Finding Meaning, Hope and Consolation this Christmas
I am writing to wish you a peaceful and love-filled Christmas and summer break. After the events of the past week in Sydney, many of us will be feeling a mixture of sadness, shock and horror. Not emotions we usually associate with the festive season. Like many, my heart breaks for those affected directly by the Bondi tragedy.
Amidst the diverse reactions and calls for accountability, I feel incredibly grateful for the safety of my own family and that we have never been targeted in such a deplorable way. I feel conscious of my privilege and good fortune.
Viktor Frankl, in Man’s Search for Meaning, describes how in the face of immense suffering at the hands of the Nazis, those who survived Auschwitz did so because they held onto a sense of meaning or purpose. They chose hope rather than despair, and this enabled them to endure seemingly unimaginable pain.
So, at this difficult time, as the year winds up and we turn towards another, I invite you to reconnect with your heart’s desire, your innate purpose and the source of your joy.
And I share this painting with you - it speaks of paradoxes inherent in the forces of the natural world, evoking beauty and fragility. As you contemplate it, I hope it brings you a measure of consolation.
Book Your 2026 Retreat or Residency
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 retreat fee of $785 plus your choice of on-site accommodation at the time of booking 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 12 December 2026.
On-site Accommodation Rates for 3 Nights
There’s a limited selection of comfortable, affordable, and character-filled accommodation available on-site at Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat.
You can choose to stay elsewhere or in one of our charming vintage caravans or the 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom farm cottage. When completing your booking form, select your accommodation option.
Farmhouse
Queen Bed with ensuite — $370
Queen Bed with shared bathroom — $ 340
Double Bed with shared bathroom — $315
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 — $250
Camping
Camping with own campervan, caravan or tent, with access to shared bathrooms and communal kitchen facilities — $150
Payment Timing
If you choose the deposit option, the remaining balance must be paid no later than 12 December 2026.
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
Capertee Painting Retreat
3-Day Guided Artist Retreat
26 - 28 February 2027
Independent Practice + Mentoring
Limited to 6 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 2-hour 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 90 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
Corinne Loxton
Corinne Loxton is an Australian artist who paints oil paintings that evoke the landscapes and atmospheric skies she experiences.
Capertee Painting Retreat
5 or 7-Day Guided Artist Retreat
19 - 25 October 2026
Independent Practice + Mentoring
Limited to 6 artists
About the Artist Retreat
For intermediate to advanced painters who want time and space to work—plus focused guidance when it counts.
Stay in an artist’s haven at Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat and spend 5 or 7 days painting at your own pace: in the studio, around the farm, or exploring the wider Capertee Valley. This retreat is designed for artists who are largely self-directed but value targeted mentoring, to sharpen technique, strengthen composition, and improve colour decisions.
How it works
Independent practice, most of the day — choose your own subjects and schedule.
Daily 1-hour group mentoring in the studio with Corinne — practical tuition on painting technique, mark-making, composition, colour, subject matter, guided problem-solving and critique
60 min Private tutorials with Corinne — personalised feedback and mentoring to support your individual goals as an artist. (2 for 7-day participants, 1 for artists staying 5 days)
Feedback Circles — peer reviews facilitated by Corinne, designed to build confidence, skill and awareness
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 wanting constructive feedback without a full-time class structure
Intermediate to advanced artists, comfortable working independently
Creatives wanting to connect with others and nature
What you’ll gain
A strong body of work, developed over the 5 or 7 days.
Clear next steps for your painting practice, with practical strategies for all aspects of picture-making including composition, colour harmony 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 Artist Retreat.
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.
Flexible times for check-in and out
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 painting kit, easel and working materials (see basic list here)
Food and drinks
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 me an email and we’ll arrange an alternative.)
Accompanying Partner on Retreat
If your partner would like to join 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 $350 for the week 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, Nguluway, has uninterrupted mountain views, paddocks to wander, cosy spots to relax, and stillness to enjoy. While on 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.
During your stay, you are kindly asked to maintain your room and participate in light shared housekeeping and farm tasks around the property, both during and at the conclusion of the retreat. It’s all part of the community spirit that makes this experience so memorable.
Booking Options
To keep things simple, there are two ways to book your place:
7-Day Option
Pay the full 7-day retreat fee at the time of booking and save 5%. Your place is confirmed immediately. Use the discount code 5%SAVING
5-Day Option
To select the 5-day option, use the code 5-DAYRETREAT at checkout - then confirm your day of arrival on the booking form.
Deposit + balance
Secure your place with a deposit, with the remaining balance due two months before the retreat.
Cost
7-Day Retreat including 6 Nights Accommodation
Farmhouse
7-Day Retreat including 6 Nights Accommodation
Farmhouse
Queen Bed with ensuite — $1287
Queen Bed with shared bathroom — $1155
Double Bed with shared bathroom — $1100
Vintage Caravans — Paddock Views
Each van includes a comfy Double Bed, private kitchenette, heating & cooling, outdoor seating, and access to shared bathrooms and communal living & kitchen facilities — $890
Camping
Camping with own campervan, caravan or tent, with access to shared bathrooms and communal kitchen facilities — $690
Cost of 5-Day Retreat incl 4 Nights Accommodation
Farmhouse
Queen Bed with ensuite — $965
Queen Bed with shared bathroom — $866
Double Bed with shared bathroom — $825
Vintage Caravans — Paddock Views
Each van includes a comfy Double Bed, private kitchenette, heating & cooling, outdoor seating, and access to shared bathrooms and communal living & kitchen facilities — $668
Camping
Camping with own campervan, caravan or tent, with access to shared bathrooms and communal kitchen facilities — $518
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