The Art of Creative Living Retreat 2025
Magnetic Island, North Queensland, Australia
Nurture Your Creativity in Tropical Paradise
The Art of Creative Living Retreat
August 1-6, 2025 | Magnetic Island, Queensland
You’re Invited to Join the Fun!
Magnetic Island, North Queensland, Australia
Unleash Your Creative Heart Through Printmaking & Artist Books
Imagine waking to the gentle sounds of the water, spending your days immersed in the art of printmaking, and watching the sun paint the sky in brilliant hues as it sets over the ocean.
This retreat is an invitation to discover the joy of creating unique mono-prints and handmade artist books inspired by one of Australia's most breathtaking locations.
For five transformative days, Magnetic Island becomes your creative sanctuary. Here, surrounded by pristine beaches, ancient granite boulders, and crystal-clear waters, you'll learn accessible printmaking techniques that transform nature's textures into stunning visual art.
Join us and you'll embark on an adventure that combines artistic exploration with deep personal renewal.
Your Creative Adventure Awaits
This carefully crafted retreat weaves together:
Gel Plate Printmaking using natural materials gathered from the island
Artist Book Creation that tells the story of your island experience
Nature-Inspired Creativity that connects you to the beautiful environment
Mindful Creative Practices that dissolve creative blocks
Expert Guidance in printmaking techniques suitable for all levels
Connection with fellow creative hearts in a supportive community
Your days flow naturally between structured printmaking workshops and free time to explore, reflect, or simply be.
Collect textures from the beach for your gel plates, press leaves into paint, and turn your prints into beautiful books that capture the essence of the island.
Whether you've never made a print before or you're looking to expand your creative practice, this retreat provides the perfect blend of inspiration, technical guidance, and creative freedom.
Here, printmaking isn't about perfection—it's about playful exploration, surprising discoveries, and the joy of creating something uniquely yours.
You’ll stay at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, on stunning Magnetic Island.
A short twenty minute ferry ride from Townsville in Queensland, Australia, you will feel transported to an island getaway. The resort features a stunning swimming pool, tropical gardens, waterside accommodation and a restaurant complete with outdoor seating and beautiful water views.
Your Art of Creative Living Retreat includes:
Six-day facilitated retreat
Five nights accommodation at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort
All transportation to retreat outings
Welcome dinner
Farewell Dinner
Comprehensive printmaking workshops with gel plates and natural materials
Artist book creation - learn binding techniques and creative approaches
All printmaking supplies including professional-quality gel plates, inks, and papers
Materials for creating artist books including specialty papers and binding tools
Guided nature walks to gather inspiration and materials
Surprise goody bags + gifts
Personal time to explore and/or rest as needed
Connections, memories, and adventures to last a lifetime!
Optional Extras
Snorkelling Tour
Private mentoring session with Nicola
Does Not Include
Travel to/ from Peppers Blue on Blue Resort (we can help you arrange)
Alcoholic Beverages
Meals (other than the Welcome & Farewell Dinners)
Spa Treatments
Additional Excursions
Travel Insurance
Book Your Place
FEEL THE DESIRE TO BE CREATIVE BUT
CRAVING INSPIRATION?
THAT’S WHERE THE ART OF CREATIVE LIVING RETREAT COMES IN
Does your heart long for more creativity in your life?
Would you love to learn how to create stunning prints using nature and transform them into beautiful artist books?
Do you want to feel safe to express your creativity in a supportive group and be guided through the whole process by an award-winning artist?
If you're like me, you'd also love to feel connected to your creativity in the way you did as a child. When it was safe to explore, get messy, discover new things and surprise yourself with what you could create.
There's no doubt our lives tend to be busy. Our responsibilities to work, our families and 'getting ahead' can easily overtake the simple pleasure of making art, spending time listening to our heart and expressing ourselves.
Yet, a part of our heart still yearns to slow down and carve out time for creativity.
Listen to that nudge, that yearning…
It's calling you to experience printmaking and bookbinding in a way that will transform how you see yourself as an artist.
The Art of Creative Living Retreat Can Help
I’m Nicola Newman, professional artist, printmaking teacher and creative living mentor.
I've been exhibiting my artwork since 2002 and I adore the magical process of printmaking - especially using gel plates to capture textures and create layers of colour and pattern. There's something uniquely satisfying about peeling back the paper to reveal a print, never quite knowing exactly what will appear.
I've taught creatives around the world how to make prints, create artist books, tap into their intuition, navigate through their inner critics' harsh words and finally let go with creativity in hand and be delighted by what they can create. I'd love to help you do the same.
