A Synergy of Music and Paintings

Recent WorkRetreatExhibition
Written By Corinne Loxton
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Rustle of Spring I, after Sinding, 2024, oil on board, 22 x 30 cm
Rustle of Spring I, after Sinding, 2024, oil on board, 22 x 30 cm
$900.00

This work forms part of an ongoing investigation into painting in dialogue with musical structure. Referencing Rustle of Spring by Christian Sinding, the painting engages with lightness, repetition and the rapid articulation of movement.

The composition is organised as an open atmospheric field, where cloud formations are dispersed across a high-key ground. Rather than forming a fixed structure, these elements operate through rhythm and spacing, creating a sense of lift and expansion across the surface.

Directional brushwork establishes a continuous flow, allowing the image to unfold as a sequence of shifting intervals rather than a single resolved view. The horizon remains minimal, reinforcing the emphasis on air, movement and spatial openness.

Executed alla prima, the work retains immediacy and responsiveness. Wet-on-wet handling enables tonal transitions to remain fluid, with marks accumulating in a way that parallels the quick, cascading structures of the musical source.

Rather than describing a specific scene, the painting translates underlying conditions—lightness, movement and dispersion—into a visual language shaped by gesture, rhythm and material process.

Medium: Oil paint on plywood panel, framed in Italian timber
Subject: Sweeping cloud formations across an open sky
Colour palette: Cadmium yellow, white, ultramarine, Windsor blue, indigo

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Feux, d'artifice I, after Debussy, 2024, oil on board, 22 x 30 cm
Sold
Feux, d'artifice I, after Debussy, 2024, oil on board, 22 x 30 cm
$1,200.00

This work forms part of an ongoing investigation into painting in dialogue with musical structure. Referencing Feux d’artifice by Claude Debussy, the painting engages with sudden intensification, fragmentation and the dispersal of light within the composition.

The image is organised around a central rupture, where a concentrated burst of luminosity interrupts a darker atmospheric field. Light does not emanate evenly but fractures outward, creating shifting zones of visibility and obscurity across the surface.

Cloud formations are activated by directional movement, allowing colour to disperse and reassemble through layered marks. The surrounding darkness functions as a counterweight, heightening the instability and transience of the illuminated centre.

The painting develops through the accumulation and disruption of marks, reflecting the fleeting and episodic structure of the musical source. Moments of intensity emerge and dissipate, producing a sense of temporal compression within the image.

Executed alla prima, the work retains immediacy and responsiveness. Wet-on-wet handling allows colour relationships to remain fluid, enabling light to dissolve into surrounding fields.

Rather than illustrating a literal event, the painting translates underlying conditions—rupture, intensity and ephemerality—into a visual language shaped by gesture, contrast and material process.

Medium: Oil paint on plywood panel, framed in Italian timber
Subject: Burst of light within a darkened sky and cloud field
Colour palette: Deep blue, indigo, black, violet, orange, yellow, gold, white, grey

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I am excited to be writing while interpreting the wonderful music of great composers such as Debussy, Ravel, Liszt and Chopin in paint. A challenging project, given that I have no formal musical education, yet as I listen, my spirit soars! Each piece evokes an element - earth, air, fire or water and my mind fills with images and experiences of nature.

This project came about because of a serendipitous meeting with Melbourne concert pianist, Elyane Laussade, in 2015. I happened to be standing amidst my work at Art2Muse gallery in Double Bay in Sydney, when she walked in, exclaiming her delight at my skies. She then related how that morning she had watched a beautiful array of clouds over the harbour and had wished she knew someone who could capture the moment on canvas. We instantly struck up an understanding, each recognising in the other a love of nature and the creative process. When she then suggested that we work together, I readily agreed.

So here I am now, preparing for our second collaboration - a concert series in which Elyane will play a program of Romantic, Impressionistic and Early Modern compositions accompanied by projections and an installation of my paintings.

As part of my preparation I have studied the composers’ intent for each piece, sought to understand the historical context within which they worked and listened to multiple versions with distinct tempos and stylistic interpretations. It has been a little head work and a lot of heart work. Mostly I have deepened my awareness to notice what each composition stirs in me and respond to that.

