# Paint Your Travels with Joy Art Retreat with Artist Sarah Burns in Spain Join artist Sarah Burns for a transformative travel sketchbook adventure set in the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Andalucía, Spain. Nestled within the stunning Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a serene estate serves as your venue, surrounded by rugged coastal beauty, volcanic formations, and charming whitewashed towns. Capture the region’s remarkable scenery and architecture through travel sketching with gouache and watercolor, alongside 14 fellow artists. Each day, Sarah will lead hands-on lessons, live demonstrations, and provide personalized feedback to help you refine your plein-air techniques and unlock your unique artistic voice. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this retreat offers a supportive environment for artistic growth, creative exploration, and personal rejuvenation.Two unforgettable art trips to the Alhambra Palace and the Cabo de Gata Lighthouse will enrich your experience. You’ll enjoy chef-prepared meals at the estate, with plenty of time to relax, connect with like-minded artists, and explore the natural beauty of the surrounding park. Return home with a travel sketchbook filled with vibrant sketches, rich memories, and lasting inspiration. ## Details - **Dates:** October 13 - 20, 2025 - **Location:** Níjar, Almería, Spain - **Starting Price:** $5,200 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Paint Your Travels with Joy Retreat Join artist Sarah Burns for a transformative plein-air art retreat set against the awe-inspiring landscapes of Andalucía, Spain. Experience the transformative power of plein-air painting and travel sketching as Sarah guides you through capturing the breathtaking landscapes and architecture using gouache and watercolor. Surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty, you’ll learn to ground yourself in the present moment, embrace playfulness in your art, and silence your inner critic. Sarah’s gentle teaching method provides the perfect environment to explore new techniques while also encouraging you to deepen your artistic voice and expression.This retreat is open to all levels of experience; whether you're just starting out with plein-air painting or seeking to refine your skills, Sarah will tailor her teaching to meet your needs. Each day, you’ll dive into hands-on lessons, insightful discussions, and personalized feedback to help you grow as an artist. Embark on two inspiring trips during the retreat: one to the iconic Alhambra Palace in Granada, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, and another to Cabo de Gata Lighthouse. You’ll learn how to snap reference photos, prepare a “go bag” for outdoor painting, and master essential techniques like architectural perspective and composition.The topics covered during your lessons will include:How to translate what you see into a paintingDeveloping your artistic voiceMaking confident decisionsColor mixingPerspective and accuracy in architectural sketchingPhotography and reference photographyCompositionIntro to gouache and watercolorsFitting all your materials into one bag for an outdoor art sessionGetting into the mindset needed for plein-air painting...and many more.Cabo de Gata Natural Park, the location of your retreat, is a haven for artists seeking inspiration, with its varied rock formations, unique flora, and shimmering seascapes. The tranquillity of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, coupled with the invigorating sea breeze, creates an ideal environment for plein-air painting, allowing you to draw and paint directly from the vibrant scenes before them. ### Day 1: Arrival Catch the transfer from Almería Airport (LEI) at 3:30 PM and arrive at Finca Maltés del Fraile after a 30-minute journey. Settle into your comfortable room, then join an orientation tour to get familiar with your surroundings. Explore the romantic Spanish garden, relax on the airy terraces, and check out the inviting common spaces and indoor studio. Later, join Sarah and your fellow artists for a welcome drink, followed by a special three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with a glass of local Spanish wine to celebrate your arrival. ### Day 2: Art at the Finca Begin your second day with the gentle morning light of Andalucía and a nourishing breakfast. Afterward, meet with Sarah for a casual check-in over coffee to discuss the day’s schedule.The morning session will focus on drawing with pencil and ink, covering perspective, proportion, and values, as well as how to add figures into a piece to show the scale of the scene. Sarah will demonstrate exercises designed to improve your sketching techniques, helping you loosen up and capture subjects more quickly and accurately. Sharpen your sketching skills and enhance your sense of depth and scale while adopting a more intuitive approach to integrating figures and architectural elements into your compositions.After a break for lunch, the afternoon session will dive deeper into enhancing your sketches. Sarah will demonstrate how to use watercolor or diluted gouache over your ink drawings, bringing your work to life with color and atmosphere. You'll have time to practice these techniques in your own sketchbooks, adding depth and vibrancy to your pieces. Get hands-on practice while Sarah offers valuable advice on how to approach the scene before you and manage the materials you'll take with you during tomorrow's art trip.Later in the day, unwind with a walk through the gardens or relax before gathering with your fellow artists for a chef-prepared dinner. Share your experiences from the day and reflect on the progress made as you prepare for the next day of creativity. ### Day 3: Art trip to the lighthouse Following breakfast, join Sarah in the studio for your morning class. Today’s focus will help prepare you for your upcoming trip to the Cabo de Gata Lighthouse. Sarah will guide you through sketching techniques and using gouache and watercolor to capture landscapes and architecture en plein air. Start by reflecting on the views and settings that have inspired you so far in Spain and creating a series of preliminary sketches to prepare for your time outdoors.After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll set off for the Cabo de Gata Lighthouse. As you explore the area, Sarah will guide you on how to take amazing reference photos to use in your later classes. She'll