Abstract art, adventure, and the trip of a lifetime :
An Oil and Cold Wax
Abstract Painting Retreat in New Zealand
November 3-10, 2026
Pack your bags (and your paintbrushes) and join me in New Zealand!
🎨 Spend 7 inspiring days painting in New Zealand !
🎨 Explore abstract landscapes with oil and cold wax in a stunning working vineyard and Inn, our home for the week together.
🎨 Be surrounded by beauty — rolling hills, , vineyards, and a small group of like-minded artists
🎨 Savor clean air, the spirit of adventure, and creativity in the heart of New Zealand wine country.
This retreat will help us CONNECT, be INSPIRED, and learn.
So pack your walking shoes, and you paintbrushes…
It’s my last international retreat of 2026, and there’s room for just 14 lucky painters to join us!
Meet your instructor, Lisa Mann!
Lisa combines the sensibilities and decades of classroom teaching experience with the bold, and riotous color sense that is musical, imaginative, and playful .
She is a lifelong learner of art, and truly enjoys the experience of painting as much as producing a gorgeous work of art. She is particularly skilled at teaching others how to find their own creative voice, and equips students with the tools and confidence to make huge strides at every level.
After a successful 30-year career in teaching both in the states and abroad, Lisa made the leap to painting full-time – In her studios in Portland Oregon and Naxos Greece, she now balances abstract scenes with emotional depth, blending a painter’s sensitivity to light, space, and mood, infused with a playfulness and a nod to all things that are beautifully imperfect.
Her pieces have been shown in galleries nationwide, and won multiple awards and are held in notable private collections and public spaces.
Teaching in New Zealand is a perfect venue for Lisa. The light, the air, the outrageously clean and profoundly beautiful landscape—it all strikes a deep chord with her colorist sensibilities. A lifelong traveller, Lisa has had the opportunity to both live, work, and teach in four continents. Currently she resides on the Greek Island of Naxos and in Portland Oregon. Being in New Zealand holds a special place in Lisa’s heart. She first travelled to New Zealand on her bicycle over 30 years ago. That trip she bobbled over 2000 miles, traveling all the way from Auckland to Christchurch on her bicycle!, Being in New Zealand feels like ‘coming home” each time she is here.
This retreat is designed so that all you need to do is arrive with an open heart and a sense of curiousity. Everything else is taken care of for you.
What's included:
- 5 full days of immersive abstract oil and cold wax painting with Lisa
- 3 mornings of gentle and relaxing yoga
- A wine tasting with a gourmet meal at the famous Mission Hill vineyard
- There is a free day, midweek to explore the area. A trip to the local art deco town of Napier is included to explore the gorgeous architecture and local art scene
- All meals and accommodation for 7 nights, 6 days
With hands-on guidance from Lisa, you’ll:
- Discover new ways to find inspiration from the Chianti landscape
- Develop your color palette, refine your composition, and explore texture
- Learn Lisa’s signature 6-step creative process- a proven and repeatable framework
- Create a small cohesive series of abstract works you’ll be proud of
By week’s end, you’ll understand where to begin each painting, how to know when it’s finished, and how to stay loose, expressive, and confident in your process.
Kind words from past retreat attendees:
Victoria R.
I am not a beginner with this kind of technique, yet I benefited immensely from the one on one real life human interaction with Lisa and all the others. The group size is intimate. It felt like a family gathering of artists. We learned the material and techniques and applied them through our own senses, each unique and expressive. Being in a room all day with other artists and a fabulous teacher was exhilarating. It brings you to a new level of confidence, creativity and discipline. I would recommend this retreat to anyone wanting to explore their unique expression.
Gwen J.
Trust the process - and Lisa. She really knows what she is talking about and is so generous with her time and expertise.
This experience will expand you in ways you would never have considered. Even if you never paint again, the experience of having a gifted artist guiding you is profound.
Virginia D.
My hopes were wildly surpassed. Not only was the content amazing, Lisa is a phenomenal teacher and connector. We all had such a great time and I feel like I have made lifelong friends.
Merideth C.
I had never taking a painting class like this before and I was still able to learn and create alongside seasoned artists. Lisa masterfully created an environment where everyone felt successful and supported.
Nancy G.
The intimate setting, the food, the company of fellow artists, and above all you and your family’s hospitality made this experience extraordinary! Thank you again for an unforgettable journey.
Why This Workshop Is So Unique
This retreat offers a way to learn that goes far beyond a typical studio class.
Here, inspiration comes directly from New Zealand — its golden light, rugged landscape, fresh air, and gentle spirit. Lisa’s teaching approach helps you bypass creative roadblocks and dive right into intuitive, expressive work.
