# Tiny Watercolor Paintings Art Retreat with Artist Kristin Van Leuven in Greece Join watercolor artist Kristin Van Leuven for a retreat on the sun-kissed island of Zakynthos, where you will take on her signature Tiny Painting Challenge and paint your way through the Greek landscape one small-scale watercolor at a time. Inspired by the coastlines, villages, gardens, and golden light of Zakynthos, you will build a collection of tiny paintings that capture the beauty of the island while sharpening your eye for color, composition, and brushwork along the way. Dive into hands-on classes where Kristin guides you through demonstrations, personalized feedback, and step-by-step instruction that breaks watercolor techniques down into approachable, confidence-building exercises. From mixing color palettes to refining your washes and learning to paint with a looser, more expressive hand, every session is designed to help you grow as a painter while adding new pieces to your collection. The retreat is open to artists of all experience levels, and Kristin will adapt her teaching to wherever you are in your painting journey. Wander the historic streets of Zante, soaking up the charm and stories of this lively Greek town, and visit the iconic Navagio Beach, where you'll have the chance to pause, reflect, and capture Greece's magic through your own artistic lens. Settle into a welcoming Greek villa filled with nourishing, chef-prepared meals and sweeping views of the sparkling sea. Connect with a wonderful group of artists, sharing insights, laughter, and a deep love of creativity as you build a little collection of art that tells the story of your very own Greek adventure through a multitude of tiny paintings. ## Details - **Dates:** May 20 - 27, 2027 - **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 16 students - **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting) ## Overview **What's included** 1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Kristin Van Leuven 2. Fresh flowers and glass jars for the workshop component 3. Shala art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, and professional studio lights 4. 7 nights of accommodation at an elegant seaside villa 5. Exclusive use of the venue's living quarters and common areas, a Shala art studio, pool, jacuzzi, wooden gazebo, spa area, and beautiful terraces 6. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 7. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 8. Water, coffee, tea, juices, and snacks available throughout the day 9. Special welcome and farewell dinner 10. Delicious local wine during dinner service every day 11. Spacious sea-facing Shala art studio 12. Half-day art trip to Zante Town, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location 13. Half-day boat trip to the Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach), with a boat ride included 14. Greek dance show and band for the farewell dinner 15. Private transportation for all planned trips and activities 16. Guide or chaperone for all planned trips and activities 17. Round-trip transfers from/to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) at prearranged times 18. All local tourist taxes and fees 19. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 20. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 21. Access to a private Facebook group with Kristin Van Leuven and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Art materials — a list of art materials recommended by artist Kristin Van Leuven will be provided five months before the retreat takes place - Tips for staff — tipping is customary in Greece - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Tiny Watercolor Paintings Art Retreat Join watercolor artist Kristin Van Leuven for a retreat on the sun-drenched island of Zakynthos, Greece, built around her signature Tiny Painting Challenge. Over the course of the retreat, you will create a whole collection of small-scale watercolor paintings inspired by the places you visit, the coastlines you sketch, the food you eat, and the golden Greek light that follows you everywhere. Kristin's warm and encouraging teaching style makes the tiny format feel freeing rather than limiting, and the small scale means every painting is low-stakes, fast, and full of happy surprises. Each day, Kristin will introduce a new subject or technique through hands-on demonstrations and guide you as you turn that day's Greek adventures into tiny watercolors. Paint the turquoise water after your boat trip to Navagio Beach, sketch the rooflines of Zante Town in miniature, or distill a Greek sunset down to a few bold brushstrokes on a small square of paper. You will pick up essential watercolor skills along the way, from color mixing and water control to composition, value, and learning to work loose and fast, but the real magic is in the volume: painting after painting, your confidence will grow and your brushwork will loosen up naturally. The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, and Kristin will adapt her teaching to wherever you are in your painting journey. By the end of the retreat, you will walk away with a stack of tiny paintings that tell the story of your Greek adventure, a set of watercolor skills you can take anywhere, and the momentum to keep your Tiny Painting Challenge going long after you leave the island! **Topics covered in your classes include:** - Working small and learning to simplify a subject down to its essentials - Exploring color mixing and building palettes inspired by your surroundings - Mastering water control on a small scale - Using white space to your advantage - Painting loose, expressive landscapes in miniature - Capturing architecture and street scenes quickly on location - Turning travel