Taupo Summer
Printmaking Retreat
Friday January 30th - Sunday February 1st
Relax, unwind and get creative
Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in a weekend of creativity and relaxation. Unwind in the tranquil setting of Lake Taupō, with home cooked meals and cosy accommodation taken care of, while you explore the art of painterly woodcut printing. Whether you're looking to recharge from a busy job or take a break from family life, this all-inclusive workshop is your perfect retreat to unwind, create, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Painterly Woodcuts: Blending Painting & Printmaking
This technique bridges the gap between the spontaneity of painting and the graphic boldness of relief printing. Instead of the traditional method of carving separate blocks for every colour, we will use a single block to create two distinct layers:
A Monoprint Layer: An atmospheric, painted background.
A Relief Layer: A bold, carved "key block" printed in black (or a dark colour) on top.
Only 8 Guests
This retreat is for 8 guests. Accommodation is on-site, for five guests.There are five rooms, four with queen beds and one room with two single beds, and a two bedroom cottage 500 metres up the road for two guests. The accommodation and workshop are nestled amongst the trees in the Hilltop area of Taupō and just a short walk from the lake. All guests have a room each.
Join Sally-Ann and Jude
Join printmaker Sally-Ann Davies and host Jude Sherning for a weekend of art and relaxation in beautiful Taupō. Let your worries melt away as you immerse yourself in the joy of printmaking. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning to explore your creative side, this retreat is for you. Take this opportunity to nourish your soul, recharge your spirit, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for art.
All Inclusive Offer
2 day Painterly Woodcut Printing workshop,
2 nights accommodation (individual rooms)
home cooked meals and baked treats
$645.00
The Retreat Plan
Arrive FridayJanuary 30th
Turn up between 3:00 - 5:00pm
Welcome tea and nibbles provided.
Relax and settle into your accommodation or take a stroll to the lake.
Guests BYO alcoholic tipple
7 pm - evening meal provided.- to get to know tutor, host and other guests.
Coffee and a sweet treat in the studio, a chat about the plans for the weekend.
Workshop Day 1 - Saturday January 31st
8.00: Breakfast
Delicious breakfast to energise you for the day
9.00 am: Workshop Begins
Introduction to painterly woodcut printing.
Demonstration of tools and materials.
Hands-on practice session - create a mini woodcut print to learn the process
Morning Tea
Refreshments served to keep creativity flowing.
Workshop continues
Complete mini prints.
Design full sized woodcut prints
Transfer onto wood.
1.00 pm: Lunch
Nutritious lunch provided to fuel creativity for the afternoon
2.00 pm: Afternoon Workshop
The Painterly Layer (Monoprinting) - Create impressionistic colour base images.
Afternoon Tea
Reflect on the workshop so far. What will happen tomorrow?
Your Time 5pm- 6.30pm
You decide, relax and unwind in beautiful Taupō. A number of options available. Wairakei Hot Pools, Otumuheke Stream (Spa Park and hot water stream), a walk along the lake front or even a swim at Hot Water Beach, or simply grab a book and chill in the garden or on the deck,
Dinner 7pm
Delicious home cooked dinner provided for guests - a chance to unwind and socialise.
Workshop Day 2 - Sunday 1st February
8.00 am: Breakfast
Hearty breakfast to kick start the final day
9.00 am: Day 2 of Painterly Woodcut Prints
The Graphic Layer (Relief Carving) - define the image with bold lines and structure.
Carving the "White": Carve away the areas you want to remain colourful (the parts you painted yesterday).
Morning Tea
Brief break with refreshments
Workshop continues
Inking the block of wood
The Second Pull: Place the same sheet of paper from yesterdays back onto the block,
The Reveal: When you peel back the paper, the dark carved lines will sit on top of the soft painted colours, snapping the image into focus.
12:30 pm: Lunch
Farewell lunch as the retreat draws to a close
Afternoon Workshop
Complete projects
Additional techniques - Chine-collé is a printmaking technique where thin, delicate paper is glued onto a heavier backing sheet during the printing process. Then we will print your woodcuts on top.
