Few places in England capture the imagination quite like the Cotswolds. With its honey-colored stone cottages, rolling green hills, winding lanes, and timeless villages, this region feels as though it was made for painters. It is the perfect setting for a week of immersive plein air painting, guided by artist Robert Masla.
Our art retreat is based at the Hyll Inn, a wonderful Manor House in the outskirts of the charming market town of Chipping Campden, a jewel of the northern Cotswolds and an inspiring home base for a week devoted to art, exploration, and creative growth. https://hyllhotel.com/
Painting the English Countryside
Each day begins at the Manor House with a leisurely breakfast before we set out to paint in a different nearby village, carefully chosen for its visual richness and variety of subjects. Working on location allows artists to respond directly to changing light, atmosphere, and the subtle color harmonies that define the English countryside.
Under Robert Masla’s guidance, artists will explore composition, color, personal expression and intention while developing confidence in their plein air practice. His thoughtful, supportive instruction and individualized feedback make the experience valuable for painters of all levels. Non-painters are welcome too!
Villages That Inspire
Throughout the week, we visit some of the most iconic villages in the Cotswolds, as well as the world famous Hidcote Botanical Garden:
- Stow-on-the-Wold – A historic hilltop town with expansive views, market square architecture, and centuries-old stone buildings that offer strong compositional possibilities.
- Bourton-on-the-Water – Often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” this village enchants with its low stone bridges, reflective river, and idyllic charm.
- Bibury – Home to Arlington Row, one of the most photographed streets in England, where cottages and waterways provide endless inspiration.
- Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s birthplace offers a change of pace with its riverside scenes, historic buildings, and lively cultural atmosphere.
Each location presents new challenges and opportunities, encouraging artists to see, simplify, and interpret the landscape in their own unique way.
Evenings in Chipping Campden
After a day of painting, we return to Chipping Campden to relax and reflect. Evenings are a time to enjoy good food, share insights, and connect with fellow artists. The location of Hyll Inn surrounded by grazing sheep adds to the heritage of the area, once the center of the wool trade. https://britishheritage.com/travel/wool-cotswolds
A Meaningful Art Travel Experience
This retreat is more than a workshop—it is a chance to slow down, observe deeply, and paint with intention. Artists leave with a body of work inspired by one of England’s most beautiful regions, strengthened skills, and memories shaped by shared experiences and remarkable places.
https://www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/ Join us in the Cotswolds for a week of painting, discovery, and creative renewal with Robert Masla—where every village tells a story, and every brushstroke captures a moment in time.