2026 Dates — June 4-7 & September 17-20

Let’s Paint!
Come work with Nicole in beautiful, remote Oona River. Focusing on techniques that add atmospheric and moody qualities to your paintings, you will develop depth and substance that enhance the story-telling properties within your artwork.
Whether you’re just discovering painting or you’re an established artist, you can enjoy learning in a supportive group of fellow creatives. You’ll learn the best techniques and be guided by Nicole’s expert advice, while relaxing in beautiful Oona River.
Using Nicole’s artwork, she will demonstrate how to use layers of light, varied colour, and shadow, to give your art more depth of glow. You’ll discover ways to create dramatic moods and textures that are often observed in nature through demos, sketches, and the implementation of the medium techniques that will help you advance in your creative work.
Watercolour Weekend — June 4-7
Acrylic Weekend — September 17-20
About
Nicole Best Rudderham
Born and raised on British Columbia’s Pacific North Coast, Nicole’s art reflects the vivid greens, deep blues, and striking wildlife of the region. Her work plays with light, shadow, and color to capture the raw beauty of the North.
For Nicole, art is about passion and joy: “Art should be something you look at to enjoy and feel great about having.” She works across many mediums, letting each subject dictate the best form of expression, creating pieces that “take you away.”

Nicole’s creative path began in childhood, first learning from her mother and later studying Life Studies, Design, and Classical Dance at Arizona State University. Over the years, she has honed her craft through workshops with accomplished artists and shared her knowledge by teaching all ages for more than two decades.
Her career has spanned painting, dance, and visual display. She has designed store windows for Hudson’s Bay, created seasonal floral and hotel installations, decorated weddings, and even catered events, always infusing her projects with artistry.
Nicole’s work ranges from intimate pieces to large 8-foot-high murals. Many of her larger murals have been displayed in public spaces such as the local women's shelter, Civic Center, and Catholic Church.
Since her first solo exhibition at just 12 years old, Nicole’s paintings have been featured in museums, galleries, and festivals across Canada. She has exhibited with the Federation of Canadian Artists, the B.C. Festival of the Arts, and in joint exhibitions with other acclaimed artists such as Tahltan carver Dempsey Bob.
Today, Nicole continues to create original and commissioned works, with her art finding homes around the world.
What You’ll experience

We love food and hope you do too! Our seasonal, whole-foods focused dishes are prepared with you in mind.
Included in your stay:
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breakfast
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lunch
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dinner
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dessert
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snacks
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tea, coffee, and beverages
If you have dietary restrictions we will do our very best to accommodate you. All meals are included with your accommodation package.
Delicious Food
Our workshops are designed to bring together creative people who value making new connections and experimenting with new mediums in a laid back environment.
You'll have the option to gather after-hours around the bonfire or in the studio's cozy lounge to connect, play games, and unwind with your fellow creators.
Community


Oona River boasts spectacular views and magical woodland trails. Easy-to-moderate hikes will be led, weather depending, for those looking for a little adventure.
Time In Nature
With both intentional and optional downtime, you'll have time to unwind and connect with your surroundings.
Stay indoors and get cozy with a good book or step outside and get acquainted with Oona River. Take a walk through the bog trail and encounter the unique flora and fauna of the bog ecosystem. Follow the map down dirt roads and explore the history of this quaint fishing community. Stroll down to the water and watch the seabirds dive where the river meets the sea.
Rest


Thoughtfully designed workshops
Our team strives to provide engaging workshops that spark creativity and provide the foundation for new skills. We take a community based approach to ensure participants feel connected with their peers and free to create authentic art.

LOCATION


Oona River is a tight-knit island community composed of full time and summer residents. Oona Riverites share an appreciation for our beautiful natural surroundings, the ocean, and our good old ten o’clock coffee break. For over 120 years Oona River has been home to boat builders, fishermen, and foresters. Our community carries on many traditions that allow us to continue to live and work on the North Coast.
Oona River is located on Porcher Island, 40km from the town of Prince Rupert. We are a remote community only accessible by boat, helicopter, and floatplane. There are no stores in Oona, only forest trails and stunning ocean lookouts!
Oona is the perfect weekend getaway to immerse yourself in nature and reconnect to your creativity.
2026
Dates
Watercolour — June 4-7
Acrylic — September 17-20
What’s included in the Retreat
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4 days/3 nights accommodation in Oona River, BC
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Expert Instruction: daily painting demos and exercises
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Personalized guidance tailored to your individual style
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Optional guided nature walk
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3 daily home cooked meals, snacks, and beverages
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Welcome gift
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New friends and community connection
Participants are responsible for bringing all of their own art supplies. A list of required materials will be provided upon registration.
Travel fare to Oona River is not included in the retreat package. Learn more here.
Painting Retreat Package
$1125.00 - $1350.00
Example Schedule
You will receive a detailed schedule prior to the retreat.

