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Wildlife Watercolour Retreat, Andalusia, Spain
new 2024- art retreat in spain- now sold out!
My new art retreat in Spain that's taking place 29th June - July 6th 2024 has been so popular that it's sold out really quickly (I am so sorry to everyone that has missed out).
Join me on an adventurous artistic exploration of the wildlife native to the South of Spain. Gain a deeper connection to nature and learn to portray the awe-inspiring biodiversity and landscapes in the gorgeous Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Dive deep into a plethora of watercolor techniques, such as a unique way of color mixing, painting with unusual tools, and creating texture and luminosity, guided by a master wildlife artist. Defeat your inner critic and overcome the fear of the blank page with fun exercises that will remove your artistic blocks. Fill your travel journal with sights and natural elements found on your hike to the white village of El Gastor, the trip to Setenil de las Bodegas (with a special tapas and wine-tasting event), and the history-laden town of Ronda. Create and relax at a deluxe holiday estate in the heart of the natural reserve, exclusively booked for you and your art group, and delight your senses with chef-made vegetarian meals paired with delightful Spanish wine.
This retreat is being organised by Uptrek and so the various links throughout this page will take you to their website where you can find out more & book your place online, via their website.
I can't wait to see you there!!
Sarah Stokes
a personal experience, with only 16 PLACES AVAILABLE
(now sold out!)
During this incredible, art retreat, you will call Nature Retreat your home, a luxurious estate situated in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. This exclusive property will be reserved solely for our group, offering comfortable living quarters, air-conditioned art studios, five swimming pools, a tennis court, communal areas, spacious terraces, and lush gardens. Each bedroom is tastefully decorated, spacious, and equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi for your convenience. There are a choice of rooms available (on a first come, first served basis). You can find out all the details by clicking the Uptrek website- here.
Nature Retreat consists of five distinct areas, each with its unique character and architecture. The main villa, El Cortijo, is a renovated old farmhouse that sits on a hill like an eagle's nest, overlooking the Dólmenes Valley. The interior design is a harmonious blend of traditional Andalusian decor with Mozarabic touches, and the patio with a stunning water fountain is the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine in the evenings. It also features a tower that offers breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding wilderness. The Ranch, with its private pool and extensive garden area, is a unique villa with a garden igloo that allows for undisturbed stargazing at night, away from light pollution. Lastly, Paraisos Escondidos and Paraisos Romanticos consist of standard and superior single suites, respectively, each with its own swimming pool.
Art classes can be held in the dedicated indoor studio, which is equipped with tables and chairs, or outdoors amidst the stunning Andalusian gardens, offering a breathtaking backdrop for your creativity. Find out more
ART RETREAT PROGRAMME 29th June - July 6th 2024- NOW SOLD OUT!
Gain a newfound appreciation for the world teeming with life around you, find inspiration in striking natural landscapes and dramatic scenery, and learn how to get over artistic blocks and get into the flow state. I will cover a variety of watercolour techniques, from composition and color mixing to finer touches, such as luminosity, movement, and creating life in the eyes of an animal. Every experience level is welcome - I will adapt my teaching to your needs and perform demonstrations, give one-to-one guidance, and offer personalized feedback. Toward the end of the retreat, I'll also share more about the business side of my art career, covering topics like finding a market for your art or getting accepted into exhibitions.
Some of the material covered includes:
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Exploring watercolor with a limited palette
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Creating any color by mixing and combining creatively
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Warm-up exercises to get you into the flow state
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Adding mixed media to watercolor
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Painting using unusual tools (twigs, feathers, leaves, salt)
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Depicting luminosity, movement, fur texture
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Creating life in the eyes of an animal
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Fixing mistakes
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Creating a balanced composition
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...and many more.
Beyond painting alongside me on a daily basis, you will have ample opportunity to unwind and appreciate the unspoiled splendour of the Sierra de Grazalema Nature Reserve, discover the renowned white villages, and exchange your artistic encounters with other creative individuals while sipping on delectable Spanish wine.
BOOK A PLACE ON THIS LIMITED SPANISH ART RETREAT
Spaces on this retreat are limited to just 16 students and the retreat has now SOLD OUT.
PRICE AND WHAT'S INCLUDED
The price for this luxury retreat is from 3,800 dollars per guest for 8 days.
What's included
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Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Sarah Stokes
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7 nights of accommodation at Nature Retreat
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Private, exclusive use of the entire estate with 5 swimming pools, tennis court, air-conditioned art studio, common areas, living quarters, terraces, and extensive gardens in the middle of a nature reserve
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Exclusively vegetarian Andalusian cuisine: 2 breakfasts, 5 brunches, 1 tapas lunch, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chef (gluten-free and other allergies and intolerances are catered for)
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24-hour snack bar with cakes, cookies, fruit, vegetables, coffee, and tea throughout the week
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Bottled water with meals and filtered tap water available at all times
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Unlimited wine served with dinner
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Pre-dinner 'aperitivo' hour
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Guided hike to the El Gastor white village with the chance to take reference photos of the surrounding wildlife
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Art trip to Setenil de las Bodegas
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Wine tasting with tapas in Setenil de las Bodegas
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Art trip to Ronda
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Private transportation for trips
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Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Málaga Airport at prearranged times
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Fully-staffed venue, experienced retreat admin throughout the week
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All local tourist taxes and fees
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Access to a private Facebook group with Sarah Stokes and the other retreat participants several months before the retreat
Not included
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Airfare
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Travel insurance
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Tips for the staff
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One lunch during the full-day trip to Ronda
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Art materials — a list of art materials recommended by artist Sarah Stokes will be provided once the retreat becomes guaranteed
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Extra costs guests might incur on their own
