Sketches from a Devon Drawing Retreat

Staying in a work of art

I am writing this sat in the Tulip Room, my very pretty bedroom at Glebe House in East Devon, were I am currently attending a 3 day drawing retreat which I would describe as: stimulating, intense, generous, food-filled, inspiring, smudgy and (both) exhausting and relaxing!

I am staying here with a group of other artists who, like me, are all looking to explore their creative practice on a deeper level under the empathetic and dynamic tutorage of Luke Hannam. I’m enjoying the brain struggle of thinking more about what I want to say through the art I make and it has been such a gift to spend uninterrupted time exploring my line. For a busy brained person, whose thoughts make little sense, these are rare, quiet hours for me and the only time when my world slows and the tangle of thoughts begin to unravel.

All that drawing (and brain untangling) is exhausting and just as we begin to wilt, as if by magic, a beautiful meal arrives, vibrant and comforting, a pause for both hand and mind. I have worked through so many ideas, and in the evenings, I’m still gently sifting them, letting them unfold in sketches, doodles, and the quiet pages of my journal. Here are a few drawings, and glimpses of the painterly decor that makes Glebe House feel even more magical.

The interiors here are so beautiful, a modern interpretation of Charleston House. Paintings and ornaments fill the spaces along with flowers, fruit and squash from the garden. Every aspect feels effortlessly curated, a still life everywhere you look.

Meanwhile, back in the studio…

We’re halfway through a very cosy two-week workshop called ‘Enchanted Outfits: Drawing and Dressing the Fairies’ and it’s turning out to be the perfect autumn project. It’s my favourite kind of class, a mix of observational drawing and imagination, as we dream up how to turn an oak leaf into a bodice or boot! There’s something magical about this way of working, once your imagination gets involved the ideas just keep flowing and, as it turns out, fairy fashion design is extremely addictive!

It’s been such a joy seeing everyone’s work come to life, each piece reflecting their own passions and inspirations. It’s not too late to join in if you fancy a bit of cosy, fairy-themed creativity — all the dates and details below!

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If you’re joining in from home, remember: you can keep things super simple or push the idea further. A great way to develop your project is to keep asking, “What would happen if I did this…?” Treat it like a creative enquiry.

Try asking yourself things like:
– What would happen if I combine this leaf with that seed head?
– What would a fairy with a dark academia aesthetic look like? (Perfect for Halloween!)
– Can I turn this random collection of natural bits into a complete outfit?
– What would a steampunk fairy look like if built from natural forms?
– How could I adapt this outfit to reflect different seasons?

As you work, these kinds of questions naturally start to pop in your head one idea leads to another, and before you know it, you’re off on your own creative adventure (there’s no map, or destination…you just keep going! Make sure you stop for tea!)

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✨ Join In With This Month’s Workshop

It’s definitely not too late to join the fun! You can catch up on last week’s session via the class recording, and there’s still plenty more to come.

Session 1: Drawing & Designing Your Fairy
🎥 Workshop recording available now — instant access when you sign up!

Session 2: Colour & Collage Your Fairy
📅 Thursday 23rd October, 7–8.30pm (BST)
Join live on Zoom or watch the replay anytime.

Work-Along with Company:
📅 Thursday 30th October, 7–8pm (GMT)
A relaxed session with 40 minutes of quiet creative time and 20 minutes to chat, share work, and get inspired.

Come and join us — it’s the perfect autumn project to lift your creativity and connect with fellow fairy-makers! 🍂🧚‍♀️