Painting in Nature
Memorial Day Weekend | May 22nd - May 25th
A Weekend to
Tap Into Your Inner Artist
What is the Painting in Nature Retreat?
Set in the serene landscape of the Catskills of upstate New York, the Hemlock Neversink Painting In Nature Retreat is a three-night immersive art experience designed to help guests slow down, connect deeply with nature, and translate that connection onto canvas. Hosted at the tranquil Hemlock Neversink Resort & Spa, the program blends guided artistic instruction, independent creative time, a menu of chef-selected meal options, and restorative natural experiences.
Participants will create original paintings over the course of the retreat, each inspired by the surrounding forests, water, light, and seasonal beauty of the Catskills. With ongoing guidance from the resort’s artist-in-residence, guests are supported at every stage—from initial observation and sketching to composition, layering, and final details.
The retreat welcomes all skill levels, from beginners to experienced painters, and is intentionally structured to be positive, encouraging, and non-competitive. It is ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want to explore creativity in a relaxed, communal environment. The experience culminates in an evening art show, where all completed works are displayed and celebrated in a gallery-style setting.
Guests are encouraged to have comfortable art studio appropriate clothes that can get “ruined” as accidental paint drips and drops are not uncommon and paint will not wash out.
Package Details
This retreat is a three night package inclusive of all specialized instruction, art education, all art supplies, classes, and a final canvas to take home. Please note that these specialized classes will only be available for guests participating in this retreat. Please see here for all of the many things that are always included in your stay with us, in addition to the special activities for this weekend package, such as movement classes and other arts & crafts activities. More information on rooms can be found here. Select offer when booking your stay. The retreat begins on Friday, May 22nd and concludes on Monday, May 25th.
Meet the Instructor
Andrew McCabe, the resident artist at Hemlock Neversink, brings a unique blend of creative experience and technical expertise to the property’s art program. Originally from Neversink, NY, and a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, Andrew has spent his career merging contemporary digital media and interface design with traditional fine art principles. His work reflects a deep understanding of both the digital world and classical techniques, creating innovative yet timeless pieces that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Over the past three decades, Andrew has had a varied and successful career in the creative industries. He’s worked in the toy collectibles space, lent his voice to animated characters, written episodic content for animation, and served as the Director of Application Development and Support for the Sullivan County, NY Government’s Division of Information Technology Services. His diverse career has honed his ability to blend creativity with technical precision, and he’s now bringing those skills to Hemlock Neversink’s guests.
Andrew's personal journey brought him back to the beauty of Neversink, where he found peace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of creativity. Initially drawn back to the area for its healing and wellness qualities, he was inspired by the tranquil environment and now feels fortunate to share that inspiration with others. As the resident artist, Andrew is available for guided group workshops, posted studio hours, and private bookings—offering personalized instruction in the heart of this idyllic setting.
"I’ve lived in Orlando, FL, and Houston, TX, but nothing inspires me more than returning to Neversink, the most beautiful place I’ve ever known," says Andrew. "There’s a special energy here, and I’m thrilled to share it with others through art."
Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, Andrew is eager to engage with guests, helping them connect to the natural beauty surrounding the Hemlock Neversink and discover their own creative potential.