Printmaking is a soul-nourishing form of self-care and pure self-expression.
I invite you to give yourself the space to slow down, tune into your heart, play with gel plates and inks, and unleash your creativity in a way you've never experienced before.
If that sounds like medicine for your soul and music to your ears, The Art of Creative Living Retreat is for you.
Let's print, book-bind, and CREATE, together!
WHAT MAKES THE RETREAT EVEN MORE LOVELY IS THE…
ISLAND LOCATION
IT’S PARADISE FOR PAINTING & RELAXING
Magnetic Island is a Truly Magical Place
The wildlife with rock wallabies, koalas and kookaburras make it quintessentially Australian. Plus, the beautiful ocean views, rock boulders, sandy beaches and warm water fill your senses with beauty and relaxation.
During the retreat, you will have the opportunity to explore the island’s many hiking trails, swim in the warm sandy bays, relax on the beach with a good book and of course, pull out your paints and have a play!
We will be making time to soak up the island’s beautiful surrounds as a group and individually.
I’m soooo excited to be sharing this stunning location with you!!!
Take Home More Than Just Memories
The Art of Creative Living retreat will equip you with printmaking skills and artist book techniques that you can continue to practice long after our 6 days together.
You will go home with:
A collection of original prints you've created
At least one completed artist book showcasing your work
Knowledge of simple binding techniques you can use again and again
A deeper understanding of how to use nature in your creative practice
All the information about sourcing and using supplies needed to continue your printmaking journey
Along with the mindsets and practices you'll learn about navigating creative blocks, you'll have everything you need to make printmaking a practice that supports you in all areas of your life.
Carve Out Time For Yourself
When we are focused on work, family and ‘adulting’ it’s so easy for self-care to take a back-seat. The Art of Creative Living Retreat is a beautiful way to ensure you have time to focus on yourself and your own wellbeing.
After running VIP retreats for ten years and as someone who loves to travel, I have seen how much difference it makes to take someone out of their usual environment and carve out time for themselves.
Fresh inspiration, ideas and possibilities surface when we create space. And being in a new place (away from daily routines and washing machines) always sparks new inspiration and energy.
And of course, there is something very special about connecting with new friends and cementing new friendships — all in tropical paradise!
STUNNING, LUXURY
ACCOMODATION
RELAX, REJUVENATE, CREATE – BE PAMPERED!
This Location Really Is Unlike Any Other…
My husband and I have been sailing the east coast of Australia for years now, and I have to say, Magnetic Island has to be experienced to be believed. The stunning boulders, warm salty bays, beautiful blue water, koalas(!) and rock wallabies are a delight to the soul and the perfect inspiration for printmaking and artist books.
I am so excited to be sharing this special place with you. Plus, combining the location with daily printmaking sessions, artist book creation, and relaxation will mean you go home feeling refreshed, inspired and re-energised, with beautiful handmade art to treasure forever.
The retreat will open your heart & mind to new possibilities, bring you home to yourself & give you the practical tools to enjoy printmaking, creating artist books and expressing your creativity
Your Retreat Includes
PRINTMAKING FOUNDATIONS
Learn the fundamentals of gel plate printmaking including:
Creating texture with natural materials
Layering techniques for depth and complexity
Colour mixing and composition
Using stencils and masks for precise designs
Troubleshooting common printmaking challenges
ARTIST BOOK CREATION
Transform your prints into beautiful handmade books:
Learn simple binding techniques
Create accordion and pamphlet style book bindings
Incorporate natural elements into your book structure
Design cohesive visual narratives
Create books that tell the story of your island experience
CREATIVE PRACTICES
Multiple printmaking excursions, exercises and workshops, spread out over five days.
You'll create with gel plates, learn new techniques, discover the world of colour layering, and create multiple prints you'll be proud to display in your home or bind into artist books.
Learn how to trust the process and start seeing results you've only dreamt of until now.
ENCOURAGEMENT,
SUPPORT
& TEACHING
You will receive bucket loads of support, encouragement and guidance to tap into your own creative flow.
One of my core values is to be a cheerleader for Creative Hearts who are brave enough to nurture and express their creativity. You will be held, celebrated and acknowledged for every step you take, big and small, in your creative adventures during our time together and beyond.
Carve Out Time For Yourself
CREATE!
Happy Clients
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Fiona Jefferies
FOUNDER OF DIVA WORKS WWW.DIVAWORKS.COM.AU
“Thank you for bringing me back to life, I feel like a giddy kid again, delighted by colour, texture and so many possibilities.
My business had experienced massive growth and I could no longer afford the time to noodle about coming up with design solutions. In fact, I was deep in a mourning phase and so the offer of the one-on-one retreat came at the perfect moment.”
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Susana Frioni
“Spending a couple of days with Nicola painting in her studio was one of the most liberating and therapeutic experiences of my life. At the time, I was grieving the loss of a dear friend and wanted to channel my emotions onto the canvas. Nicola not only taught me some great painting techniques, but she gave me the permission I needed to get messy, make mistakes and to let go of how I “think” it’s meant to be.”
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Emma Shields
What has changed is my mindset. My skills appeared when I freed myself from the inner critic & took a playful, compassionate & experimental approach. I’m taking time out for me, daily now.”
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Beth Cregan
“Intuitive Painting with Nicola takes your logical, left brain off the hook completely. Her teaching style is open and supportive and in this space, you immediately relax and begin to explore colour, texture and mark making. There is no right or wrong – just endless, playful possibilities. Nicola’s painting process is both simple and tremendously powerful. From the moment you mix your colours, you start a journey of learning to trust your creative heart. I experienced a great sense of freedom and alertness – I was totally engaged in the process for hours! I have never painted before so I was amazed at the results. I’m totally hooked! And what’s more – I’m seeing this playful and intuitive process cross over into my teaching and my writing.”
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Georgie McNee
“I’m definitely listening to my inner voice more. I’m feeling braver to experiment with things in my life, for example, things in my family and options for work. I’ve also learned lots of new skills in writing, meditation, photography and other creative outlets. My life now looks braver and more creative. Once a week I want to paint instead of watching TV!”
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Amanda Rootsey
OF SHINE FROM WITHIN
“I absolutely love Nicola and the experience of painting with her opened up a new way of expressing myself. I was so surprised by how moving it was to simply let go and paint and I couldn’t have even tried it without Nicola’s gentle guidance. For me, exploring creativity in this way was more about letting go of inhibitions and finding a new way to ‘speak up’ – something I struggle with at times. After painting with her, you’ll feel proud, energised and, I dare say, free.”
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Fran Simon
“I feel more bold to try new techniques and combine techniques. I learned a lot about brush strokes and color theory that helped me advance my work. I am more inspired and engaged. I can’t stop painting! I think you offer an amazing value and you are a great teacher who makes it fun and inspiring!”
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Jocelyne Clemencon
LIFE COACH & GRAPHIC DESIGNER WWW.JOCELYNECLEMENCON.COM
“I’ve followed Nicola now for several years & have found her such an inspiration. So when she released Flourish! I truly wanted to be a part of it. I learned I shouldn’t be harsh with myself and when I painted, I felt peaceful and grounded.”
Other’s Experiences on Retreats With Nicola
Travel Details
Nearby airport: Townsville Airport
Ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island: Sealink Ferry
Airport to the ferry options: Shuttle, Uber and taxis services available.
Resort address: Peppers Blue on Blue — 123 Sooning St, Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island. The resort is right next to where the ferry arrives in Nelly Bay, so you won’t need to arrange any transfers once you arrive on the island.
Arrival Day
Friday 1 August
Check-in after 2pm
Arrive by 4pm
Dinner
Opening Circle
Typical Day
Daily
Beach Walk (optional)
Breakfast
Printmaking Workshop
Lunch
Printmaking/Artist Book Workshop
Personal time / Hiking / Snorkelling / Swimming (optional)
Dinner
Personal time
Departure Day
Wednesday 11 May
Breakfast
Closing Circle
Pack and Check Out by 11 am
PLAY!
Book Your Place
The art of creative living retreat is for you if…
You're curious about printmaking and want to learn in a beautiful, supportive environment
You love the idea of creating artist books that tell a visual story
You have a creative heart that needs love and attention, and you need direction and inspiration
You want to take positive action to nurture yourself and your creativity
You sense being part of a supportive community of like-minded people would help you get started
Perhaps you've spent hours looking at beautiful prints and handmade books, but don't know how to begin
You think it might be incredibly rewarding, soul-satisfying and fun to let go and let yourself create (you'd be right!)
You'd love to explore printmaking in a safe, fun-filled environment
You're looking for support and are open to learning new things
And… what if you've never made a print before?
I'd love to teach you how!
During The Art of Creative Living Retreat I'll teach you how to use gel plates to create stunning prints with natural materials. You'll learn everything from your first simple print to creating complex layered compositions.
By the end of our time together, you'll have created multiple original prints and bound them into at least one beautiful artist book you can take home to proudly display or keep as a treasured memory of your island experience.
The techniques we'll explore are accessible to complete beginners yet offer enough depth to engage experienced artists looking to expand their practice.
