Modern Impressionism in Action
with Colley Whisson
18–24 July 2027
5 days tuition | Oils & Acrylics | All levels
A five-day immersive painting retreat with internationally recognised impressionist Colley Whisson, exploring powerful light, expressive brushwork, colour and sensitivity to the subject. .
Residential retreat at Greenhills Art Centre, Western Australian Wheatbelt
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5 Days Tuition
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Oils & Acrylics
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All Levels Welcome
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12–15 Participants
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Residential Retreat
Modern Impressionism in Action
Join internationally recognised impressionist artist Colley Whisson for five immersive days of painting at Greenhills Art Centre.
Colley will share the foundations of creating paintings filled with powerful light, expressive brushwork and sensitivity to the subject, with particular focus on tonal values, composition, colour saturation and the importance of edges.
Rather than simply copying what is in front of you, Colley encourages artists to interpret what they see and give expression to their own visual ideas.
His workshops are positive, generous and encouraging, with demonstrations and individual guidance throughout the week.
Suitable for both oil and acrylic painters. All levels are welcome.
During the retreat you’ll explore
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Light
How to recognise and capture convincing light effects.
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Tonal values
Using value relationships to give a painting strength and clarity.
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Brushwork
Developing freer, more confident and expressive paint handling.
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Colour
Understanding saturation and using colour with greater purpose.
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Edges
Learning where to soften, lose or sharpen an edge to direct the viewer.
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Composition
Making stronger decisions before and during the painting process.
Your Retreat Schedule
Sunday 18 July
Arrive at Greenhills from 4pm, settle into your room and meet Colley, Stephanie and your fellow participants before dinner.
Monday 19 July
Workshop Day One
Tuesday 20 July
Workshop Day Two
Wednesday 21 July
Workshop Day Three
Thursday 22 July
Workshop Day Four
Friday 23 July
Workshop Day Five
Saturday 24 July
Breakfast followed by departure.
About Colley Whisson
Colley Whisson is an internationally recognised artist; he was born in 1966 and raised in the northern regions of Brisbane, Australia. Under the guidance of his father renowned artist Eric Whisson, he commenced oil painting at the age of 20. Colley’s first Solo Exhibition was a sell out at the age of 24 a rare feat indeed. Since then, Colley has held numerous Solo and Joint Exhibitions; writing magazine articles and his 2 Books & e-book are sought after by collectors and many libraries nationally and internationally. Colley’s downloadable demonstrations & DVD’S are collected by students worldwide. He believes “It is not what you paint but how you paint it”. At an early age, he had mastered the most difficult technique of all; painting light which has become synonymous with his work. Aiming to paint with precision to convey the purest message possible and striving to capture spontaneous loose impressions each time he returns to his easel. His work has touched many, even his fellow artist expressed the desire to learn from him. With physical workshops and his online teaching course, he is in great demand. He loves nothing more than the challenge of pushing himself to find new subjects to paint. He has been tagged as one of World's finest Impressionist painters. Colley has a strong belief that he is not copying nature but giving expression to visual ideas.
Follow Colley
Keep up with Colley's work, workshops and Painting practice:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Meet Colley
Hear Colley talk about painting, artistic development and the advice he believes artists need to hear
The Greenhills Experience - More than a workshop
A Greenhills retreat gives you the rare opportunity to step away from everyday life and spend several uninterrupted days immersed in painting.
Your retreat includes:
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private accommodation at Greenhills
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all meals
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morning and afternoon tea
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five full days of tuition with Colley
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generous access to the studio
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evening conversations and time with fellow artists
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airport transfers where applicable
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a small residential group
Who should attend?
This retreat is suitable for oil and acrylic painters at all levels.
Whether you are developing your foundations or have been painting for many years, Colley’s approach allows participants to work at their own level while receiving individual guidance.
Materials
A complete materials list will be provided to participants after booking.
Your retreat
$2,980 per person — private room
Price includes GST
A 20% deposit secures your place. Monthly payment plans are available by prior arrangement. The full balance is due eight weeks before the retreat.
Your retreat includes five days of tuition with Colley, private accommodation at Greenhills, all meals, studio access and the full residential retreat experience.
Payment plans available
Prefer to spread the cost? Monthly payment options are available. Contact us for details.
Coming with a friend?
Save 10% each when sharing one of our limited twin rooms.
Independent Stay option
For participants staying nearby or travelling in their own caravan/motorhome, a limited number of non-residential places may be available.
Contact us for availability and pricing.
Spend five days painting with Colley Whisson at Greenhills
Five days. A small group. No everyday distractions.
Just painting, conversation, good food and the opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s most respected contemporary impressionist painters.
18–24 July 2027
Places are limited to 15 participants.
Book Your Greenhills Retreat
Complete the form below and we'll send your deposit invoice to secure your place.