Small-group art retreats for women in a peaceful forest setting — no experience needed, just a willingness to explore.
“Elisabeth created a program that was easy to follow and engaging.” F. Simon
Explore, Create, Reconnect
Welcome to a space where creativity and self-discovery meet. My retreats and programs are designed to nourish your soul, awaken your inner wisdom, and offer a deep connection with your creative spirit—whether you’re joining me in person or from the comfort of your home.
Each experience blends intuitive art-making with mindful reflection. No experience is necessary—just bring an open heart and a willingness to explore.
VIP Retreat
Mini Retreat
Custom Retreats
Different kind of Retreats
Nourish Your Soul Retreats are for all skill levels—whether you’re just beginning or returning to your creative self. The only requirement is a willingness to play, explore, and be open to transformation.
Set in a serene golf community surrounded by forest, hiking trails, and starlit skies, these retreats offer immersive art experiences with like-minded souls. You’ll be guided through intuitive painting, poetry, movement, clay, and journaling—often working on multiple pieces at once, leaving little time for self-doubt and plenty of space for discovery.
Each day includes guided sessions, group surprises, and long, nourishing meals. Materials are included. The goal? To reconnect with your creative self and spark new insight—on the page and in your life.
Options include:
A full weekend retreat (spring or fall)
A new one-day mini retreat
An upcoming online course
Private or custom group retreats by request
Small groups only (2–6 participants). Nearby lodging is available.
Retreats fill quickly—email to join the waitlist if registration is full. Please review the cancellation policy before booking.
Funny clip from a Custom Retreat
Funny clip of a 2-day mini retreat. The assignment was to have a conversation with paint. No talk or gestures at all. Just a large piece of paper, markers and start a conversation. They kept on it for quite a while and both learned a lot.
This is just one segment of a fun filled program working with intuition.
Real Stories from Retreats
Listen to what past participants are saying about their weekend — and how it changed them.
“An intense but flowy weekend”
Themes for the weekend include:
Understanding the Power of Creativity
Creativity is a boundless force residing within each of us, waiting to be unleashed. Many people find themselves stuck in the rigidity of routine and self-doubt, unable to tap into this wellspring of inspiration. At our retreat, we firmly believe that everyone is an artist, and we are dedicated to guiding you in discovering your unique creative voice..
Exploring the Unconscious Mind through Art
The unconscious mind is a reservoir of untapped potential and hidden emotions. Working with various art forms such as painting, drawing, clay sculpting, and creative writing, will provide a safe space for you to express yourself freely. These artistic mediums act as a gateway to accessing the deeper recesses of your mind, allowing you to process emotions, memories, and thoughts that may have been buried.
Breaking Free from Creative Limitations
Throughout life, we encounter barriers that hinder our creative expression. Whether it be fear of judgment, self-criticism, or past failures, these limitations restrict our artistic growth. This retreat employs guided exercises, group discussions, and one-on-one mentoring sessions to help you confront and overcome these obstacles, fostering a sense of creative liberation.
Cultivating Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
Artistic exploration is not only about creating visually appealing pieces; it is a journey of self-discovery. Through mindfulness practices, meditation, and reflection, this retreat encourages a deeper understanding of your emotions, desires, and beliefs. This heightened self-awareness will empower you to channel your emotions into your art, creating authentic and meaningful pieces.
In short ...
- Revitalize your joy in play
- An Inner journey to discover spirit
- Rediscover your innate creativity
- Use the arts for self-expression and communication
- Connect to the sacred qualities of community
- Strengthen you Emotional Intelligence
Mini Art in the Moment Retreat:
Saturday 10am-4:30pm, June 21, 2025 – $195
Nourish Your Soul Retreat:
Weekend 9/19-21, 2025 – $675 (Early Bird $625)
I attended the “Nourish your Soul Retreat” this weekend lead by Artist and Coach Elisabeth Vismans. Check out some of the Intuitive Painting projects we did – some group, some solo, and some interactive. We had so much fun and learned A LOT about ourselves, art, our intuition and what we want to do to move forward to live our best lives. 
If you are looking for a retreat that will nourish your body and soul – this is it! Thank you so much Elisabeth – this weekend was just what I needed.
Kimberly McClure
Reviews June 2023 VIP Nourish Your Soul Retreat
I attended Elisabeth Vismans’ 3-day retreat in West Virginia: Nourish Your Soul (June 9-11, 2023). What a wonderful time! The group of 5 women who attended enjoyed each other’s company so much. Elisabeth created a program that was easy to follow and engaging. We worked on a variety of projects (painting, writing, sculpting, sharing) in different art mediums. The retreat provided a combo of quiet times and sharing/learning from each other. Each attendees was able to address their particular themes/interests with Elisabeth’s full attention and support. I would love to attend a workshop like this one again in the future. Thanks, Elisabeth! Martina Sestakova
I’ve enjoyed taking Elisabeth’s Playing with Abstraction class and attending a personal coaching retreat at her lovely home in West Virginia. Elisabeth is a gifted and gracious teacher and an authentic woman whose warmth radiates and embraces. Both of my experiences with Elisabeth were pivotal for me as an evolving artist and as an individual. I had fun, learned a lot, and developed a lasting relationship with a genuinely creative visionary. I will continue to take her classes and her retreats. Fran Simon, M.Ed.
Questions Answered
Do I need to be good at art?
No experience is needed! We work entirely with intuition. This isn’t about making “pretty pictures”—it’s about the creative process, self-expression, and freedom. You’ll be guided through playful, exploratory exercises that allow your creativity to emerge naturally.
What’s included in the weekend retreat?
The weekend includes:
All art materials and supplies (no need to bring anything)
A welcome dinner Friday evening with cocktails and gifts
Light, fresh lunches on Saturday and Sunday (home cooked European cuisine throughout)
Snacks and refreshments throughout the retreat
Personalized attention in a small group (max 6 women)
Please note: Saturday dinner is not included, but we’ll plan a group outing to a local restaurant.
Where is the retreat held?
At my home studio in The Woods, Hedgesville, WV—a peaceful community surrounded by 22,000 acres of forest. Only 90 minutes from Washington, DC, and 30 minutes from Hagerstown, MD. You’ll be immersed in nature with trails right outside the door.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes for movement and creating, walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray. I’ll send a full list two weeks before the retreat. Everything else — art materials, journals, and sketchbooks—will be provided.
Can I bring my own journal or materials?
Yes, absolutely. While I’ll provide a full range of materials (including a sketchbook), you’re welcome to bring anything special you’d like to use but it’s not necessary. We’ll work with a variety of art materials and modalities.
Where do I stay during the retreat?
There are over 35 Airbnbs and four lodges in The Woods community. You’ll receive lodging suggestions upon registration. Two guest rooms in my home may be available on request. If you’re interested in sharing accommodations, I can help coordinate.
What's the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the retreat will receive a full refund minus a $50 admin fee. Cancellations made within 30 days of the event are non-refundable, unless your spot can be filled. You can view the full cancellation policy here.
Visuals of the June 9-11, 2023 Retreat
Our Retreat Experience: A Recap
Our retreat weekend commenced with a delightful Friday evening gathering on the porch, where we all mingled over drinks and enjoyed a delicious dinner. The following morning after breakfast we started with movement and an interesting icebreaker. Throughout the morning, we delved into an exploration of the inner saboteur’s influence on our creativity and freedom.
Over lunch, we took a brief excursion to the nearby art market in the park, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere and live music by a local band.
Returning to our retreat space, – indoor or outdoors was the choice -, we engaged in a captivating exercise that seamlessly integrated. movement, painting, drawing, and clay sculpting. As evening descended, we savored a delightful dinner on the patio of a local Thai restaurant, further deepening our connections.
Sunday morning brought a rejuvenating trip to the woods, where we honed our visual awareness and observation skills through immersive exercises. Back at the house, participants had ample time to create art inspired by nature, using found treasures to craft paintings or 3D sculptures, and express ourselves through intuitive poems and prose.
As the day drew to a close, we gathered for a closing round of reflection and gratitude before bidding farewell at 4pm, enriched by our shared experiences and newfound inspirations.
It was hard to say goodbye after such a weekend of deep connections and group bonding.
More Reviews - Nourish Your Soul Summer 2023
Upon close observation of 1 square inch of forest floor in June during a time of wildfires.
Poem by Anne-Louise Oliphant.
