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 an 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 short, relaxed creative reset, others build in extras like a swim, a yoga session or a guided coastal walk - pick whichever suits you.
Sessions run along the coast near Newquay, Mawgan Porth and many other Cornish venues, and most can also be booked privately for a group of your own.
Creative Reset Sunday: Painting & Woodland Spa at Melancoose, Newquay
Sunday 22 November 2026 · 10am–1pm · £75 per person · Maximum 10 people
Two unhurried hours of guided textured landscape painting in The Barn at Melancoose, a restored wood mill in a woodland valley two miles from Newquay. Then an hour in the woodland spa, with a wood-fired sauna, hot tub, cold plunge and fire pit. Materials, tea, coffee and treats are included, and you take your painting home. Complete beginners are very welcome.
The Art of Being: Spring Creative Wellbeing Day Retreat at SeaSpace, Newquay
Saturday 13 March 2027 · 10.30am–5.30pm · £140 per person · Lunch included
A full day at SeaSpace Aparthotel above Porth beach. It starts with slow flow yoga and somatic movement with Charlotte Stephens of Embodied Self Healing, then a guided ocean connection walk on Porth beach. After a buffet lunch by Tallo, there's two hours of driftwood painting with Gemma, and the day closes with an hour at the Saunassa Nordic spa. Includes 15% off SeaSpace accommodation if you want to stay the weekend. Beginners welcome.
The Art of Being: Early Summer Creative Wellbeing Day Retreat at SeaSpace, Newquay
Friday 21 May 2027 · 10.30am–5.30pm · £140 per person · Lunch included
The same full day as the March retreat, timed for longer, lighter days on the coast. It includes slow flow yoga with Charlotte Stephens, an ocean connection walk on Porth beach, a buffet lunch by Tallo, two hours of driftwood painting with Gemma and an hour at the Saunassa Nordic spa. Being on a Friday, it pairs well with a weekend stay, with 15% off SeaSpace accommodation. Beginners welcome.
Wearable Waves: Online Clothing Painting Course
Online · 7 video lessons · Lifetime access · £30
Learn to hand-paint Gemma's textured, ocean-inspired wave technique onto denim or cotton from home, at your own pace. There are seven narrated step-by-step video lessons with written notes, covering preparing your garment, mixing colours and building up the waves. The course is designed for complete beginners. You'll need a garment, fabric paints (under £25) and a couple of brushes (around £15). It's an easy way to try the style before booking an in-person session, and it makes a thoughtful gift.
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.
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.
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 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.
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No — these are designed for complete beginners as well as people who paint regularly. Everything you need is provided.
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Along the Cornish coast, including Melancoose Woodland Retreat and SeaSpace Aparthotel near Newquay, Bedruthan Hotel & Spa in Mawgan Porth, and The Atlantic in New Polzeath.
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Yes — private and group bookings are available for four or more people, and can be shaped around your occasion. See "Private & Group Bookings" above.
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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.
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![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
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![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
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![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
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![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
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![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
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![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
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![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
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![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
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"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.
A gift of creativity, connection — and choice.
Perfect for those who cherish the ocean but love to choose for themselves. Whether they’re drawn to textured seascapes, meaningful commissions, or a soulful creative experience, this gift certificate lets them select the piece or moment that speaks to them most.
Each certificate is beautifully packaged in an eco concious gift box — ready to gift straight away.
Available in multiple denominations
Valid across artwork, accessories, and creative experiences
Valid for 12 months from date of purchase
Whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, anniversary or just because — this is gifting made truly personal.
💌 Want to send it directly to them?
No problem. Just email Gemma with the alternative shipping address— we’ll take care of the rest. If you would like a bespoke handwritten message adding, email Gemma at hello@gemmalessinger.com after purchase.
PLEASE NOTE:
Once purchased you will automatically receive a digital version of the certificate. Gemma will then send you the gift box physical voucher.
If you would prefer just to receive the digital voucher, please let Gemma know after purchase.
This certificate is non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
If you are looking for a specific denomination that is not listed, contact Gemma