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Forest Impressions: A Mindful Oil Painting Retreat

Name: Forest Impressions: A Mindful Oil Painting Retreat
Start: 2026-07-18
End: 2026-07-18
Location: St. Placid Priory
Rating: 4.86

4.86291 reviews

500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA

Up to 12 in group

July 18, 2026

Retreat Highlights

This retreat offers a gentle, contemplative art experience designed to complement St. Placid Priory’s forested setting and tradition of quiet reflection. Following an optional forest bathing walk on the Priory grounds, participants will transition into a three-hour guided forest paint-along in oils led by regional landscape artist Nancy Romanovsky.

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Nancy

Details of this retreat

A Forest paint at St. Placid Priory

With Nancy Romanovsky
A Contemplative Forest Retreat
Spend a day immersed in nature, creativity, and quiet reflection. This retreat combines an optional guided forest therapy walk in the morning with a three-hour oil painting session in the afternoon by regional landscape artist Nancy Romanovsky.
Participants are gently guided to translate their sensory experience of the forest into a simple, expressive landscape painting. Instruction is mindful and step-by-step, emphasizing presence, observation, atmosphere, and simplified forms rather than technical skill.
The pace is intentionally slow and unhurried, allowing space for silence, focus, and personal reflection. No prior art experience is required, and there is no critique or evaluation. Participants are encouraged to work at their own rhythm, take breaks as needed, and remain present to both the natural setting and the creative process.
All oil painting supplies are available for an additional $10.
You may want to visit Nancy virtual gallery
https://www.nancyromanovsky.com/

Schedule

1 PM - 4 PM Three-hour guided forest paint-along in oils led by regional landscape artist Nancy Romanovsky

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

St. Placid Priory, 500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA

Directions

Traveling north from Portland, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn left onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at second light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Traveling south from Seattle, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn right onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at the light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Accommodation

Program Price

Program with all material

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

The Priory Spirituality Center is an ecumenical Christian ministry that encourages those of all faiths to discern the voice of God in their lives and in the world. A ministry of St. Placid Priory we reflect Benedictine values: peace, hospitality, community, learning and prayerful discernment.

We offer a peaceful and contemplative setting for personal reflection. We encourage and challenge people to know the presence of God in their lives through classes, workshops, retreats and individual spir

Meals

On-your-own breakfast: Center Kitchen. Eggs, milk, bread, cereal, fruit provided. Your own food welcome, may be cooked in Kitchen. Lunch/Dinner served, main dish+salad bar. Sun coffee hour after Mass

What's Included

Three-hour guided forest paint -along in oils
Led by regional landscape artist Nancy Romanovsky
Meditative painting session
Expressive landscape painting
Mindful observation of simplified forms, and atmosphere
Experience accessible to participants of all skill levels
Material available for an additional $10.

What's Not Included

Meals not included

Customer Reviews

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

Jane • Jul 11, 2026

5.0

Verified

St. Placid Priory spiritual Center

St. Placid Priory offers a complete retreat experience — silence, kindness, and hospitality that nourish the soul. The reception is warm and welcoming, setting the tone for a stay marked by peace and clarity. Beyond the quiet spaces for prayer and reflection, the center provides thoughtful amenities: a well‑curated gift shop for meaningful keepsakes, a library filled with spiritual resources, and dining that is simple yet satisfying. Together, these elements create a holistic environment where everything you need for rest, renewal, and spiritual growth is present in one place.

Vera • Jul 07, 2026

5.0

Verified

Wonderful!

Everyone was kind, caring and mindful. I am grateful for this beautiful sanctuary of wonderful women!

Mary • Jun 22, 2026

5.0

Verified

Perfect Quiet Place

I experience deep peace each time I stay at the Priory Spirituality Center. Knowing there have been prayers before me and will be prayers after me settles my heart-mind-body as I enter the time I have to "retreat." From the trails to the prayer times to encountering the sisters and staff, I know that God is present in all.
My room, every time I've stayed, has a warmth of spirit and cleanliness. It is a portal for encountering what God has for me. Thank you to all who make it an inviting place to find restoration that fills my soul.
Mary P.

Tina • Jun 15, 2026

4.0

Verified

Sweet Serenity

Drove up from Oregon. Stayed at St. Placid overnight to attend a visiting Theologians teaching on Contemplative Prayer in Nature. It was enriching. Being able to learn, grow, walk the Forrest, contemplate, pray in the presence of nature was phenomenal. The silent stay ministered to my whole body. It was just what I needed. The other guest was friendly and respectful of quiet. The Sisters were kind and welcoming. Purchased some good books at their shop. A tranquil experience. I will be attending again in the future.

Dan • May 13, 2026

5.0

Verified

A beautiful place to unwind and listen

The hospitality is spectacular. The location is stunningly peaceful and quiet. The food is world-class, some of the best pizza I've ever had.

Forest Impressions: A Mindful Oil Painting Retreat

Retreat Highlights

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Nancy Romanovsky

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions

Accommodation

Venue & Amenities

Meals

What's Included

What's Not Included

St. Placid Priory spiritual Center

Wonderful!

Perfect Quiet Place

Sweet Serenity

A beautiful place to unwind and listen

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