# Colors of Spain Watercolor Art Retreat with Artist Ellen Crimi-Trent in Spain Join Ellen Crimi-Trent for a remarkable watercolor retreat set in the breathtaking Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Spain. Over the course of a week, immerse yourself in expressive painting as you explore landscapes, florals, and still-life scenes inspired by the region’s raw, sun-drenched beauty. Enjoy daily lessons, one-on-one guidance from Ellen, personalized feedback, and a warm, encouraging atmosphere that nurtures your creativity and growth.Stay in your own private room at a peaceful estate, inspired by tranquil gardens, inviting terraces, and a refreshing pool. Beyond the studio, explore Almería’s historic architecture, palm-lined promenades, and the dramatic beauty of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Indulge in authentic Spanish cuisine and regional wines, immersing yourself in the flavors, landscapes, and inspiration of this unforgettable retreat. ## Details - **Dates:** June 17 – 24, 2026 - **Location:** Níjar, Almería, Spain - **Starting Price:** $5,300 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Luminous Watercolor Retreat Join artist Ellen Crimi-Trent for a transformative watercolor retreat in the serene countryside of Cabo de Gata, Spain. Capture the essence of this sun-drenched coastal region through the art of watercolor as you focus on expressive landscapes, delicate florals, and captivating still-life compositions. Ellen will guide you with live painting demonstrations and offer 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 creativity.This retreat includes two memorable trips that highlight the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness. One full-day trip takes you to the vibrant city of Almería, where you'll explore the stunning Alcazaba fortress, a 10th-century Moorish stronghold with lush gardens and panoramic views, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. You'll also enjoy a drink at a beloved local establishment, lunch at a traditional restaurant, and have time for on-location sketching and painting. The second trip follows the dramatic Cabo de Gata coastline, stopping at the otherworldly Reef of the Sirens, where volcanic cliffs meet the sea in a breathtaking display of nature. These experiences are designed to inspire your artwork and deepen your connection to the unique landscapes of southern Spain.The topics covered during your lessons will 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.Nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata Natural Park, your retreat venue is a peaceful oasis surrounded by the region's dramatic natural beauty. With its rustic charm, gardens brimming with native plants, and panoramic views of the rugged terrain, the finca offers endless sources of inspiration. Whether exploring its tranquil pathways or relaxing in the welcoming common areas, you’ll find the perfect setting to immerse yourself in your art and connect with your surroundings. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Almería Airport (LEI) and catch your 3:30 PM transfer to the retreat venue, a short 30-minute journey. Settle into your comfortable room, take some time to relax, and get ready to meet Ellen and your retreat group. Join an orientation tour to explore the bright studio, peaceful gardens, inviting terraces, and the refreshing pool. Over a fabulous welcoming dinner, enjoy a relaxed conversation about the week ahead while savoring local Spanish flavors and a glass of regional wine, as well as non-alcoholic alternatives. ### Day 2: Art at the Finca Start your morning with a tasty breakfast, then gather with 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.In the morning session, Ellen will guide you through the essentials of watercolor painting, starting with demonstrations of key techniques like wet-on-wet, layering washes, and color blending. Explore landscapes, florals, and still-life compositions while experimenting with brush strokes and creative effects. Ellen will encourage you to let your artistic instincts lead as you become more familiar with your materials.After a hearty lunch, return for the afternoon session, where you'll build on the morning’s work. Ellen will guide you in observing your surroundings through an artistic lens, helping you sketch out thumbnails loosely and quickly. This relaxed approach will help you capture the essence of the Spanish landscapes, native plants, and everyday still-life scenes around you. With Ellen’s gentle and encouraging guidance, you’ll feel free to experiment, knowing that mistakes are simply part of the creative journey.Later, take time to rest or reflect. As the day winds down, gather for dinner and share your creative discoveries, thoughts, and a glass of local Spanish wine and non-alcoholic drinks in good company. ### Day 3: Trip to Almería & drinks at a special establishment Begin your day with a nutritious breakfast before setting off for a full-day trip to the city of Almería.Once you arrive, discover this melting pot of cultures with the help of your English-speaking guide. Stroll through Almería’s historic city center, visit iconic monuments, or enjoy a walk along Nicolás Salmerón Park and the Port of Almería, where the sea breeze greets you. Explore the Alcazaba, a magnificent 10th-century citadel built by the last Muslim empire in Europe, Al-Andalus. This historic fortress offers a blend of architecture, nature, and sweeping views that provide endless inspiration for your watercolor practice.As you move through its beautifully maintained gardens, intricate gates, and towering walls, Ellen will encourage you to observe the organic forms, vibrant plant life, and architectural details. Through loose sketches and reference photography, you’ll work on capturing what resonates most with your personal style and creative instincts.Savor lunch at a local restaurant before joining an on-location painting session. Afterwards, unwind with a drink at a beloved local spot known for its unique atmosphere.Return to the venue, and as the day winds down, enjoy a chef-prepared dinner. Gather with fellow artists to share reflections on the day’s creative journey, all while taking in the serene beauty of your surroundings. ### Day 4: Art at the