Art Classes

Art classes for beginners to advanced in a beautifully restored 19th century Irish cottage

Relax and enjoy creative art classes and retreats in the hills of Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland.

Paint - Improve your painting skills, techniques and style

Stay - An opportunity to enjoy our wonderful artists' retreat accommodation

Grow - Personal and business creative development courses

Inishowen Artists' Retreat and Studio

Our art classes are designed to suit all abilities. We take only six participants for each class. If you're a complete beginner or professional artist, there's always something to learn and good company to be had.

Sinéad's experience and knowledge (not to mention her eye) is wide and varied and we are confident you will progress in your work.

We also offer tailor-made art classes to suit your group or organisation.

Gift vouchers for art classes

Gift vouchers are available for birthdays, Christmas etc. or just to spoil someone special in your life.

Art classes and retreats

An art class taking place at Inishowen Artists' Retreat and Studio

Discover your inner creativity

Our art classes cater for creative people of all abilities - from professional to amateur artists to complete beginners - wishing to spend time improving their painting skills in a working studio with expert tuition from local artist Sinéad Smyth.

Find out more about what to expect on one of Sinéad's art classes.

A meadow of wildflowers

Improve your personal wellbeing

Allowing yourself to be creatively free can really help begin to address personal anxiety in your creative life and beyond.

Our art classes are an opportunity to rewire your brain for a more creative way of thinking, tapping into creative problem solving and map-making for personal and business-based applications.

Spring in the Walled Garden – A unique outdoor painting experience

28th April 2024

An opportunity to access and paint in the historic walled garden and surroundings of Brook Hall Estate & Gardens on the periphery of the City of Derry in the company of other artists.

Your tutor for the day will be artist Sinéad Smyth, who has vast experience in facilitating and teaching en plein air painting in both oils and acrylics. Participants are to bring their own materials and easels. A suggested materials list will be available after booking.

Find out more

Some thoughts from one of our art class participants

youtube-video-thumbnail
Pascal Ilie Virgil
Pascal Ilie Virgil
2024-03-10
Close your eyes, or rather, keep them slightly ajar, like a painter gazing upon the emerging forms of light, shadows, and colors for his future masterpiece. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Inishowen, where you can spend your nights in a gracefully restored, centuries-old house, steeped in history and beauty. Venture outside, and you'll discover the wild and majestic nature that unfolds right at your doorstep – mountains, hills, beaches, islands, and untamed waves. Above, a sky, either serene or adorned with multi-layered clouds, consistently stages captivating displays of shapes and lights, allowing the warmth and radiance of the sun to gracefully filter into the northernmost realm of Ireland. Here, you have everything to nourish your soul, engage your mind, and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Liz Coleman
Liz Coleman
2024-03-08
We had a wonderful weekend with sinead and family on the fabulous inishowen penninsula. The location is stunning, the accommodation is gorgeous. Fabulously comfortable, warm, welcoming. Highlights were the warm welcome, the art class which stirred creativity in all of us participants (with very varying experience and skill), the confindence and courage instilled by sineads sensitive and excellent tuition, the great company but my absolute highlight was the swim in local spot on sunday morning. Thanks so much to sinead for inviting me along! Would highly recommend an artstay with sinead
Deirdre Monaghan
Deirdre Monaghan
2024-03-06
Had a fantastic stay here with my family & dog. Great surroundings and very peaceful and tranquil. The kids loved using the artists studio. Sinead was extremely helpful with loads of ideas & handy tips for things to do in the local area. Would definitely recommend a visit here.
Emer O'Kane
Emer O'Kane
2024-03-06
Great homely feel to the place. Fab location and quite a rare find having access to an EV charger too. We can't wait to come back soon.
ciara steele
ciara steele
2024-02-28
We had a fantastic time in a beautiful setting exploring the possibilities of Oil Paint learning colour theory perspective and sharing stories with warm and lovely people. Sinead is so welcoming food and snacks are home made delicious and timely. I will definitely rebook
Elaine Graham
Elaine Graham
2024-02-28
I attended Inishowen Artists Retreat for the Autumn/Winter classes and must say it was fabulous. Sinead fills you with knowledge and encourages your enthusiasm. My two hour painting sessions there are so relaxing and therapeutic. I would highly recommend and will certainly go back for more classes
Eithne Mckevett
Eithne Mckevett
2024-02-28
Lovely weekend very relaxing. Sinead is a great teacher and very encouraging. Arrived home with 2 very nice paintings .First time using oils easy step by step process to follow. Studio bright and airy.Stayed in cottage which was lovely and very comfortable
Susanne Bergin
Susanne Bergin
2024-02-28
A great weekend with my daughter. Sinead was great welcoming and supportive! We loved learning the art of oil painting together.
Bennery Rickard
Bennery Rickard
2023-06-20
We had the best weekend ever. Beautiful retreat, lovely cottage and studio. I really enjoyed painting with Sinead very encouraging, sensitve teacher and what can I say about Inniseoin its magical. Bennery