Shenandoah Art Destination

Here is the perfect artist getaway! Whether you are a beginner or have been painting for years, Jan's adaptable teaching style and wide depth of knowledge is sure to meet and exceed what you are looking for. It is a wonderful way to fully be immersed in a creative space and connect with other artists. The hospitality of Jan and Nancy is unmatched. They have created a very laid back and relaxing environment so that you can spend your time honing your skills. I cannot recommend it enough!

Wow! What an amazing place. Jan and Nancy are fabulous, accommodating, gracious, and kind. Jan is a wonderful instructor and really works with all kinds of styles and gives informed and helpful exercises and comments. Nancy is super helpful in her comments, is a great cook, and worked with some special requests I had to make my visit enjoyable and easy. The place is gorgeous, the rooms are roomy and well kept up with Jan’s beautiful artwork (available for purchase at reasonable prices!) on the walls. Highly recommend. Would do again - sign up fast though, books quickly.

Words cannot describe how wonderful the experience was. The B&B was classic and comfortable. My charming room with a balcony over looking the front lawn, watching turkeys ,and deer.Was my morning peaceful place. Song birds singing. The many friends made while learning new skills. Jan's ability to create an inclusive work environment for everyone a joy to be part of.. Thank you Jan and Nancy for a vacation beyond my wildest dreams.

I was wanted to be inspired again as a artist after a horrible person stole my passion, so I decided to try the art destination to get away from real life. It was 6 hrs away but so worth it. I was with a absolutely fun group of people that inspired me with good conversation and kindness. Our instructor Jan-Willem asked questions that challenged us and gave us challenges to help and educate. Nancy was always working always there with a helpful hand and the meals were just amazing. Healthy and fresh, it was really great. The home is filled with all of Jan-Willem's artwork, including one when he was 6 years old, that was just amazing. I never had so much fun. He asked Nancy have made a beautiful at getaway. Will be back again for sure. I cannot wait to get home in my own studio and paint!

A wonderful, friendly destination for great art instruction, guidance and knowledge. Every day is a choice of new challenges and the opportunity to try other forms of paint and printing. Great homemade healthy food, super accomodations indoors and out and a place to relax. Jan and Nancy provide a happy safe supportive place to learn, you don't have to worry about a thing just your art.

What a wonderful stay and lovely experience at The Shenandoah Art Destination! We had such a fun group of people from all over the country. I took the trip alone and made some wonderful friends during the week. The instruction was tailored to the interests and needs of the group. No matter the level or medium - if you are a professional, hobbyist, or beginner - there is something for you to learn and enjoy in this retreat. Nancy and Jan-Willem were amazing and kind hosts. The meals were absolutely delicious, and the property was peaceful - inspiring surroundings everywhere you turn. I would go back and highly recommend this art retreat!

I love love love Shenandoah Art Destination!!! I've been there 4 times now, and was in 3 different rooms and loved something different about each one. I adore Nancy! Her cooking is amazing, and she's also an art critic, so she is very helpful in seeing what will help a painting pop. Jan is a wonderful teacher, that cracks me up, and I think I may be getting a hang of painting now because of him. I bring a new technique to learn and a big list of things I want to try to paint each time, and I always leave vacation with a sense of accomplishment. Jan is so helpful in seeing what classes I need (and the others that are there at the same time), and I can apply what I've learned right away. Jan knows all types of art, and I learn something new every time with the different art guests that visit!!
The morning paintings are my favorite that Jan teaches us. It makes me feel successful in the first hour of the day. I can't say enough wonderful things about Shenandoah Art Destination! It is really my favorite vacation every year!! Thanks, Nancy and Jan, for being such fantastic hosts!! See you next year!

I just spent 10 days at the Shenandoah Art Destination and I highly recommend the retreat to anyone who would enjoy a fun and relaxing get away.
The grounds are beautiful and perfect to a quiet cup of coffee in the morning or taking a break from the days painting assignment, under the excellent instruction and guidance from Jan.
The day is worry free as you can concentrate on your work while the most delicious meals are prepared for you by Nancy.
The accommodations are lovely. I stayed in the Vermeer Room with a private balcony and a lovely view.

My husband, Douglas and I had a wonderful time on our mini art vacation. Nancy and Jan make you feel at home while offering art lessons, great food, in a relaxing atmosphere. My husband was able to fine his skills and I as a novice enjoyed learning how fun and relaxing art can be. They were careful to wear mask and practice social distancing during COVID-19.

