Colour and Light – A Winter Retreat in Suomenlinna
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min. lukuaika
At the winter retreat in Suomenlinna we paint, explore colour and light, and breathe fresh archipelago air in the quiet of a centuries-old sea fortress. The workshops led by Taidekoulu Maa art school suit both beginners and experienced painters. A warm sauna, a guided tour full of stories and a relaxed schedule make the weekend a true breathing space.
As the noise of the city fades behind the ferry, Suomenlinna welcomes you, quiet and atmospheric. In winter the fortress island is at its most peaceful. The fresh archipelago air, the old walls and ramparts, and the low winter light over the sea invite you to look more closely. This retreat, organised jointly by Taidekoulu Maa art school and Hostel Suomenlinna, offers space for painting, working with your hands and exploring creativity – and time to slow down.
Painting, colour and observation
The art programme focuses on painting and on exploring the relationship between colour and form. The work suits both beginners and more experienced painters. The aim is to learn to observe colour more closely and to understand how colours mix and how shades are built up, while strengthening each participant’s own artistic expression.
We mainly work with watercolours and odourless oil paints, whose pure pigments create rich shades and new colour worlds. Special attention is paid to the relationship between light, colour and form, and to creating the tones of nature by mixing primary colours. The subtle shades of the winter sea, stone and sky offer plenty of material for this.
The work combines independent painting, group discussions and personal guidance. Participants paint side by side in a shared space and receive individual feedback. The goal is not a uniform end result, but for everyone to deepen their own observation and expression. Painting is also an exercise in seeing more broadly: how to look at nature, life and the world around us in detail, and to interpret what we see through art.
The first evening’s workshop, a chance to get to know each other and an introduction to the weekend, takes place in the hall at Hostel Suomenlinna. All other teaching takes place at Taidekoulu Maa’s premises. The teacher instructs in Finnish or English, and the group can talk in whichever language it chooses.
Sauna, stories and time for yourself
Alongside painting, the programme includes a sauna and a themed guided tour of Suomenlinna, exploring the island’s history and stories. The schedule is deliberately relaxed, leaving time for rest, walks along the quiet shoreline rocks and some peace of your own.
Practical information
Dates: Fri 29 Jan – Sun 31 Jan 2027
Open the programme in full size →
Price:
- €260 per person in a room for 3–5 people
- €290 per person in a room for 1–2 people
Rooms and places are limited. The retreat will go ahead with a minimum of 15 participants.
The price includes:
- two nights’ accommodation at Hostel Suomenlinna
- two breakfasts and two dinners
- art workshops led by Taidekoulu Maa, four workshops totalling about 8 hours
- a guided themed tour of Suomenlinna by the Ehrensvärd Society
- an evening sauna at Nallen sauna on Länsi-Mustasaari
Meals: Lunches and evening snacks are at your own expense. Both the hostel and Taidekoulu Maa have kitchens and fridges. The K-Market grocery shop is right next to the hostel, and there are also several lunch restaurants on the island.
Registration closes on 11 January 2027, and invoices will be sent on 15 January 2027. After that, registrations can no longer be cancelled.