experiences into tiny watercolor studies - Getting started with plein-air painting - Finding composition in a small format - Working with watercolor instead of forcing it - ...and many more! The venue, a stunning Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, will be your creative haven. The villa offers exclusive access to a sea-facing studio, welcoming common areas, and a refreshing infinity pool, providing plenty of space to work and relax. You’ll enjoy two exciting trips (one to the historic Zante Town and another to the renowned Shipwreck Beach), both of which offer inspiring cultural experiences that you can translate into your artwork. Outside of your art sessions, unwind by the infinity pool, savor Greek cuisine prepared by a private chef, and share creative discussions with fellow artists over a glass of local wine. Please note: The retreat venue is located on terraced grounds, with access to the studio, common areas, and accommodations requiring the use of stairways. The beach can be reached by descending a steep stairway of approximately 50 meters (164 feet). Additionally, the trips involve moderate walking, so this retreat may not be ideal for those with limited mobility. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Zakynthos Airport for your 3:30 PM transfer to a breathtaking seafront venue overlooking the Mediterranean. Settle into your elegant room and take a moment to unwind before joining a guided tour of the venue grounds. Discover the inviting pool, the shala art studio, and the inviting common areas. Meet your lovely instructor for the retreat, Kristin Van Leuven, as well as your fellow artists. As the evening winds down, savor a delightful three-course welcome dinner in a warm and lively atmosphere. Enjoy a glass of wine with Kristin and the group, making plans for the week ahead. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Enjoy a nourishing breakfast, then gather with your fellow artists over coffee for a morning check-in. Kristin will use the morning class to lay the groundwork for every tiny painting you will create throughout the retreat. Get familiar with watercolor through expressive brushstrokes and loose mark-making, dig into color theory, and learn to adapt to limited palettes that pack a punch on a small scale. Kristin will walk you through water control: how much to add, how to avoid overdoing it, and how to keep your values consistent. Put it all to the test with a playful watercolor project where you will experiment with bold patterns and blending, getting your first taste of the freedom that comes with painting small and painting fast. Refuel with a filling lunch before diving into the afternoon class. Using a photo as reference, you will first paint it in grayscale to nail your values, then redo the whole thing in color. This exercise will sharpen your eye for light and shadow and arm you with the confidence to capture Greek coastlines and sunlit village scenes in miniature for the rest of the retreat. As the day winds down, enjoy some free time before dinner. Take a dip in the pool, soak up the sun on the sea-facing terraces, wander the grounds, or catch up with your fellow artists over a drink. Sit down to a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, buzzing from a first full day of watercolor! ### Day 3: Art trip to Zante Town After a refreshing breakfast, gather with your fellow artists over coffee for a morning check-in before heading out. With your supplies in hand, hop on a short ride to Zante Town, the vibrant capital of Zakynthos, and get ready because this town is about to fill your tiny painting collection fast! Once there, hit the ground painting. Stroll through St. Mark's Square, where Venetian-style arches and wrought-iron balconies tower above you, and duck into frescoed Byzantine churches where the mosaic patterns alone could inspire an entire series of tiny paintings. Wander past sun-washed Greek homes in shades of terracotta, ochre, and dusty pink, spot a fishing boat bobbing in the harbor, catch the way the light falls across a crumbling stone wall, notice the blue wooden shutters peeling against white plaster. Paint on location whenever something grabs you and gather reference photos and loose sketches of anything you want to bring back to the studio. Return to the venue for lunch, then reconvene in the studio with Kristin. Spread out your sketches, reference photos, and any tiny paintings you started on location and pick your favorites to develop further. Using the value techniques from the previous day, paint your chosen scenes first in grayscale to nail the light and shadow, then redo them in color on fresh tiny squares. You will also have time to revisit and push further into paintings from your earlier sessions, building out your collection piece by piece. As the day winds down, take a dip in the pool, soak up the last light on the sea-facing terraces, wander the grounds, or keep painting if you are on a roll. Gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue Enjoy a delicious breakfast with your fellow artists. Over a cup of coffee, check in with each other's progress and hear what Kristin has planned for the day. Dive into florals and fold them straight into your tiny painting practice. Kristin will walk you through the anatomy of a flower in watercolor, showing how petals, stems, and leaves break down into simple shapes that are perfect for working on a small scale. You will explore floral color theory and learn to select palettes that feel harmonious and natural, then see how color values create depth and dimension using a cone-shaped guide to build each bloom from light to dark. By the time you finish your first floral tiny painting, you will have a method you can apply to any