Painting by the Sea with Carolyn Gavin and Helen Dardik in Salcombe, Devon, UK

6-13 October 2025 (7 nights/8 days)

Join us in the charming sailing resort of Salcombe in Devon, UK, for a painting retreat with leading mixed media artists Carolyn Gavin and Helen Dardik from 6-13 October 2025.

There could hardly be a more perfect venue for a painting retreat than the Moult, an imposing mansion sitting high on a cliff with glorious views over South Sands Bay and Fort Charles in the Salcombe estuary. The former home of the Earl of Devon, an episode of the TV series Poirot was filmed here. From the terrace at the Moult you look out over the heated swimming pool and tropical gardens to the distant view of colourful sailing boats criss-crossing the estuary, water glistening on the sea. A painter’s paradise with a superb quality of light, wherever you look you find beauty and inspiration for your painting projects.

With their individual yet complimentary painting styles - this is their fifth painting retreat together and their first in the UK - you’ll love the vibrancy and energy that Carolyn and Helen bring to their work and teaching. Working in a variety of media including watercolour, acyla gouche, gouache, pen and ink, the teaching programme covers still life and abstract painting, seascapes and landscapes with specific lessons in flowers and mushrooms also planned. Five days of full-time painting tuition with Helen and Carolyn are included in the week with time set aside for excursions to the pretty town of Salcombe, Overbeck’s tropical garden, Saltram and to a local restaurant.

With its thirteen well-appointed bedrooms (many with sea views), home cinema, gym and ample sitting areas you’ll love the feel of this house and  garden.  With far reaching sea views and gardens planted with  palms, agaves and other exotic plants, you’ll easily find the perfect spot for plein air painting. Explore the Orangery and Victorian glasshouse, take in the view from the Belvedere (summer house) or stroll down hill to South Sands beach, a sandy cove and departure point for the curious sea tractor that will take us on the short trip to meet the ferry when we go to Salcombe for a day trip.

We meet at  Exeter St David’s train station (an easy train ride from London Paddington station) at the start of the retreat and head out by coach to the Moult.  We return to Exeter train station one week later calling in on the way for lunch at Saltram, an elegant Georgian house rich with original art collections and all year round garden overlooking the river Pym. With the exception of three lunches during excursions, all meals will be prepared at the Moult by our private chefs using fresh local ingredients.  

Art at the Moult is your opportunity to spend a week in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK in an iconic house with two leading mixed media artists and experienced teachers. You’ll leave at the end feeling energised and inspired and with a whole new raft of skills to apply to your own art practice. 

“Carolyn and Helen are two brilliant women artists. Both are supreme colourists. Carolyn’s work is subtle, dreamy and harmonious and Helen’s is mischievous and opinionated in the funniest ways.  She uses bold color and precise line work to depict her own universe of quirky characters. Watch Carolyn blend colour using the most delicate brushwork.  How does she dooo that, you wonder…? I hope you will follow my example and take the opportunity to learn from this deeply generous and super dynamic duo. Feel the love, capture the sparks.  Let them guide you to be your best painterly self and, I guarantee you, you will be among friends.”

Rose B, United States

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PAINTING BY THE SEA Gallery

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