The Drawing Compass
Discover Your Story. Clarify Your Creative Purpose. Draw with Confidence.
The Creative Compass™ is a rare, luxury retreat designed for artists, creatives, and story-seekers who want to draw from life, capture meaningful moments, and uncover their own narrative voice.
Set in the Art Deco elegance of Greystones, Thornton, you’ll spend two transformative days moving between the house’s sculptural rooms and its captivating gardens, sketching in situ, and discovering a personal framework for creative clarity.
This is not a standard workshop.
It’s a high-touch, boutique experience, offering the intimacy and guidance of one-to-one tuition in a small group setting.
Every participant receives tailored support, luxury materials, and a thoughtfully curated environment, ensuring your practice evolves in both skill and insight.
It’s a high-touch, boutique experience, offering the intimacy and guidance of one-to-one tuition in a small group setting.
Every participant receives tailored support, luxury materials, and a thoughtfully curated environment, ensuring your practice evolves in both skill and insight.
The Transformation You Will Experience
By the end of the retreat, you will:
01
See your world with new eyes
Find stories in ordinary spaces, fleeting details, and subtle moments of life.
02
Draw with intention and confidence
Transform your sketchbook into a tool for observation, reflection, and personal storytelling.
03
Translate observation into narrative
Capture not just what you see, but what you feel, using pages to tell your unique story.
In short: You will arrive with a love of sketching and a desire to capture life, and leave with practice, a framework, and a renewed sense of creative purpose.
Your 2-Day Itinerary
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Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
DAY ONE:
10:00 – Arrival, Welcome & Morning Refreshments
- Guided arrival, introduction to Greystones’, and intention-setting for your personal creative journey.
10:45 – Session 1: Drawing from Stillness
- Warm-up exercises exploring line, mark-making, and mindful observation.
12:00 – Guided Tour Sketching: The House as Character
- Walk through Greystones’ rooms, capturing architectural details and character in your sketchbook.
13:00 – Lunch
- Locally sourced, gourmet menu and informal sketch discussion.
14:15 – Session 2: Building a Narrative Spread
- Learn to structure sketchbook pages as visual stories. Prompt: The room that surprised me.
15:30 – Independent Exploration & Tutor Rounds
- Find a nook or garden corner to draw at your own pace with personalized guidance available.
16:30 – Afternoon Tea & Group Reflection
- Share discoveries and create a visual story thread from the day’s sketches.
17:00 – Close of Day One
DAY TWO: Living the Story
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
The Creative Compass™ Takeaway Framework
Investment
£1150 reduced from £1595
Includes: 2 full days of sessions, luxury sketch kit, refreshments, lunches, Greystones access, the Creative Compass™ Framework. 121 with Emily post event to discuss how to use the event to apply to your own!
Reserve Your Place
Spaces limited to 10 guests per retreat.
✨ 26–27 September 2026
Slow down. Observe. Draw. Discover your creative purpose with The Creative Compass.
✨ 26–27 September 2026
Slow down. Observe. Draw. Discover your creative purpose with The Creative Compass.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
✈️ Is travel to and from The retreat included in the price?
No — travel to and from France (including flights, trains, ferries, and personal travel arrangements) is not included. However, once you arrive at the retreat accommodation, all meals, transport to sketching locations, and tuition are fully covered. We’ll provide detailed travel guidance to help you plan your journey with ease.
🕰️ What are the daily hours for the art sessions?
Sessions typically run from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with a break for lunch. However, on certain days, timing may vary depending on the itinerary, weather, or special excursions. Evening studio access and informal sketchbook time are also encouraged — this is a creatively flexible environment!
🎒 Do I need to bring my own art materials?
Yes — please bring your own favourite sketching and painting materials. A recommended materials list will be sent to you after booking, along with guidance on travel-friendly tools. Limited extra supplies will be available on site, and our team will be happy to assist with sourcing materials locally if needed.
🖌️ What if I’m a beginner or haven’t sketched on location before?
This retreat is designed for artists of all levels, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned creatives. You'll receive individualised tuition tailored to your experience, and you’ll be supported every step of the way. If you’ve never sketched in public or on location before, you’ll gain confidence quickly — this is a nurturing, judgment-free space.
🍽️ Are meals included?
Yes! All meals, snacks, and drinks (excluding wine) are included. You’ll enjoy seasonal menus featuring local produce, with French flair and communal dining experiences. We accommodate all dietary needs just let us know your preferences in advance.
👥 How many people will be on the retreat?
Group sizes are intentionally small and intimate. Typically 10 guests max to ensure personalised instruction, deeper connections, and a more immersive experience.
📞 Can I contact someone before booking?
Absolutely. We’re happy to answer your questions via email or schedule a quick call to help you decide if this retreat is the right fit for you. Just reach out via the contact link provided below.