With her background in education (M.Ed.) and over 20 years of teaching experience, Lisa knows how to meet artists where they are and guide them toward breakthroughs that last long after the retreat ends.
And really — where better to loosen your brushwork and ignite your creativity than the wine region of New Zealand?
Class size is capped at 14 painters for a truly personal and supportive experience.
Where we'll be staying:
Discover laid-back luxury at a family owned vineyard and inn.
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Set amongst grapevines and farmland,The Inn is a beautiful venue with luxury vineyard accommodation.
Several hours from Auckland on the north Island of New Zealand, Discover the perfect blend of elegance, relaxation, and adventure at Kiwiesque Luxury Vineyard Lodge in Hawke’s Bay. Nestled among lush vines and stunning rural vistas, Kiwiesque family run vineyard and inn offers spacious, contemporary accommodation designed for comfort and connection. Just moments away, you can explore world-class wineries, cycle the scenic Hawke’s Bay Trails, and wander the vibrant Art Deco streets of Napier. Venture further to take in the sweeping views from Te Mata Peak or witness the impressive gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Whether you’re seeking gourmet experiences, outdoor adventure, or peaceful vineyard serenity, Kiwiesque places the very best of Hawke’s Bay right at your doorstep.
Cappuccinos, Connection, Creativity, and Culinary delights
Each day begins with fresh cappuccino and ends with shared meals and laughter under the New Zealand sky.
Enjoy delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners prepared by our hosts at the vineyard — plus a special meal during our stay at nearby Mission Hill Winery.
You’ll also have one free day to explore Hawke’s Bay and nearby Napier New Zealand, the art deco capitol. and indulge in a long gourmet vineyard lunch or an enjoy a walk along the breathtaking New Zealand coastline.
The Area
Located in New Zealand’s North Island, nearby Napier, New Zealand, offers a refreshing escape from crowded tourist hubs, combining natural beauty and cultural charm in a way that feels beautifully unspoiled. Here, you can wander sun-drenched Art Deco streets without the rush, enjoy pristine beaches that stretch peacefully along the coast, and savour world-class wine and cuisine in relaxed, welcoming settings. The surrounding countryside remains wonderfully untouched, with scenic bike trails, rolling vineyards, and rugged coastal lookouts that invite slow exploration and quiet moments in nature. Warm, friendly locals and an easygoing pace make it feel like a true hidden gem—authentic, uncrowded, and effortlessly captivating. For travelers seeking beauty, culture, and tranquillity without the tourist crush, Napier is a place that feels genuinely special.
First time to New Zealand?
Consider combining this with a one or two week trip to discover the rest of this amazing country. Ideas for extensions include:
- A few days to visit Auckland’s waterfront, Britomart & Viaduct Basin
- Time to explore nearby Rotorua for geothermal wonders and mud pools, along with Māori cultural evenings and meals
- Redwoods Forest walk or canopy tour
- More exploration of Hawke’s bay Region including Wine tastings at Craggy Range, Mission Estate, Black Barn
- Visit Cape Kidnappers gannet colony tour
- A trip to Queenstown and the Milford Sound for waterfalls, scenic flights dolphin sotting or even bunch jumping if you dare:)
Exploring, line, texture, composition...you will leave having a greater understanding of the tools to express yourself through abstract art.
Pricing and registration:
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY*
(Shared room with ensuite bathroom)
*If you have a preference for a roommate, please email [email protected].
If you do not put a preference down, Lisa will do her best to match you with someone she knows you will really enjoy having as a roommate 😊
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is oil and cold wax exactly and why is it different?
Is this workshop suitable for beginners and advanced artists?
What about art supplies? How do I get them there?
Do I need a car?
Will you offer the same abstract art intensive education at this workshop?
Can I bring a partner who wont be painting?
Does the price include meals too?
Getting Hawke’s bay, your home in New Zealand for the week:
Once enrolled, Lisa will help you plan travel and provide tips for a smooth journey.
The closest airport is in Napier, which is a short flight from Auckland. Transportation will be arranged at a designated time from the airport to get to the Inn.
Imagine This…
You wake to views of the Hakes Bay Vineyards,
stretch into a morning yoga session,
paint surrounded by color and light,
share laughter and lunch with fellow artists,
sip wine as the sun sets,
and repeat — for a week of creative joy you’ll never forget.
Click the play button for a glimpse into the super creative, peaceful and connected vibe of these artists and new friends painting (and singing) together 😊
My dream is that together we could become...
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A traveling community of artists
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A group of abstract artists afoot
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Connected to the shared journey in our creative expression
Watch the video below to get a glimpse into Lisa’s process and what the retreat is like 😊
