Art Workshops & Wellbeing Retreats in Cornwall

Creative sessions on the Cornish coast - from a relaxed evening of painting to a full day by the sea. No experience needed, just a willingness to get a bit messy. Whether you've got an hour to spare on a Wednesday evening or a whole day where you want to properly switch off, these sessions are built around making something with your hands, in good company, somewhere beautiful.

Expect natural materials, sea air, and enough guidance to feel supported without ever feeling like a lesson. Some sessions lean more toward a relaxed creative hangout, others build in extras like a swim, a yoga session or a guided coastal walk - pick whichever suits you.

Sessions run at venues along the coast near Newquay, Mawgan Porth and New Polzeath, and most can also be booked privately for a group of your own.

Interior view of an attic studio with wooden beams, featuring a collection of paintbrushes in a paint-splattered container in the foreground, and a quilt on the table. Text overlay reads 'Creative Reset Club'.

Creative Reset Club - Evening sessions at Melancoose Woodland Retreat, Newquay. From £25. A relaxed midweek reset - an hour or two of painting and making, no experience needed, just time away from a screen.

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Driftwood & Tide - The Atlantic, New Polzeath - Sunday 30 August 2026. £60. A morning session working with driftwood and found materials from the beach, finishing with something you've made yourself to take home.

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Promotional flyer for a creative day retreat with ocean connection, driftwood painting, yoga, nidra, sound bath on September 18th, featuring an artist's hand holding a blue-painted piece of driftwood with a paintbrush.

The Art of Wellbeing: Creative Day by the Sea - SeaSpace Aparthotel, Newquay - Friday 18 September 2026, full day. £95. A full day combining painting with movement and rest - built for anyone who wants more than just an hour, without committing to a full retreat.

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A woman painting at an art studio with a canvas and art supplies. Text overlay mentions an art event on October 10th at Bedruthen Hotel.

The Art of Being: Creative Wellbeing Day Retreat - Bedruthen Hotel & Spa, Mawgan Porth - Saturday 10 October 2026, full day. From £120. The most immersive of the day sessions: painting, guided movement, and space to properly slow down, at one of the coast's nicest spots for it.

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Wearable Waves Clothing Painting Online Course - £30 for the summer. Paint your own wearable piece from home, at your own pace - a good low-commitment way to try the style of work before booking an in-person session.

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Private & Group Bookings

Got a birthday, a hen do, a friends' weekend, or just a group of four or more who fancy a creative afternoon together? Any of these sessions can be booked privately and shaped around your group - get in touch and I'll help you put together something that fits the occasion, the headcount and the venue you'd like.

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Workplace & Team Sessions

Away days don't have to mean a spreadsheet workshop in a hotel conference room. I run creative sessions for teams looking for something different - a shared, hands-on activity that gets people talking without the usual team-building clichés. Suitable for small teams and larger away days alike; get in touch for rates and availability.

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Available as a Facilitator

Running a retreat, wellness weekend or event of your own and want to bring in a creative element? I'm available to facilitate art sessions as part of other people's retreats and programmes, not just my own - bringing the same coastal, hands-on approach to your guests. Get in touch to talk through what you're planning.

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A woman smiling and painting on a canvas set up on an easel indoors next to glass doors, with paint supplies on the floor and another painting visible on a table in the background.
A woman painting a landscape scene on paper, with ocean and beach view through large windows in the background, while working in an art studio with easels and paintings.
Group of women participating in a painting class, seated at a long table with painting supplies, some applying paint to canvases while others observe or hold palettes.
People painting miniature canvases at a table covered with autumn leaves, paint palettes, cups of water, and paintbrushes.
Two women sitting on a blue blanket on a sandy beach, with rocks and the ocean in the background. One woman is painting, and the other is watching.
Group of five people sitting on a blue cloth on the sand, painting on small canvases with paints and brushes near a rocky, grassy cliffside.
People practicing yoga on mats in a bright room with large windows overlooking the ocean.
A bowl of yogurt topped with granola, sliced fruits, microgreens, and edible flowers, with a green glass vase containing pink and beige flowers on a glass table.
A woman gives an art class with four students seated at a table, each working on framed artwork and having art supplies. The room has white shelves with decorative items, vases, and framed pictures on the wall.
Group of eight people on a rocky beach, wearing jackets, looking at the ocean and taking photos, under cloudy skies.

  • A mix of formats — relaxed evening sessions, single-day workshops, and full-day retreats — all combining hands-on painting or making with time by the sea. See the full list above for current dates and prices.

  • No — these are designed for complete beginners as well as people who paint regularly. Everything you need is provided.

  • Along the Cornish coast, including Melancoose Woodland Retreat and SeaSpace Aparthotel near Newquay, Bedruthen Hotel & Spa in Mawgan Porth, and The Atlantic in New Polzeath.

  • Yes — private and group bookings are available for four or more people, and can be shaped around your occasion. See "Private & Group Bookings" above.