You can view the completed paintings here and if you are inclined to attend one of the three concerts in Melbourne in October, you can purchase tickets. In true Elyane-form, a sumptuous meal compliments each concert and is included in the ticket price ($67-$85). The venue is the Laussade Studio in Doncaster East, an intimate space that seats only 50 guests, so we anticipate the concert will sell out.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, or glass of bubbly, I encourage you not to hesitate, and book today.

In addition to this work, I am preparing to teach several workshops, each designed to equip participants with skills to make the most of the Capertee Plein air Painting Retreat on the October long weekend.

The first, The Art of Composition, on 30 June, is a full-day workshop, suitable for beginners to advanced in any medium. I will teach, step by step, how to put together the essential elements of a picture so that its structure is both invisible and essential to the overall aesthetic and conceptual appeal of the picture. You can book in here. If you are a returning workshop participant, please apply the discount code IAMHOOKED!

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Capertee Plein Air Landscape Painting Retreat | Beginner - Intermediate
Capertee Plein Air Landscape Painting Retreat | Beginner - Intermediate
from $785.00

Capertee Plein Air Painting Retreat

4-Day Landscape Painting Workshop

12 - 15 February | Beginner to Intermediate

Painting + Yoga + Meditation + Bushwalking

About the Retreat

Join artist Corinne Loxton for a 4-day plein air painting retreat in the breathtaking Capertee Valley, just north of Lithgow and west of the Blue Mountains, NSW. Surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs, ridges, and wide open skies, this is the perfect setting to deepen your art practice or try landscape painting for the first time.

Following sold-out retreats in 2026, we’re excited to return in 2027! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, these art retreats are designed to build your confidence and creativity in a relaxed, supportive, and beautiful environment.

How it works

  • Daily group tutorials in the studio or outdoors — demonstrations and instruction in skills and painting technique, including composition, colour, subject matter etc.

  • Plein air practice with personalised feedback and mentoring — choose your own subjects and formats.

  • Optional yoga, bushwalking, meditation and journalling to ground and support creative practice.

  • Flexible locations — painting sessions in the woolshed studio, outdoors around the property, and various places in the Capertee Valley.

What’s included in the Retreat?

  • Painting tutorials on techniques for plein air landscape painting

  • Comfortable facilities and beautiful views at our retreat base

  • 2 Painting boards or canvases

  • Private feedback sessions and guided painting tuition with Corinne Loxton

  • Optional yoga, meditation, bushwalking, journaling

  • Delicious morning & afternoon teas each day

  • Mindfulness practices to support creative flow

  • Time to rest, connect with others, and recharge

  • Catered lunches from Saturday to Monday

  • Optional accommodation at peaceful Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat with stunning views and access to nature, bird watching, and stargazing.

Build new friendships, in spectacular surroundings, as you disconnect from everyday life. This painting workshop is about more than just developing painting technique – it’s an opportunity to restore your energy, reconnect with nature, and rediscover your creative spark.

What you’ll gain

  • A dedicated time to paint in an energising, supportive and inspiring environment

  • Individualised guidance, skills and techniques you can apply immediately.

  • Clear next steps for your painting practice, with practical strategies for all aspects of picture-making, including composition, colour harmony and brushwork.

  • Connection with other creatives and nature

What to Bring

Art Materials

Plein air painting materials – Please see a list for oil/acrylic and watercolour artists here. You may bring and work in multiple mediums - I encourage experimentation and exploration. This list is a guide, and not intended to be exhaustive.

Portable plein air painting easels – BYO or Corinne has several easels available for loan.

Food

  • Breakfast supplies — bring your preferred items to start the day.

  • Snacks — optional extras if you’d like something in addition to those provided.

  • Dinner — Shared dinners are one of the highlights of our retreat — simple, relaxed, and a lovely way to unwind after painting each day.

If you’re travelling from afar, it’s perfectly fine to buy food in Rylstone or Kandos on your way through. If arriving by train and coach, please let us know and we can help arrange another way for you to contribute.

A few weeks before your retreat, everyone receives an email with a link to sign up for shared meals.