flower you come across on the island. From there, layer washes and use negative painting to carve out highlights and shadow, while Kristin shows you how implied lines can suggest the energy of a flower without overworking the detail. Think loose, think fast, think tiny. A single hibiscus, a cluster of wildflowers spotted on the grounds, a sprig of bougainvillea you photographed in Zante Town. Every botanical moment from the retreat is fair game for your collection, and the small format means you can paint four or five of them in one sitting. Refuel with a filling lunch, then return to the studio for the afternoon. Keep building on your morning florals, push into new tiny paintings, or circle back to landscapes and trip scenes from earlier in the retreat. Kristin will move through the room offering one-on-one feedback and helping you sharpen whatever you are working on. As the day winds down, take a dip in the pool, wander the grounds, catch the sunset from the terraces, or squeeze in one more tiny painting before dinner. Gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine. ### Day 5: Boat trip to Navagio Beach Fuel up with a refreshing breakfast and gather your art supplies for a day of painting and discovery at Navagio Beach. From Porto Vromi, step aboard and glide across calm, crystal-clear waters, passing hidden caves and towering rock formations along the way. Pull out your painting supplies and start capturing what you see while the light is fresh and the coastline is still unfolding around you. If the weather allows, take a swim in the cool, inviting sea. Your destination is the legendary Navagio Beach, home to the famed Panagiotis shipwreck, a rusting relic steeped in mystery and rumored to have ties to smuggling operations in the 1980s. Once on shore, keep your tiny paintings going: the weathered hull up close, the play of light on the cliffs, the sand underfoot, whatever catches your eye. Gather reference photos and loose sketches for the studio later. After time spent exploring, sail back to Porto Vromi, where a shuttle will take you back to the venue for a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, gather with Kristin for a studio session fueled by the morning's adventure. Spread out your reference photos and field sketches and dive into a fresh round of tiny paintings inspired by your time at the beach. Paint the turquoise water from memory, distill the shipwreck down to a few bold brushstrokes, zoom in on a single rock formation, or try capturing the whole coastline in one small square of paper. Kristin will be right there guiding you through working from reference while keeping everything loose and full of life. As evening falls, gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, passing your favorite tiny paintings around the table and swapping stories from a morning spent painting on the water. ### Day 6: Art classes at the venue Refuel with a tasty breakfast, then gather with your fellow artists over coffee to hear what Kristin has planned for the day. The morning is all about landscapes, and this is where the tiny painting format really comes alive. Learn how to depict trees and clouds using specific brushstrokes and textures that work beautifully on a small scale, then watch Kristin demo the whole process using a reference photo from one of your trips. From there, split your paper into smaller squares and fill each one with a different tiny landscape, experimenting with composition and mood in quick, low-pressure studies that stack up fast. Take a break during lunch, then head outside to paint the landscape around you en plein air. Apply everything from the morning to a real scene, working at your own pace with the Greek coastline right in front of you. If you would rather stay in the studio, you can keep building on the tiny landscapes you started earlier, refining details and layering in depth with Kristin's guidance. As the day winds down, take a dip in the pool, wander the grounds, keep painting on the terraces, or catch up with your fellow artists over a drink. Gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, spreading out your growing landscape collection and comparing how differently everyone captured the same views. ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue Your final day of the retreat opens with another delightful breakfast. Spend your last classes with Kristin finishing up your tiny paintings, adjusting details, and adding any last pieces to your collection. Kristin will move around the space offering guidance and final tips, helping you decide which tiny paintings to sign and frame and which ones deserve one more pass. Talk through ways to keep your Tiny Painting Challenge going long after you leave the island, because this practice does not have to stop when the retreat does. After a relaxed lunch, it is time for the best part. Lay out your entire tiny painting collection side by side and watch the room transform as dozens of small watercolors cover every surface. Walk through each other's work and take in the incredible range of what grew from the same Greek coastlines, the same village streets, the same olive trees, the same golden light, and the awe in realizing just how much you have created on tiny squares of paper in just a few days! As the sun sets, gather one last time for a farewell dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine. Live Greek music will fill the terrace as you dance, laugh, raise your glasses, and celebrate everything you have painted and every friendship you have made along the way. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy one last breakfast with Kristin and your fellow artists, then get ready for your transfer to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - [Kristin Van Leuven](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kristin-van-leuven) — Artist and author ## Accommodation ### Stunning Greek Estate Your elegant venue for the art retreat with artist Kristin Van Leuven is a seaside estate overlooking the shores of Zakynthos and the vast Mediterranean Sea. Just a 10-minute walk away, the calm Bouka Beach beckons, accessible via a stairway that winds down the hillside. This boutique venue offers a stately six-bedroom villa alongside a six-bedroom stone tower. All rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, shared or single, exclusively booked for you and your art group. Every room is a cocoon of comfort, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, and a handy fridge, all complemented by chic boho décor. Large glass doors frame captivating views, whether of the venue terraces, the gleaming infinity pool, or the boundless sea. Please note that there are no window screens in the rooms. During your leisure time, you can revel in the stunning infinity pool or unwind in the soothing embrace of a jacuzzi. Adding to the charm is a wooden gazebo, perfectly positioned for basking in the Grecian sun. Your art classes will take place in the Shala art studio, dramatically poised with the sea as its backdrop. While it is walled on three sides, the studio's face opens generously to the sea, with chairs and tables available for you and your art group. Other workshop spaces include the spacious terraces right next to the infinity pool. Please note that the venue is not suitable for participants with limited mobility as it is positioned over terraced grounds. To traverse its spaces, you would need to go across some small stairways, and all rooms are accessed via stairs. The steps to the beach are steep and descend about 50 m (164 feet); the beach is a 10-minute walk away from the venue. ### Shared standard ensuite room One standard ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. Tucked away in the stone towers, this twin ensuite room on the first floor marries traditional Zakynthian charm with boho flair. Spanning a spacious 25m², the room is accessible by descending a stairway from the main terrace. The room features two twin beds and a modern ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, shared between the two guests staying together in this room. The room also benefits from access to a shared patio in the towers, treating you to breathtaking Mediterranean sunrise views. ### Shared superior ensuite room One superior ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. The shared superior ensuite room is located in the main villa. Covering a generous 35m² on the first floor, it's known as the villa's quietest room, featuring two comfortable twin beds and an ensuite shower bathroom. Stepping out, a private patio presents serene vistas of the venue's terrace and garden. ### Shared penthouse Two penthouses are available for shared occupancy. You will share one penthouse and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender retreat participant. Perched atop the main villa on the second floor, the shared penthouses boast twin beds and an ensuite shower bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy. Private balconies extend from each penthouse, offering panoramic vistas of the sea and terraces. ### Single standard ensuite room Four standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. The single ensuite rooms are located on the second and third floors of the towers and contain double beds. Sitting at a cozy 16m², the rooms are accessible via stairs. They feature private ensuite bathrooms within the room with a shower enclosure. Each room benefits from access to a small private terrace, treating you to breathtaking Mediterranean sunrise views. ### Single superior ensuite room One superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. This room located on the first floor, in the stone towers, marries traditional Zakynthian charm with boho flair. Spanning a spacious 25m², the room is accessible by descending a stairway from the main terrace. The room features a private ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The room also benefits from access to a shared patio in the towers, treating you to breathtaking Mediterranean sunrise views. The space exudes warmth and character, adorned with thoughtfully chosen wooden furniture and wicker decorations that perfectly complement its bohemian style. ### Single ensuite room - shared villa Two ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. These single ensuite rooms are located in a shared, separate villa with a private pool. Found outside of the main villa, they offer privacy and tranquility. The shared villa features two single bedrooms (located on the second floor of the villa, stairway access), occupied by one participant each. Both single rooms are equipped with a comfortable double bed and an ensuite bathroom, complete with a spacious walk-in shower. The shared living spaces on the first floor— a well-equipped kitchen and a cozy living room—offer areas to connect, converse, or simply unwind. Conveniently, the single ensuite rooms in the villa are the nearest accommodations to the art workshop space. Outside, a private terrace presents spectacular views of the pool, the art studio, and the picturesque bay beyond. But the pièce de résistance is the exclusive private pool, inviting guests to take a refreshing dip under the Greek sunshine. ### Single deluxe suite One deluxe suite is available for single occupancy. Located on the first floor of the main villa, this spacious suite stretches across a generous 40m², making it the venue's crown jewel. Its center point is the grand double bed, promising restful slumbers and comfort. The