2009 Painting on trees, painting trees, feeding the wallabies, sculpting sandstone and admiring the open sky saturated with a multitude of stars made for a stimulating and fun weekend. Sharon & Cameron You are very lucky to have that block of dirt. I could feel the tension fall away. The food was heaven and the sunsets magnificent. Thankyou it was bliss. Pat 09 Rusty Roo. . .artists retreat a place to let your soul breathe Hello Sharon, Cameron and Lily. Now that I am home I have had a little time to reflect on a very special weekend with you all. The highlights for me were the ·  Environment, it was so perfect for the retreat with all of Australia's elements at our finger tips! I loved the earthy components and the abundance of them... ·  Food... I have a few excess pounds to work off! · People... everyone had such interesting backgrounds; it was a pleasure listening to the various stories. Sharon I think you should write a book! · Ikebana, Lily I promise I will remember 'Heaven Earth and Man' when I attempt my next Ikebana works.  At times I was totally overcome by everything and forgot that I was at the Rusty Roo for "Ikebana"! · Railway sleeper heap! This was a highlight! Thank goodness there were no snakes stirring in the rubble! · Art techniques. I can't wait to get into my studio and explore some of the techniques using bitumen, shellac, gesso and all the other goodies. I do hope we have the opportunity to be together some time in the future.  Thankyou again it was a special few days! Sincerely Rhonda H 2008 Many thanks for a fantastic weekend workshop at your great property. Thank-you for sharing your wealth of Knowledge and experience. It is obvious you both share a passion for the landscape and the Great Outdoors. I came home energized and excited about what I had learned. Your workshops are truly unique and I recommend them to anyone wanting to fast track their skills, or simply to associate with like minded people. Finally I have to mention the food. Divine ! Thanks Again. Tim A – Clifton 08 This is a case of those who can do - but can also teach. I ended the weekend feeling not just like I had learnt a lot, but left with enthusiasm and passion and a belief in myself, that wasn't there before attending. Sharon & Cameron are both very supportive and encouraging to the beginner but with the skills and experience to benefit all levels. It is not just a business for them - they have a passion for what they are doing. It an interesting weekend. I'll be going back again. Faye H – Yeerongpilly 08 I realised today that it is of no surprise to me why many of your course participants were repeat clients. You’re friendly, caring, supportive, and professional manner throughout the weekend was clearly what makes your business succeed. Did I mention an obvious passion for your art? Congratulations. As for me? Well, I learnt a ton today, and did so in an environment that will also see me return, as well as recommending your product to those I know. A sincere thanks to you once again. Cheers Tom C – Mapleton 08 2007 Sharon & Cameron, what a treat. Being shown through your place and then having the time to indulge myself with your scrummy food and ‘me time’ was what I needed. I was truly surprised how the group came together in such a short time. We were like long lost friends being reunited. I appreciated the guidance and ampleness of the entire weekend. Thankyou both. Bev C Hi Sharon and Cameron Thank you for a wonderful weekend. I had a fabulous time and my dreams for the future are now laced with elements of the Rusty Roo philosophy. There were some poignant moments not the least, being, of the group happily following a machete wielding warrior into the unknown bush all in the name of art. The food!!! Ahh the food, gourmet delights and Sharon, sharing your passion for your passion and the interesting conversation. And of course the Ikebana process, under the tutelage of the delightful Lilly. And so it was a fabulous weekend of new experience in beautiful surrounds. It was a truly wonderful experience for me and I wish you both all the best, I do hope to be back at some stage and will keep an eye on your web site. Regards Ruth Oct 07 I had a great time at Rusty Roo with a bunch of creative people.  It was interesting to see how everyone gets connected to nature in the landscape.  Although it didn't happen immediately, but the environment, the beautiful food and the atmosphere must have contributed to their creativity.   Look forward to go back again. Lily K. The Rusty Roo is a retreat that allows artists the opportunity to work without distraction in an inspiring setting. The studio is fully equipped with an etching press, easels and plenty of table space. The workshops provide artists with the opportunity to learn, to focus on their art, share ideas or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful views and the company of other artists and art students. Sharon and Cameron generously offer their hospitality, delicious food and comfortable accommodation. Sitting out under the stars by a warm fire is wonderful in the evening. It is a joy to visit Rusty Roo . Nancy We shook hands with the Landscape and saw things we had seen a hundred times, for the very first time.. . . . We started to understand our little piece of the landscape. Wonderful. Thankyou May 2006 Thankyou for the opportunity to experiment With making a canvas and doing the exercises you set for us. It was even more enjoyable than I imagined it was going to Be A highlight of my artistic life. Anne 06 The opportunity to enjoy some of my favourite hobbies all at once was heavenly. Good company, fine wine, great scenery and some painting – does life get any better ?. Your hospitality was appreciated and the course you offer on painting was very thorough and extremely enjoyable. Katie We will return and you know you can believe this as we have now been twice. Both visits have been invigorating, lively and supremely delicious. I was blown away by the improvements you have achieved since our first visit . . .The mosaic floors, landscaped gardens and enlarged studio space added further to our enjoyment.. I hope that won’t mean the ‘cost’ will go up ?. See you soon. D. Henderson Exceptional service, creative flair and laughter were flying thick and fast throughout the weekend. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than in the company of my friends while not having to do anything domestic. Anne 05 ‘Friendly’ is an understatement. I was introduced to the Australian bush, mixed media and the Great Auzzie BBQ all in one week end. I will be recommending this retreat to my MATES. Mat D I produced some prints that I have now framed and am particularly proud of. My Husband thought it was just an excuse to have a ‘girls weekend of bludging’ and was as impressed as I was, that the work I produced looked so professional. Am letting you know so you continue the great job your both doing. Cio Tara Like the best treasures, those of the Rusty Roo are concealed in a tin box, tucked away off the beaten track. But when you arrive - what warmth of laughter and learning, what riches of art processes and products await you there! My weekends at the Rusty Roo have been among the most happily memorable of my life. The place (with its varied art materials, spaces and resources) the setting (those broad expanses of land and lake and sky), and the company (congenial and committed to various forms of art practice) all these are unique incentives to creativity. Wendy M Really amazing to lose myself in the landscape and rediscover myself again. It’s amazing what you see on close inspection. Karl D 07 Every once in awhile my husband and I decide to share one of our individual interests. Our way of Bonding ! It was Tony’s turn to choose and Art was it. I was assured I could hang out in one of the hammocks, read from the huge selection of books or enjoy invigorating bush walks – I did not have to paint. . . I found I was encouraged with gentle nurturing and enthusiasm, to not only try to paint, but to see with unbelievable simplicity that it was fun. They allowed me the time to thoroughly enjoy myself & the entire experience. Now we can consider Art/painting as a shared process and we have Sharon, Cameron and their wonderful Rusty Roo to thank for giving us such a ‘bonding’ experience. Noleen & Tony P Upon arrival you know right away that you’re in a place treasured by the artistic. There are art works everywhere - Some expected, some in the most unexpected places. Great Stuff. Natalie B 2005 · HOME Web site created by Sharon & Arron lee 2005 0409 34 5501 lees.art@live.com

I would just like to say that I found the course extremely informative and practical. I liked that you could practice what was taught immediately and see the results. I thoroughly recommend this course and am going to attend further courses as I was so impressed. Eddie T Brisbane 08 Hi Sharon Thanks once again for the ‘Painting/ Layering with acrylics’ weekend. It was excellent- and Nicola was a great tutor. Loved the insights about layering and using acrylics, and wonderful to have a couple of days working alongside such talented and creative people. Truly inspirational. And the food was divine! Warm regards Jillian B 08 Both Jillian and I had a wonderful time spent with you this weekend, thoroughly revitalizing and enriching, not only the work shopping but the whole experience. What a wonderful opportunity to network with other artists and share stories and experiences. The whole atmosphere was very inspirational. Your spectacular setting and your amazing building filled with sumptuous artworks was a treat to see. And of course you fantastic food, what a talented lady you are! Thanks also for your friendship and hospitality, we will certainly be back to visit you in the not too distant future! The artists retreat workshop Multiple layering in acrylic paint was most exciting, I gained a great deal of knowledge from our lovely tutor who was most informative and great to work with.  She was willing to share ideas and expand on individual needs.   The whole weekend was a wonderful inspirational experience.   I know that the skills I learnt will not go to waste! Much of what was gained will be transferred to our visitors at the gallery workshop.  Perhaps not with the same amount of knowledge!  But I will do my best! Thanks again Look forward to seeing you soon. Regards Lesley N 2008 I would like to thank you both for the time you have taken not only to teach me a lot about painting but also about creativity. It is both fantastic and rewarding to spend time with people who have such a passion not only about art but with nature itself. I have now attended the "Painting in the landscape" and the "Printing in the landscape". As you know I have booked in for the "Mixed media" in 2009 and can't wait. I find you both very easy to communicate with. The facilitators/tutors you employ taught in a way that was directed at my level of expertise. You are both friendly, down to earth all round fantastic guys. If anyone is thinking about doing a course, don't waste your time looking any further.  You won't regret spending the time or money with these guys. Look forward to seeing you soon. Kind regards Bill T - Gold Coast 08 I am happy for you to quote any of my comments on your website.  I would certainly say that "Rusty Roo" is a retreat in every sense of the word  -  a place to restore the soul and stimulate the senses.  I am pleased the N.Z. wine was appreciated.  Perhaps it helped contribute to the relaxed and good-humoured atmosphere.  The hospitality offered is very generous  -  in the case of meals, more than generous! Good luck with your sculpture and painting in the landscape weekends  -  they do sound interesting.  I hope you have sufficient brawny young men to play around with the sleepers.  I would be interested to hear of future weekends.  