There’s something special about discovering a place that feels like a retreat from the rush of everyday life. For me, The Priory Hotel has always been that kind of place. My first meeting with it was from the water—seeing the hotel from the river when arriving by boat. That view, framed by the beautiful garden and reflections of the water, sparked my creative eye. I knew it was a view that captured the magic of an evening by the river. It’s a scene that stays with you. The artwork that followed captured Katie, the Marketing Director and daughter of the Managing Partner’s eye, which started a conversation leading to our lovely workshop developing. Katie said, ‘for me, it captures a favourite evening walk and view of the hotel’. As an artist, those are the views you hope to capture, the essence of a place.
Maybe you’ve noticed, too. I find travel experiences often feel like a checklist of experiences. The Priory offers something different. Within its beautiful grounds, there’s no need to rush off to find inspiration elsewhere—it’s all around you. By staying in one place, you immerse yourself in your surroundings, noticing the subtle shifts in light, colour, and atmosphere that make a scene so compelling to paint.
This is why The Priory is the perfect setting for my pastel painting workshop. It’s a space where artists of all levels can slow down, observe, and develop a creative habit that lingers long after the workshop ends. When you paint a scene, you embed it in your memory, turning holiday moments into something lasting and meaningful. With a paint and a simple frame, you’ve captured a view and holiday memory to enjoy on your wall.
Throughout our workshop, we’ll focus on techniques that build confidence, helping you tackle tricky subjects with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, I aim to help you see the landscape through an artist’s eyes and enjoy the process of capturing it in pastels.
At The Priory, the hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s the heart of the experience. It’s the perfect escape for anyone looking to reconnect with art and their creative self.
Find out more about Nina’s workshop or residential here
