# Colors of Morocco Watercolor Art Retreat with Artist Ellen Crimi-Trent in Morocco Join artist Ellen Crimi-Trent for an unforgettable watercolor retreat in the heart of Morocco, painting expressive landscapes, vibrant street scenes, and the warm, sun-drenched colors of North Africa.Over the course of this immersive week, you'll enjoy daily lessons, one-on-one guidance from Ellen, and personalized feedback in an inspiring, supportive atmosphere that encourages your artistic exploration. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or deepening an existing practice, you'll leave with new skills, fresh confidence, and a sketchbook full of Moroccan memories. Artists of all levels are warmly welcomed!You'll stay at an enchanting traditional eco-lodge surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, with hosts and staff renowned for their warmth and attentiveness.Beyond the studio, Morocco will be your canvas. You'll head into Agadir's historic Medina for a half-day trip to Souk El Had, exploring the market with a chaperone and expert bargain-haggling guide before taking a scenic cable car panorama of the coast and visiting the ancient Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress. You'll also travel to the imperial city of Taroudant and the extraordinary Palais Claudio Bravo for a full art trip with sketching opportunities, and head out to the Atlantic Coast for a dedicated seaside painting session. ## Details - **Dates:** April 22 - 29, 2027 - **Location:** Agadir, Morocco - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Colors of Morocco Watercolor Art Retreat Join artist Ellen Crimi-Trent for an unforgettable watercolor retreat set in the heart of Morocco. Capture the colors, light, and textures of this extraordinary country as you focus on expressive landscapes, vibrant street scenes, and the rich visual culture of your surroundings! Ellen will guide you with live painting demonstrations and personalized feedback, helping you discover and refine your unique style. Throughout the week, you'll enjoy daily classes designed to help you paint with confidence and creative freedom. The retreat welcomes participants of all experience levels.Your half-day in Agadir's buzzing Medina starts at Souk El Had, navigating the market with a chaperone and expert bargain-haggling guide at your side. From there, a cable car lifts you above the city for a sweeping panorama of the coast before you reach the legendary Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress perched high on the hillside. Later in the week, the imperial city of Taroudant and the breathtaking Palais Claudio Bravo await, with spectacular gardens and timeless Moroccan landscapes that seem almost purpose-built for a sketchbook. And out on the Atlantic Coast, with nothing but ocean in front of you and paintbrush in hand, you may never want to leave!Some topics covered in your classes with Ellen Crimi-Trent include:Create color palettesPlay with various watercolor techniques including wet-on-wet, expressive painting with brushes and pen and inkCreate a compelling composition and layoutPaint nature and your surroundingsTake reference pictures and use them to create beautiful paintingsUse your sketchbook for future ideasDiscover your strengths and personal themes through experimentationCreate your own unique art collection...and many more.Your venue for this retreat, a traditional fortress, stands as a testament to eco-luxury. As an eco-lodge, it harmonizes with its surroundings, providing a tranquil space to learn and create. Its surroundings feature verdant valleys, traditional villages, and a stunning coastline, offering an ever-present inspiration for your artwork.Moreover, you'll experience the full extent of local Berber hospitality through several special activities. You'll take part in a traditional tea ceremony, rejuvenate with a complimentary hammam bath and four included yoga sessions, participate in an argan oil demonstration with the local Berber women, and learn about natural Moroccan beauty products and Berber and Arabic handwriting. ### Day 1: Arrival Land at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) and hop on the 1:00 PM transfer to the venue. Once there, unpack and unwind in your cozy room. Settle in, then meet artist Ellen Crimi-Trent, as well as your art group. Join a delightful tour the airy terraces, lush gardens, and inviting common spaces. As dusk settles, gather with your fellow participants for a delectable three-course welcome dinner, each bite enhanced by a glass of wine. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast, then join Ellen and your fellow artists for a check-in over coffee. Get a glimpse of the day’s schedule and prepare for your first watercolor class.During the morning session, Ellen will lead you through the fundamentals of watercolor painting, starting with demonstrations of essential techniques such as wet-on-wet, layering washes, and blending colors. Explore landscapes, florals, and still-life subjects while trying out brush strokes and creative effects. Ellen will encourage you to follow your artistic instincts as you become more comfortable with your materials.After a satisfying lunch, come back for the afternoon session, where you'll expand on the morning’s work. Ellen will encourage you to view your surroundings through an artistic perspective, guiding you in sketching thumbnails loosely and quickly. This relaxed method will help you capture the essence of the landscapes, florals, and still-life scenes around you. Ellen's calm and supportive guidance will allow you to experiment openly, reminding you that mistakes are simply part of the creative journey.Take some time to unwind before enjoying a tasty dinner prepared by the private chef, accompanied by wine, as you exchange insights with your fellow artists. ### Day 3: Trip to Souk El Had in Agadir Refuel with a tasty breakfast and, over a relaxed check-in, find out more about the plans for the day.After breakfast, you'll head into the heart of Agadir's historic Medina for a half-day trip to the buzzing Souk El Had. With a chaperone and expert bargain-haggling guide at your side, you'll weave through one of Morocco's most vibrant markets, surrounded by the kind of color, texture, and visual richness that fills a sketchbook in minutes. From there, a scenic cable car carries you above the rooftops for a sweeping panorama of the Agadir coastline before arriving at the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress, perched high above the city with extraordinary views stretching all the way out to the Atlantic.Back at the venue after a relaxing lunch, Ellen's afternoon session gives you the chance to bring the morning to life on the page. Whether you want to capture the chaos and color of the souk or the vast coastal panorama from the Kasbah, Ellen will guide you in translating a lived Moroccan experience into a watercolor painting that feels as vivid as the day itself.Spend the rest of the evening lounging by the pool and chatting with your fellow artists, then treat yourself to a delicious dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of wine. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue & tea ceremony Start your morning with a refreshing breakfast, then check in with Ellen and your fellow artists.The day begins in the venue's gardens, where Ellen will lead you in exploring the textures, warmth, and color of the Moroccan landscape right on your doorstep. Focus on developing a fluid and expressive style as you find the balance between detail and looseness in your work. Ellen will demonstrate how to capture the quality of Moroccan light, a defining feature of watercolor painting in this part of the world, and guide you through color mixing and brush techniques that bring vibrancy and heat to the page.After a delicious lunch, you'll reconvene in the studio or out on the terraces for a hands-on practice session. With the upcoming art trips in mind, Ellen will share her approach to painting on location, teaching you how to quickly capture the essence of a scene and organize your materials for a day out. By the end of the session, you'll feel confident and ready to take your sketchbook anywhere Morocco sends you.The afternoon brings one of the retreat's most beloved cultural moments: a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony. This cherished ritual sits at the very heart of Moroccan hospitality. Guided by an officiant, take your time, engage your senses, and savor every sip of the high-quality mint tea.Conclude the day with a sumptuous three-course dinner and reflect on your progress so far, or chat with your fellow artists. ### Day 5: Trip to the Atlantic Coast Wake up to a scrumptious breakfast, then gather around for a coffee and a check-in, preparing for the first exciting art trip of your retreat.You'll visit the tranquil fishing town of Taghazout, known for some of the most breathtaking beaches in Morocco. After a scenic 1-hour drive past the Atlas mountain range, you'll reach the whitewashed houses of Taghazout. Keep your sketchbook handy to capture the beauty of the Moroccan scenery. Snap reference photos of the landscape, experiment with the techniques you've learned, and let your creativity shine. The location is perfect for studying the coastal landscape or painting the local beachgoers and surfers.Return to the venue for a delicious lunch, then reconvene with your art group for another afternoon class, where you'll leverage the fresh inspiration gathered in Taghazout. You'll work on transforming your photos and sketches into expressive watercolor paintings. Ellen will show you how to thoughtfully plan your composition, guiding you through the process of turning your observations into beautiful landscapes, florals, or still-life pieces. Experiment with the techniques you've learned and let your creativity shine.Enjoy your free time in the late afternoon, then wind down with a chef-made dinner and a glass of wine, reflecting on your seaside adventure. ### Day 6: Trip to Taroudant & visit to Claudio Bravo Palace Kick off the day with a refreshing breakfast followed by a coffee check-in to discuss the day ahead. Prepare for an adventure to Taroudant, a city rich in history and culture.Enter through its ancient gates into the Medina, where tall city walls and detailed archways invite exploration. Use this time to sketch what inspires you, capture textures and patterns, or take reference photos for later. The lively atmosphere, filled with artisans crafting leather and metal goods, offers plenty of inspiration. Visit a busy local market and explore stalls full of spices, fruits, and handwoven fabrics, drawing ideas from the mix of colors and aromas.Following a delicious lunch, head to the stunning Claudio Bravo Palace Museum, just a short drive from Taroudant. This large estate, surrounded by lush gardens and elegant courtyards, provides great inspiration. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on the palace grounds and take in the spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the palace gardens, wandering through hidden paths, exotic plants, and beautiful historic buildings.As the afternoon ends, return to the venue for some free time to rest and refresh. The evening features a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of wine. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Your final day at the retreat begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by a coffee check-in to reflect on your artistic journey with Ellen and your fellow artists.In your last art class, you'll dive into perfecting the landscapes, florals, and still-life paintings you’ve been working on throughout the retreat. Ellen will guide you as you apply finishing touches and refine your pieces, offering any remaining advice to help you showcase your personal artistic growth. This is an ideal time to ask any final questions and receive personalized feedback.After enjoying a tasty lunch, get ready for a special event: the mini-exhibition. Though participation is optional, this informal gallery setting is a wonderful opportunity to present your work, exchange feedback with your peers, and celebrate the progress you’ve made during your time in Morocco.As the sun sets, gather together one final time for a special farewell dinner accompanied by delicious wine. Lift your glass and toast to a week filled with creative discoveries, treasured memories, and new friendships. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast together, exchange any last contacts, and catch the 10:00 AM transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), arriving at the airport at around 1:30 PM. ## Instructors - **Ellen Crimi-Trent** - Artist and Designer ## Accommodation ### Traditional Eco-Lodge ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/colors-morocco-watercolor-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-morocco](https://uptrek.com/retreat/colors-morocco-watercolor-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-morocco) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*