Creative breaks at Tortworth Court

Have you ever wanted to create your own work of art, but just don’t know where to begin? Well, “Take Hart”, because even if your proudest artistic achievement to date involves the painting-by-numbers set bought for your 6th birthday, or you think mixing paints is best done at B&Q, don’t despair!

Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel has a range of painting and drawing breaks this summer, designed for everyone to enjoy. Perhaps there’s a Monet, Constable or Turner inside you, just waiting to be unleashed.

Ronald Swanwick is an accomplished and versatile artist who teaches in a variety of mediums. Enthusiastic and with a real passion for teaching, he is hosting a variety of residential courses this summer, from a weekend workshop called “Drawing for the Terrified”, to a four day “August Painting Break” for all levels, including one-to-one tuition and the opportunity to work in any medium - ronswanwick.co.uk.

Prices start from £299 per person for the weekend workshop and £445 for the four day August Painting Break and are based on two people sharing a twin or double room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Artist materials are included for the weekend break, but not for the painting course. For further information on these breaks or to book, visit four-pillars.co.uk.

There are a great variety of things to draw and paint, both in and around the hotel (which boasts an arboretum, garden, long distance vistas and wonderful Victorian architecture). The estate has a fascinating history that begins with the reign of Edward I and the historic grade II listed Victorian mansion has been lovingly restored, with former stables converted into bedrooms, the circular meat-hanging room transformed into a black and gold honeymoon suite and the Orangery has become a restaurant. The distinctive Lantern House drawing room, known as ‘The Room at the Top’, has stunning views over the Severn Valley.

Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel is located in rural Wotton-under-Edge in South Gloucestershire and set in 30 acres of parkland grounds with its own arboretum, containing over 300 rare and protected trees. Within easy reach of many Gloucestershire and Cotswold attractions on the Cotswold Edge, and close to Bristol, the four-star Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel is easily accessible from Junction 14 off the M5.

The hotel also hosts a series of well-attended themed weekends. Popular themes include: Falconry, Murder Mystery, ‘ABBA Cabaret’, ‘James Bond Cabaret’ and the fantastic ‘Strictly Tortworth’ Weekends, for enthusiastic dancers. Details of these and other special promotions are posted regularly on the Four Pillars Hotels website: four-pillars.co.uk