THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN
A yoga & abstract painting retreat day with Natalie Simon Art and Possibility Yoga
Sunday 24 January 2027 | 9.30am – 4.00pm
Arkendale Village, near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
£115 per person | Limited to 12 guests
A day to pause, reconnect and rediscover your creativity.
When was the last time you gave yourself a whole day to do something just for you?
Away from the usual routines, endless to-do lists and everyday distractions, The Art of Slowing Down is an opportunity to take a breath, reconnect with yourself and explore your creativity in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
I’ve teamed up with Possibility Yoga to bring together two things that encourage us to slow down and become more present: mindful movement and intuitive abstract painting.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who already loves being creative, this day is about enjoying the experience rather than worrying about the end result.
There are no rules, no expectations and absolutely no artistic experience needed. Just come as you are, be curious and give yourself permission to play.
What your day will include:
A gentle start with yoga
We meet at Arkendale Village Hall and begin the day with a one-hour guided yoga session with Possibility Yoga. A chance to stretch, breathe, settle into the day and leave some of the outside noise behind.
We’ll enjoy tea/coffee and cake afterwards before moving into the creative part of the day.
Explore your creativity through abstract art
Join me, Natalie Simon, for a two-hour immersive abstract painting workshop.
As a professional contemporary abstract artist, I’ll guide you through my approach to working with colour, texture, layering and intuitive mark-making.
We’ll explore how to let go of the need to paint something recognisable and instead respond to colour, movement and feeling.
You’ll have the freedom to experiment, get hands-on with the materials and discover your own creative expression.
No experience is needed and all painting materials are provided. You’ll be taking home a finished masterpiece on canvas.
A lovely Sunday lunch
After our creative session, we’ll head next door at 2pm to the fabulous Blue Bell Country Inn for a delicious two-course Sunday lunch worth £29.95.
A chance to relax, enjoy good food and conversation and spend time with the group. Drinks can be purchased separately.
Your retreat at a glance:
One-hour guided yoga session with Possibility Yoga held in Arkendale Village Hall.
Tea/coffee and cake.
Two-hour abstract painting workshop with Natalie Simon Art.
All painting materials provided and a completed canvas to take home.
Two-course Sunday lunch next door at the award winning Blue Bell Country Inn.
A day with a friendly, like-minded group with a love of being creative.
Maximum of 12 guests keeping the experience personal.
Who is this day for?
This retreat is for anyone who would love a little time out and the opportunity to try something different.
Perhaps you love art but haven’t picked up a paintbrush since school. Perhaps you’re curious about abstract painting but don’t know where to start. Or maybe you simply want to enjoy a day of yoga, creativity, good food and lovely company.
You don’t need to consider yourself artistic, flexible or particularly experienced at anything.
Come on your own or bring a friend. You’ll be made very welcome.
Meet your hosts
Natalie Simon Art – Yorkshire Based Professional Abstract Contemporary Artist
I’m a contemporary abstract artist based in Thorner, near Leeds. My work is driven by colour, emotion, texture and an intuitive approach to painting.
I’ve been painting for almost three decades and my work has received recognition including selection as a wildcard for Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, features in Artist Closeup and selection for the New York Art Expo.
I’m passionate about helping people discover the enjoyment of making art without the pressure of getting it right.
Possibility Yoga
Your morning yoga session will be led by Possibility Yoga, bringing a mindful and restorative start to our day together. Wendy has a mantra of “Yoga for Every Body” and is an experienced and qualified yoga instructor.
Whether you are completely new to yoga or have been practicing for years, Wendy’s session provides a friendly and supportive space to move, breathe and reconnect with yourself.
Event details & booking
Sunday 24 January 2027
9.30am – 4.00pm. Arrive to set up your mat & register at 9.15am
Arkendale Village Hall, near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. The Hall is a beautiful new space surrounded by country fields, the ideal setting for a retreat day.
Free parking over the road / opposite the hall.
£115 per person
Spaces are limited to just 12 guests to create a relaxed and personal experience.
Come and spend a day slowing down, moving, creating and enjoying the simple pleasure of doing something different.
I’d love you to join us.
BOOK YOUR PLACE
Spaces are limited and advance booking is essential.
Please advise in the checkout form if you have your own yoga mat to bring along and if you have any food allergies.
