Workshop Title:
Painting Inspired Florals
Join artist Kim Smith for a joyful week of creativity, where participants will explore the beauty of floral painting. Using photos as inspiration, Kim will guide the group in creating expressive oil paintings that capture the freshness and spontaneity of flowers.
Throughout the retreat, Kim will demonstrate essential skills such as underpainting, working with transparent vs. opaque colors, building a strong palette, and color mixing techniques. Her teaching style encourages freedom, confidence, and play — reminding students that painting should always be fun.
No prior experience is needed, and participants will be supported every step of the way in a relaxed, encouraging environment. Open to ages 18+.
I’m most at home when I’m standing at the easel, letting vibrant colors flow from my brush as the morning light fills my studio. Years ago, while juggling a business and raising a family, I discovered that waking up before the sun gave me a magical pocket of time to paint — and once I started, I couldn’t stop. Now, creating almost daily has become a joyful rhythm I can’t imagine living without.
The lush countryside of my hometown is my constant source of inspiration. A bouquet from the farmers market, a quirky little bird in the yard, a beloved pet, holiday traditions, or even a plate of sweet treats on the counter can spark a new idea. I love capturing these everyday moments and wrapping them up on canvas like little gifts of joy.
My style blends intention with intuition. Over time, my canvases have grown cleaner, my colors brighter, and my compositions more simplified. With a background in commercial art, my work carries a touch of illustration’s hand-crafted geometry, while still embracing the buttery, unpredictable magic of oil paint as colors mix and dance together.
Equally important to me is sharing the journey. Through my online community, I encourage others to find inspiration, even in the busiest of days. I believe creativity doesn’t wait for the “perfect” moment — it blooms when you give yourself permission to just begin.
At the heart of it all, my goal is simple: to create little bits of happiness every day. Through my paintings, I get to spread joy, peace, and a hint of whimsy to homes and hearts around the world.
Guest room amenities include Towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hair dryers, in room coffeemaker, mini fridge, tv, internet, lap desks, yoga mats
Light dinner and refreshments
Includes 2 nights of dinner (welcome and farewell), lunch and breakfast, daily snack breaks, unlimited coffee, tea & seltzer
If art supplies are included in the price of the retreat, it will show in the description.
Taxis and rental cars available at airport. We may be able to pick you up at the airport or train station with prior arrangements.
See below for fun and inspiring add-on excursions
Your instructor will reach out with details on needed materials and supplies. You can have your supplies shipped directly to us if you do not want to travel with them.
Although we do not require trip insurance, we VERY HIGHLY recommend it. Here is a link for purchasing Trip Insurance where you can compare rates and coverage. https://www.travelinsurance.com/
6-8 pm Welcome Reception - meet your fellow students reception with Welcome Dinner.
Room check ins begin at 3pm
All-day workshop starting at 9am and includes lunch
Class plan is set by the instructor
Art Studio available 24/7
All-day workshop starting at 9am and includes lunch
Class plan is set by the instructor
Art Studio available 24/7
All-day workshop starting at 9am and includes lunch
Class plan is set by the instructor
Art Studio available 24/7
All-day workshop starting at 9am and includes lunch and farewell dinner
Class plan is set by the instructor
Art Studio available 24/7
Breakfast in the morning Studio work in the morning, sketching and
Checkout by 1PM
I've always loved art I've always liked to create I've always liked the hospitality industry I've always loved the water I've always liked to transform spaces I've always loved gardens and gardening I am a die-hard New Englander So we bought a beautiful historic property in the center of a very historic town, Glastonbury with direct river access... Spent years renovating... Transformed this tired property into a showpiece of Art, design and gardens... Made a home and business reflecting my design style... Have been operatin