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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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
On Friday evening, we'll head to nearby Lake Kimberley Bar & Grill at Whitegum Farm for a relaxed dinner together.
Friday dinner and drinks are not included in the retreat price and are paid directly by guests at the restaurant.
Saturday 24 July
Breakfast followed by departure.
About Colley Whisson
Colley Whisson is an internationally recognised Australian impressionist artist. Born in 1966 and raised in the northern regions of Brisbane, he began oil painting at the age of 20 under the guidance of his father, renowned artist Eric Whisson. At just 24, Colley held his first solo exhibition, which sold out.
Since then, he has held numerous solo and joint exhibitions, written magazine articles and published books and instructional material sought after by artists and collectors nationally and internationally. His painting demonstrations and teaching resources are followed by students around the world.
Colley believes, “It is not what you paint but how you paint it.” Light has become synonymous with his work, along with spontaneous, loose brushwork and his ability to interpret rather than simply copy nature.
Through his workshops and online teaching, Colley encourages artists to develop confidence, sensitivity and their own visual ideas while continuing to challenge himself with new subjects and approaches.
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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six nights private accommodation at Greenhills
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five full days tuition with Colley
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all meals and refreshments at Greenhills, except Friday dinner
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morning and afternoon tea
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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.
On Friday evening, the group will dine at Lake Kimberley Bar & Grill at Whitegum Farm. Friday dinner and drinks are at guests' own expense.
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
Your retreat includes five full days tuition with Colley, six nights private accommodation at Greenhills, all meals and refreshments at Greenhills except Friday dinner, and generous studio access throughout your stay.
A 20% deposit secures your place. The full balance is due eight weeks before the retreat. Monthly payment plans are available by prior arrangement.
Coming with a friend?
Save 10% each when sharing one of our limited twin rooms, subject to availability.
Twin Share — $2,682 per person
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Independent Stay option
For participants who live locally or prefer to arrange their own nearby accommodation, a limited number of Independent Stay places are available, subject to availability.
You'll still join us for tuition, meals and refreshments at Greenhills, studio access and the social side of the retreat — you simply arrange your own accommodation or bring an approved self-contained caravan or motorhome.
Independent Stay — $2,260 per person
Price includes GST.
Friday dinner and drinks at Lake Kimberley Bar & Grill at Whitegum Farm are at guests' own expense for all accommodation options
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Book Your Greenhills Retreat
Complete the form below and we'll send your deposit invoice to secure your place.
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