3-day Abstract Painting Plein Air event on the outskirts of Saltaire Heritage Village.
+ learn how to stretch and prime your own canvas

20th - 22nd of June 2025

Spend 3 days overlooking the ever-changing colours of the River Aire and record your vision on canvas.

Step away from the structure of your daily life and embrace the freedom of painting in nature with The Colours of Aire, a three-day retreat in Saltaire.
Set along the banks of the River Aire, this experience is about connecting with the landscape and letting your intuition guide your brush.

Through plein-air painting, you’ll work directly with the riverside environment's light, colors, and atmosphere, allowing its energy to influence your work. The retreat is designed to encourage spontaneity, creative expression, and a deeper connection to your surroundings. You’ll also learn how to stretch your own canvas, giving you greater control over your materials and process.

What You’ll Explore

• Sense of place: Focus on the atmosphere and mood of the landscape rather than aiming for realism.

• Colour as expression: Use bold and intuitive colour choices to reflect your impressions and emotions.

• Painting outdoors: Adapt to the dynamic and ever-changing conditions of working in nature.

• Personal style: Experiment with techniques and gestures to develop work that feels authentic to you.

Course Structure

The retreat begins with experimental mark-making and studies, freeing up your approach to capturing the landscape. You’ll then have the chance to create larger works or explore a series of smaller pieces, balancing detail and gestural expression.

Based in an artist’s garden studio with direct views of the River Aire, this retreat offers an inspiring setting for exploration and creativity. Whether sunshine or rain, the focus is on responding to the environment and translating it into your own visual language.

Daily Schedule

• 10 am – 2 pm: Paint alongside guidance from artist Nina Hunter, focusing on reflections, movement, and light on the river.

• Experimenting with paint on paper

• Second Day - learn how to stretch your own canvas

• Afternoons: Explore the local surroundings or relax at your own pace. Nearby points of interest include Saltaire Heritage Village, Shipley Glen, and the Five-Rise Locks.

While accommodation isn’t included, we can recommend nearby options to help you complete your retreat.

This experience is open to all levels, from beginners to experienced artists looking for a new perspective. With an emphasis on creative freedom and experimentation, The Colours of Aire is an opportunity to explore your artistic voice in a relaxed and inspiring environment.

During the retreat, you will receive:

• Goody bag containing painting essentials

• Your own piece of raw canvas and stretch bars

• Daily 4-hour space at your own easel with a view of the river (10 am - 2 pm)

• Several Small Canvases and papers to experiment (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’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: