“… be ever so gentle with yourself, knowing that life calls us to the twin path of jumping in whole-heartedly and surrendering ourselves into an ocean of care. When we do, we are guaranteed support, so that we move through the world well-nourished.”
Christine Valters Paintner
The Painters’ Pilgrimage Retreat is a program for people who would love to begin or progress their journey to becoming a painter. No matter what stage you’re at, in one week, you will be expertly guided to discover your unique style and make abstract paintings that feel good and true to you!
BE personally welcomed to this gorgeous home away from home near the centre of the town of Tumut in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
(Images on right are taken at our new venue)
Settle in, take a bath, unwind with a cup of tea and stretch your legs by the nearby river. We’ll share a delicious meal before an early night and the start of your Painters Pilgrimage.
Wake to birdsong and perhaps take a walk by the river as the sun rises, followed by a delicious breakfast and great coffee, curious about what the day will bring.
Take in empowering presentations, encouraged to respond in your way – you can’t ‘get it wrong’ – I promise! During the retreat you’ll be guided to discover so much more about your style which will help you build skills and confidence quickly.
Founded on my teaching painting and drawing since 2006 and structured using my Painter’s Path System, you’ll receive my most distilled visual art teachings.
Discover ways to convey meaning, how to mix the colours you desire and create effects of light and space. Save years with step-by-step guidance, hands on practice, feedback and generous Q&A sessions.
Certified in education, coaching modalities and spiritual care, I offer a level of guidance not usually part of art education. But I believe creative expression is sacred work, and many people need extra help to transcend the inner blocks that hold them back from the joy and purposeful fulfilment creative expression brings.
Empathic coaching, expert teachings and care of the creative soul can help you create strong foundations on which to fast-track your becoming a painter. I liken my programs to being in a gentle hot-house kind of environment, relaxing into being more you, allowing a beautiful blossoming to happen!
My programs are founded on the values of …
Along with all the creature comforts of a home away from home, exceptional food and coffee, richly informative and fun practical sessions and immersive conversations, you get to reconnect with who you are, listen for ‘the small, still voice’ and create in your way.
The main thing is to keep unwinding and surrendering to the ease of being completely yourself. That way it’s so much easier to allow the creative expression you long for!
The truth is, you have so much potential, just how to tap into it?! With my proven method (codified and refined since 2015) and thoughtfully designed program, you’ll tap into your seam of personal gold.
Painters Pilgrimage is structured to help you find the gold of your Painter’s Path. What do I mean by that? Knowing your most resonant visual language – often spoken about as style – gives you the foundations for authentic self expression.
Confidence grows as you see what you can create that is truly yours. For me, I’d tasted it before, but not fully until the second year of my doctorate in painting (2007). I found my way through much seeking, learning, experimentation and guidance.
Bringing that wisdom gained to art education in a well-informed structure of support is my way of art coaching.
Only in retrospect after a long dark night of the soul, and many years’ coaching could I create my Painter’s Path System so you can find your way in far less time than it took me.
Would you love that?!
There comes a time in life where the choice to listen is imperative. But how do you know it’s heart’s yearning?
This is how I know, which might help: When I think about it, I feel light, excited and more open about what might be possible for my life beyond what I have right now. It’s a good sign when the critical voice pop in. While it wants me to be careful, I also know this is a sign I’m on the edge of new territory, and that means personal growth.
Intuitive prompts tend to nag us in the quiet moments, gently at first, then more insistently. Trust the deeper longing – you do know in your bones what you’d love! Book a time to speak with me, with no obligation, so you can gain clarity. I’m honoured to work with people who know ‘in their bones’ this retreat is for them!
Generally, retreats can be wonderfully replenishing, however not many are transformational. That’s why I call this a pilgrimage – a journey to discover more about yourself – a sacred journey.
Feedback from my students over the years, indicates transformation is a consistent result. Read the testimonials on this webpage and feel into the difference my students’ describe.
