Art Retreats · No. 01 / 06
Franci Du Plessis Acrylic and Charcoal Retreat
A four day art retreat by the sea in Cintsa East. Slow down, play with colour, and make something that is entirely yours.
Your Teacher
Everything you need to know about
Franci du Plessis.
The Programme
Day by day.
Dates: 10 – 12 September 2026.
Day 1
Arrival & Welcome
adjust if your arrival time differs
- Welcome and introductions
- Overview of the four days
- Explain the materials and workspace
- Introduce charcoal techniques
- Demonstrate basic mark-making, blending, erasing, and creating light and dark values
- Students complete a few practice exercises
- Questions and discussion
- Students head to their accommodation at The Gables
Day 2
Charcoal Foundation
- Demonstration: planning the composition
- Transferring or sketching the image onto the canvas
- Begin charcoal drawing
- Tea break
- Continue charcoal drawing
- Individual guidance
- Lunch
- Complete the charcoal artwork
- Fix and prepare the surface for acrylic painting
- Questions and review of the day's progress
- Return to The Gables
Day 3
Acrylic Painting
- Demonstration: colour mixing and underpainting
- Begin applying the first layers of acrylic
- Tea break
- Continue building colour and form
- Lunch
- Develop details
- Individual coaching
- Demonstrate glazing and blending techniques
- Return to The Gables
Day 4
Finishing & Celebration
- Final painting demonstration
- Refine details, highlights and finishing touches
- Tea break
- Final corrections
- Sign the artwork
- Varnish instructions (or an explanation of when to varnish)
- Group photo
- Mini exhibition of everyone's work
- Certificate presentation
- Questions and closing
Where you stay
The Gables.
Welcome to the Gables Boutique Hotel, a hidden gem in the heart of Chintsa East. Your home during the retreat, The Gables is a place to slow down, relax, and recharge between creative sessions. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and the natural beauty of the Wild Coast, it’s a perfect setting to unwind, connect with fellow guests, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
As the day draws to a close, find a comfortable spot, take in one of The Gables’ unforgettable sunsets, and let the inspiration of the day settle in. We look forward to welcoming you to The Gables.
What is included
- 01 Accommodation
- 3 nights at the Gables or Ikigai Retreat
- 02 Meals
- Rusks and Biscuits Coffee and Tea all day – Vegetarian Brunch at the Barn and Supper at the Gables
- 03 Tuition times
- 09:00 to 16:00.
- 04 Materials
- You are welcome to bring your own paint and paint brushes. If you want to do more than one painting, please bring extra canvas — or you are welcome to purchase some at the retreat.
- 05 Venue
- The Barn, 769 Fisheagle Drive, Merryhill, Cintsa East.
- 06 Travel
- Travel costs are not included. A shuttle service can be arranged.
Booking & Payment
Secure your seat.
The cost
All inclusive, per person. Travel costs excluded.
Rooms at The Gables are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Once they are taken, alternative accommodation is offered at the retreat on a per person sharing basis.Your payment secures your seat for the retreat. Send proof of payment to wencke@ikigailiving.co.za.
Payment details
| Bank | Nedbank |
| Account holder | Ikigai Living |
| Account number | 1136607889 |
| Branch | 198765 |
| Reference | Initials & Surname – 10-12 Sep |
| Proof of payment | wencke@ikigailiving.co.za |
Refund policy. We completely understand that plans can change. If you let us know at least two weeks before the retreat, we will see if we have someone on the waiting list and there will be a small admin fee of R250.00 and we can refund your money or move you to another date. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for non-attendance without prior notice. Thank you for your understanding.
Book Franci Du Plessis Acrylic and Charcoal Retreat
Fill in your details and we will confirm your seat by email. Payment secures your place.