Seaside Sketchbook Retreat II with Artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker in Greece
Join artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis (August Wren) and Gayle Kabaker on a life-changing sketchbook retreat on the island of Zakynthos, Greece. Learn to find your authentic creative voice and develop or improve a sketchbook practice to document your adventures and daily life. Discover your ability to find joy and beauty in what you see around you. Be inspired and interpret what you see in your own way, and learn to become focused and present (with no judgement!) on the joy of this process.
Benefit from daily classes with your favorite artists, technique demonstrations, tailored feedback, and even an all-day painting marathon. Artists of all experience levels are welcome!
Beyond your classes at the venue, embark on two immersive art excursions: one to the historic streets of Zante Town and another to the iconic Navagio Beach, where you'll capture the essence of Greece’s natural beauty and culture.
Relax at a premium Greek villa, indulge in delicious chef-prepared meals, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea. Connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and create a stunning sketchbook that celebrates your journey and the enchanting sights of Zakynthos.
What's included
- Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis
- 7 nights of accommodation at a premium seaside villa
- Exclusive use of the venue's living quarters and common areas, a shala art studio, pool, jacuzzi, wooden gazebo, SPA area, and beautiful terraces
- All meals included: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chef; vegetarian and pescatarian meals
- Water, coffee, tea, juices, and snacks available throughout the day
- Special welcome and farewell dinner
- Delicious wine during dinner service
- Spacious sea-facing shala art studio
- Trip to Zante Town (Zakynthos Island capital)
- Trip to the Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach)
- Daily morning yoga classes
- Greek dance show and band for the farewell dinner
- Private transportation for all planned activities
- Round-trip transfers from/to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) at preset times
- Fully-staffed venue, experienced UpTrek host available throughout the day
- All local tourist taxes and fees
- Access to a private Facebook group with Jennifer Orkin Lewis, Gayle Kabaker, and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat
Not included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Art materials - a list of art materials recommended by artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker will be provided five months before the retreat
- Tips for staff - tipping is customary in Greece
- Extra costs guests might incur on their own
Book this retreat
8 days
Max. 16 students
Available in English
Acryl gouache
All subjects
All prices are in US dollars
Guaranteed Retreat
Seaside Sketchbook Retreat II with Artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker in Greece$4,850 per guest
Discover the true beauty of everyday life through the power of sketchbooking in this inspiring retreat led by artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker. Taking place on the stunning island of Zakynthos, Greece, the ancient beauty of this location and the azure Mediterranean Sea will serve as your muses. Through Gayle and Jennifer's insightful classes, you'll learn the secrets of acrylic gouache, make a collection of beautiful paintings, and let your creativity loose in a safe, supportive environment. Whether you're new to sketchbooking or an experienced artist, this retreat offers the perfect chance to grow and learn without judgment, gaining more confidence in your artistic choices.
By the end of the retreat, you'll have created a beautiful sketchbook to tell the story of your experiences in Greece, as well as gain a deeper understanding of sketching on location, still-life painting, taking reference photos, and many more. Jennifer and Gayle's engaging teaching style will help your best creative self blossom. Your experienced instructors will perform daily demonstrations, teach you a wide variety of techniques, give you tailored feedback, and, most importantly, heartily encourage your self-expression. Join a community of 16 creative souls and expand your artistic horizons!
Together with Gayle and Jennifer, you'll cover topics such as:
- Introduction to acrylic gouache
- How to layout a sketchbook page - various methods and ideas
- Color exploration - learn how to mix colors and find color palettes that you love
- How to let your creativity wander and not pick at details
- Creating expressive artwork from reference photos
- Depicting amazing landscapes or painting the subtle details of still life
- Lessons based on specific desires from the group, such as painting faces and figures, painting water, and painting on a dark background
- ...and so much more!
The venue, a stunning Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, will be your creative haven. The property 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 and plenty of stories to fill your sketchbook with. Outside of your art sessions, unwind by the infinity pool, savor Greek cuisine prepared by a private chef, and discuss all things creative with fellow artists over a glass of local wine.
Please note that this retreat is not suitable for participants with low or limited mobility. The venue is located on terraced grounds, and access to the studio, common spaces, and private accommodations requires the use of stairways. Getting to the nearby beach also requires descending a steep stairway (measuring 50 m, or about 164 feet), and there will be plenty of walking during the art trips.