Reflection on the techniques learned
Sharing of completed artworks
Afternoon Tea
Final gathering and farewell to departing guests at 4pm aproximately
All Inclusive Offer
$645.00.
Why Painterly Woodcut Printing
Low Stakes, High Reward: Traditional multi-block colour printing requires perfect registration and carving multiple blocks. This method requires carving only one block.
Best of Both Worlds: It satisfies the painter’s urge for colour mixing and brushwork, while satisfying the printmaker’s love for graphic line and wood texture.
Forgiving: The painted layer is meant to be loose and impressionistic. If the colour "bleeds" outside the lines, it actually adds to the charm and movement of the final print.
Great for Beginners: It teaches the fundamental logic of relief printing (whatever is raised gets printed) without the intimidation of complex colour separation.
BONUS OPTION
Sunday Night Stay
$150 Bed & Breakfast
Guests have the option to extend their stay for an additional night, bed and breakfast.
Evening meal to be arranged - we may go to the local pub (3 doors up the road) or have takeaways or even left overs.
Day 3 - We can provide information about galleries and studios available to view before you leave. Depending on interest this can be organised. There is also a great street art walk in the town.
Testimonials
I honestly loved all the retreat. I learned so much from Sally-Ann she was incredibly helpful and you so generous with your time, your knowledge and your tools. The whole vibe lent itself to endless creativity. Jude just in general brings endless joy. The food was so beautiful. Sally and Jude together are truly a wonderful team. I felt very privileged to be there and would love to come again.
Nayth Loft
Thoroughly enjoyed the printmaking retreat. Very friendly atmosphere and professionally run workshops. Food and accommodation outstanding.
Hazel Toulmin
What an amazing retreat. I went into this printmaking retreat with an open mind and came away excited, educated and inspired for my own journey. Sally's energy was enjoyable to be around and her passion for art flowed throughout the workshop. I would be back in a heartbeat.
Nicola Wall
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend. My expectations were more than fulfilled - from the warm welcome and cosy home with.... *An incredibly good 'fit for purpose' layout, *Exciting lake view location, *Delicious home cooked meals,
*Meeting like minded people, ....to my main reason for attending - learning new art skills from Sally-Ann Davies, a knowledgeable and artistically acclaimed facilitator. The total immersion in art for two whole days was a welcome gift to my soul. Thank you so much Jude and Sally-Ann.
Robyn McDougal
Thank you so much for the wonderful, relaxing and artistic weekend of lino cutting. I had the best time learning, practising and being creative. Sally-Ann is an excellent teacher; very encouraging and hands on. I was really well taken care of with my dietary requirements - the gluten free lasagne, and muffins were the highlights but everything was so yummy!! It was fun to meet others and be inspired by their talent. The hot pools were a perfect addition too. I would recommend this workshop to anyone who wants to try something new or develop their skills further and have a great time, eating delicious food. Thanks again!
Margot Burton
Frequently Asked Questions
I have never done any printmaking before. Will I be ok?
The printmaking retreat will provide an Introductory to Intermediate level of printmaking. In this small group there will be plenty of time for one on one tuition. Sally-Ann will guide you every step of the way.
Do I need to bring anything?
NO. All your meals, accommodation and workshop materials are provided in your fees.
What if I don’t have any transport while in Taupo?
We can pick you up from the airport or bus station. Transport is available for evening activities or if you choose to stay on for the extra day.
I am gluten, and lactose intolerant, have an egg allergy and am also a vegan. Will I starve?
It is not a problem if we know in advance, so please let us know when you place your registration.
Here's the cancellation policy, incorporating the information you've provided:
Printmaking Retreat Cancellation Policy
For cancellations received before January 10, 2026:
Full refund of the $100 deposit.
For cancellations received on or after January 10, 2026:
Cancellation is at the discretion of the hosts.
Please note: This policy applies to the Printmaking Retreat scheduled for January 30th - February 1st 2026.
