# Andalusian Plein Air Painting Retreat with Artist Sari Shryack in Spain

Join painter Sari Shryack in an artistic exploration of the majestic landscapes and stunning coastal views of beautiful Andalucía, Spain. Stay at a stunning Spanish Finca, paint en plein air on a private 33-acre estate, indulge in homemade organic meals, and draw your inspiration from the whitewashed vistas of magnificent Granada, the lively Mediterranean port of Cartagena, and some of Spain's most flawless and least crowded beaches at Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 1 - 8, 2022
- **Location:** Almería, Andalucía, Spain
- **Starting Price:** $3,500
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Plein air painting retreat
Join painter Sari Shryack in an artistic exploration of the majestic landscapes and stunning coastal views of beautiful Andalucía, Spain.We will study light and form through landscape and still life techniques. Landscape is a wonderful way to observe and absorb the beautiful setting. Still life offers an opportunity for a more technical execution as well as personalization. Sari's hope is that one practice feeds the other.Sari will share her techniques for painting light, shadow, and color and her approach to plein air. From lessons on quick studies to large, detailed work, artists will gain significant insight into Sari's process and learn how to translate that knowledge into their own work. In addition, students will learn creative best practices in order to discover and enhance their style and approach to their artwork. Through conversations with Sari and creative exploration, students will cultivate a better understanding of their own creative direction.Participants are welcome to use their preferred medium of acrylic, oil, or gouache, but acrylic will be the primary medium used to teach the course.The course is perfect for painters of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you will have the time and space to learn at your own speed while enjoying the trip of a lifetime. You’ll walk away with a better sense of who you are as an artist, wonderful memories, and frame-worthy paintings!Sari will provide demos and will be active in the teaching process offering each student plenty of one-on-one time. Beyond technique, she will also answer questions and give advice for those looking to find their style and really take their passion to the next level.Some of the concepts that will be discussed:How to paint representationallyDrawingColor theoryValueIntensityWarming and coolingLinear perspectiveCompositionSelecting a composition for both landscape and still life techniquesResponding to your surroundingsFinding inspirationBrushstroke economy

### Day 1: Arrival
Get transferred from Almería Airport (LEI), meet artist Sari Shryack and the art group at La Finca Paradiso, and take a tour to explore the delightful property and its 33 acres of luscious gardens and orchards.After introductions are made, Sari will show students her portfolio and discuss what they can expect to learn in the class. Discuss the week ahead over a delicious welcome dinner served with local wine.

### Day 2: Plein air at La Finca
After breakfast, set up your paints in the lush gardens at La Finca Paradiso and get familiar with the supplies. Sari will share her tips for selecting a composition and establishing a creative roadmap for a painting.After your classes, go for walks in the luxuriant surrounding orchards, relax by the black-and-gold saltwater swimming pool, or cool down in the plunge pool.

### Day 3: Painting in Cartagena
After breakfast, you will travel to the Mediterranean port of Cartagena. Explore the waterfront network of streets, get inspired by the Roman and Carthaginian heritage, stop for impromptu sketchbook and photo sessions, or go shopping. Select local items to use for a still life setup. Artists will do a loose still life sketch from their setup.Return to the retreat venue in time for lunch. Continue working on the still life sketches you've started in Cartagena after lunch.

### Day 4: Plein air at La Finca
Artists will have the option to create a landscape work from the beautiful scenery in the gardens or further explore their still life from the previous day. After classes, relax by the waterfall and water lily and lotus ponds at La Finca Paradiso and discover the exquisite gardens with their exceptional variety of native and tropical trees and plants from all over the world, including Australia, South America, South Africa, China, and Japan.

### Day 5: Painting in Granada
After breakfast at La Finca Paradiso, embark on a full-day trip to the charming city of Granada. Immerse in the mesmerizing Moorish architecture and local history with a guided tour of the famous Alhambra palace and fortress complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the authentic Andalusian cuisine with lunch served at a local restaurant, then explore the bright Alcaicería, a famous Arab bazaar, and wander the narrow streets of the picturesque Realejo neighborhood and the Jewish Quarter.Put the lessons learned from the course so far to use as we find inspiration in the marvelous architecture and rich history of Granada. Take photos and make sketches to use later in a painting.In the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to La Finca Paradiso in time for a delicious dinner served with wine.

### Day 6: Trip to Cabo de Gata
After breakfast, you will travel to some of Spain's most flawless and least crowded beaches at Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar. You can sketch on the beach or, weather permitting (average highs are generally around 27°C / 80°F at the beginning of June), sunbathe, and go for a swim in the sea.Back at La Finca Paradiso after lunch, artists can continue work on their paintings and discuss their progress with Sari one-on-one.

### Day 7: Plein air at La Finca
Put the final touches on the week’s paintings and discuss your progress and achievements with Sari and the rest of the art group.After lunch, take the rest of the day to relax on the stunning Andalusian estate.In the evening, join Sari and your fellow retreat participants for an exquisite farewell dinner served with wine.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast together and get transferred to Almería Airport (LEI).

## Instructors

- **Sari Shryack** - Painter, Art Teacher

## Accommodation

### La Finca Paradiso

### Triple room

### Shared twin/double rooms

### Private rooms with shared bathroom

### Private ensuite rooms

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/plein-air-painting-retreat-sari-shryack-spain](https://uptrek.com/retreat/plein-air-painting-retreat-sari-shryack-spain) to make a reservation.

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