Taupo Relief
Printing Retreat
Friday November 6th - Sunday November 8th
Unwind, Connect, and Create: An All-Inclusive Relief Printing Retreat
Treat yourself to a weekend of art, rest, and warm connection in Taupō. Over two days and two nights, step away from the noise of daily life into a relaxing, supportive environment where everything is taken care of for you—from cosy accommodation and delicious home-cooked meals to all your printmaking tools and materials.
Your Creative Journey, Your Way
This retreat focuses on the tactile world of relief printing, offering complete freedom to shape your weekend around your artistic interest. Whether you want to spend two full days mastering the art of reduction linocuts, exploring the expressive marks of painterly woodcuts, focusing on black and white printed images, or spending a dedicated day on each, the studio time is tailored entirely to your pace.
Welcome to Everyone
It does not matter if you have attended past retreats or if this is your very first time joining us. From absolute beginners discovering printmaking for the first time to experienced artists seeking dedicated time and space to refine their craft, everyone is welcome. Just bring your curiosity, everything else is provided.
Recharge & Reconnect
More than just a workshop, this weekend is designed to give you space to breathe, connect with fellow creatives, enjoy hearty homemade food, and leave with beautiful, handmade prints to take home.
Spaces are limited to eight to ensure an intimate, relaxing experience. Secure your place for a weekend dedicated entirely to your creativity and well-being.
Painterly Woodcut Printing
This technique combines the soft, expressive feel of painting with the bold lines of traditional printmaking. Instead of carving a separate wooden block for every colour, you use a single wood block in two easy steps to create a rich, double-layered artwork:
The Painted Background: First, transfer your design onto a wooden block. Before doing any carving, paint your colours directly onto the wood like a canvas to create a soft, colourful background. Press your paper onto the wet wood to transfer the colour. You repeat this painted step for each sheet of paper you want to print.
The Bold Outline: Next, carve away all the background areas on the wood block, leaving only your main outline that you drew, the lines will be raised. Coat these remaining lines in ink and print them directly over your painted paper, locking in your design with crisp, graphic detail.
Reduction Linocut Printing
Instead of carving a separate block for every colour, you use just one single block to create a rich, multi-coloured image, working step-by-step from your lightest colour to your darkest.
Progressive Layering: You start by carving away areas you want to keep white, then print your lightest colour. Next, you carve away the lino where you want to keep that first colour, roll a darker ink over the block, and print directly on top of your paper. You repeat this carve-and-print process layer by layer to build up vibrant colours and fine detail.
A One-of-a-Kind Edition: Because you carve away more lino after each colour, the block is gradually destroyed as you work. Once your final, darkest detail layer is printed, the block is gone. Meaning your finished multi-coloured print is truly unique and can never be recreated.
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. A two bedroom cottage 500 metres up the road for two guests, perfect for a couple of friends. 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.
Why Try Relief Printing?
Fun & Stress-Free: You don't need complicated tools or years of practice. Techniques like painterly woodcuts and reduction linocuts let you create colourful prints using just one block.
Combine Painting & Carving: You get the creative freedom of painting with colours, alongside the satisfying process of carving out bold lines and shapes.
Super Forgiving: There is no such thing as a mistake! Variations in ink and carving only add charm and character, making every print uniquely yours.
Perfect for Beginners: The main idea is easy to learn: whatever you leave raised prints on the paper, and whatever you carve away stays blank. It is simple, hands-on, and easy to pick up in a single weekend.
All Inclusive Offer
2 Day Relief Printing Workshop,
2 Nights accommodation (individual rooms)
Home cooked meals and baked treats
$695.00
The Retreat Plan
Arrive FridayNovember 6th
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.
Dessert and coffee in the studio to discuss the weekend workshop.
Workshop Day 1 - Saturday November 7th
8.00: Breakfast
Delicious breakfast to energise you for the day
9.00 am: Workshop Begins
Introduction to relief printing.
Demonstration on the difference between reduction linocut printing and painterly woodcuts. Just to get you thinking.
Hands-on practice session - create your own black and white print - focusing on carving techniques and understanding the relief printing process.
Morning Tea
Refreshments served to keep creativity flowing.
Workshop continues
Discussion on where you want to go.
Painterly printing or
Reduction printing or
Continue focusing on black and white
These printmaking techniques, can be done on either lino or wood.
1.00 pm: Lunch
Nutritious lunch provided to fuel creativity for the afternoon
2.00 pm: Afternoon Workshop
Continue on your own printmaking journey. As the group is small. Sally-Ann can guide you individually.
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. Taupō Thermal Spa, 200m down the road. Wairakei Hot Pools, or 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 November 8th
8.00 am: Breakfast
Hearty breakfast to kick start the final day.
9.00 am: Day 2 of Painterly Woodcut Prints
Individual or small group guidiance for your printmaking journey
Morning Tea
Refreshments served and a time to discuss the process.
Workshop continues
Individual tution
1.00 pm: Lunch
Lunch and a time to socialise before we finish the printmaking workshop.
Afternoon Workshop
Complete projects
Reflection on the techniques learned
Sharing of completed artworks
Afternoon Tea
Final gathering and farewell to departing guests at 4pm aproximately
All Inclusive Offer
$695.00.
BONUS OPTION
Extend Your Stay In Taupo
$150 Bed & Breakfast per night
Guests have the option to extend their stay for an additional night or two, bed and breakfast. Before or after the Printmaking Retreat.
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.
Printmaking Retreat Cancellation Policy
For cancellations received before October 15th, 2026:
Full refund is honoured
For cancellations received on or after October 15th, 2026:
Cancellation is at the discretion of the hosts.
Please note: This policy applies to the Printmaking Retreat scheduled for November 6th - 8th 2026