deluxe suite features an elegant ensuite bathroom, equipped with a modern shower. Yet, it's the breathtaking views that truly captivate; double glass doors beckon you outwards, revealing a mesmerizing tableau of the pristine pool, the inviting terrace, and the azure sea endlessly stretching beyond. ## Food Experience the wealth of Ionian cuisine with tantalizing dishes prepared by a private chef. The venue earned its foodie destination moniker thanks to its family recipes passed down through generations and fresh ingredients sourced from local markets or grown on-site. Of course, your chef's passion for the traditions of Zakynthos is the driving force behind every feast. Start your mornings with a nutritious breakfast spread consisting of freshly baked pastries and bread, yogurt, organic honey, jams, butter, cereal, and local fruit. Coffee, tea, milk, and fresh juices will be served with breakfast. For lunch, refuel with a light salad, or opt for the traditional baked feta, various platters (with aubergine, tzatziki, and chickpea dips, saganaki, and grilled halloumi, all served with Pitta bread), pasta, and seafood courses. Dinner is an elaborate three-course affair, starting with an appetizer such as Zante Bruschettas, followed by herbal oven lamb, rabbit stew with cheese, agalas stuffed chicken, moussaka with aubergines, stuffed tomatoes with herbs, ragout and pasta, grilled octopus, sea bream, or prawns. Top it off with a sweet treat and pair it with a crisp white. You'll enjoy plentiful, aromatic wine during dinner service. Dinner on the last evening of the retreat will be an extraordinary event, as you'll complement your delicious meals with a traditional Greek dance and music show. All meals are included. Between meals, you will have access to a snack bar with water, tea, juices, coffee, and homemade snacks. The exact menu will vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. ## Getting There Located in the quiet beachside village of Planos, on the Greek island of Zakynthos, your retreat venue stands proud atop a rocky hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The amazing views from this sunny haven provide a small taste of what Zakynthos has to offer: crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and the tranquil Greek village below. The capital of the island (Zante) and Zakynthos International Airport are only 30 minutes away by car, and the mysterious Navagio Beach with its history of shipwrecks and smugglers is one hour away. **Please arrive at** **Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH).** We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Greece a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. **How to get from Zakynthos International Airport to the retreat venue:** Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly domestically to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on May 20, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on May 27, 2027, by 10:00 AM. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **Arrival Transfer:** **May 20, 2027 - 3:30 PM** (leaving from Zakynthos International Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM) **Departure Transfer:** **May 27, 2027 - 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Zakynthos International Airport around 10:30 AM) **If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:** \- Spend extra days in Zakynthos before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Zakynthos International Airport. \- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: 63 Thesi Bouka, Gaidaros Tragaki, Tragaki 291 00, Greece, 40 euros - approximately US$45 per way. Please note that taxi fares may vary). ## Reviews **Reviews of previous UpTrek retreats with artist Kristin Van Leuven:** - "My experience with the Anatomy of Watercolor with Kristin Van Leuven was truly amazing! I learned some great watercolor techniques. Kristin's teaching was clear, easy to follow, and she was approachable with any questions. The group of women artist were so fun to share this experience, we had lots of laughs!" - "Kristin's water color painting sessions were really fun and easy to understand while still being challenging. Our art gallery on the last night was such a cute idea." - "Kristin is the most amazing, supportive teacher! She really encouraged us all to grow so much that week. One of the most relaxing weeks and most productive weeks at the same time!" - "This retreat was absolutely incredible in all areas. Kristin was an amazing instructor, she explains things well and was more than willing to answer any questions each of us had. She is so incredibly kind and friendly." - "This trip was truly one of the most incredible I have ever been on! I felt so taken care of by our hosts and they made every day feel like we were being pampered! Kristen was an incredible teacher and went above and beyond in how she engaged with our group! I can't say enough things about how lovely this whole retreat was!" - "Kristin is as excellent an instructor as she is charming human being. Her ability to tailor her lessons to all skill levels was impressive and she is just so much fun! And what a delightful bonus to have Kelly assisting. Sharing this week with so many talented, thoughtful, supportive women, who quickly became friends, was an unexpected gift. A big shout out to Alex, our Retreat Coordinator for his attention to every detail, his availability and prompt replies to all questions. This was my first experience with UpTrek and with it’s excellent staff and this unforgettable retreat, I can’t wait for my next." - "I loved everything about this retreat! Kristin is an amazing teacher who meets each individual at their level, she is patient, knowledgeable, and accepting. She