Capertee 3-Day Painting Residency Information

3-Day Guided Artist Retreat

Where the Painting Residency Starts

The first day of your residency begins anytime from 9 am at Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat. You’re welcome to come and settle in, then get straight into painting or exploring in the area. The first mentoring session will take place late afternoon in the communal painting studio.

Capertee Mountain View Retreats is located at Nguluway, 1 Port Macquarie Rd, Bogee, in the Capertee ValleyDetailed directions can be found here.

Please note that there is limited mobile reception through the valley, so download the directions in advance. Generally, there is good coverage on site during the retreat.

What’s Included in Your 3-day Stay?

  • Accommodation at Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat

  • Daily 2-hour small-group mentoring sessions in the communal studio — practical tuition, critique, and problem-solving on painting technique, including composition, colour, subject matteretc.

  • One 90 min private tutorial — personalised feedback and mentoring to support your individual goals as an artist.

  • Feedback Circles — peer reviews designed to build confidence 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.

  • Independent practice, most of the day — choose your own subjects and schedule.

What to Bring

Food

  • Artists can self-cater in the fully equipped kitchens, cook over the fire or on the BBQ and/or enjoy the local restaurants at Rylstone, Kandos and Glen Alice.

  • Fridges, appliances, cooking utensils and equipment are available in Peppertree Cottage as well as the Hayshed communal kitchen. Each van is equipped with a fridge and a kettle.

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

General Equipment

Bring whatever helps you feel comfortable and creative, including:

  • Sheets and towels

  • Journal, pen, and pencil

  • Walking shoes and a rain jacket

  • Hat, sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses

  • Warm clothing for cool evenings

  • Backpack and water bottle

Plein Air Painting Materials and Equipment

As an intermediate or advanced painter, you will have your own preferred colours, medium and painting setup. You’re encouraged to bring your own favourite materials and any you’d like to experiment and explore with — this retreat is the perfect place to try new techniques and tools.

A limited number of easels are available for loan for the duration of the retreat. Contact Corinne to request one.

For more detail, see Corinne’s article: The Art of Plein Air Painting – a guide to outdoor painting approaches and equipment.

These lists are just a starting point for plein air painting - please supplement them according to your preference.

Accommodation

Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat is a place for artists to reconnect with nature and their creativity. Nguluway, the farm offers paddocks to wander, cosy spots to relax, and beautiful, sweeping views to enjoy.

  • Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat offers 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.

To help keep accommodation costs to a minimum, we ask that you bring your own linen - sheets and towels. If you're travelling from afar or have luggage limitations, feel free to email and we’ll happily make special arrangements for you.

During and at the conclusion of the retreat, you are kindly asked to maintain your room and participate in light shared housekeeping and farm tasks around the property. It’s all part of the community spirit that makes this experience so memorable.

Where you’ll sleep

Vintage Vans with Views

  • Stay in one of our delightfully restored and decorated vintage vansGreta, Camilla, Poppy or Lizzie.

  • Each boasts a comfy double bed, private kitchenette, heating and cooling, outdoor seating, and beautiful paddock views.

  • Enjoy access to shared bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, fire pit, communal studio, and relaxed living areas.

  • Please bring your own double bed sheets and towels

Peppertree Farm Cottage

  • The cottage provides simple but elegant living spaces and bedrooms, a large kitchen, verandahs to catch the morning sun, a hearth for fireside games and conversation, and a spacious dining table for shared meals. Watch the horses and sheep graze and enjoy the mountain views in changing light and weather.

  • Room options include:

    QB with Ensuite

    QB, shared bathroom

    DB shared bathroom

  • Please bring your own sheets and towels

Paddock Camping

  • Bring your campervan, caravan, or tent and sleep under the stars with 360-degree valley views.

  • You’ll have access to shared bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a communal fire pit, studios, and shared living areas.

Accompanying Partner

If your partner would like to accompany 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 is payable. Simply let us know on the booking form, and a separate invoice will be sent.

Bringing Your Pet

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on residency, with a few important considerations to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.

Approval is required in advance — please email Corinne if you would like to bring your dog.

As this is a shared, group experience, we need to ensure that any dog attending is suitable for the environment.

One small to medium dog may be permitted, provided they are:

  • well socialised with people and other animals

  • not aggressive or prone to barking

  • calm and able to settle in a shared setting

Dogs must be supervised at all times and remain under your control, both for their safety and the safety of others. Please also be mindful that there are horses and sheep on the property.

Dogs are not permitted in the caravans or on furniture, and a $200 bond applies to cover any damage or uncollected waste.

Please also note that dogs are not allowed in Capertee or Wollemi National Parks.

If you’re unsure whether your dog is a good fit, or would like to discuss further, feel free to get in touch. 

About The Capertee Valley

The spectacular Capertee Valley, north of Lithgow, is part of the Greater Blue Mountains, NSW, and lies just 185 km from Sydney and 81 km from Mudgee.

It is most easily accessed by car, but you can also take the train to Lithgow on the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney, then connect by coach from Lithgow to Capertee and arrange a pickup to the farm (let us know on your booking form and we’ll contact you to confirm times).

Access detailed directions to Capertee Mountain View Artist Retreat here.

Cost of Residency with Mentoring & 2 Nights Accommodation

Farmhouse

Queen Bed with ensuite$760
Queen Bed with shared bathroom$725
Double Bed shared bathroom$700

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$630

Camping

Camping with own campervan, caravan or tent, with access to shared bathrooms and communal kitchen facilities$510

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.

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

Partner Stay Contribution

$150 Accommodation & Amenities Fee
(Covers shared accommodation, facilities access, and communal activities.)

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