Choose Your Creative Journey
To ensure personalised attention and an intimate creative community, this retreat is limited to just 10 participants.
I offer three package options to suit different needs and preferences:
2-BEDROOM SHARED
POOL-SIDE APARTMENT
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Share & Create Package
The same transformative creative experience as the Standard Package, with shared accommodation:
5 Nights Accommodation
Shared two-bedroom apartment at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort (with a friend of your choosing)
Two-bedroom apartment features modern conveniences such as a gourmet kitchen including full size fridge, laundry facilities, one bathroom, open plan lounge and dining areas and a large private balcony. The bedrooms consist of either one king and one queen bed or one queen and 2 single beds.
Book two places at this rate for you and a friend!
Kitchenette, laundry facilities, dining area & large private balcony.
Note: If you're interested in the Share & Create Package but don't have someone to share with, you can request to be added to our matching waitlist. While I don't personally pair participants, I can connect you with others who are also seeking a roommate if the opportunity arises.
GST included
Australian Dollars
$3990
Perfect for: Friends who want to experience the retreat together and share accommodation.
PRIVATE WATERFRONT STUDIO APARTMENT
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Standard Creative Journey Package
The full island printmaking experience:
5 Nights Accommodation
Private Studio room at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort. This spacious open plan Studio room has a modern kitchenette and full laundry facilities. The decor is clean and crisp with splashes of colour and the bath is nice and deep. You’ll have a private balcony that's exclusively yours and a plush queen-size bed.
All printmaking and artist book workshops
Welcome and farewell dinners
Transportation for island excursions
Complete set of printmaking supplies to use during the retreat
Comprehensive resource guide for continuing your practice
GST included
Australian Dollars
$4500
Perfect for: Participants who want the complete retreat experience with private accommodation.
WATERFRONT STUDIO APARTMENT
+ ONGOING COACHING
—————-
VIP Creative Immersion Package
The complete transformative experience for those seeking ongoing creative mentorship:
5 Nights Accommodation
Private Waterfront Studio room. This spacious open plan Studio room has a modern kitchenette and full laundry facilities. Uninterrupted views of the marina. The decor is clean and crisp with splashes of colour and the bath is nice and deep. You’ll have a private balcony that's exclusively yours and a plush queen-size bed. Include a picturesque view of the marina and a private balcony to relax on.
All standard retreat inclusions (accommodation, meals, workshops, materials)
Three 90-minute private coaching calls after the retreat to develop your printmaking practice
Personalised creative roadmap tailored to your specific artistic goals
Extended personal mentoring support for 3 months to help integrate printmaking into your daily life
Priority access to future retreats and workshops
Deluxe art supply kit valued at $350 to continue your practice at home
VIP welcome gift upon arrival
GST included
Australian Dollars
$6500
Perfect for: Those seeking a comprehensive creative transformation with personalised mentorship beyond the retreat experience.
Book now (deposit $500, balance due by 1 June, 2025)
Click the button below to pay a $500 deposit now, or contact us at info@nicolanewman.com if you would like more information or would like to chat about the retreat.
Important information:
Airfares, transfers and travel insurance not included in pricing.
Secure your place with a $500 deposit.
Please read our retreat terms and conditions here.
Your Personal Welcome Call
After your deposit is made, you'll receive an invitation for a private one-on-one Zoom call with me, Nicola Newman. This 30-minute conversation is an important part of our journey together and helps me tailor the retreat experience to your specific needs and interests.
During our call, we'll:
Discuss your creative background and experience with printmaking (no experience necessary!)
Explore what you're most hoping to gain from the retreat
Address any questions or concerns you might have
Ensure we're a good fit for working together
Begin building our creative connection before we meet in person
I believe that understanding your unique creative journey helps me create a more meaningful experience for you during our time on Magnetic Island. This call also gives you the opportunity to connect with me personally and get a sense of my teaching style and approach.
Many past participants have shared that this initial conversation helped ease any pre-retreat nerves and got them even more excited about the creative adventure ahead!
Secure Your Place Now!
Click the button to pay your $500 deposit. You will then receive an email with details about selecting your room option.
MEET YOUR HOST
NICOLA NEWMAN
ARTIST, CREATIVE BUSINESS COACH & MENTOR
Award-Winning Artist, Mentor, Coach & Founder of Flourish: The Art of Creative Living
Nicola is a professional artist and qualified painting teacher who specialises in teaching mindfulness and creative expression in her year-long creativity school, Flourish: The Art of Creative Living. Known for her down-to-earth, encouraging and authentic teaching style, she has guided people around the world through her popular creative workshops, retreats & courses.