General Equipment

Bring whatever helps you feel comfortable and creative, including:

  • Sheets and towels (see notes to follow)

  • Yoga mat

  • Journal, pen, and pencil

  • Walking shoes and a rain jacket

  • Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses

  • Small folding chair and table

  • Warm clothing for cool evenings

  • Backpack and water bottle

Accompanying Partner

If your partner would like to accompany you at Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat, they are very welcome to share your accommodation, join us at the fireside and soak up the beautiful surroundings. An additional accommodation/amenities fee of $200 is payable. Simply let us know on the booking form and a separate invoice will be sent.

Retreat Meals & Shared Contributions

From Saturday to Monday, you’ll be treated to morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, all provided with care. Please bring your breakfast supplies and any extra snacks you may want.

To help keep the retreat affordable and rooted in a spirit of community, we invite all participants to take part in light kitchen and farm tasks. This shared effort not only supports the retreat’s smooth running but also creates a sense of connection and collaboration.

Evenings are a highlight, with shared dinners prepared together in the communal kitchen. We’ll coordinate contributions via email in the two weeks leading up to the retreat– think favourite dishes, special ingredients, or even a bottle of wine to share!

This spirit of generosity, participation, and shared experience is a big part of what makes the retreat so special.

Booking Options

To keep things simple, there are two ways to book your place:

Pay in full
You may pay the full booking fee now and receive a 5% discount on the total. Your place and accommodation are confirmed immediately. Input the discount code ‘5%OFF’ at checkout.

Deposit + balance
Alternatively, you can secure your place with a deposit of 40%, with the remaining balance due 5 December 2026.

Cost of Retreat including Accommodation

There’s a limited selection of comfortable, affordable, and character-filled accommodation available on-site at Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat.

You can also choose to stay elsewhere.

Farmhouse

Queen Bed with ensuite — $1155
Queen Bed with shared bathroom — $ 1125
Double Bed with shared bathroom — $1100

Vintage Caravans — Paddock Views

(4 available: Greta, Lizzie, Camilla, and Poppy)

Each van includes a comfy Double Bed, private kitchenette, heating & cooling, outdoor seating, and access to shared bathrooms and communal living & kitchen facilities — $1045

Camping

Camping with own campervan, caravan or tent, with access to shared bathrooms and communal kitchen facilities — $935

Retreat without Accommodation

$785

Payment Timing

If full payment is not received by 5 December 2026, your place may be released and offered to another participant.

A $50 late payment fee may apply if you wish to retain your place after the due date.

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Gift Certificate
from $300.00

For that special person who loves art, a gift certificate is a way to honour and support their love of art and creativity.

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Capertee Painting Retreat | Intermediate to Advanced
Capertee Painting Retreat | Intermediate to Advanced
from $540.00

Capertee Painting Retreat

3-Day Guided Artist Retreat

26 - 28 February 2027

Independent Practice + Mentoring

Limited to 7 Artists

About the Artist Retreat

For intermediate to advanced painters seeking an immersive creative reset in a short timeframe.

Refine your technique and strengthen your creative direction in a supportive, reflective environment that encourages exploration and growth.

Receive personalised mentoring and guidance from recognised landscape artist, Corinne Loxton, in a beautiful, supportive setting.

Spend 3 days in the company of other artists, painting in the spectacular Capertee Valley.

Work at your own pace — in the studio, around Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat, or exploring the region’s national parks and dramatic mountainscapes.

This retreat is designed for artists seeking a creative boost, with time for independent exploration, balanced by personalised guidance and group mentoring sessions in Corinne’s studio.

How it works

  • Independent practice, most of the day — Choose your own subjects and schedule around the property or elsewhere in the valley.

  • Daily 70 min small-group mentoring sessions in the studio — Corinne provides practical tuition, critique, and problem-solving on painting technique, including composition, colour, subject matter, etc.

  • One 60 min private tutorial with Corinne — Receive personalised feedback and mentoring from Corinne to support your individual goals and develop your skills as an artist.

  • Feedback Circles — Participate in peer reviews facilitated by Corinne, designed to build confidence, awareness and understanding

  • Flexible locations — paint in the Woolshed studio, outdoors around the property, or travel into the Capertee Valley, Wollemi or Capertee National Parks to paint en plein air.