We’re conditioned to think painting is a luxury, or only for the ‘talented.’ However, if you have a calling to paint, it’s yours to follow… or not. You can turn away, or take a step lit by sparks of excitement and enthusiasm! Feeling fear is natural because it’s different and part of us is afraid of change and wants to stay the same. But same is not where fulfilment happens.
I am here to share with you the transformational teachings and methods that have come to me, inspired at first, then developed and refined to present in bite-size chunks that feel safe and doable, and before you know it, you’re being a painter!
THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF…
You’d love to paint. Perhaps you’ve been to art school, or don’t want to go. Ideally, you’d like to fast-track your learning so you have an established painting practice for your retirement.
Over 3 decades of painting experience are distilled for you into the educational/practical sessions and with immediate practice become integrated into your skill set.
You feel inexperienced and have no sense of direction. This may show up as frustration, procrastination and feeling like a failure.
You now have the time and resources to invest in your creatively fulfilling future. You know that being in a structured program will motivate you and accelerate your progress.
During 2012 and 2013, I researched all I could find on creativity and codified a Creativity-nurturing Method: a support system so you’ll never feel lost in your art practice again. I was thrilled by how the method worked consistently, so of course it’s a vital part of the foundational practices I share. AND you’ll receive my latest CNM booklet to support you for years to come.
You have a sense of the power of colour and would love to learn more about that, and how to create luminous effects in your paintings.
I teach colour theory made easy, and demystify how artists create luminous effects. New sessions in the program guide you step-by-step through creating the magic of light in your paintings.
You want to feel more competent and confident, but you’re not even sure what the gaps are.
Passionate AND frustrated, you have ideas of how you’d like to be painting, but there’s a gap and you don’t know how to bridge it. I seek to understand the challenge before your retreat and tailor teachings so you can get to experience fulfilment instead of frustration.
You may have had a health scare and prefer to take this step, rather regret what might have been…
Time is your most precious resource. Renowned psychologist Lawrence LeShan became famous for helping his patients turn their lives around by asking not what was wrong but what they loved. He asked:
What kind of life would make you glad to get up in the morning and go to bed at night ‘good tired’?
What would give you maximum zest and enthusiasm in life?
What kind of life can you conceive of that would use all of you, would be harmonious with you physically, psychologically, and spiritually?
Is painting part of your good life?!
Working with Suzanne has changed my life!!
I thought I knew about paint….I knew nothing!
I thought I was developing a palette…..not even close.
I thought I knew the style of painting I wanted to do…nope!
By working intensively with Suzanne everything has changed.
She seems to not only have an immense depth of knowledge in art (far beyond anything I have seen or learnt from reading EVERY book and watching EVERY video I could) but is so gifted at relating what needs to happen for an individual student.
There is a freedom gained from the way that she works with you. With the only intention that you be the absolute best you can be Suzanne informs, assists, guides, and coaches you to see the right way through, FOR YOU!
I absolutely urge you to get in touch especially if you are serious about your artistic direction.
She is a treasure!
PETER GILCHRIST, Artist & CEO
Being here on retreat … being here immersed in every step of the painting process and having you with your hands on helping us not only do, but challenge our minds; how to implement methods, and really practice and do it – paint! – has been amazing! And like I told you… I had this fear – oh my god! Am I doing the right thing?! But that’s part of the process and it was great to have you next to me and tell you so – I had a breakthrough! So because of the location, because of you, because of the visualisations, I could go inner and really get that intuition out in pencil on paper – my favourite thing! It’s been a wonderful experience which I hope I can do again. Thank you so much Suzanne!
DENISE RIVERA, Artist, Chemical Engineer and Life Mastery Coach (USA)
Paint from your Heart 12-month VIP Program, Painters Pilgrimage Retreat, Masterclass Mentoring Program
I really got tremendous confidence from doing the retreat after being a little shaky about some of the things I was having problems with.
Before I started working with you, I felt as though my painting wasn’t progressing. I had stopped living an adventurous life.
