# Illustrated Sketchbook Retreat with Artist Rebecca Green in Spain

Join artist Rebecca Green for a transformative 8-day art retreat in the breathtaking Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, in the South of Spain. This unique experience blends daily art classes led by a celebrated picture-book artist with the inspiring beauty of the natural surroundings. As you explore techniques in acrylic gouache, ink, and graphite, you'll draw direct inspiration from the stunning vistas, quaint villages, and vibrant landscapes of Andalusia. From mastering line and composition to developing harmonious color palettes, the natural world becomes your canvas. By the end of the retreat, you'll have a beautifully illustrated sketchbook to cherish for years to come.

## Details

- **Dates:** August 2 - 9, 2024
- **Location:** Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucía, Spain
- **Starting Price:** $3,950
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Illustrated Sketchbook Retreat
Join artist Rebecca Green on a transformative creative journey in the untamed wilds of southern Spain. With curiosity and joy at the forefront, you’ll create a personal illustrated sketchbook alongside one of the most celebrated picture-book artists. With daily art classes across this 8-day retreat, you'll watch your illustration skills bloom, develop your style, and find endless inspiration in the gorgeous surroundings of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.Your sessions with Rebecca will explore illustration in-depth, from essential line techniques to color palettes, unique compositions, and conveying movement in your work. Rebecca will gently encourage you to find your flow and bring yourself into your work, with plenty of one-on-one guidance, demonstrations, and tailored feedback. All levels of experience are welcome! Your instructor will adapt her teaching to your needs.Rebecca will perform demonstrations using acrylic gouache, ink, graphite, and more. Bring your favorite materials, or challenge yourself with a medium that's out of your comfort zone (just note that you'll need a wet palette for acrylics/acrylic gouache). Your supportive community of like-minded artists will be with you every step of the way, from the very first classes to the final group exhibition, where you'll be able to receive constructive feedback from your peers.Some topics the classes cover include:Essential line techniques, exploring weight, movement, and detailMaking composition and framing work for youCrafting harmonious and minimal color palettesLandscape and life-drawing mini-sessionDrawing warm-ups to get you into the flowDiscovering your illustration style and making authentic artworkSneak-peak into Rebecca's work, including her upcoming book seriesWorking with acrylic gouache, ink, graphite, collage, and other materials...and many more.Your daily classes are complemented by three art-trips to the nearby white villages of Andalusia: El Gastor, famed for its panoramas, Setenil de las Bodegas with its cliff-carved buildings, and ancient Ronda, one of the oldest towns in Spain. During these trips, you'll take part in exciting scavenger hunts, helping you view your surroundings through an artistic lens.Your retreat venue, Nature Retreat, is an exquisite haven tucked away in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. All of this is complemented by delightful vegetarian Spanish cuisine, wonderful local wine, and the company of 15 other fellow artists.

### Day 1: Arrival
Touch down at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and embark on the 2:30 PM transfer to Nature Retreat. Meet Rebecca Green, your art group, and the hosts at Nature Retreat, then settle into your cozy room. After you freshen up, join an orientation tour of the property, then meet up with your art group in the lush garden for welcome drinks and snacks. Celebrate your arrival with a chef-made welcome dinner, with Andalusian wine enhancing the experience.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Start your second day at the Nature Retreat with a delightful breakfast spread. Over coffee, learn more about the day's schedule. In the morning class, Rebecca will talk about personal sketchbook practices and how to put more of yourself into your work. You'll get to see her original picturebooks and personal sketchbooks, covering various styles and materials. After a warm-up exercise, she will demonstrate how to use acrylic gouache and explore its interactions with other materials.After lunch, the afternoon class kicks off with a light-hearted quiz, no prep needed! Rebecca will then give each student a small sketchbook. Spend the afternoon personalizing your sketchbook cover, with Rebecca available for guidance and feedback.During leisure time, relax at the Nature Retreat. Take a walk, enjoy the scenery, or just chill by the pool. End the day with a dinner prepared by the chef, complete with a glass of wine, and chat the evening away with your fellow artists.

### Day 3: El Gastor & art class
Welcome to day three of your artistic adventure at Nature Retreat. Your morning starts with a delightful breakfast spread, followed by a coffee-fueled check-in to discuss the day's exciting itinerary.Today's highlight is an art trip to the enchanting village of El Gastor, known as "The Balcony of the Andalucían White Villages" for the amazing vistas seen from its elevated position. First, embark on a 30-minute hike through the stunning Sierra de Grazalema Park, where a guide will share fascinating insights about the area's natural and cultural wonders. The reservation houses an amazing diversity of flora and fauna; if you're lucky, you may cross paths with some of the local wildlife, like the elusive mountain goats.You'll reach the white village at the end of this easy hike. Wander through El Gastor's charming cobbled streets and picturesque whitewashed houses, discover ancient prehistoric dolmens, and capture the village's magic in quick sketches and photographs. You'll use these materials in your later classes.After a refreshing lunch break back at the venue, the afternoon class will focus on drawing techniques. Rebecca will guide you through a demonstration on line techniques, exploring line weight, movement, and detail, enriching your portfolio of artistic tools. Spend the afternoon putting those methods into practice, using the sketches and photographs you took during the morning trip to El Gastor as a starting point.Your leisure time back at the retreat offers a peaceful moment to reflect or enjoy the serene surroundings. Unwind as you please, before gathering for a chef-prepared dinner with your fellow artists, complete with a glass of wine, to share stories and insights from the day's journey.