My task: timelessness
The practice of perception. In dappled light, a quadrant of life
defined by twigs,
the boundaries train my eye.
The first citizens are the ants
whose industry does not cease.
Their pathways follow invisible ley lines,
no random route is theirs.
The play of shadow over trembling ferns – with each subtle breeze they dance –
those fronds the alveoli of the forest’s lungs.
Life out o death is the theme of this symphony’s first movement, whose melody is birdsong and the insects’ trill.
The skeletal veins of dead leaves
form the nurturing substrate of new life.
The tender artistry of a spider’s web suspended over dried grasses.
How audacious is the seedling’s aim
to soar as canopy.
while aphids shade under its newborn leaves.
My kingdom is more dry than lush –
such brittle fare for careless spark’s hungry maw.
New shoots’ brave stand would not endure
a burning rampage swift and sure.
But hope alights despite the threat,
oxygen – our life’s breath – the fuel.
Anne-Louise Bateman Oliphant
June 11, 2023
Anne-Louise's Review
The Art of Being in the Moment
Retreat with Elisabeth Vismans, June 9 – 11, 2023
The greatest gift of this weekend retreat is the sense of welcome into a creative space to stir the senses: light, flavor, texture, music, and movement. In Elisabeth’s airy refuge in the woods, something delights the eye everywhere you look with lush plants and her vibrant art on the walls.
Our opening session set the tone of trust, freedom, support, and openness — and the dinner feast that Elisabeth prepared nourished us body and soul. The group shared the joys of warm soothing stew, fresh bread, pie to celebrate, candlelight, and great company. There is a sure sense that exactly the right people are meant to be here for exactly the right reasons.
The first morning’s exercise was a revelation as Elisabeth invited us to inhabit different gender roles using color, movement, and imagination to get centered and use the body to help us be in the moment.
The next work we did on the inner saboteur unearthed deeper truths — challenging me to paint from my intuition and give voice to the old beliefs that hold me back. Working in clay and with paint for the afternoon session exploring poses reflecting how I feel in my life now — and how I want to feel — generated some powerful insights and meaningful work. This exercise got to the very root of the bodily sensation of deep emotions — beyond words — and helped focus my conscious mind on the longing that my unconscious body-mind holds, for my life, for my future, and for my legacy.
On Sunday morning, Elisabeth challenged us to observe a square foot of the forest floor in the woods near her home. This full sensory immersion brought unexpected insights and subtle joys as I grounded myself laying on a carpet of soft leaves and tender plants to pay close attention to a small verdant kingdom within the confines of four twigs. A poem emerged spontaneously from my spiritual “field notes” from this time in nature.
As I leave, I am taking with me a profound sense of creative refreshment, nourishment, and inspiration thanks to Elisabeth’s generosity, vision, and example of creativity and grace.
Anne-Louise Bateman Oliphant
Hedgesville, WV
Margaret’s Art and Video Review
Retreat on request with a friend from Germany tailored to their goals.
Small retreats of 1, 2 or 3 days will be tailored to your wishes, goals, and interests. It’s a whole package just like the annual Nourish Your Soul Retreat. The difference is that you can schedule it on a date that is convenient for your schedule, 1, 2, or 3 days.
Few pictures of a 2-day Abstract Painting Workshop August, 2023. One local participant with her friend from Germany.
It was a fun couple of days with lots of painting and delicious and healthy home cooked meals.
April 19-21, 2024
Another fabulous 3-day retreat with 2 participants. Here the focus was more on coaching and painting feelings. Learning the difference between feelings and thoughts. This knowledge gives you better control over automatic behaviors.
“I just like to thank you again for the wonderful weekend. You are an excellent cook, a gracious host, a great coach, and a gregarious friend. I am brimming with energy and creativity. Be well!” F.S.
Private Intuitive Painting Retreat
TAILORED TO YOUR WISHES, GOALS, INTERESTS
If you like to schedule a private painting class. This can also be tailored to your wishes. It can be just painting, or painting with coaching. Or just coaching.
Are you interested in learning the techniques of painting with oils or acrylics in abstract or realistic form you are at the right address.
I teach on Zoom and also in my studio in Hedgesville, WV and for the Yellow Barn in Glen Echo, MD.