I enjoyed being there (on retreat in the Snowy Valley, Australia) very much. Your day-to-day program was just what I needed. The exercises all resonated with me. We were so engrossed! The retreat gave me the foundations for my new project. I had lots of places to start from but not inspiring. Now I have a strong place to start from – inspired and a tangible step forward. And I know so much more about colour.
I took the retreat half way through my mentoring program, and as a result, I’m much more myself. I feel so much better about what I choose to do. I’ve made decisions on my own and done them. My work is not untidy as I previously thought – my work is my work!
So, it’s been tremendous help in my work to have done this retreat and I would recommend it to anybody who’s starting out or even like me, who has painted since 1996. It’s only the last three to four years that I’ve sought help and could not have had more help than I have got from this retreat. Suzanne, I thank you for that.
JOAN GRAGG, Professional Artist, Rarotonga, Cook Isands
Painters Pilgrimage Retreat, Nurture Mentoring Program 2nd Year
For me, working with Suzanne has been an incredibly helpful, beautiful and inspiring experience. We all have so much ‘stuff’, old baggage that we could happily live without, and immersing myself into artwork with a coach as skilful as Suzanne gave me a wonderful opportunity to face myself in an unbiased way and safely, even playfully explore myself from new angles. This has taken me into a new space of freedom and creativity, where the self-critical voices in my head seem to have lost their voices…
I find that I am constantly in an inner dialogue through my artwork, and at the moment it is very dynamic. Sometimes I long for just doing nice, little paintings, but ‘it’ won’t let me. After sitting on my creativity for more than eighty years, when finally the drought breaks, the least I can do is to listen and follow. I am so looking forward to continuing into the new series of classes, and I do hope to see you, my new friends there too.
HANNAH MARIA, Artist
Paint from your Heart, 12-month Nurture Mentoring Program
On your Painter’s Pilgrimage Retreat, there’s a balance of structured sessions and freedom so you can take in the teachings with time to respond, play and integrate. Your private mentoring sessions offer the opportunity to open your mind beyond your current thinking. And our after dinner conversations provide extra time for Q&A and camaraderie!
“Your Abstraction course* was a remarkable surprise and so much more than I had expected. It has completely changed my way of seeing the world around me. I have a new and exciting understanding of abstract art. It was so satisfying not only on an intellectual or creative level, which I had naturally hoped for. It was the way I was touched personally and spiritually that amazes me.
In fact, I would describe it as not so much a ‘course’ but a life changing experience. When I went into my studio at the end of the week, and looked through the collection of materials, and the varying evidences of my practice over the years I suddenly and deeply realised “ I am an artist!
I find my self filled with awe and inspiration for the magic of light, form, space and colour, expressing feelings and abstract ideas that cannot be realised in representational work. I have a new insight into my practice and feel empowered by this beautiful discovery. Here is a way of playing with the materiality of paint that I find myself connecting with on a higher level. It has been a re-valuation that has transformed my vision of myself and my place in the world.
I am not sure words really express the magic I have discovered. Anyway, it happened at exactly the right time. How wonderful. I am so grateful that our paths crossed at this time.”
PARI GILMOUR, Artist & Art Educator
*Abstraction Course (the foundation for Painters Pilgrimage) Paint from your Heart Retreat, Art, Gentle Program
I spent two days with Suzanne recently here in Wagga Wagga Painting from my Heart,* in what I can only describe as a life-changing experience. The content and processes of those two days were profound and moving, helping me access my inner world and natural love of colour.
Suzanne is a gifted, sensitive and intuitive guide and companion. Her life experience has brought together an exceptional balance of skills, knowledge and understanding of colour, composition and inner journeying.
I came to this time with absolutely no previous experience of painting, (other than enjoying what other people have produced). When I first saw the possibility of me “risking” this experience, my critical voice cut in and said “don’t kid yourself” However, I had a deeper knowing and luckily this won out.
I have been gifted with a new set of eyes, which has nothing to do with being an “artist”. I now have an extra means of seeing, feeling, understanding and expressing who I am.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart Suzanne and would encourage any person to follow their yearning and allow Paint from the Heart to empower and fill their life with light, colour and love.
