# Paint Your Wanderlust Art Retreat with Artist Tracy Verdugo in Scotland

Join artist Tracy Verdugo for a deeply enriching art retreat in the heart of Scotland’s breathtaking countryside. Over the course of a week, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of mixed media, sketching, acrylic inks, paint, collage, and playful mark-making. Whether you're just beginning or have years of experience, Tracy’s thoughtful guidance and a welcoming creative space will help you let go of perfectionism, embrace spontaneity, and create art that truly reflects your inner spirit.Stay in a spacious country home surrounded by rolling hills, enjoy nourishing meals prepared with care, and experience the beauty of Scotland with visits to the historic city of Stirling, the peaceful shores of Loch Lomond, and the charming village of Buchlyvie. Along the way, you’ll gather inspiration, sketch, and develop an array of mixed media paintings and creative explorations, along with lasting connections and unforgettable memories.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 7 - 14, 2026
- **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK
- **Starting Price:** $4,550
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Paint Your Wanderlust Art Retreat
Join artist Tracy Verdugo for an inspiring week of creativity in the peaceful Scottish countryside. This immersive mixed-media retreat is designed for artists of all levels, offering a chance to reconnect with your creativity, experiment with new techniques, and deepen your artistic voice.Each day, you’ll learn directly from Tracy through hands-on classes, engaging demonstrations, and thoughtful guidance tailored to your personal growth. You’ll also step outside the studio to explore Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, sketching and painting during visits to Stirling’s historic streets, the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, and the charming village of Buchlyvie.Through a dynamic mix of acrylic inks, paints, oil pastels, charcoal, and pencils, you’ll explore layering, composition, glazing, and storytelling in a way that feels both freeing and deeply rewarding. Tracy’s warm and encouraging approach will help you let go of self-doubt, embrace spontaneity, and step fully into your creative potential.This retreat provides a space to connect, grow, and find joy in the process alongside a small group of fellow artists who will inspire and support you every step of the way. Some topics covered in the classes include:Introduction to acrylic inks and mixed mediaLayering techniquesApproaching collage, sketching on the go, and whimsical portraitsExploring glazing, composition, and narrativeLoosening up and breaking free from self-criticismCombining personal experience and imagery to create paintings that tell your own storyActivating your imagination and creating compelling paintings with fresh energyBoosting your artistic confidence...and many more.Your venue for this art retreat is a breathtaking holiday estate nestled in the peaceful Scottish countryside, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy lavish accommodation spaces, bespoke design, a spacious art studio, and electrically heated outdoor hot tubs. Immerse yourself in Scottish history and culture with delicious meals prepared by a private chef, a gin-tasting event, and a night of traditional Gaelic dancing.

### Days 1: Arrival
Get transferred from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 3:00 PM and arrive at your venue at around 4:00 PM, a stunning countryside estate with gorgeous views of the Highlands. Unwind in your well-appointed room, freshen up, and gather with Tracy and your art group for a pleasant orientation tour. Discover the stately accommodation spaces, the spacious art studio in the barn, the hot tubs, and the gardens. Enjoy a special welcome dinner prepared by the in-house chef to kickstart the retreat. Discuss the upcoming week with your fellow artists over delicious wine.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast before settling in for a relaxed coffee check-in with Tracy and your fellow artists, where you’ll go over the plans for the day.The morning art session invites you to dive into mixed media, experimenting with acrylic inks and paints, oil pastels, charcoal, and pencils. Through playful warm-ups, you’ll loosen up, embrace spontaneity, and let your creativity unfold naturally on the canvas.Take a break for a leisurely lunch featuring fresh dishes prepared with care. Feeling refreshed, return for the afternoon session to build on the techniques explored earlier. Surrounded by Scotland’s breathtaking scenery, you’ll bring your impressions to life in your travel sketchbook, capturing the essence of this inspiring retreat setting.After class, unwind at your own pace before gathering for a thoughtfully prepared dinner, complete with wine, good company, and time to reflect on the day’s creative discoveries.