### Day 4: Setenil trip & art class
Start your day right with another energizing breakfast, followed by a casual coffee session where you'll learn about today's schedule.Get ready for an inspiring trip to Setenil de las Bodegas, a town famed for its unique houses carved into the mountainside. As you explore this architectural wonder, with buildings emerging directly from rocky cliffs, be sure to capture the moment in your sketchbook and through photographs. You may even take part in a fun scavenger hunt, with prompts suggested by Rebecca. Wander through the quaint streets, discovering cave houses that have been transformed into charming eateries, bars, and wine cellars. The trip ends with a wine-tasting session, delving into the town's rich winemaking heritage while savoring select tapas.Back at the venue, after a lunch break, the afternoon class will start with a series of warm-up drawing exercises. Use your materials from Setenil de las Bodegas to work in your sketchbook. Rebecca will guide you through a demonstration on composition and framing, helping you immortalize your morning's adventure into beautiful illustrations.During your leisure time, embrace the tranquility of Nature Retreat. Whether it's a quiet stroll, a moment of reflection, or just relaxing in the beautiful surroundings, it's your time to recharge. The day concludes with a delightful dinner prepared by the chef, enjoyed with your art group and paired with a glass of wine, perfect for sharing stories from your day in Setenil.

### Day 5: Art classes at the venue
Rise and shine to a refreshing breakfast spread, then over a relaxed coffee, you'll go through today's plan with Rebecca. Share your progress with the rest of the group, and set some personal goals for your next classes.In the morning art session, it's time to get those creative juices flowing with a drawing warm-up. You'll delve into the world of color as Rebecca shares her secrets on choosing color palettes. Watch and learn from her full painting demonstration, discovering how to use minimal color palettes to craft harmonious illustrations.After a tasty lunch break, the afternoon is dedicated to further honing your skills. You'll continue working in your sketchbook, experimenting with color, line, and composition. The class will help you develop your skills at your own pace, as Rebecca will be available for one-on-one instruction and feedback.Relax after the afternoon class as you see fit. Whether it's a leisurely walk, some quiet time in a scenic spot, or just unwinding by the pool, it's the perfect way to absorb the day's lessons. The day concludes with a communal dinner prepared by the talented chef, paired with a glass of wine. It's a wonderful occasion to connect with your fellow artists at the end of a full day.

### Day 6: Painting in Ronda
Wake up to a nourishing breakfast before your coffee check-in, where Rebecca and your hosts will outline the day's adventure to the enchanting city of Ronda, a gem in Andalucía's crown. Brimming with history, culture, and breathtaking vistas, Ronda is a wellspring of inspiration for any artist.The morning in Ronda is dedicated to more illustration practice, with an on-location class set on a terrace overlooking the Trejo River. Under Rebecca's guidance, you'll capture the stunning scenery of Ronda in your sketchbook. Add a twist to your workshop with a mini life drawing session, where you'll take turns modeling and drawing, with your fellow artists as subjects.After the class, you'll have the chance to explore Ronda's culinary delights. Choose from a variety of local eateries for lunch, immersing yourself in the flavors of the region.The afternoon is yours to wander and wonder as you wish. Explore ancient palaces, cross the bridges over the Trejo Gorge, and don't miss the Arab Baths and the Plaza de Toros bullring. Keep your sketchbook and camera handy to capture these incredible sights. Don't forget to stroll down Calle Espinel for some unique souvenirs in the artisan shops.Return to the venue in the evening for a delightful dinner prepared by the private chef, perfectly paired with a glass of wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Start the morning with a bountiful breakfast spread, then join Rebecca and your art group over coffee to learn about the day's schedule.The morning class is all about drawing, painting, and unwinding in the tranquil atmosphere of your last day at the retreat. Rebecca will be right there with you, offering one-on-one instruction and feedback. Observe your instructor in action, painting alongside you, or focus on your own pieces.After enjoying a leisurely lunch, prepare for a special event in the afternoon: the optional mini-exhibition. This is a unique opportunity for each of you to showcase your work. Feel free to share your professional, personal, or sketchbook projects from the week. It's a moment of sharing, reflection, and appreciation of the artistic journey you've embarked on with your fellow artists.The day concludes with a delightful dinner prepared by the chef, accompanied by a glass of wine. It's a time to connect and celebrate the week's achievements with your fellow artists. Cherish these moments as you reflect on a week full of creativity, learning, and inspiration.

### Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, get ready to catch the 10:00 AM airport transfer to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (arriving at the airport around 12:00 PM).

## Instructors

- **Rebecca Green** - Illustrator, Author

## Accommodation

### Nature Retreat

### Single room - adjacent bathroom

### Shared bathroom - single room

### Single standard ensuite room

### Single ensuite studio

### Single standard suite

### Single superior suite

### Deluxe tower ensuite room

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/illustrated-sketchbook-retreat-artist-rebecca-green-spain](https://uptrek.com/retreat/illustrated-sketchbook-retreat-artist-rebecca-green-spain) to make a reservation.

*Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*