JAN ROBERTS OAM
*NOTE: Paint from the Heart was the forerunner to Painter’s Pilgrimage from 2020-24. My Painter’s Path System is the foundation for both programs. During 2024, I likened the transformation I was witnessing through this program to a pilgrimage… and took the next step to make it a physical pilgrimage!
If I’d kept going the way I was, I would’ve kept thinking ‘I’m no good at it.’
…There’s teachings and research, but I don’t think painting from the heart can truly happen without peace; the peace that comes from knowing in my bones I’m ok. I’m sure of myself now.
I like myself more… you helped me strengthen my strengths. I didn’t know what my strengths even were. We don’t need to change ourselves – what we bring to the table are good things. My particular ways I thought of as bad. I saw them as faults – you’re too tidy; you’re too this or that! I realise it’s good and coming through as my own unique style. I would never have discovered that on my own. I am who I am and it’s reflected in my paintings that I love!
I’ve been searching for a long time and feel really peaceful and joyful now. I’m giving to me – they (my paintings) make me feel good – that’s what painting from the heart is hey! Colour is such a joyful thing – I adore it!
DL, Artist
Private Paint from your Heart Retreat & 12-months Mentoring
Should I book?
The answer is yes if…
– You want to follow your heart’s longing to paint (more!)
– You’re keen to start or grow your painting practice
– You’d be glad to ease away self-doubt
– You’d love to devote time to yourself to create, rest and play
– You’d like to listen more within and worry less about what others think
– You’d like to understand more about the basics of painting and
– Experience the calm confidence of knowing your way; your style
The answer is no if you…
– plan to miss or be late to presentations. All the sessions build the program into one whole that depends on all the parts. Your full commitment to and participation in every session is essential for me to fulfil my promise
– don’t want to slow down, listen and learn
– want to paint like someone else
– want to drink wine and paint
– use your phone during sessions or near others
– have current substance abuse issues
– are experiencing mental health challenges (Our sessions include guided meditations and visualisations which are not appropriate for some conditions)
NB: Alcoholic beverages are not included in the program. Drinking alcohol is discouraged until the final evening celebration.
Dr Suzanne’s photographs and of her students since 2019. In order of appearance:
header – Suzanne’s palette 2026
– our 2026 venue in Tumut
– 2025 Painters Pilgrimage Retreat (PPR) meet and greet
– Group breakfast
– Group Conversation on our private balcony at Nimbo Fork Lodge
– Suzanne with natural earth paints, photo courtesy Denise Rivera PPR 2025
– Suzanne & Jeanne James and her abstract painting 2020 courtesy Pari Gilmour
– Joan Gragg testing colour interactions PPR 2025
– Peter Gilchrist mentoring with Dr Suzanne 2019
– Mary Sakara’s hand and painterly expression 2020
– Denise Rivera painting on the PPR 2025
– Joan Gragg exploring the fine art of colour mixing on the PPR 2025
– Denise creating a geometric study during practicum PPR 2025
– Joan taking colour notes during practicum PPR 2025
Keen to find out more?
What’s included
6-nights luxury Federation accommodation quiet and close to amenities
Off-street parking and close to river and park
All meals
After dinner conversations
A Logistics Call and 2 check-ins, one during the week prior to your retreat and the other on your arrival.
A customised goodie bag!
Loan of an outdoor easel, books and other visual art media
4 sessions of private 30 min mentoring during the retreat
10 presentations with guided practicum
An Artists’ Treat Day that will delight and surprise you!
***Secure your place with your deposit by August 1, 2026 for these BONUSES***
– 90 minute pre-retreat mentoring session (Value $495)
– a private visit to Dr Suzanne’s studio and choose…
– an artwork by Suzanne to take home!