help you experiment with key elements like composition, light, and framing—whether you're using a DSLR or just your phone camera—ensuring you return with a strong selection of reference images. Take in the scenery and capture the dramatic cliffs and seascapes in your sketchbook, focusing on composition, light, and shadow. In the evening, return to the venue for a delicious chef-prepared dinner, where you can unwind, share your progress with fellow artists, and enjoy the vibrant energy of the creative community you’ve become a part of. ### Day 4: Art at the Finca Start your day with a peaceful breakfast, followed by a casual check-in over coffee with Sarah to prepare for the day ahead.In the morning session, Sarah will demonstrate her process of capturing the essence of a scene from a reference photo. You’ll learn how to select the most important details to include, how to create a captivating composition, and which colors to mix to reflect the mood and atmosphere of the landscape. Sarah will also guide you through playing with layers, tones, and values to evoke a true sense of place in your painting, helping you bring the scene to life.After a well-deserved lunch, return to the studio for an afternoon of hands-on practice. This is your chance to experiment with the techniques introduced in the morning class. As you work, Sarah will spend one-on-one time with each artist, providing personalized feedback and guidance. You can ask her any remaining questions or request demonstrations of techniques that have been challenging for you, ensuring you make the most of your creative session.In the late afternoon, take some time to unwind, whether by sketching in the gardens or enjoying a quiet walk through the peaceful surroundings. End the day with a delicious chef-prepared dinner, sharing your progress and experiences with fellow artists in the beauty of Andalucía. ### Day 5: Art trip to Granada After breakfast, gather with your fellow artists for a full-day trip to the culturally rich city of Granada. This diverse city is home to the majestic Alhambra Palace and Fortress complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you explore its streets, you'll notice the Moorish heritage evident in the architecture, a legacy of the Muslim rule in Spain. Spend the morning discovering Granada’s wonders, from the lively Alcaicería, a famous Arab bazaar, to the Realejo neighborhood and the Jewish Quarter. Along the way, Sarah will guide you in sharpening your photography skills, focusing on composition, lighting, and framing to create perfect references for your art. Take a break for a delightful Andalusian lunch at a local restaurant of your choice, where you can soak in the atmosphere and reflect on your morning of exploration. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Alhambra Palace for a guided tour. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to sketch on location, capturing the intricate patterns, stunning courtyards, and breathtaking views of the fortress. As you paint or sketch, Sarah will provide guidance on how to use watercolor and gouache to bring the essence of the palace's unique architecture and landscapes to life.Return to the venue in the evening, where a delicious three-course dinner awaits. Share your sketches and experiences with your fellow artists as you reflect on the day’s inspiring adventure in Granada. ### Day 6: Art at the Finca Start your sixth day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a brief check-in over coffee with Sarah to outline the day's focus.The morning session will be dedicated to a color-mixing workshop. Sarah will demonstrate how to create different mixing charts and discuss key aspects of color theory. You’ll explore how various palettes can evoke different moods in a painting. Sarah will illustrate this by painting two side-by-side images, each using a distinct palette. This hands-on workshop will provide valuable insight into making deliberate color choices to enhance your plein-air work.After a break for lunch, the afternoon will shift focus to applying what you've learned throughout the week. Sarah will offer individual feedback as you work on translating your color mixing exercises into your own travel sketches. Refine your compositions, balance mood and atmosphere, and reflect on how the architectural and natural elements from your trips have influenced your artistic approach.As the day winds down, take some time to unwind or fine-tune your sketches. The evening will end with a delicious chef-prepared dinner, where you and your fellow artists can share your work, celebrate your progress, and prepare for the final day of the retreat. ### Day 7: Art at the Finca Begin your final day in Andalucía with a delicious breakfast and a coffee check-in, then dive right into the morning class. Spend the morning painting en plein air in the estate’s gardens or venturing into the nearby countryside to capture your last impressions of the Spanish landscape. Add the final entries to your travel sketchbook, applying the techniques you’ve mastered over the week. Sarah will provide personalized feedback as she spends time with each artist, helping you refine your work and offering guidance on how to continue developing your skills after the retreat.After lunch, the afternoon will be dedicated to wrapping up your paintings and adding those finishing touches to your plein-air pieces. The day will culminate in a special mini-exhibition of the artwork created during the retreat. It’s a chance to showcase your progress, exchange feedback with fellow artists, and celebrate the unique perspectives and talents of your peers. The retreat will end with a celebratory farewell dinner, where you can reflect on the creative journey you’ve shared with your group and toast to the experiences and inspiration you’ll take home with you. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a light breakfast, bid farewell to Sarah and your art group, and board the 10:00 AM transfer to Almería Airport (LEI). You'll reach your destination at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - **Sarah Burns** - Plein air artist ## Accommodation ### Spanish countryside estate ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-your-travels-with-joy-art-retreat-artist-sarah-burns-spain](https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-your-travels-with-joy-art-retreat-artist-sarah-burns-spain) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*