# Paint Your Wanderlust III Art Retreat with Artist Tracy Verdugo in Greece Join artist Tracy Verdugo for a vibrant, week-long art retreat on the sun-kissed island of Zakynthos, Greece. Immerse yourself in mixed media art, experimenting freely with sketching, acrylic inks, paint, collage, and expressive mark-making. Tracy's supportive teaching style and the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere invite artists of all experience levels to let go, embrace spontaneity, and discover their own authentic creative voice.Explore the picturesque streets of Zante, absorbing the charm and culture of this lively Greek town. Discover Navagio Beach, famed for its dramatic cliffs and dazzling turquoise waters, offering abundant inspiration for sketches, paintings, and reflective journaling.Settle comfortably into an inviting Greek villa, where nourishing meals and panoramic sea views create an ideal backdrop for creativity and meaningful connection. Exchange stories, ideas, and artistic insights with fellow participants while capturing the essence of your Greek journey in an art journal brimming with colors, textures, and treasured moments. ## Details - **Dates:** July 4 - 11, 2026 - **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Paint Your Wanderlust III Join artist Tracy Verdugo for a week filled with creative exploration on the radiant island of Zakynthos, Greece. Through immersive mixed-media workshops, artists of every experience level are invited to reconnect with their creativity, experiment with new techniques, and express themselves authentically.You'll experiment freely with acrylic inks, paints, oil pastels, charcoal, and pencils, diving into layering, composition, glazing, and visual storytelling naturally and intuitively. Tracy’s warm, supportive teaching style encourages you to embrace spontaneity, overcome hesitation, and fully immerse yourself in the joy of creating.Enjoy a nurturing environment designed to inspire meaningful connections, personal growth, and artistic discovery. Surround yourself with fellow creatives who will share inspiration, encouragement, and camaraderie throughout your artistic journey.During your stay, you’ll cover: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.The venue, a stunning Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, will be your creative haven. The villa offers exclusive access to a sea-facing studio, welcoming common areas, and a refreshing infinity pool, providing plenty of space to work and relax. You’ll enjoy two exciting trips—one to the historic Zante Town and another to the renowned Shipwreck Beach—both of which offer inspiring cultural experiences that you can translate into your artwork. Outside of your art sessions, unwind by the infinity pool, savor Greek cuisine prepared by a private chef, and share creative discussions with fellow artists over a glass of local wine.Please note: The retreat venue is located on terraced grounds, with access to the studio, common areas, and accommodations requiring the use of stairways. The beach can be reached by descending a steep stairway of approximately 50 meters (164 feet). Additionally, the excursions involve moderate walking, so this retreat may not be ideal for those with limited mobility. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Zakynthos Airport for your 3:30 PM transfer to a breathtaking seafront venue overlooking the Mediterranean. Settle into your elegant room and take a moment to recharge before joining a guided tour of the grounds. Discover the inviting pool, the shala art studio, and thoughtfully designed communal areas. In the evening, savor a delightful three-course welcome dinner in the lively company of your fellow artists. Enjoy a glass of wine as Tracy shares insights about the week’s plans, giving you a chance to connect with the group and look forward to the creative journey ahead. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Begin your morning at the estate with a wholesome breakfast and freshly brewed coffee, then join Tracy and fellow artists for a relaxed gathering to set intentions for your creative day ahead.In the first workshop, you'll explore mixed media freely, experimenting with acrylic inks, paints, oil pastels, charcoal, and pencils. Playful, spontaneous exercises will encourage you to loosen up, trust your intuition, and allow creativity to flow naturally onto your canvas.Pause midday for a leisurely lunch prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. After some restful downtime, return to the studio refreshed and ready to build upon the morning's explorations. Draw inspiration from Greece's vibrant landscapes as you layer colors, textures, and compositions into your artwork. Capture moments of inspiration in your sketchbook, translating memories and experiences into expressive art pieces.As evening arrives, come together around the table for a nourishing dinner created by the estate's chef. Unwind over delicious food and a glass of wine, reflecting on your creative discoveries and enjoying warm conversations with fellow artists. ### Day 3: Trip to Zante Town Enjoy a refreshing breakfast, then ease gently into your day with coffee and a relaxed check-in, grounding yourself and setting creative intentions. Afterwards, take a short ride to Zante Town, the lively heart of Zakynthos.Explore the town at your leisure, soaking in its captivating atmosphere. Meander through St. Mark's Square, noticing elegant Venetian-style arches and detailed balconies. Step into fresco-adorned Byzantine churches or admire the sunlit colors of traditional Greek homes. For a peaceful pause, wander toward the shore, listening to the calming rhythm of waves. Keep your sketchbook close by to quickly record shifting light, colors, and reflections, gathering impressions that capture Zante’s unique character. Tracy will offer supportive guidance on sketching outdoors, helping you confidently translate your surroundings onto paper.In the afternoon, return to the studio for another creative session with Tracy. Reflecting on your morning sketches and experiences around Zante Town, you'll explore new artistic techniques and reflective writing prompts, crafting poetry and haikus inspired by your personal artistic discoveries.As evening approaches, enjoy spare time with a swim, a quiet stroll, or a leisurely conversation with fellow artists. Later, gather for a relaxed dinner, exchanging stories and reflections from your inspiring day. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Savor a relaxed breakfast before meeting Tracy for a casual morning check-in.Spend your morning immersed in creative exploration as Tracy guides you through layering techniques using a variety of mixed media. Experiment freely with different tools and materials to create texture and depth, developing an expressive style uniquely your own. Tracy will also share insights on composition, glazing, and visual storytelling, helping you add depth and personal meaning to your artwork.After a refreshing lunch, return to your creations with renewed energy, drawing inspiration from your Greek surroundings. Use photos and sketches from your experiences to add personal elements to your art, prioritizing self-expression over perfection.As the afternoon fades, enjoy some quiet time for yourself. Take your sketchbook down to the peaceful shoreline, letting the rhythm of the waves inspire your drawings, or unwind poolside, reflecting on your artistic progress. Later, gather around the table for an easygoing dinner, relaxed conversations, and a glass of wine to round out the creative day. ### Day 5: Boat trip to Navagio Beach Begin your morning with a refreshing breakfast, preparing for a creative and inspiring day at Navagio Beach. Gather your art materials and ease into the day's gentle rhythm, eager to experience the striking coastal scenery.Departing from Porto Vromi, glide across clear, turquoise waters, passing secluded caves and impressive cliffs along your route. Let the scenic ride itself inspire quick sketches, reference photos, or peaceful reflection. Weather permitting, enjoy a refreshing swim in the inviting sea. Soon, you'll reach the renowned Navagio Beach, famous for the Panagiotis shipwreck, a rusted vessel shrouded in intriguing stories of alleged smuggling activities in the 1980s.After ample time exploring this remarkable spot, return by boat to Porto Vromi and travel back to the venue for a satisfying lunch.In the afternoon, join Tracy in the studio to creatively reflect on your morning adventures. Inspired by your visit to Navagio Beach—perhaps the textures of weathered metal, shadows from the cliffs, or imagined stories of the shipwreck—engage in expressive portraiture and figurative work. Tracy will guide you in playful mark-making, vibrant color application, and storytelling through art, encouraging you to infuse your creations with personality and movement derived from the day's impressions.As evening approaches, unwind over a relaxed dinner, sharing highlights and stories from your day's artistic explorations. Savor the good food, conversation, and a glass of wine, allowing the calm evening to close your inspiring day. ### Day 6: Art at the venue Wake up on the sixth day of your Greece retreat to a nourishing breakfast, followed by a relaxed coffee check-in alongside Tracy and your fellow artists.Spend your morning in the studio, continuing your creative projects under Tracy’s supportive guidance. Experiment with fresh approaches, explore layering techniques, and try unexpected color combinations to add new depth and personal meaning to your artwork.After a satisfying lunch break, return to your canvas or dive back into your travel sketchbook. With Tracy’s gentle encouragement, practice quieting your inner critic and let your creativity flow freely and intuitively, without hesitation or self-judgment.As afternoon transitions into evening, set aside time for yourself. Take a peaceful walk, relax poolside, or continue working on your art at your pace. Later, enjoy a laid-back dinner, exchanging stories, laughter, and reflections from another richly creative day, all shared over good food and a glass of wine. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Begin your final day enjoying breakfast together, reflecting warmly on the experiences shared throughout the retreat and setting intentions for a memorable closing day.The morning and afternoon are yours to keep working on paintings and sketchbook pages that inspire you most. With Tracy’s gentle guidance and the supportive energy around you, savor your creative process, let go of self-doubt, and fully embrace your remaining time in this inspiring Greek setting.Later, come together for a casual exhibition where you can display and celebrate your favorite artwork created during the week. Appreciate each other's growth, exchange insights, and discover how diverse artistic perspectives have enriched everyone's experience.As evening arrives, join in a festive farewell dinner filled with laughter, music, and joyful dancing. Delight in live Greek music, relish a delicious shared meal, and raise a toast to a week filled with artistic discoveries, heartfelt connections, and lasting friendships formed during your unforgettable stay. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast with your art group and get ready for your transfer to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - **Tracy Verdugo** - Artist and author ## Accommodation ### Stunning Greek Estate ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite room (female only) ### Shared penthouse ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single ensuite room - shared villa ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-your-wanderlust-iii-art-retreat-tracy-verdugo-greece](https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-your-wanderlust-iii-art-retreat-tracy-verdugo-greece) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*