What’s Not Included
- Your travel expenses
- Your internet data though there is complimentary wifi
- Travel and activities during your free time
- Shopping, phone calls, taxis, laundry, Spa services during your retreat time
- Wine and other drinks at dinner (aside from water, tea and coffee)
- Mini-bar items consumed
- Damage to property
- Personal, medical or travel insurance
- Service bills
- Cost & freight of your art and art materials
Artist, Painting Teacher & Dream Builder Coach (USA) certified in Graduate Teaching (ANU), Spiritual Care, The Inner Counselor Process (USA) and The Journey Method
Mentoring painters since 2006
Innovator of ART, Gentle Contemplative Art Program and Painters Path Programs
Dr Suzanne Moss
Hello, I’m Dr Suzanne…
During the first year of my doctorate in Visual Arts, (Painting) at The Australian National University School of Art & Design (2006), I was surprised by how much I loved working with students as assistant drawing teacher and mentor.
Moving into academia and caring for creative people, I set about gaining extra skills – in teaching, program design, leadership, coaching and spiritual care.
During and since my time at The ANU (2006-14) it has been a privilege to create, present and refine many workshops, courses, retreats and art programs, integrating care of the creative soul. This is art as a deepening practice in tandem with an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. Consequently, I think of it as ‘art that loves you.’ When you’re dedicated to what you’d love, it loves you back with joy and fulfilment.
Rewind a few years to 2008. I was studying luminosity in paintings in Australian collections as well as in Florence, London and New York. During those doctoral years, my discoveries about painting light became foundational to my understanding of colour. I presented colour workshops at art school, for arts organisations and The Department of Education.
READ MORE...
The first time I knew my work had transformational impact was after presenting my workshop ‘Creativity in Teaching & Research’ for 20 academics at The Australian National University. Their appreciation was profoundly moving.
My way of coaching is immersive, generous and distilled education with engaging examples, guided practice and feedback with respect. With ongoing refinement, that’s what has evolved, aided by my ongoing professional development and research over the last 20 years.
Painter’s Pilgrimate is founded on my teaching at Art School since 2007 when I was asked to teach elements of visual language to 2nd year Painters. I wrote programs on colour & composition, which morphed into my studio Abstraction Course, ‘Paint from your Heart’ and now, the Painters’ Path Programs, including Painters Pilgrimage.
During the last decade, I’ve led art retreats to Florence, Italy; Jugenheim, Germany and locally to Nimbo Fork; studied East Asian Calligraphy with Master Kaz Tanahashi in California & Tassajara Zen Centre and made international pilgrimages to Iona Abbey, Scotland; ‘Seeking Stillness’ at Boston’s MFA courtesy of Slow Muse artist and writer Deborah Barlow; The Rothko Chapel in Houston; ‘Charleston,’ home of Vanessa Bell and studio of Giorgio Morandi in Bologna, Italy.
I became passionate about making contemplative installations with my ceramics, paintings and flowers and made a mini documentary titled ‘Morning Sanctuary: Making Space to Think with Art & Mindfulness.’ My articles ‘Seeking Sanctuary‘ and ‘Love is a Place‘ were published by the international platform for contemplative art – The Culturium.
Since starting on my own painter’s pilgrimage over thirty years ago, my paintings have been exhibited in a dozen solo shows, and many curated group exhibitions including The Sydney Art Fair, Beyond the Field, The Women’s Abstract Biennial and MINIMAL at Justin Art House Museum.
I currently work from my studio in The Snowy Valley, regional Australia, consult with my students online, lead and take pilgrimages when called!
I received more than I could have imagined… I found Suzanne to be a wise and generous teacher, as well as an accomplished artist, giving us practical insights and inspiring examples of other artists’ works, both ancient and modern; pointing out and enlightening us with spiritual aspects, calming and focusing guided meditations… After completing many paintings and drawings, I left with a solid grounding of how to approach my work in the future with insight and confidence. Thank you Suzanne.
