Art at Butley Abbey Wilds
Painting the Wilds with Alexandra Oliver
Escape to the Suffolk countryside for an immersive painting experience led by artist Alexandra Oliver. Set within the grounds of the historic Butley Priory, these retreats offer a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect with the landscape, and develop your creative practice in an inspiring setting.
Rooted in the principles behind Alexandra’s Viridis series, each offering is shaped by a deep sensitivity to light, season, and the quiet rhythms of the natural environment.
Upcoming day workshops
Spend a day painting the season within the magical surroundings of Butley Abbey Wilds. Designed for all levels.
Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Painting the Landscape: An Introduction to Plein Air
A gentle introduction to painting outdoors, beginning with walking and sketching in the grounds before creating loose, expressive landscape studies.
Friday 6th November 2026
Landscape and the Old Masters
An art-history-inspired workshop exploring composition, light and atmosphere through the lens of historical landscape painting.
Saturday 30th January 2027
From Image to Painting: Developing a Landscape
A focused day on transforming reference material into a more considered and atmospheric landscape painting.
Saturday 20th February 2027
Still Life: Light, Form, and Atmosphere
A studio-based workshop exploring tone, colour, edge and form through a carefully arranged still life setup
A Typical Day
9:30 – Arrival & Coffee
Welcome to the priory with refreshments and introduction.
10.00 Morning Painting in the Wilds
Sketch and paint outdoors among the meadows and waterways, guided by Alexandra.
13.00 Seasonal Lunch
Chef-led lunch in the Tudor Garden or the Priory Drawing Room
14.00 Studio Session in the Great Hall
Work beneath soaring vaulted ceilings to refine your painting and develop atmosphere
16.00 Tea, Reflections & Close
Share your work and enjoy a final pause in the landscape before departure.
Included in Your Day
All painting materials (oils and boards provided)
Full tuition from Alexandra Oliver
Morning and afternoon refreshments
Delicious seasonal lunch
Access to the Great Hall ‘studio’ indoors and across the rewilded estate
About the Artist
Alexandra Oliver
Alexandra Oliver is a contemporary landscape painter based in Suffolk. Her work explores atmosphere, light, and the quiet emotion of the natural world, drawing inspiration from rewilded land, waterways, and changing skies. Working primarily in oil, she blends traditional techniques with an expressive, intuitive approach that captures both observation and imagination.
Trained at the Florence Academy of Art and Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Alexandra’s practice is grounded in classical skill yet rooted in a modern sensitivity to place. Her 2026 solo exhibition Viridis presented a luminous body of work celebrating the British landscape. Alongside her studio practice, she leads retreats and workshops encouraging others to engage deeply with nature through painting and perception.
Launching Spring 2027
The Butley Landscape Retreat
A three-day immersive retreat combining artist-led tuition with an all-in luxury stay. Guests will enjoy:
Daily guided art sessions with Alexandra — indoors in the Great Hall or outside in the rewilding estate
Time for independent exploration across meadows, woods, and water
Seasonal, chef meals with all drinks and snack provided
Luxury ensuite accommodation at the Farmhouse
Upcoming 3-night art retreats
Art Retreat - 22nd - 25th March 2027
Art Retreat - 19th - 22nd April 2027
Day 1
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Arrive at Butley Abbey Farmhouse and settle in with tea, coffee, and cake. Meet your hosts and enjoy an informal introduction to the retreat with artist Alexandra.
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Settle in to one of our beautifully restored farmhouse bedrooms, each with sumptuous beds, crisp linens, and serene views over the Wilds and Priory.
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Gather in the secluded Oak Wood for a bonfire and outdoor dining experience. A relaxed and communal dinner beneath the trees - a chance to connect with your fellow guests.
Day 2
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Our chef will prepare a nutritious breakfast in the Farmhouse kitchen.
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Morning art session with Alexandra — guided painting and drawing inspired by the surrounding landscape. Weather dependent, Alexandra will take the group for a sketching session in the Wilds, focussing on gesture and flow.
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Time in the afternoon to revisit your work independently in the Priory with Alex on hand to guide you — or relax with a game of tennis, a wild swim or bike ride.
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Art expert talk over cocktails in the Farmhouse drawing room and then supper in the dining room with dishes prepared by our chef.
Day 3
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How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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To ensure you get the best experience possible, we’ll ask you about your interests and experience on booking. Alexandra will tailor each retreat according to the individual in attendance.
