Island Retreats
Artist residencies on the Isle of Wight
Time and space for your creative practice. Self-directed residencies in Shanklin, with a dedicated studio and self-catering accommodation, hosted by visual artist Elaine McCracken.
The residency
Independent studio time at Ravensbourne, a Victorian house in Shanklin.
The studio
A dedicated studio with natural light, studio lighting, heating and an air purifier. Access is normally from 8am to 8pm, so you can find your own working rhythm.
The garden flat
Self-contained, self-catering accommodation, separate from the main house, with a bedroom, living space, kitchen and bathroom.
Your own rhythm
No taught programme, critique or expected outcome. Informal conversation and creative exchange are possible by mutual arrangement, if you’d welcome it.
Landscape
Beaches, coastal paths and the island’s open downs are close by, for walking, drawing, gathering material or simply time away from the studio.
Length of stay
From a long weekend to two weeks, between October and May. Before you come, we’ll talk about what you’d like to work on and the time you have.
Getting here
Shanklin has shops, cafés, and rail and bus links. Ferries connect the island with the mainland, so you get a change of scene without being cut off.
Hosted by Elaine McCracken
I’m a painter based between the Isle of Wight and London, and a member of Unprimed Collective. Having run yoga events and retreats at Ravensbourne, I’m interested in creating a supportive place where artists can step outside their usual routines and give their work room to develop.
Practical details
A few common questions. Anything else, just ask in your enquiry.
What’s included?
Accommodation in the garden flat, the dedicated studio with heating and lighting, and studio access normally from 8am to 8pm. Travel, materials and food are not included.
What does it cost?
Prices for one artist, including the garden flat, studio, heating and utilities: three nights £475, four nights £575, or seven nights £875. Artists connected with networks such as Turps or MASS can stay seven nights for £795. Stays of up to two weeks are priced individually. Sending an expression of interest is free and doesn’t commit you to anything.
Who is it for?
Practising visual artists at any stage of their development. You don’t need a CV or a formal proposal to enquire.
Is the flat accessible?
The garden flat is reached by an external spiral staircase. If you have any access requirements, please mention them in your enquiry so we can talk them through.
What happens after I enquire?
We’ll reply to discuss your plans, suitable dates and practical arrangements. If a residency goes ahead, we’ll send written booking terms at that point.
Expressions of interest
Interested in coming?
If you’re an artist looking for time and space to develop your practice, I’d be pleased to hear from you. Tell me a little about your work, what you’d like to explore and when you might like to come, and we’ll reply to discuss availability.
How it works
Enquire
Conversation
Booking
Small-group painting retreats with Elaine are being planned separately. Tick the box on the form if you’d like to hear about them.