Taupo Winter
Printmaking Retreat
Friday July 30th - Sunday February 1st
Relax, unwind and get creative
An Exclusive Winter Invitation
A cosy creative escape this winter JUST FOR 4
Jude and Sally-Ann have hosted a number of wonderful printmaking retreats in Taupō, but this winter, we are doing something different. We are moving off the summer deck and into a warm, indoor sanctuary for a truly "boutique" experience.
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. Take this opportunity to nourish your soul, recharge your spirit, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for art.
We are strictly limiting this retreat to only four guests. This ensures a peaceful atmosphere and allows Sally-Ann to provide deep, individualised tuition.
We will take you forward from where you are now in your printmaking experience… a small group allows us to cater for your own experience level, from beginner to experience and anywhere in between.
The Setting: Nestled among the trees in the beautiful Hilltop area, just a short stroll from Lake Taupō.
The Workshop: A two-day linocut printing experience focused on individual progress, techniques, and creative discovery.
The Stay: On-site accommodation in your own private room (Queen bed), shared bathrooms.
The Food: Nourishing, home-cooked meals and sweet treats prepared by Jude to keep the creative fires burning.
Hot Pools: Time to go and have a soak in the Taupo Hot Pools
All-Inclusive Package
We’ve designed this to be a "worry-free" weekend. From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of:
2-Day Linocut Workshop & all materials
2 Nights Accommodation (Private Room)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Treats
$695
Strictly 4 Places Available This is a rare opportunity for a small-group mentorship experience. As these spots are being offered to my mailing list first, they likely won't last long.
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.
The Retreat Plan
Arrive Friday July 3rd
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 linocut printing.
Intermediate / advanced can join in or start there design.
Demonstration of tools and materials.
Hands-on practice session - create a mini woodcut print to learn the process for beginners
Morning Tea
Refreshments served to keep creativity flowing.
Workshop continues
Complete mini prints.
Individual assistance to intermediate / Advanced
1.00 pm: Lunch
Nutritious lunch provided to fuel creativity for the afternoon
2.00 pm: Afternoon Workshop
One on one tuition - some group demonstrations on techniques.
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
Individual tuition
Morning Tea
Brief break with refreshments
Workshop continues
Individual tuition and some demonstations on techniques
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
$695.00.
Why Linocut Printing
Low Stakes, High Reward: Traditional multi-block colour printing requires perfect registration and carving multiple blocks. This method simplifies the process, allowing you to create striking, multi-coloured images using just a single linoleum block.
Forgiving and Flexible: Linoleum is a wonderfully pliable, smooth medium that allows for clean cuts and expressive mark-making. Whether your style is sharp and graphic or loose and experimental, the process embraces variations, adding unique charm and movement to every final print.
Great for Beginners: It teaches the fundamental logic of relief printing (whatever is raised gets printed) without the intimidation of complex color separation or stubborn wood grain, making it the perfect introduction to the craft.
Intermediate / Advanced Students: Sally-Ann has over 20 years of teachning printmaking. With only 4 students she will help you advance your knowledge and skills.
Extend Your Stay
Just let us know if you would like to add an additional night or two to your stay and relax and explore what Taupo has to offer. Bed and Breakfast $130 per night.
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 June 12th, 2026:
Full refund
For cancellations received on or after January 12th, 2026:
Cancellation is at the discretion of the hosts.
Please note: This policy applies to the Printmaking Retreat scheduled for July 3rd - July 5th 2026.