Finca Wake up to a fresh, energizing breakfast, followed by a relaxed morning check-in with Ellen and your fellow artists.The day begins in the gardens of the finca, where Ellen will guide you through exercises focused on capturing the textures and colors of the surrounding landscape, native plants, and curated still-life arrangements. You’ll work on developing an expressive style, learning to balance intentional detail with loose, fluid brushwork. Ellen will demonstrate how to paint water in watercolor, which is ideal for interpreting fountains, coastal reflections, or garden basins. You’ll also explore color mixing and brush handling to bring a sense of movement and clarity to your work.After lunch, the afternoon session shifts focus as Ellen shares her approach to working outdoors. With a trip to the Cabo de Gata coastline ahead, you’ll practice sketching loosely and efficiently, capturing the essence of a scene without overworking it. Ellen will walk you through how to prepare your materials for painting in the field and help you build confidence in responding to your surroundings with spontaneity and ease.As the day comes to a close, sit down to a relaxed three-course dinner. Share reflections and stories from your day with fellow artists, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of retreat life in this inspiring Spanish setting. ### Day 5: Trip to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park On the fifth day of the retreat, enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out on a peaceful journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Cabo de Gata Natural Park.Take a scenic walk through this UNESCO Geopark, known for its pristine beaches, volcanic cliffs, and dramatic rock formations shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Along the way, take in the sweeping Mediterranean views, capture reference photos, and create loose sketches of the rugged coastline and distinctive terrain. Visit the charming seaside town of San José and the Reef of the Sirens, a rocky outcrop once home to monk seals and the source of local legends. Spend the morning observing and recording the landscape in whatever way inspires you, whether through drawing, photographing, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.Break for lunch at a traditional Andalusian restaurant, enjoying regional dishes in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Upon returning to the finca, join Ellen in the studio to continue your creative process. Using your sketches and photographs from the morning, begin translating your impressions into watercolor paintings. Focus on refining your compositions, exploring color mixing, and developing expressive brushwork. Ellen will be there to guide you as you work, encouraging experimentation and offering insight as you bring your visual notes to life on the page.Conclude the day with a chef-prepared dinner and a glass of local wine, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Share stories with your fellow artists, reflect on the day’s experiences, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the retreat in the warm, inviting surroundings of the finca. ### Day 6: Art at the Finca Your day begins with a hearty breakfast and a relaxed coffee check-in with Ellen and your group, setting the tone for a day of creativity and connection at the finca.Spend the morning drawing inspiration from the finca’s beautiful surroundings. Wander through the gardens, shaded terraces, and quiet paths, taking in the colors, textures, and light that define this unique landscape. Notice the shifting shadows on native plants, the weathered details of stone walls, and the way blooms catch the morning sun. In this relaxed setting, settle in with your watercolor materials and continue working on expressive pieces that reflect your impressions of the space. Ellen will be nearby to offer feedback, answer questions, and encourage you to trust your own creative rhythm.After a light lunch at the venue, return to the studio for an afternoon painting session. You can choose to continue refining your morning piece or begin a new one inspired by the many places you’ve explored throughout the week, from coastal cliffs and desert gardens to historic towns and sunlit plazas. Let your reference sketches and photographs guide you as you bring your experiences to life in watercolor. Ellen will support you as you experiment with composition, color, and expressive mark-making, helping you tap into the memories and moments that have shaped your retreat.As the afternoon gives way to evening, take some time to unwind and enjoy the calm of the finca. Later, gather for a delicious dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of local Spanish wine or non-alcoholic drinks. ### Day 7: Art at the Finca Start your final full day at the retreat 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 focus on finishing the landscapes, florals, and still-life paintings you’ve been developing throughout the week. Ellen will be there to offer guidance as you apply final touches, adjust details, and bring each piece to a natural close. It’s a time to ask any remaining questions and receive individual feedback as you wrap up your creative work.After enjoying a tasty lunch, prepare for a special event: the mini-exhibition. While completely optional, this informal gathering offers a space to share your artwork, view what others have created, and celebrate the personal growth and creative momentum built over the past days in Spain.As the retreat draws to a close, gather for a farewell dinner to honor the experiences, connections, and inspiration you've shared. It’s a meaningful way to conclude a week filled with creativity, reflection, and artistic discovery. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a light breakfast, bid farewell to Ellen 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 - **Ellen Crimi-Trent** - Artist and Designer ## Accommodation ### Spanish countryside estate ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/colors-spain-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-spain](https://uptrek.com/retreat/colors-spain-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-spain) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*