‘Drawing with Scissors,' an Art Retreat with Sketch

Inspired by Henri Matisse "The Cut-Outs," this retreat shifts the focus from traditional drawing tools to the immediacy of scissors & paper.
About this Event

"Drawing with Scissors," inspired by Henri Matisse's: Cut Outs.

Art of Observation

This retreat is an invitation to slow down and truly see. By shifting from detailed drawing to bold shapes, you move past the "label" of an object and begin to perceive its raw energy. This deep observation grounds you, turning the act of looking into a meditative practice that connects you to your surroundings.

Dexterity of the Hand

There is a profound, tactile joy in the physical act of cutting. Using scissors requires a unique kind of focus—a rhythmic coordination between hand and eye. As you carve through paper, transforming the creative process into a grounding, sensory experience that sharpens both physical dexterity and mental clarity.

In the Moment

Working with cut-outs demands total presence. Because a cut is definitive, it pulls you out of the "what ifs" of the future and into the "right now." This creates a flow state where the mind quietens, perfectionism fades, and you become fully immersed in the interplay of colour, light, and space.

Freedom of Expression

By stripping away the need for precise lines, you find a new kind of creative "economy of means." Scissors allow for a spontaneous, "happy accident" style of art that pencils often inhibit. This freedom encourages you to play, to take risks, and to trust your intuition, resulting in compositions that are as bold and uninhibited as the process itself.

In this art retreat, we don't just make art; we use the simplicity of paper and scissors to rediscover our own vibrancy, focus, and joy.

*all materials are provided/included in your ticket price.

There is a beautiful tearoom at Sandy Lane that serves hot / cold drinks in the venue. This will be open for those who wish to purchase a refreshment on the day.