guidance. There are not many things I can say that have so clearly changed my life but her teaching and definitely have.
Andrea Mosey
I personally had lost all my creative confidence and had so much fear and anxiety to get through. I can’t really begin to tell you how much it means for me to physically, emotionally and intellectually enjoy and engage in the creative process once again and finally be able to call myself an artist again. Love and gratitude.
Helen
It’s time to let go of your mind and let inspiration take over.
This retreat is an investment in you, in your dreams for you, and honestly, you frickin deserve it!
Join Me In Malta!
The laundry can wait—you can’t.
You’ll be thanking yourself if you do and kicking yourself if you don’t.
Are you ready for a life-changing celebration of your creative soul? A feast for the mind, body and spirit during an all-inclusive, idyllic week in one of the most beautiful places on the planet? And all within the company of an intimate group of other amazing women just like you who are up for the same?
Fees
Private room options
Private Room with Ensuite Bathroom €4,750 (1 room left)
OR
Shared Room with Private Bathroom €3,750 (1 cancellation spot left)
Pay up front or by payment plan.
Non-refundable deposit of €495 taken at booking.
Payments will be divided across the remaining months left to the retreat.
We will confirm your payment plan via email before payments begin.
Fee includes 8 wks access to the Love to Paint Online course
Join Our Retreat!
Please note the rooms vary in size, location and bathroom facilities (all have private bathrooms) and are offered on a first come first served basis strictly at the discretion of the organisers. If you have any particular requirements, please do let us know.
Malta is full of hills and steps, often rough and uneven. There are no lifts in the hotels. This retreat is requires you to have a moderate level of mobility.
Cancellation Policy
If YOU have to cancel: Refunds are not available unless we can rebook your place. Please note that the closer we get to the event, the less likely we will be able to find someone to replace you.
Proof of travel insurance to include Covid, which covers your costs including the retreat, is required.
If YOU cancel, but we can refill your spot: You will be refunded everything you have paid minus your non-refundable deposit of €495.
If WE have to cancel: We will refund everything you have paid minus your non-refundable deposit of €495.
Covid Policy
Updated Covid policy:
Participants are no longer required to either have a covid vaccination or a negative PCR test before travel, in order to attend. and there are no vaccination restrictions to enter Malta.
Masks are not mandatory in Malta apart from some settings like medical facilities, but you are welcome to wear them if you wish.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have any necessary documentation to enter the country.
This is for you
If you love to paint
If you love to laugh and grow your creative heart
If you like to eat and drink and sway to the music
If you love to be touched by poetry and shout into the wind
However, I only want you to come if you yearn to make a loving, creative commitment to yourself and co-create this space together. We will be setting one foot after another through the days while contemplating our individual futures, emboldened by words and thoughts and by food, wine and good company: a good holiday and a necessary creative pilgrimage in one remarkable experience.
Join Me In Malta!
I will carry these memories in my heart forever, treasure them and tend to them so that they remain forefront in my sense of knowing, that women from all over can come together and nurture and uplift each other, personally and creatively. And laugh a lot. My heart is full, and my world is larger today
Tammy Goodrich
Very special memories I will carry with me forever!! It was such a magical experience, a new challenge that took me out of my comfort zone but oh how marvellous it was!!! I treasure the friendships, the love and the laughter that we shared! Thanks to all that helped me with the travels. Grainne was fabulous! Ro, thank you for feeding our souls with poems, history, and words, nurturing us to be more creative in our works of art as well as our lives!
LINDA CLARK
I would just like to say, no words can express the gratitude I have in my heart for you to have been placed in my path, bringing me by the hand down a road of brightness, leaving my darkness behind me, I’m in awe of how much you’ve generously shared with us as an artist, as a poet, as a teacher and as a friend who cares, .. keep painting, definitely keep teaching ( and saving more lost souls in the world).. I will never, never forget what you have done for me and my family ... they are so glad to see me smiling again, even if it means I’ve forgotten to cook some days ☺️
Eileen Collins
Roisin’s ability to communicate and get on the level of each of her students was amazing to me. Roisin came prepared to give and that she did, she knew everyone's name and something personal about each one of her students which made her easy to be with and she put me at ease from the minute I walked in.
Yvonne Snead
At this stage in life I feel differently about myself than I did 10 years ago…even 1 year ago! The questions you asked in your retreat and your intuitive insights gave me lots to think about who I want to be going forward.
I loved every minute of the retreat!