Thursday
Day 1
Afternoon - Boat Ride from Prince Rupert to Oona River
5:00pm - Painting Room Set Up
6:30pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Welcome Session
9:00pm - Open Studio Time or Downtime

Friday
Day 2
8:30am - Breakfast
9:30am - Structured Studio Time
12:00pm - Lunch
1:30pm - Art Inspiration Walk with Nicole
3:30pm - Coffee Break
4:00pm - Open Studio or Downtime
6:30pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Open Studio or Downtime

Saturday
Day 3
8:30am - Breakfast
9:30am - Structured Studio Time
12:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Structured Studio Time
3:00pm - Coffee Break
4:00pm - Open Studio or Downtime
6:30pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Open Studio or Downtime

Sunday
Day 4
8:30am - Breakfast
9:30am - Structured Studio Time
11:00pm - Open Studio Time
12:00pm - Lunch
2:00pm - Goodbyes & Packing Time
Afternoon - Boat Ride from Oona River to Prince Rupert

How You’ll get heRe
Experience incredible views of the North Coast as you travel by boat from Prince Rupert to Oona River. You will take a scenic hour and a half ride to and from Oona River's harbour. The boat is scheduled for afternoon departures. Exact departure times will be confirmed 2 weeks prior to the retreat.
Where you’ll Stay
You have the choice of shared or private lodging options. The four guest houses provide a private oasis with the comforts of home! All accommodations are a short 8-10 minute walk along the riverside road to the studio.
The Bog House




A rustic handcrafted home nestled among the trees next to the natural bog. You will have a private room in the house shared with other retreat participants. The four-bedroom home includes a communal living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Details
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4 private bedrooms
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kitchen
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seating area
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bathroom, claw foot tub with shower
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Wi-Fi
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8 minute walk from the studio

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1250.00
+GST
Private Room A
Double Bed
single occupancy

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1250.00
+GST
Private Room B
Double Bed
single occupancy

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1175.00
+GST
Private Room C
Single Bed

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1125.00
+GST
Private Room D
Bunk Bed
all to yourself
The Red House




A cozy home next to the river. Choose between a private room or shared loft in the house with other retreat participants. The Red House includes a communal living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Details
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1 private bedroom, 1 bedroom nook with privacy curtain, loft with 2 beds
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kitchen
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seating area
-
bathroom, claw foot tub and shower
-
Wi-Fi
-
8 minute walk from the studio

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1250.00
+GST
Private Room
Queen Bed
single occupancy

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1175.00
+GST
Private Nook
Queen Bed
single occupancy

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1150.00
+GST
Open Loft A
Queen Bed
single occupancy

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1150.00
+GST
Loft B
Double Bed
single occupancy
The Rainbow Cabin




This unique cabin backs onto the river providing the perfect place to watch the birds. The cabin has a small kitchen, bathroom and living space and features a lofted sleeping area accessible by ladder. It is an ideal choice for two friends to share, or those who don’t mind meeting a new roomie!
Details
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Loft Bedroom: 1 queen bed, 1 single bed
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kitchen
-
seating area
-
bathroom, with shower
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wifi
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view of the river

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1325.00
+GST
Shared Cabin
Queen Bed
in loft

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1300.00
+GST
Shared Cabin
Single Bed
in loft

The Riverside Cabin





3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1350.00
+GST
Loft
Queen Bed
single occupancy

3 Night - Painting Retreat Package
(meals & workshops included)
$1350.00
+GST
Loft
Double Bed
single occupancy
A secluded hideaway offering stunning views of the mouth of Oona River. The cabin features a sleeping loft accessible by ladder stairs, private bathroom, and kitchen. Start your day with a cup of coffee on the front deck overlooking the mountains and harbour.
Details
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loft bedroom: 1 low queen bed, 1 low double bed
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kitchen
-
seating area
-
bathroom, with shower
-
view of the river
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no Wi-Fi in cabin
-
8 minute walk from the studio