The retreat with Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker is open to all levels of experience. Please note that this retreat is not suitable for participants with low or limited mobility. The venue is located on terraced grounds, and access to the studio, common spaces, and private accommodations requires the use of stairways. Getting to the nearby beach also requires descending a steep stairway, and there will be plenty of walking during the art trips | The exact schedule may vary based on instructor planning, weather conditions, or group dynamics.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Art at the venue
Day 3: Trip to Zante Town
Day 4: Art at the venue
Day 5: Boat trip to Navagio Beach
Day 6: Art at the venue
Day 7: Art at the venue
Day 8: Departure
Gayle Kabaker
Illustrator, Writer, Visual storyteller
Gayle Kabaker is an award-winning illustrator, writer, and visual storyteller. She graduated from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and began her career as a freelance fashion illustrator.
After moving to Western Massachusetts, she expanded from fashion illustration and this led to projects for a variety of major clients in advertising, editorial, and animation. She had her first New Yorker magazine cover ‘June Brides’ celebrating gay marriage in 2012 and has had a total of six covers since then.
Gayle does many private commissions and painted over 100 portraits of women for the book Vital Voices: 100 women Using their Power to Empower. Her work tends to be very feminine, exploring beauty in all forms.
Traveling to paint and draw is a big part of Gayle's life, and she uses her sketchbook to document her life. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband, artist Peter Kitchell, and their dog Charlie.
“For many years I took a sketchbook on vacations and never used it. It felt too much like ‘work’. But about seven years ago, on my first yoga retreat in Costa Rica, I had a major breakthrough with my sketchbook. I shifted from ‘I should be drawing in my sketchbook’ to ‘I GET to draw in my sketchbook!’ One of the main keys to this was letting go of caring what my drawings or paintings looked like. I was simply trying to document what I saw in a loose, fun way,” Gayle said.
Jennifer Orkin Lewis
Artist, Illustrator, Author, Teacher
A deep love of color, pattern and nature are the foundation of Jennifer's work as an artist, illustrator, author, and teacher. Her joyful gouache paintings of flowers, random objects, people and occasional meditative abstract musings open a colorful and enticing window onto a detail of the day one might ordinarily overlook.
Ten years ago, she made the move to switch careers from textile design to illustration, to fulfill a long held goal, and began a rigorous daily sketchbook project, doing a 30 minute painting every day. The looseness and intuitiveness of those paintings became her signature style and they are the source of much inspiration to herself and others. She is endlessly amazed and satisfied to see her shelf filling up with completed sketchbooks.
Jennifer's work has been featured on many products and brands worldwide, including Anthropologie, Abrams Books, Chronicle Books, Eeboo, Kate Spade Home, Tocca, Seattle Chocolate Company, Roger LaBorde, as well as many others. Her books include two inspirational sketchbook journals published by Abrams that encourage and inspire people to develop their own daily drawing practice. She also wrote a book called All Hail the Queen with Chronicle books, which empowers girls and women through informative and fun illustrations of powerful woman monarchs throughout history.
Asked how she started using a sketchbook, Jennifer said: "In 2014 I started a daily painting project in my sketchbook. I painted whatever inspired me that day for 30 minutes or less and soon realized how special it was to have this creative space to put down my thoughts. The sketchbook is an important place to explore, play, learn and grow. I learned that the process of doing it every day and building up thousands of sketchbook explorations over the years has been invaluable in my growth as an artist."
Experience the wealth of Ionian cuisine with tantalizing vegetarian and pescatarian dishes prepared by the private chef at Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker's art retreat. The venue earned its foodie destination moniker thanks to its family recipes passed down through generations and fresh ingredients sourced from local markets or grown on-site. Your chef's passion for the traditions of Zakynthos is the driving force behind every feast.
Start your mornings with a nutritious breakfast spread consisting of freshly baked pastries and bread, yogurt, organic honey, jams, butter, cereal, and local fruit. Coffee, tea, milk, and fresh juices will be served with breakfast.
For lunch, refuel with a light salad, or opt for the traditional baked feta, various platters (with aubergine, tzatziki, and chickpea dips, and grilled halloumi, all served with Pitta bread), pasta, and seafood courses.
Dinner is an elaborate three-course affair, starting with an appetizer such as Zante Bruschettas, followed by moussaka with aubergines, stuffed tomatoes with herbs, ragout and pasta, grilled octopus, sea bream, or prawns. Top it off with a sweet treat and pair it with a crisp white. You'll enjoy unlimited wine during dinner service.
Dinner on the last evening of the retreat will be an extraordinary event, as you'll complement your delicious meals with a traditional Greek dance and music show.
All meals are included. Between meals, you will have access to a snack bar with water, tea, juices, coffee, and homemade snacks.
Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.
Breakfast optionsOptions such as freshly baked pastries and bread, yogurt, organic honey, jams, butter, cereal, and local fruit. Coffee, tea, milk, and fresh juices will be served with breakfast
Lunch optionsA light lunch that can be a combination of a salad with a traditional platter served with pitta, seafood or pasta course
Dinner optionsThree-course chef-made dinner, including an appetizer, a main course (mousaka with aubergines, stuffed tomatoes with herbs, grilled seafood, pasta, and more) and a dessert
Drinks optionsUnlimited wine with dinner service
Drinks and snacksWater, tea, juices, coffee and snacks available throughout the day
Vegetarian / Vegan / Pescatarian / Diabetic / Gluten-Free / Lactose-Free mealsPlease inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.
Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot. Vegetarian or pescatarian meals only will be served.
Located in the quiet beachside village of Planos, on the Greek island of Zakynthos, your retreat venue stands proud atop a rocky hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The amazing views from this sunny haven provide a small taste of what Zakynthos has to offer: crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and the tranquil Greek village below. The capital of the island (Zante) and Zakynthos International Airport are only 30 minutes away by car, and the mysterious Navagio Beach with its history of shipwrecks and smugglers is one hour away.
Please arrive at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH).
We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Greece a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.
How to get from Zakynthos International Airport to the retreat venue:
Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly domestically to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on October 8, 2025. Check-out is after breakfast on October 15, 2025, by 10:00 AM.
Arrival Transfer:
October 8, 2025 - 3:30 PM (leaving from Zakynthos International Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)
Departure Transfer:
October 15, 2025 - 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Zakynthos International Airport around 10:30 AM)
If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:
- Spend extra days in Zakynthos before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Zakynthos International Airport.
- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: 63 Thesi Bouka, Gaidaros Tragaki, Tragaki 291 00, Greece, 40 euros - approximately US$45 per way. Please note that taxi fares may vary).
Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) at prearranged times are included. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.
Is the retreat available to all levels?
The art retreat with artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker is open to all experience levels.
When is the retreat available?
The retreat with artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between October 8 - 15, 2025.
Are there any check-in and check-out hours?
Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 8, 2025. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, October 15, 2025, after breakfast.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes.
I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?
Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.
How do I get to the retreat venue?
Please arrive at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Greece a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly locally to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. For more details, please see the Location tab.
What should I pack?
Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.
Can I do laundry while on the retreat?
Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.
What art supplies do I need for the workshops?
A detailed list of art materials recommended by artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker will be provided after booking, five months before the retreat begins.
What’s the weather like in Zakynthos in October?
The weather in October in Zakynthos is usually pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 23°C / 73°F during the day that drop to around 14°C / 57°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather yourself before your departure to the retreat and to pack accordingly.
How many people are to be expected at the retreat?
Maximum 16 participants.
Do I need a visa?
Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states may enter Greece for tourist purposes without a visa. Please contact us for further guidance.
Are there any age restrictions?
The retreat is open to anyone aged over 18.
What language is used during the retreat and other activities?
The retreat is available in English.
Can a non-participating guest join me?
We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.
Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?
Unfortunately, the retreat venue is not well suited to host people with limited mobility. Accommodation spaces and most of the main facilities are only accessible via stairs. Furthermore, there will be plenty of walking during the art trips.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.
Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?
UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artists or by UpTrek?
If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the artists' control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.
What happens if I need to cancel?
All bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Once payment is made, it is considered final. In the event of cancellation, regardless of the reason, no refunds will be granted.
Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. This insurance should cover any potential losses incurred due to cancellation or no-show, including but not limited to medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances. We are not affiliated with any travel insurance providers. It is your responsibility to secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption protection. We highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance provider to understand the coverage and claim process.
We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.
Reviews of the previous UpTrek retreat with Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker:
- "Gayle and Jennifer gave wonderful demonstrations - suitable for all levels of artists. Their rapport and laughter emanated throughout. I came home with some new friends and definitive art skills to apply to my painting practice. Bravo to that!"
- "Jennifer & Gayle are inspiring teachers!"
- "Jennifer and Gayle are wonderful teachers. They are down to earth and so much fun! Great for all levels."
- "I will recommend Jen and Gayle as art instructors to others! It was a magical week."
- "The workshop was a wonderful art-making experience and both instructors were knowledgeable, approachable and a pleasure to be with. The lessons and demos were varied and gave me ample opportunity to learn a new medium and way to look at subjects. I would definitely be interested in doing another sketchbook workshop with Gayle and Jennifer. Not only did I learn, but had an awful lot of fun doing so!"
Book this retreat
- One guest
- Two guests
- Three guests
Reservation is nonrefundable. Your payment method will be charged within 48 hours.
Booking information
All prices are in US dollars
This retreat is guaranteed.
All bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
After booking, your payment method will be charged within 48 hours.
After booking, your payment method will be charged within 48 hours.
With guaranteed retreats:
- there is no cancellation
- there are no changes in itinerary, schedule, instructor, venue or dates
- it is deemed medically safe by local, state or European authorities
- the minimum group size has been met
If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of our control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.
Do you have pre-booking questions? Please contact us.