I have been wanting to do an Artist Retreat for years and the Shenandoah Manor did not disappoint!! Aside from the drop-dead gorgeous location, home-like comfortable residence, ample gourmet food, and cozy evening fire pit, the art instruction was far superior to what I expected. The studio spaces are spacious and well situated within the main house. There are several creative opportunities; in studio, on property, and Plein Air excursions nearby. The art supply closet "store" was very convenient. Communication via email was prompt for any directions and any information regarding my stay there was clear. I also want to note that they are super accommodating regarding early or late check-in/check-out as long as you communicate your needs, they are more than happy to adjust for your changing schedule. I am looking forward to going back. I highly recommend this Retreat to any artist - whatever your skill level. Jan, the host and art instructor, was insightful, patient, supportive, and encouraging. He is an accomplished and prolific artist himself and has an enormous body of artwork to see throughout both buildings. Nancy, our hostess, runs a tight ship. Food is delicious, plentiful, and on time. Rooms are clean and she maintain tidy workspaces. Together, they provide the perfect environment for you to focus on whatever you came there for; rest & relaxation, and/or excelling at your creative endeavors.

The B&B was wonderful and every need you may have is met and then some! As an artist I am so happy I discovered this place. Jan helped me get out of a rut I was in with my watercolors and took me several levels up in my skill. He is extremely patient, kind, knowledgeable of all media and supportive. Nancy keeps the place going without a hitch with amazingly delicious food and supportive of our goals as artists. You will get an opportunity to meet other artists from around the country. I met some incredibly nice people. The people who live in the area are extremely nice and supportive of us creating art in the area. There is an especially kind person who owns property that looks over the valley that encourages us to paint the gorgeous landscape. Fall is a wonderful time to visit with all the colors! I highly encourage this visit and be prepared to take your art to another level with Jan! I'm going back for sure!

I spent 10 days enjoying an art retreat. The property is amazingly beautiful and Nancy and Jan-Willem are wonderfully gracious people. They went out of their way to make sure everyone had what they needed/wanted. My room was beautiful and clean. Three meals per day were included in the retreat so all I had to do was regroup and work on my art. Jan had great observations and instruction. I thoroughly enjoyed many walks since there was beauty every direction. The picture posted is from one of those walks.

A quick internet search led to the discovery of Shenandoah Art Destination; an artist retreat experience I thought I’d have to travel abroad to find. Jan and Nancy have created a delightful bed and breakfast business with an exceptional artist retreat and workshop. As a newish self taught painter, Jan with his considerable experience across a wide variety of mediums, was able to instruct and encourage me. I walked away with some foundational concepts that I’m anxious to put into practice. If that wasn’t enough to lure me back, Nancy’s cooking certainly would.

The Shenandoah Art Destination was such a wonderful experience for me. I attended the 6-day retreat with seven other artists. Though we had varied backgrounds and skill levels, Jan provided very thoughtful and personalized guidance for each of us. The accommodations are charming, peaceful, and inviting. Jan and Nancy are wonderful hosts and fantastic cooks too. This was my first vacation in two years, and just what I needed to reengage with art. I met the nicest people here and feel so inspired to continue painting. I hope to return, and look forward to my next visit!

For me, the experience was part vacation, part art workshop, with ample time to enjoy both. Jan is a patient and encouraging instructor. He is less concerned about teaching students HIS way to create art, then helping the student discover, explore, and refine her own way. This was very refreshing for me. Nancy made me feel less like a paying guest and more like a family friend. (She is a good cook too! ) I genuinely felt welcome and can't wait to go back!

This retreat was everything I wanted and more. A chance to get away from my busy life and relax in a peaceful rural setting. A wonderful couple who provided a lovely inn, delicious meals, and personalized art instruction. I found a wonderful community of people working on different art projects that were fun to be around and incredibly supportive. Whether you are an artist or just someone who wants a creative outlet, you will find a warm reception here. Forgot some of your art supplies? No problem, they have them here. I can’t recommend this art retreat highly enough – I can’t wait to return!

Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished artist, this is a great place to go! Jan and Nancy are extremely welcoming, and the setting is very peaceful. All of the meal were delicious and varied. Jan is very knowledgeable in many media and principles, and he is willing to share that and help you. The course is relaxed, but you will be pushed to accomplish projects that you may or may not have intended to do. It was an amazing experience, and I very much look forward to returning for a longer stay! Thank you, Nancy and Jan!

This was a wonderful retreat. The instruction by Jan was superb, and I learned more in 2 days than I could remember.

The location of the retreat couldn't have been more inspiring and beautiful, and both Jan and Nancy were amazing hosts.

We enjoyed wonderful meals and our rooms were super cozy. I'd definitely recommend this retreat and would love to go back sometime soon!

I had a fabulous weekend! The rooms were comfy, the food delicious, I was challenged in my art and learned so much about technique. Normally, I paint in a very structured style, so Jan encouraged me to break out and play more - it was a great lesson and I've brought it into my usual project as well. Nancy and Jan and the whole group made it a wonderful experience and I’d definitely come back!

I could not be happier with my experience at Shenandoah Art Destination. Jan and Nancy went above and beyond to make everyone comfortable. Nancy's hospitality and attention to details with our accommodations and meals set the backdrop for Jan's excellent instruction. I was completely, COMPLETELY new to painting while others in the class had a variety of experience and expertise and yet somehow all of us got the intention we needed. We all learned and laughed and relaxed. What more could you ask for? I'll be back.