### Day 3: Trip to Loch Lomond
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on your first adventure: an inspiring visit to Loch Lomond, set within the breathtaking landscapes of Trossachs National Park.After a scenic one-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the loch, where sweeping views of still waters, rolling hills, and distant mountains create the perfect setting for a morning of creativity. Keep your sketchbook close as you take in the scenery, capturing quick impressions of the changing light and reflections. Tracy will share her insights on sketching outdoors, helping you translate the beauty of the moment onto the page. If the wind carries the sound of bagpipes across the valley, it will only add to the magic of the experience.Returning to the retreat, you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch before diving back into the creative process. Using the morning’s inspiration, you’ll explore new techniques and written exercises, crafting poetry and haikus that reflect your artistic journey.The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy; whether you choose to unwind, take a quiet walk, or chat with fellow artists about the day’s discoveries. As the sun sets, gather for a thoughtfully prepared three-course dinner, complete with wine and conversation, sharing reflections on the beauty and creativity the day has brought.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Kick off your day with a refreshing breakfast before gathering with Tracy and your fellow artists for a relaxed morning check-in.The morning session is all about exploration, as Tracy guides you through the art of layering with a variety of mixed media techniques. Experiment with blending different tools and materials to create rich, textured compositions that reflect your unique style. Tracy will also share insights on glazing, composition, and storytelling, helping you bring depth and meaning to your work.After a light lunch, dive back into your creative process, drawing inspiration from the world around you. Using photos and sketches, you’ll weave your personal experiences into your artwork, embracing the joy of expression without focusing on perfection.Take time in the late afternoon to unwind. Soak in the hot tub, enjoy a quiet moment with a sketchbook, or simply reflect on the day. As evening settles in, gather for a delicious dinner paired with a glass of wine, sharing thoughts and inspiration with your art group as the night unfolds. The evening ends with Scottish music and dancing.

### Day 5: Trip to Stirling
Day five begins with a warm and satisfying breakfast before setting off on another inspiring outing. Today, you’ll visit the historic town of Stirling and its impressive castle, reaching your destination after a short 30-minute drive. Nestled between the rugged Highlands and the rolling Lowlands, Stirling is a place where history and breathtaking landscapes come together.Your first stop is Stirling Castle, a grand fortress that once served as the seat of power for Scottish royals, including Mary, Queen of Scots. With its towering walls and sweeping views, the castle stands as a powerful symbol of Scotland’s past. Take time to sketch the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, or let the rich colors of the landscape spark new creative ideas in your travel sketchbook.After exploring the castle, head into Stirling’s charming city center. Once the capital of Scotland, the town is a blend of centuries-old architecture and bustling modern life. Enjoy lunch at your choice of local pubs or cafés, then wander through the streets, soaking in the atmosphere or picking up a meaningful keepsake.The final stop of the day is the Wallace Monument, a striking tribute to Scotland’s national hero. Surrounded by nature, this setting offers the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of playful creativity. Tracy will guide you through a relaxed mixed-media session, using the inspiration of the day to explore expressive portraiture. Through whimsical faces and lively brushstrokes, you’ll experiment with character and storytelling, with Tracy on hand to offer gentle guidance and encouragement.As the day winds down, return to the retreat in time for a well-earned dinner. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal, sharing stories and reflections with your fellow artists as another inspiring day comes to a close.

### Day 6: Trip to Buchlyvie
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before taking a relaxed 15-minute walk to the charming village of Buchlyvie.This peaceful Scottish town, with its cozy cafés, welcoming pubs, and small shops, offers a glimpse into everyday life in the countryside. The short stroll is rewarded with beautiful views of the rolling hills, making it the perfect setting to slow down and soak in the surroundings. Spend the morning exploring at your own pace. Find a quiet spot to sketch the terraced houses or the open landscape, browse local shops, or stop by the Buchlyvie Pottery Shop to admire handcrafted ceramics made by local artisans.Head back to the retreat in time for lunch, then settle in for an afternoon of creativity. Whether you continue refining an earlier piece or dive into fresh pages of your travel sketchbook, this session is all about deepening your artistic flow. Tracy will be on hand to offer guidance, helping you quiet your inner critic and embrace the joy of the process.Later in the afternoon, gather for a special gin tasting at the retreat, sampling a selection of local varieties. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a delicious dinner in good company, sharing conversation, laughter, and reflections on another inspiring day.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Your final full day of the retreat begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by a relaxed coffee check-in with Tracy and your fellow artists. This is a chance to reflect on your creative journey, share insights, and appreciate how far you’ve come.Both the morning and afternoon sessions offer time to revisit your previous pieces or add new pages to your travel sketchbook. With Tracy’s guidance and the encouragement of those around you, focus on embracing the process, letting go of self-doubt, and enjoying the final hours of studio time in this inspiring setting.In the afternoon, take part in a relaxed gallery-style showcase, where everyone can display their favorite works. This is a wonderful moment to celebrate each other’s creativity, exchange ideas, and see how different perspectives have shaped each artist’s experience.As the retreat comes to a close, gather for a special farewell dinner, raising a glass to the week’s creative discoveries, new friendships, and shared memories.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast and get ready for your transfer to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- **Tracy Verdugo** - Artist and author

## Accommodation

### Scottish farm estate

### Shared standard room (female only)

### Shared superior ensuite room (female only)

### Shared bathroom - single room (female only)

### Single standard room - external bathroom

### Single superior room - adjacent bathroom

### Single standard ensuite room

### Single superior ensuite room

### Deluxe ensuite room

### Deluxe private villa

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-your-wanderlust-art-retreat-artist-tracy-verdugo-scotland](https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-your-wanderlust-art-retreat-artist-tracy-verdugo-scotland) to make a reservation.

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