# Joy Chasing Art Retreat with Artist Kristy Rice in Spain

Join artist Kristy Rice for a delightful journey of artistic discovery in the scenic Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Spain. This weeklong watercolor retreat celebrates joyful painting and is open to all skill levels. Embrace a mindful approach to art, play with various watercolor techniques, and let the natural beauty of your surroundings spark your creativity. Whether you're sketching florals, capturing landscapes, or journaling your travels in a novel way, this retreat is all about enjoying the process of making art. With personalized guidance, inspiring art trips, and the charm of Andalusian villages, you're set for an unforgettable experience, complete with delightful vegetarian cuisine and the camaraderie of your fellow artists.

## Details

- **Dates:** November 6 - 13, 2024
- **Location:** Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucía, Spain
- **Starting Price:** $3,900
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Expressive Watercolor Retreat
Rediscover the joy of painting during this life-changing retreat with artist Kristy Rice. This watercolor adventure takes place in the wilderness of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, in the South of Spain. Across 8 days, you'll learn a mindful approach to making art, experiment with plenty of watercolor techniques, and draw inspiration from the natural splendor around you. Your art materials, selected by Kristy, are included: The Art for Joy’s Sake Watercolor Palette, The Free from Fear and Art for Joy’s Sake Brush Collections (12 Brushes), a block of Legion watercolor paper, collapsible painter's pot, extra water containers, and paper towels.All experience levels are welcome: just bring yourself, a healthy dose of enthusiasm, and paint where you're at.Kristy's classes will tackle florals, landscapes, and novel methods of journaling your travels. You'll have the chance to paint indoors, in the dedicated studio, and en plein air, while learning to observe your surroundings through an artist's lens. Go over watercolor basics with a twist, try out unexpected compositions, and create a personal, intuitive travel map. Most importantly, you'll have plenty of one-on-one time with your favorite instructor, in addition to demonstrations, tailored feedback, a safe space to experiment, and inspiring art trips to the Andalusian white villages.Some topics the classes cover include:Watercolor basics with a twist (wet-on-wet, washes, gradients)Interpreting your environment through sketching, painting, and photographyBuilding confidence in your travel sketchingAuthentic landscapes and floralsTrying out unusual compositions and formatsExploring beginner-friendly composition and loose perspectiveExpressively mixing your colors directly on paperWarm-up and relaxation techniques...and so much more.Your travels will take you to the famous "pueblos blancos" of Andalusia: the ancient El Gastor, Setenil de las Bodegas with its amazing architecture, and romantic Ronda, boasting a noble palace and cobbled streets. 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 14 other fellow artists.

### Day 1: Arrival
Land at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) in time to catch the 2:30 PM transfer to Nature Retreat. Get acquainted with Kristy Rice and your art group, then settle in your cozy room, followed by a property tour. Get excited about the week ahead with your fellow artists over refreshing drinks and tasty snacks. Indulge in a three-course chef-made welcome dinner, with Andalusian wine enhancing the experience.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Greet your first day at Nature Retreat with a delicious breakfast spread. Join Kristy and your art group for a relaxed check-in over coffee, where you'll learn more about the schedule for the day.Today's art sessions will be a gentle (re)introduction into the vibrant world of watercolors. To get ready, Kristy will show you some useful breathing techniques, which will help you get into the right mindset for painting. Take a deep breath, calm your nerves, and loosen up. You'll then take part in a spirited warm-up. Kristy will go review a couple of essential watercolor techniques, such wet-on-wet, creating gradients, or mixing your colors directly on paper as opposed to your palette. Try out these techniques by exploring some simple floral and landscape themes.Relax with a tasty lunch, then dive back into your classes. You'll venture outdoors, in the expansive gardens at Nature Retreat. Kristy will show you how to set up for a plein-air session, then you'll work on creating watercolor patterns inspired by the surrounding greenery. Explore texture, various brushstrokes, mixing on the page, with the bountiful flora found here as your muse. Don't waste time looking for the perfect scene; let your intuition guide you!Enjoy some leisure time in the late afternoon, then join your art group in the evening for a delightful dinner, prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of wine.

### Day 3: El Gastor & art class
Get ready for the day with a refreshing breakfast, then join Kristy for a coffee check-in. You'll go through your breathing exercises once again, to prepare you for today's adventures.With your art group, you'll depart for El Gastor, lauded as "The Balcony of the Andalucían White Villages", thanks to the gorgeous views seen from its elevated position. To reach the village, you'll go on a leisurely 30-minute hike through the Sierra. Keep an eye out for delicate flora, imposing landscapes, or even local wildlife (if luck is on your side). Make a quick note of interesting elements in your sketchbook or by taking reference photos. With the help of your guide, you'll also learn more about the region's culture and diverse ecosystem.Once you arrive in El Gastor, Kristy will introduce her way of documenting a location when traveling. You'll fill your page with disconnected imagery that grabs your attention (such as the flower-decked balconies, ancient whitewashed houses, or architectural elements). Join Kristy for a quick, on-location demo, then explore the village at your leisure.Return to the venue for a light lunch, then continue your artistic exploration in the afternoon. Using your photos and sketches from the art trip, you'll create a personal travel map. All the elements you recorded will form a part of this mosaic map, an excellent method to document your journey on the spot. Eventually, a pattern will emerge, helping you discover your own style of travel sketching.Dip in the pool if the weather's warm enough or explore the gardens during the afternoon downtime. Then, gather with your fellow artists for another chef-made dinner, paired with fragrant wine.

