Sophie Windham

Sophie is the matriarch of Valley Girl Farm, she is a life long artist who has applied art into every aspect of her life and the farm has been one of her greatest and most magical creations. She is an avid lover of the countryside and a passionate conservationist. Sophie was brought up in the bucolic Gloucestershire countryside, which inspired her life long love of nature. She comes from a family of artists, including her mother, the painter Annette de Mestre and her aunt, the painter Rachel Windham. After training at the Byam Shaw and Chelsea Art School in London, she worked for twenty years as a children’s book illustrator and in 1997 was nominated for the Greenaway Medal. During the early years Sophie travelled extensively, living in Venezuela and Los Angeles, where she continued to work and exhibit. In 1994 she moved to the Welsh Borders with her family and for the last decade she has been exhibiting her work in Hay on Wye and London. She has works in private collections in America, Australia, Europe and Venezuela.

Our art retreats are held in our recently renovated barn studio. All sessions are guided by a professional local artist, who are experienced teachers and each have a unique style, so make sure you check the website to find the perfect match for you! The sessions are purely for joy. There is no judgement or pressure, beginners to professionals are welcome.

The day begins with a lovely breakfast, then the rest of the morning is in the studio with your teacher, plenty of coffee and homemade biscuits are sure to keep you going until lunch in the farmhouse, by the pool or garden. The afternoon is either free time in the studio to continue with your artwork, or have the time to yourself to relax, perhaps to swim or have a massage... We meet again in the evening for a home-cooked, candle lit dinner.