I have learnt so much, on so many different levels, about myself, my abilities, my passions, and how to tap into that effortlessly. Suzanne’s guided mediations are so inspirational – she effortlessly opens the channels to allow the creativity to flow. It was so much fun seeing what appeared on the paper and exploring where that led me. I really loved “playing” in this way and the results were surprisingly amazing – full of joyful expression. The whole experience was so full of joy-filled moments – I feel totally enlivened.
Discovering your ‘style’ is like learning to talk. It’s a process to become a painter and no matter what stage of life you can do it. Given your willingness and committment, my transformational process weaves three empowering strands: self-discovery and growing confidence in the creative being you are; exploring the power of visual language and composition, or how to use visual language to communicate what matters to you . The inner critic cannot stand in the face of the foundational truth you will establish.
Dr Suzanne Moss
FAQs
How much is it?
Secure your place with a $1000 deposit. Retreats can include a 12 month mentoring program as a Special Offer. Please make a time to talk with Dr Suzanne to discuss what you would love!
How many students are accepted?
Only three students are accepted on the Painters Pilgriamge Retreat, however, tailored online programs are also available. If the retreat is calling you, please book a time to talk with me as soon as possible, as places are filled quickly.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
I am pleased to liaise with the restaurant to arrange suitable meals, however, am unable to guarantee complete absence of allergens for people at risk of anaphylactic reactions. If you’ve experienced anaphylaxis or even moderate allergic reactions, I recommend one of my online programs. Please book a time to discuss your requirements.
What travel documents do I need?
Travellers from overseas require a passport. Check online regarding Visa requirements. Visitors from Europe, UK and the USA will require a valid passport and Visa.
As you enter Australia, you will need to provide an address of where you’re staying. Here it is: 330 Nimbo Road, Killimicat, NSW, 2720. As contact person, I will give you my phone number.
What’s the weather like?
Autumn (March, April, May) with pleasant mornings and fine days. The range for March 2025 is predicted to be: 12 – 25 degrees Celsius or 55-77 degrees Farenheit
What do I bring?
A sun hat and sunscreen, boots or closed in shoes for walking, a nice pair of footware for the dining room. Low heels are best because there’s a pebble path between the cottages and the restaurant/meeting area. While March weather is usually gorgeous and mild, rains may come early, we don’t know. All that said, pack a travel umbrella.
Think layers, as the temperature can drop suddenly in the foothills of the mountains.
Bring smart casual attire for dinner, a warm jacket.
Please bring your journal and a set of colour pencils (min 24) a small, medium and larger soft round brush. A set of quality non-toxic watercolours are provided.
Where is this retreat?
This retreat will be held in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains at Nimbo Fork Lodge between Gundagai and Tumut in New South Wales, Australia
What is the best way to get to the venue?
International guests fly to Sydney arriving on 18th or earlier. Catch the Qantas flight 2223 to Wagga Wagga from the Domestic Airport at 11:45am on the 19th March. Book before December 30, and I will organise for you to be transferred from the airport to the venue, which is an hour and 20 minutes drive from Wagga Wagga.
To return, book the Qantas flight 2224 to Sydney which departs at 1:20pm on 24th March.
If driving from the north or south along the Hume Highway, travel to Gundagai and take the South Gundagai turn-off. At the service station turn left and follow this road for a kilometer until you reach Brungle Road. Continue for 25km, turning right at the T-junction, through the village of Brungle and turn right at Nimbo Rd. The Lodge is 3.4km through farming land. 330 Nimbo Road is at the end of the road and takes around 25 minutes from Gundagai.
Are there medical facilities nearby?
Yes, Tumut Hospital is 25 minutes from the venue. We’d need to consider your visit if you have any serious pre-existing medical conditions. We can discuss your health on your complimentary call.
Other questions?
Write them down now! When you click on the link below it will take you to my scheduler where you can book a time for us to have a chat via Zoom. I look forward to answering your questions.
Copyright © 2025 – 2026 Dr. Suzanne Moss
All information on this site is the Intellectual Property of Dr Suzanne Moss.
Any information presented is for your personal use only, and is illegal to present as your own material.
Thank you for your respectful use of this website.