You never know I might be looking for another venture into your special domain. Regards, Marilyn P New Zealand 08 Hi Sharon, Here's a few photos from my morning walk. Thanks for a great weekend. It was really inspiring. It is fantastic that you are so willing to share all your knowledge and the weekends at Rusty Roo with us. love Nancy B 08 thank you ....for your warm and welcoming hospitality. Most times I find it difficult in new situations, but this was one of the few times I felt comfortable and relaxed thanks to you and Cameron’s generosity of yourselves. I had a very, very good time and some much needed ‘time out’, I returned feeling at ease. You certainly have a unique combination, to enable people to come together and feel so relaxed, then go home having formed nice relationships. Please let me know when you next plan another weekend. Catherine L 07 Sharon, thankyou for your recent photos. The ‘Roo’ is looking wonderful with that bit of green. I was thrilled to see the cockies, such a majestic pest!. I miss the exoticness of Australia, the flitting chance that you’ll see a goanna or blue tongue lizard as you go about your business. I miss staring out over the horizon in the hope of catching an unguarded kangaroo loping across the landscape, I can’t wait to return. Carrie The choice to do several structured hours of techniques, bush walk, read or simply spend time swaying in a hammock were interspersed by scrumptious meals all prepared for us. I was impressed the entire time I was at the ‘Rusty Roo’. Thankyou both Sandra I wanted to say something that would express my total delight in what you offer from start to finish, but it was such a deliciously entertaining time that I think I’ll keep my opinion to myself and let you use your own imagination. Judy D We shared the joy of varied company, scrumptious meals, country charms and loads of creativity. Sharon & Cameron delivered a fantastic weekend full of memories that we will cherish. See you soon, Vanessa & Steven ‘Getting away’ from the crowds is becoming harder and harder to achieve and when we did discover this piece of paradise that ‘ . . . lets the soul breathe’ We were eager to share it with our friends. I’m happy that they too now consider it their ‘discovery’ and will return to experience the ‘small joys’ again and again. Timothy L I’m thrilled with the outcome from the Pit Fire. The weekend was thrilling and the food and accommodation was far better than I imagined it would be considering the tariff covered them both. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Sandra Thankyou for a unique experience that has left me with some truly lovely memories. The painting I produced during this weekend has more qualities of which I am very proud, than in any landscape I have done before. Paul J 05 I am a enthralled by the new feeling of passion I have for my art. I now recognise the need to have fun while being creative. Jean Experimenting, exploring & enjoying. I felt like a child again . . . in a good way. Jen 06 I didn’t see any Kangaroo’s, but I saw their little calling cards every morning and heard their movements around the house at night. Magical. Generosity, nurturing, expressive, thoughtfulness, fun, satisfaction and beauty are some of theexpressions that spring to mind when I recollect the weekend at Rusty Roo. I went expecting to broaden my art and was surprised to find an entire creative package on offer. The food, teaching, landscape, & studio – the entire process was so well organized that it seemed effortless and full of passion. I have found a treasure and will continue to cherish the experience again and again. Ashley B I remember my weekend at rusty Roo – the calming bushland, cheerful company, fantastic food, creative accommodation all supported the knowledgeable tuition. It gave me open space and time to think and breathe. I felt nurtured and found energy to clear creative blocks. I learnt new techniques and appreciated other artist’s imagination and perspective. I was delighted with the work produced and continue to be inspired by my time there. Thankyou Sharon and Cameron for sharing yourselves and your beautiful place. Rosemary W Our time away was like a contradiction in all it’s aspects. Exciting & relaxing, scrumptious & healthy, invigorating & soothing. The magnetism of the Australian bushland setting was enhanced by the work we created. It was a first class experience. D. Mead "Going to Rusty Roo is truly getting away from all the things that get in your way of thinking creatively. I've been there three times now and each time I experienced a breakthrough in my work. The air is clear at Rusty Roo, the food is good and gracious, the studio is like a dream come true and the other participants, in their own bursts of creative energy, are just plain fun to be around. While at Rusty Roo, you work together, eat together, talk, walk, explore new ways of creating, and when it is time to leave, you feel like you're gained more than you imagined you would but you also know you're leaving behind a roomful of new best friends. It is a rich and wonderful place. The people who find Rusty Roo, know as soon as they get there that they have found a place where their ideas and their work will not only be accepted, but will grow. And grow it does! It is a jam packed weekend of work relaxation and creativity. I feel privileged to have had the time with you at Rusty Roo. What a blessing!” Carrie Knowles author, artist USA 2004 – 2005 Driving into the Roo I was filled with trepidation and grave misgivings. My beautiful car on the bumpy roads and the dust in my hair, and how was I going to try and produce something ‘Arty’ – I was ready to strangle the person responsible for talking me into this situation . . How trivial these worries seem now. I had one of the most enjoyable and entertaining times of my adult life. Sharon & Cameron are supportive, entertaining and make you feel like the Roo is your home. I produced a journal full of beautiful prints of which I am exceptionally proud, relaxed under one of the most awesome skies I have experienced and heard & shared some great stories. I hope I told you both what an exceptional job you have done and how terrific you both are. Thankyou Kelly M