Why Still Life?

Still life has been painted by artists for centuries—not because the subjects are simple, but because they teach us to see.

Every bottle, bowl, onion and piece of linen becomes an opportunity to understand light, colour, edges, atmosphere and composition.

Throughout the week you'll discover that ordinary objects can become extraordinary paintings.

​​

During Your Retreat You'll explore

• Classical composition

• Limited palette colour mixing with Oils

• Understanding light and shadow

• Edges and focus

• Painting glass and transparent objects

• Metallic surfaces

• Different textures

• Brushwork

• Creating atmosphere

• Varnishing and presentation

​​

Price

$2,720

9–15 November 2026

Includes:

✓ Six nights' accommodation

✓ Full-board meals

✓ Five and a half days' tuition

✓ Airport transfers

✓ Evening studio access

✓ Small group experience

Independent Stay Package available. Please contact us for pricing.

​

A Typical Day

​

Breakfast together

Enjoy a relaxed country breakfast before heading to the studio.

Morning demonstration

Each day begins with a demonstration introducing a new concept.

Studio practice

Personal guidance as you work on your own painting.

Lunch

Enjoy freshly prepared meals and conversations with fellow artists.

Afternoon painting

Continue building your painting with individual tuition.

Evening

Stay in the studio, relax with a glass of wine on the verandah or enjoy conversations around the fire.

​

Is this retreat for me?

​

Perfect for

✓ Beginners

✓ Intermediate painters

✓ Experienced artists wanting classical foundations

✓ Acrylic painters wishing to explore oils

​

About Johanna

​

Johanna Larkin is an award-winning still life artist whose work is inspired by the quiet beauty of everyday objects.

Following study at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy, her work has become increasingly influenced by the classical traditions of realism, careful observation and the dramatic use of light.

Through this retreat, Johanna shares the techniques and mindset that transformed her own painting practice—helping participants slow down, observe more deeply and paint with greater confidence.

​

Materials List

​A Materials list will be emails to you upon confirmation of booking.

 

Independent Stay Package

Greenhills has just eight guest rooms within our historic homestead, making our retreats intentionally small and personal.

We occasionally offer a limited number of places for guests staying in nearby accommodation or in a caravan/motorhome parked at Greenhills.

These guests still enjoy the full retreat experience, including:

• Daily tuition

• Morning and afternoon tea

• Lunch and dinner at Greenhills

• Evening gatherings and demonstrations

• Full access to the studio

The only difference is that accommodation is provided off-site.

Options include:

• Accommodation in York (approximately 18 minutes away)

• Accommodation at Whitegum Farm (approximately 6 minutes away)

• Self-contained caravans or motorhomes parked at Greenhills (powered, showers/toilets available)

A reduced retreat fee applies when accommodation is not included.

​

Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or returning to painting after many years, this retreat offers the time, guidance and inspiration to slow down, see differently and create work you're truly proud of.

We look forward to welcoming you to Greenhills Art Centre.

​

To apply

Please complete the below application form and an invoice will be sent to you for a deposit of $300 to secure your spot. (Balance due within 60 days of booking/or 60 days prior to workshop (whichever is sooner).

To view our cancellation policy please click here.​​​​​​​​​​​​​