### Day 4: Setenil trip & art class
Start your day right with another energizing breakfast. After your daily check-in and breathing exercises with Kristy, grab your materials and board the transfer to Setenil de las Bodegas.Setenil's fame comes from its houses carved right into the mountainside, making for some jaw-dropping scenery. These constructions seemingly blend into the rocky cliffs, and many have been transformed into pubs, local eateries, and wine cellars (the 'bodegas'). Explore Setenil at your leisure; if you wish, you may join Kristy for another on-location sketching session, where you'll brainstorm ideas together for your next big piece. Your efforts are rewarded with a specially arranged wine tasting, served with savory tapas, a culinary exploration of the town's traditions.After a sumptuous lunch back at the venue, get ready for another inspiring class with Kristy. You'll have an exciting session about creating a cityscape, while incorporating florals. You'll evolve beyond simply painting from reference, but rather construct an expressive landscape, reflecting your travel experiences. Many artists find cityscapes intimidating, but Kristy is here to dispel those fears, teaching you the basics of perspective in a loose, stressless approach. You'll be creating gorgeous cityscapes of Setenil or El Gastor in no time.Further connect with your fellow artists during the afternoon leisure time, or relax in the gardens. The day comes to an end with another shared three-course dinner, washed down with a glass of wine.

### Day 5: Art classes at the venue
Wake up to a lovely breakfast spread replete with fresh ingredients, then join Kristy for a coffee check-in. Ground yourself with some breathing exercises, set your intentions for the day, and ask any questions you may have about the upcoming schedule.Following a set of warm-ups, it's time to scout the surroundings of Nature Retreat once more for a worthy subject. You may also respectfully gather some natural elements to paint back at the venue. Once you're done foraging, Kristy will demonstrate how to tackle various types of sketches: pencil, watercolor, or just using your brush. Together with a refresher on composition basics, you'll formulate a plan together for a more focused painting session. This larger piece aims to be an authentic snapshot of the beauty at Nature Retreat.After lunch, you'll return to the studio to develop your sketch. With all these new techniques under your belt, you're encouraged to experiment and follow your intuition. Kristy will be available for extra tips, tailored feedback, or some gentle encouragement.Recharge in the late afternoon with an engaging chat with your fellow artists or relax on your own. The evening brings another tantalizing dinner, featuring three courses and delicious wine.

### Day 6: Painting in Ronda
Following breakfast, the morning brings an outing to the crown jewel of Andalucía's white villages, the city of Ronda. Steeped in history, culture, and impressive vistas to boot, inspiration is found at every corner.The morning is yours to enjoy, exploring Ronda at your pace. Discover ancient palaces from ages past, walk across the bridges spanning the Trejo Gorge, and make sure to stop by the Arab Baths and the Plaza de Toros bullring. Have your sketchbook and camera at the ready, and record these amazing sights in your travel journal. This is a good opportunity to do a bit of shopping for souvenirs, among the many artisan shops on Calle Espinel.Choose among the many inviting eateries and enjoy lunch on your own, delighting in the local dishes. Afterwards, reconvene with Kristy and your art group for a relaxed art session. You'll set up on a nearby terrace overlooking the Trejo River, and with Kristy's guidance, you'll tackle some of the landscapes seen from Ronda in watercolor.After a long day of adventuring, return to the venue for a delightful dinner. Share your experiences with your fellow artists as you sip on local wine and savor the delicious Spanish specialties.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Your last day at Nature Retreat starts with another cozy breakfast, followed by a final check-in and a round of breathing exercises. Take the time to really appreciate how far you've come during this experience.The morning brings a hands-on and active Q&A session. This is your chance to ask Kristy any remaining questions about the course. Whether it's a technique that's been giving you trouble, a more complex effect, or a challenging subject, just let her know; she'll grab her brush and paint it out for you. Kristy will make sure that everyone has a chance to receive tailored advice, giving directions for improving back home.Post-lunch, prepare for a special event: a mini-exhibition. While it's not obligatory to take part, this gallery showing is an excellent chance to give and receive feedback from your peers. Above all else, it's a celebration of your progress, and an opportunity to boast about your best pieces. At the end of the day, you deserve recognition for your efforts.The retreat ties it all up with a celebratory farewell dinner; enjoy the chef-made dishes with your group, and toast to the friendships made.

### 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

- **Kristy Rice** - Artist, author, designer, entrepreneur

## Accommodation

### Nature Retreat

### 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/joy-chasing-art-retreat-artist-kristy-rice-spain](https://uptrek.com/retreat/joy-chasing-art-retreat-artist-kristy-rice-spain) to make a reservation.

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