is extremely open and welcoming, making you feel like you belong no matter what level you are on. She is simply amazing!" **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "Well it was lovely in all aspects! David’s gourmet food was a dining extravaganza! The quaint villa & the nearby town were enormously refreshing. The love & care put into the service was above reproach! I would highly suggest this venue to anyone interested in seeing Greece!" - "The hosts really made my trip special by their loving and kind hearts! They made me feel like family as well as all their staff! The estate was breathtaking and I hope to visit again soon! It was magical and I truly appreciate everything done for us while there, their openness and especially the hugs! I miss them and the warm generosity and kindness. It's true that I felt more at ease, comfortable and hugged being a stranger welcomed there, than I actually do coming back home...!!! That is saying a lot about the character and hearts of Karen and David! It reflected in everything and everyone whom works there. That is why it works so well, as David says, that's Living, doing what you love! Thank you to all for the fond memories ;)" - "The venue is beautiful. Waking up to see the sunrise was a perfect way to start the day. Food was authentic and delicious. We had some hot days in the studio, but apparently, this was a heat wave, but otherwise, it worked well. Staff was genuinely sweet and accommodating, and hard working. It was interesting to experience the Greek way of life. Our hosts cared about every detail. I enjoyed it so much that I will return next year and bring my daughter. Uptrek, thank you for finding this gem!" - "Beautiful location! There was a lovely mix of art classes at the retreat, and excursions to paint or take reference photos! Our hosts were warm, kind, and very talented in cooking and treating guest! Thank you for an experience of a lifetime!" ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is the retreat available to all levels?** The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolor, as well as with Kristin Van Leuven's work and style of teaching. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Kristin Van Leuven in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between May 20 - 27, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 20, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, May 27, 2027, after breakfast. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **Is Wi-Fi available?** Yes. **I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?** Yes. However, please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Please arrive at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Greece a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly locally to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. For more details, please see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/tiny-watercolor-paintings-art-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-greece#location). **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need. **Can I do laundry while on the retreat?** Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them during your stay for Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them during your stay for an additional fee payable on-site. **What supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art supplies recommended by artist Kristin Van Leuven will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, and fresh flowers are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.** **What’s the weather like in Zakynthos in May?** The weather in May in Zakynthos is usually sunny and warm. You can expect average highs of 25°C / 77°F during the day that drop to around 14°C / 57°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather yourself before your departure to the retreat and to pack accordingly. **How many people are to be expected at the retreat?** Maximum 16 participants. **Do I need a visa?** Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states may enter Greece for tourist purposes without a visa. Please contact us for further guidance. **Are there any age restrictions?** The retreat is open to anyone aged over 18. **What language is used during the retreat and other activities?** The retreat is available in English. **Can a non-participating guest join me?** We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants. **Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue is not well suited to host people with limited mobility. Accommodation spaces and most of the main facilities are only accessible via stairs. Furthermore, there will be plenty of walking during the trips. **What happens if I need to cancel?** Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy) **Do I need travel insurance?** Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation. For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip) Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip. We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider. **Do I have to pay a deposit?** No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged. **Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?** UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. **Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?** If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation. ## Book This Retreat 👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/tiny-watercolor-paintings-art-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-greece#book)** — no deposit required. See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/tiny-watercolor-paintings-art-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-greece **Last updated:** 2026-06-25