Oil Painting Retreat Day with Stephen Whalley – 31st January 2026
An immersive day of creativity, learning and inspiration in East Belfast
Join contemporary landscape artist Stephen Whalley for an exclusive one-day oil painting retreat at his beautiful studio in Lismachan, East Belfast. This special event on Saturday 31st January 2026 is designed for adults who want to explore the timeless medium of oil paint in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
Throughout the day, Stephen will share the tips, tricks, and techniques he uses to create his iconic abstract landscapes from choosing the right surfaces and preparing your canvas, to working with colour, texture, and tools to bring a scene to life.
You’ll spend the day learning how to:
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Understand and work confidently with oil paints
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Prepare surfaces for successful results
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Explore Stephen’s unique techniques with knives, brushes, and alternative tools
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Develop your own painting style through guided practice
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Create a finished oil painting to take home, infused with your newly learned skills
Adding to the experience, you’ll also get an insight into framing your artwork from the onsite framing studio, discovering how to choose the perfect frame to complement your painting.
This retreat is not just about technique, it’s about stepping into the creative process, guided by a passionate and intuitive artist whose landscapes capture the drama and beauty of Northern Ireland and beyond.
With tea, coffee, and refreshments served throughout the day, this promises to be a fun, relaxing, and enriching experience for beginners and improvers alike.
✨ Spaces are limited – book your place now and enjoy a full day of creativity with Stephen Whalley in his East Belfast studio.