  • Yes — see "Workplace & Team Sessions" above for details, or get in touch directly for rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stories from the Studio


These reflections from past participants speak to the calm, presence, and joy people find in these sessions - and how it changed the way they feel about creativity.

  • Woman smiling and painting on a canvas in an art class, with other women painting at nearby tables.

    "I had such a wonderful day at the “Wearable Waves” workshop. It was the most fantastic combination of relaxing yoga, followed by fun-filled creative time painting on fabric. Gemma is a fantastic, encouraging teacher and managed to patiently teach us the techniques needed to create a wave painting on our clothing item. Anyone from beginner to advanced artists would enjoy this chance to get creative in a unique way! I have come away from this workshop feeling relaxed, inspired and I also have the coolest denim ‘wave’ jacket ever!!"

    Sophie Bagnall

  • Aerial view of a rocky seashore with waves crashing against rocks and a narrow strip of shoreline.

    “Last year I went to do a one to one workshop with Gemma. I was quite nervous and apprehensive given that I have no art expertise whatsoever. Gemma was incredibly informative, and patient and I learnt so much from her.. So much so I went back again to create another piece. Gemma‘s instructions have given me confidence and a desire to continue trying to create my own pieces following the workshop.".”

    Karen Ceasar

  • A woman wearing a green apron working on a craft project at a table, with a man in a green apron in the background inside a well-lit room.

    "Gemma was patient and her instructions clear and concise, where help was needed or sought it just added to the experience. Her work was on display and it was amazing, even her deck shoes were painted and looked WOW. If you get the chance you should go to one of Gemmas workshops, even if its to get messy with paint."

    Andrew B

  • A woman with curly blonde hair wearing a denim jacket painted with a wave scene, standing in a restaurant or cafe with tables covered in turquoise tablecloths, and other women in the background.

    "Gemma’s ‘Flow & Create’ day is one of the best events I’ve been too! Set in one of the most beautiful locations and a great way to meet lots of lovely individuals. Gemma is a fabulous host & teacher, demonstrating her sheer talent and brilliantly teaching everyone a simple step by step guide on how to recreate her iconic creations. The day flowed beautifully, from morning yoga to the interactive paint workshop, ending with a refreshing sea swim and beach clean. Every detail of the day was planned perfectly and I very much look forward to attending another event soon!"

    Sophie Palmer

  • A cluttered art workspace with a torn canvas, a palette knife, spilled blue and white paint, and a paintbrush on a wooden table.

    "This class of painting with Gemma Lessinger was truly amazing. I am a total beginner, I have no artistic background but I am completely obsessed with the sea so I thought I would have a go. I am so glad I did, learning the different techniques Gemma uses was so interesting. Everyone in the class produced amazing pictures- all very different."

    Claire J

  • An artist's workspace with paint supplies, a wooden palette with blue and white paint, paintbrushes, jars of blue and white paint, and a canvas with a blue abstract painting. In the background, a person wearing an apron is standing near the table.

    "I loved my workshop with Gemma. Fantastic space, a range of mediums to paint with and paint on, and Gemma really gives you the space and time to create. Love the different natural materials she uses to create depth in paintings, really inspires one’s creativity!"

    Lucy Webster

  • Women participating in a group painting class in a bright room with large windows overlooking the ocean.

    "Everything from the moment that I booked a place, to when I walked away with my new and improved painted denim jacket, was brilliant. The yoga session was a lovely way to begin and get the creative juices flowing, with the most beautiful backdrop looking out to the ocean. It was a lovely group of people that you brought together and you set such a calming scene for us all at the Ugly Butterfly. You have definitely inspired me to keep creating - I absolutely LOVED painting my jacket! Thank you for all of your tips and tricks that helped me to transform it into some wearable waves. I'm definitely hooked, and have got some new paints on the way."

    Megan Lodey

  • Woman holding a denim jacket with a painted beach scene inside, in a cozy decor-filled room.

    "Had the most relaxing, wholesome day with Gemma and absolutely loved exploring my creativity more by upcycling my denim jacket with a beautiful seascape. Gemma taught us the techniques to make it easy even from a total painting beginner, and when I got home everyone was SO impressed and very jealous of what I made! Thanks so much."

    Anna Clark

  • "I loved the way you set up our tables with everything we needed, all colour coordinated and the examples of your work to inspire us. I am not comfortable with paintbrushes and painting but you were very reassuring and encouraging, with such a positive vibe that I truly had the best time and the day exceeded my expectations. The Ugly Butterfly as a venue made it extra special with the beautiful bar area and granola bowl."

    Sarah Prior-Jones

Got a question before booking, or want to talk through a private, corporate or facilitator booking? Get in touch - I reply to every message myself.

Gift the experience


Not sure what to get someone? A gift certificate for any of the above, from £25, lets them pick the session that suits them.