Who it’s for

  • Painters seeking constructive feedback and personalised input

  • Intermediate to advanced artists wanting the freedom to work independently

  • Painters wanting to deepen their art practice, find renewed inspiration, and build connections with like-minded people and the natural landscape

What you’ll gain

  • Engage with and be mentored by an established landscape artist

  • A body of work to springboard your painting practice

  • Practical feedback on all aspects of picture-making, including but not limited to composition, colour and brushwork.

  • Individualised guidance you can apply immediately.

  • A dedicated time to paint in an energising, supportive and inspiring environment

Accommodation

  • Artists wake up to the birds and grazing kangaroos on site at Capertee Mountain View Retreats.

  • Comfortable rooms and various styles of accommodation to suit different budgets and preferences.

  • Stay in the farmhouse, in one of our restored vintage vans in the paddocks or even under the stars in your own tent or campervan.

  • Check-in from 9 am on Friday, departure flexible on Sunday afternoon/evening

Meals

  • Self-cater in the fully equipped farmhouse or hayshed kitchens, cook over the fire or on the BBQ.

  • Artists can prepare meals as needed and/or enjoy the local restaurants at Rylstone, Kandos and Glen Alice.

  • Evenings are a highlight, with fireside conversation, shared food and drinks.

To help keep the painting residency affordable and rooted in a spirit of community, we invite all participants to take part in light kitchen and farm tasks. This shared effort not only supports the retreat’s smooth running but also creates a sense of connection and collaboration.

What to bring

Your studio and plein air painting kit, easel and working materials (see recommended list of plein air materials))

Food and drinks to self-cater

Walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack, water bottle

Sheets and towels

(If you're unable to bring any of these items due to travel or luggage limitations, just send an email and we’ll arrange an alternative.)

Accompanying Partner on Retreat

If your partner would like to join you at Capertee Mountain View Retreat, they are very welcome to share your accommodation, join us at the fireside and soak up the beautiful surroundings. An additional accommodation/amenities fee of $150 for the period is payable. Simply let us know on the booking form and a separate invoice will be sent.

About The Capertee Valley

The spectacular Capertee Valley, north of Lithgow, is part of the Greater Blue Mountains, NSW and is 185 km from Sydney and 81 km from Mudgee. It is most easily accessed by car, but you can also train to Lithgow on the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney, then take a coach from Lithgow to Capertee and arrange a pickup from there to the farm (let us know on your booking form and we’ll contact you to confirm times).

Access directions to the farm here.

About Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat

Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat offers artists a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and reconnect with their creativity. The farm has uninterrupted mountain views, paddocks to wander, cosy spots to relax, and stillness to enjoy. While in residence, artists can paint in a landscape setting of their choice, whether painting rustic fences and sheds, open skies, or peaceful bushland.

Accommodation ranges from farmhouse rooms to vintage caravans and camping options, all with access to shared studios, communal spaces, and expansive outdoor settings perfect for plein-air work or reflection.

Located near Wollemi and the Capertee Valley National Parks and the Capertee Valley birding trail, the retreat combines comfort and simplicity with an authentic connection to land.

Booking Options

To keep things simple, there are two ways to book your place:

Pay in full
You may pay the full retreat fee at the time of booking and receive a 5% discount. Your place is confirmed immediately. Input the code TAKEOFF5% at checkout

Deposit + balance
Alternatively, you can secure your place with a deposit of 40%, with the remaining balance due two months before the retreat.

Cost of Retreat and 2 Nights Accommodation

Farmhouse

Queen Bed with ensuite — $800
Queen Bed with shared bathroom — $760
Double Bed shared bathroom — $735

Vintage Caravans — Paddock Views

(4 available: Greta, Lizzie, Camilla, and Poppy)

Each van includes a comfy Double Bed, private kitchenette, heating & cooling, outdoor seating, and access to shared bathrooms and communal living & kitchen facilities — $670

Camping

Camping with own campervan, caravan or tent, with access to shared bathrooms and communal kitchen facilities — $540

Payment Timing

If you choose the deposit option, the remaining balance must be paid no later than two calendar months before the retreat.

If full payment is not received by this time, your place may be released and offered to another participant.

A $50 late payment fee may apply if you wish to retain your place after the due date.

Book Now

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Corinne Loxton

Corinne Loxton is an Australian artist who paints oil paintings that evoke the landscapes and atmospheric skies she experiences. 

http://www.corinneloxton.com.au
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