Watercolour In The Wild - Harriet de Winton - SOLD OUT
18 - 25 April 2027 - South Africa - $3400 Early Bird
WATERCOLOUR IN THE WILD
A painting retreat at Manyoni Private Game Reserve with Harriet de Winton
Some experiences change the way you see the world. This one puts a brush in your hand while it does it.
Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Big Five country. One of South Africa's most extraordinary wilderness settings and for one week, your studio.
Pathway Partners has brought together one of the UK's most beloved watercolour artists and teachers, Harriet de Winton, and placed her in the African bush. Each afternoon, between morning and evening game drives, you'll sit down at a sun-filled table with your paints, your sketchbook, the landscape you've just witnessed, and you'll learn to capture it.
This isn't an art class. It's what happens when you slow down long enough to really look.
MEET HARRIET
Harriet de Winton has spent a lifetime making things. She trained as a set and costume designer, built a watercolour stationery business, wrote books, and grew a global community of watercolour enthusiasts through her YouTube channel and retreats across Europe. She's taught in Scotland, France, Portugal and now, for the first time, in South Africa.
Her style? She calls it controlled loose watercolour. Her students call it the thing that finally made painting click.
What makes Harriet different isn't her skill though that's considerable. It's that she makes every person in the room feel like they can. She paints animals with the same wonder she brings to a wildflower. She teaches with patience, warmth, and genuine delight in watching someone surprise themselves.
Her husband Anthony, a wildlife photographer, joins her on the road. Between the two of them, you're in very good hands.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Each day follows the rhythm of the bush. Early morning and late afternoon belong to the game drives. The hours in between belong to you and your paintbrush.
Harriet leads a three-hour workshop each afternoon, structured around what you've seen that day, the animals on the drive, the plants outside your door, the quality of the African light. No previous experience is required beyond a curiosity about watercolour and a love of the natural world.
On at least one game drive, sketchbooks come with you. There is nothing quite like trying to capture a giraffe from the back of a truck.
Evenings are spent around the fire.
Each workshop session covers:
- Safari animals in watercolour, from loose gestural sketches to more considered studies
- Local plants and landscape elements
- Plein air techniques: how to work fast, stay loose, and capture what's in front of you before it moves
- Colour mixing, composition, and confidence
All materials are provided.
THE SETTING
Manyoni Private Game Reserve spans 23,000 hectares of KwaZulu-Natal wilderness and is home to the Big Five, over 400 species of bird, and some of the most paintable landscapes in South Africa. It's remote enough to feel like another world. It's comfortable enough that you won't want to leave.
This is where Pathway Partners hosts all its artist retreats, chosen deliberately for its scale, its wildlife density, and the quality of light that artists keep coming back for.
"When I attended Harriet's Scotland retreat I met new friends from many places… 3 of them just came to visit two of us in Washington DC for 3 beautiful days. I feel very grateful for each of them." — Gigi
"Harriet is such a warm and encouraging teacher and took time with each of us to work on areas we felt needed improvement. From the accommodations to the food to the classes it was a top notch experience." — Kristin
"I left the workshop feeling more confident and excited to keep trying. Would I attend another — absolutely." — Marie
"What you see is what you get. Harriet oozes talent but more importantly makes you feel 'you can' — whatever your ability." — Lilias
YOUR WEEK INCLUDES
7 nights luxury bushveld accommodation
Daily painting workshop with Harriet de Winton
Professional-grade paints, brushes, paper, and all materials provided
Morning and evening game drives with experienced rangers
All meals, drinks, and snacks throughout your stay
Wine tastings featuring South African wines
Elephant Connection Experience.
Meet Rachel & Rambo.
Return airport transfers from King Shaka International Airport
Cultural experiences including traditional Zulu dancing
THE DETAILS
Dates: 18th - 25th April 2027
Location: Manyoni Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Group size: 12 guests maximum — intentionally small
Investment: $3400 per person
What's included: Everything listed above
What's not included: Flights and travel to/from South Africa, VISA (if applicable) & travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
While some basic art experience is helpful, our retreats welcome artists of all levels. Our artists tailor instruction to meet you where you are, whether you're a beginner eager to learn or an experienced artist looking to refine your techinque.
Absolutely! Many of our guests travel solo and find the intimate group size perfect for forming meaningful connections.
Yes, we do. We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your needs, making it easier for you to experience the retreat without added financial stress. If you'd like to discuss a payment option, please get in touch and we will find a solution that works for you.