Meeting Location/ time: 9.15am at Arkendale Village Hall/Community Hall, Moor Lane, Arkendale, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 0RF
THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN
A yoga & abstract painting retreat day with Natalie Simon Art and Possibility Yoga
Sunday 24 January 2027 | 9.30am – 4.00pm
Arkendale Village, near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
£115 per person | Limited to 12 guests
A day to pause, reconnect and rediscover your creativity.
When was the last time you gave yourself a whole day to do something just for you?
Away from the usual routines, endless to-do lists and everyday distractions, The Art of Slowing Down is an opportunity to take a breath, reconnect with yourself and explore your creativity in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
I’ve teamed up with Possibility Yoga to bring together two things that encourage us to slow down and become more present: mindful movement and intuitive abstract painting.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who already loves being creative, this day is about enjoying the experience rather than worrying about the end result.
There are no rules, no expectations and absolutely no artistic experience needed. Just come as you are, be curious and give yourself permission to play.
What your day will include:
A gentle start with yoga
We meet at Arkendale Village Hall and begin the day with a one-hour guided yoga session with Possibility Yoga. A chance to stretch, breathe, settle into the day and leave some of the outside noise behind.
We’ll enjoy tea/coffee and cake afterwards before moving into the creative part of the day.
Explore your creativity through abstract art
Join me, Natalie Simon, for a two-hour immersive abstract painting workshop.
As a professional contemporary abstract artist, I’ll guide you through my approach to working with colour, texture, layering and intuitive mark-making.
We’ll explore how to let go of the need to paint something recognisable and instead respond to colour, movement and feeling.
You’ll have the freedom to experiment, get hands-on with the materials and discover your own creative expression.
No experience is needed and all painting materials are provided. You’ll be taking home a finished masterpiece on canvas.
A lovely Sunday lunch
After our creative session, we’ll head next door at 2pm to the fabulous Blue Bell Country Inn for a delicious two-course Sunday lunch worth £29.95.
A chance to relax, enjoy good food and conversation and spend time with the group. Drinks can be purchased separately.
Your retreat at a glance:
One-hour guided yoga session with Possibility Yoga held in Arkendale Village Hall.
Tea/coffee and cake.
Two-hour abstract painting workshop with Natalie Simon Art.
All painting materials provided and a completed canvas to take home.
Two-course Sunday lunch next door at the award winning Blue Bell Country Inn.
A day with a friendly, like-minded group with a love of being creative.
Maximum of 12 guests keeping the experience personal.
Who is this day for?
This retreat is for anyone who would love a little time out and the opportunity to try something different.
Perhaps you love art but haven’t picked up a paintbrush since school. Perhaps you’re curious about abstract painting but don’t know where to start. Or maybe you simply want to enjoy a day of yoga, creativity, good food and lovely company.
You don’t need to consider yourself artistic, flexible or particularly experienced at anything.
Come on your own or bring a friend. You’ll be made very welcome.
Meet your hosts
Natalie Simon Art – Yorkshire Based Professional Abstract Contemporary Artist
I’m a contemporary abstract artist based in Thorner, near Leeds. My work is driven by colour, emotion, texture and an intuitive approach to painting.
I’ve been painting for almost three decades and my work has received recognition including selection as a wildcard for Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, features in Artist Closeup and selection for the New York Art Expo.
I’m passionate about helping people discover the enjoyment of making art without the pressure of getting it right.
Possibility Yoga
Your morning yoga session will be led by Possibility Yoga, bringing a mindful and restorative start to our day together. Wendy has a mantra of “Yoga for Every Body” and is an experienced and qualified yoga instructor.
Whether you are completely new to yoga or have been practicing for years, Wendy’s session provides a friendly and supportive space to move, breathe and reconnect with yourself.
Event details & booking
Sunday 24 January 2027
9.30am – 4.00pm. Arrive to set up your mat & register at 9.15am
Arkendale Village Hall, near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. The Hall is a beautiful new space surrounded by country fields, the ideal setting for a retreat day.
Free parking over the road / opposite the hall.
£115 per person
Spaces are limited to just 12 guests to create a relaxed and personal experience.
Come and spend a day slowing down, moving, creating and enjoying the simple pleasure of doing something different.
I’d love you to join us.
BOOK YOUR PLACE
Spaces are limited and advance booking is essential.
Please advise in the checkout form if you have your own yoga mat to bring along and if you have any food allergies.
Meeting Location/ time: 9.15am at Arkendale Village Hall/Community Hall, Moor Lane, Arkendale, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 0RF
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