She is also an author, podcaster and founder of the Creative Hearts Community. Her work has been featured in Australian Country Magazine, ABC Organic Gardener, The Sunday Mail, Gentleman’s Quarterly, Nature & Health and more.
Her passion is demystifying the creative process and supporting others to be kind to themselves, follow their hearts and find meaning and fulfilment through creative living. Ready to nurture your creativity, pull out some paints and have a play? Join Nicola for five nights in tropical paradise and leave feeling refreshed, renewed and re-inspired in your creative life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Art of Creative Living Retreat is from Friday 1 – Wednesday 6 August 2025.
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Yes, you can read the terms and conditions here.
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I’ve created retreat to be perfect for beginners. If you feel you’ve never been able to express your creativity, are looking for a safe environment to explore new skills, or if you’d like to learn printmaking and book binding as a totally new skill, this retreat will be perfect for you.
I take you right through the basics in a fun and engaging way, so you can get your feet wet and dive into the joys of creating with nature.
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I’ve taught doctors, lawyers, yogis, public servants, retirees, children of all ages, veterinary surgeons and town planners how to paint and express their innate creativity.
You don’t have to have any art experience. I’ll teach you how to tap into the creativity you may never even know you had. You’ll have a whole new world of art, painting and creativity open up to you. And it will be great fun!
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As a fellow creative, I know what it’s like to look for fresh inspiration. We can all learn from each other and I promise to share with you techniques I’ve developed over the years to keep me engaged with my artistic process. If you’re looking for fresh inspiration, you’re in the right place!
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My aim with The Art of Creative Living retreat is to offer you a selection of printmaking styles which draw from your intuition, and not just teach you one way to create.
So rather than having you follow me with a ‘paint by numbers’ approach where you try to replicate my stye exactly, I’ll give you demonstrations of printmaking techniques and provide you with processes you can play with to develop your skills and explore your unique creative expression.
We will also focus on the three phases of my methodology, Creative Renewal, Creative Practices, & Creative Maps, to give you a holistic tool kit you can draw from now and into the future to support you in your creative life.
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We will be printmaking on paper for this retreat. These will be easily packed in your bag to take home.
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You’re welcome to bring your favourite paints, however all materials will be supplied at the workshop. Just wear clothes you’re happy to get paint on!
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The average low temperature on Magnetic Island in August is 13°C, and the average high is 24°C.
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Your Art of Creative Living Retreat includes:
Six-day facilitated retreat
Five nights accommodation at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort
All transportation to retreat outings
Welcome & Farewell dinners
Printmaking and book-binding workshops with Nicola Newman
Guided walks to the beach
Surprise goody bags + gifts
All art supplies
Personal time to explore and/or rest as needed
Connections, memories, and adventures to last a lifetime!
Optional Extras
Relaxation Massage
Snorkelling Tour
Mentoring session with Nicola
Does Not Include
Travel to/ from Peppers Blue on Blue Resort (we can help you arrange)
Alcoholic Beverages
Meals (other than the Welcome & Farewell Dinners)
Spa Treatments
Additional Excursions
Travel Insurance
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After you’ve registered you’ll receive an email confirming your place, along with details of the retreat with information you will need to plan your trip and prepare for the retreat.
We will send further emails with additional details as the trip approaches.
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With regular walks to the beach and around the resort, and optional snorkelling, swimming and hikes, this retreat will be quite physically active.
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There are a selection of delicious, healthy, and affordable restaurants serving a range of options, including fresh salads, vegan meals and more all within walking distance from the resort.
There is also an IGA supermarket right beside the resort, so you can stock up on your desires foods there, too.
We will provide you with maps and suggestions to some of our favourite places to eat.
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You will need to arrange for individual transportation and we will provide instructions on how to do this upon registration. You will take a 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville to Magnetic Island.
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You will have access to wifi at the resort. However, we encourage you to take as much time away your devices as possible to replenish and recharge.
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You have the option to pay in full, or pay a $500 non-refundable deposit and then the balance no later than 60 days prior to the retreat start date.
If you choose the payment plan, you will need to pay the deposit now to secure your spot. You will then receive an email with a link to pay the balance of your retreat which will be due no later than 60 days prior to the retreat.
If we haven’t received your full payment by Friday 1st June 2025, you will forfeit 100% of retreat fees paid and we will open up your spot to our waitlist as per the retreat terms and conditions.
Carve Out Time For Yourself
IT’S GOING TO BE PLAYFUL, GENTLE AND SUPPORTIVE.