# Sketchbook Journaling Retreat II with Mike Lowery and Katrin Wiehle in Scotland Join a whimsical sketchbook art retreat in Scotland, led by renowned illustrators Mike Lowery and Katrin Wiehle. This week-long retreat invites artists of all levels to explore travel journaling and grow and foster a sketchbook habit. Chronicle your artistic journey in sketchbooks inspired by Scotland's stunning landscapes and fairytale towns.Mike and Katrin will teach you all there is to maintaining a solid daily sketchbook habit. Experiment with a myriad of fun techniques and exercises for your travel journal. You'll also cover topics relating to the illustration industry, such as self-promotion, working with clients, finding your style, and many more.Beyond your classes at the venue, embark on two immersive art trips: one to the historic town of Stirling and its imposing castle, and another to the serene Loch Lomond, home to a sparkling freshwater lake, craggy hills, and breathtaking scenery.Settle into a spacious country home tucked among rolling hills, where each day brings time to sketch, reflect, and unwind. Enjoy meals prepared with care, using fresh local ingredients, and soak in the calm rhythm of your surroundings. ## Details - **Dates:** June 30 - July 7, 2026 - **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK - **Starting Price:** $4,750 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Sketchbook Journaling Retreat Join illustrators Katrin Wiehle and Mike Lowery for a fun and relaxing sketchbooking retreat in the picturesque Scottish countryside. Draw with a group of other creatives while Mike and Katrin give expert tips and lessons on keeping a daily sketchbook. Drawing and journaling every day is the best way for artists to find their voice, keep track of their day, and come up with ideas for projects. This retreat will be focused on how to use your sketchbook as a travel diary, a place to experiment with new techniques and materials, and declutter your brain with creative daily exercises. Our days will be filled with drawing sessions, great food, and exploration of the Scottish landscape with its rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and the distant Trossach Mountains. This retreat is suitable for all students at all skill levels, from those just starting out to working artists. It’ll be a chance to draw, relax, delight in chef-made food, explore the beautiful surroundings, and socialize with a supportive community of artists!In addition to the hands-on lessons and demos, Mike and Katrin will explain the ins and outs of a range of topics about art and illustration. Having both worked on dozens of books for kids and adults, as well as other freelance projects, they’ll cover self-promotion for artists, working with clients, dealing with artist’s block, finding your style, working on children’s books, and insightful tips for keeping a daily practice.In addition to studio time, engage with Scotland's stunning scenery, sketching outdoors in beautiful settings. Experience the historic charm of Stirling, capture serene moments along Loch Lomond’s shores, and find inspiration in the delightful village of Buchlyvie. Each day offers new possibilities to deepen your bond with art, nature, and yourself.Some of the sketchbook lessons will include:Pen and inkWatercolor techniques for sketchbooksSimple hand lettering for sketchbooksFinding inspirationHow to keep a travel diary How to keep notes about your travels Exercises to deal with creative block Some of the additional discussions will include:Self-promotion for artistsInstagram for artists Finding your styleWorking on children’s booksAnd LOTS more!Your venue for this art retreat is a breathtaking farm 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. ### Day 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 Mike, Katrin, 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 day with a tasty breakfast, then join Mike and Katrin for a quick coffee check-in. You'll find out more about the plans for the day.Head for the studio for your first class of the retreat and get into the creative flow with a relaxed sketching session. Mike and Katrin will share why keeping a daily sketchbook is such a valuable habit, along with simple, inspiring tips to make the most of it. They'll introduce ways to visually capture moments and encourage playful experimentation with different materials.Take a break to refuel during lunch, then continue your classes in the afternoon. Take an observational walk around the venue for fresh inspiration. Mike and Katrin will demonstrate their go-to techniques using pen, ink, and watercolor. Then, it’s time to dive into a fun creative exercise, using the surrounding landscape—the distant Trossachs—as a muse.As evening approaches, enjoy some leisure time before gathering again for a freshly prepared dinner. Reflect on the day's creative experiences and share insights with one another over a glass of wine. ### Day 3: Trip to Loch Lomond Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to Loch Lomond, tucked inside the stunning Trossachs National Park.After a scenic hour-long drive, you’ll arrive at the loch, where peaceful waters and lush plants offer endless inspiration. Take some time to snap reference photos, focusing on the little details that catch your eye. Mike and Katrin will share handy tips on how to capture picturesque scenes. Every now and then, you might hear bagpipes floating through the valley, adding a special touch to this beautiful spot.After your visit, head back to the venue for lunch, then dive into the afternoon art session. With Katrin and Mike by your side, you’ll go through the materials you gathered during the trip, picking out your favorite moments to add to your sketchbook or expand on. They’ll guide you step-by-step to help turn the day’s experiences into meaningful artwork.Enjoy the rest of the afternoon as you please. As evening falls, gather once more for a thoughtfully prepared dinner, sharing conversations and reflections on the day's adventures. ### Day 4: Art at the venue After enjoying a hearty breakfast and a relaxed morning check-in with Katrin, Mike, and fellow artists, start the day with another creative session in the studio.Spend the morning refining your sketches of Loch Lomond. This session is all about turning your reference photos into fun, quirky artworks. Mike and Katrin will show you new sketching techniques to help you capture the magic of the scenes and lively seascapes. Take your time and feel free to ask for help whenever you need it.After a nourishing lunch, jump back into the afternoon class. Katrin and Mike will share creative ways to overcome artist’s block and use your sketchbook as a wellspring of fresh ideas. They’ll also offer helpful tips on pitching book ideas and give you a peek into the world of children’s books and the broader illustration market.Later in the afternoon, take time to unwind. Sketch quietly, enjoy a calming walk, or simply reflect on your progress. In the evening, come together for a delicious Greek dinner. Round off your evening with lively Scottish music and dancing, creating the perfect end to an inspiring day. ### Day 5: Trip to Stirling Day five begins with a warm, satisfying breakfast before heading to Stirling, a historic town just a short 30-minute drive away. Renowned for its rich history and picturesque charm, Stirling offers ample inspiration for your sketchbook. Its iconic castle and surrounding landscape will be your centerpieces.Your day starts at Stirling Castle, an impressive historical landmark filled with captivating architecture and scenic views. Spend time exploring the castle grounds, taking reference photos of the intricate stonework, expansive vistas, and historic structures.Pause for lunch on your own at a local café or pub, then continue exploring and gathering inspiration.In the afternoon, visit the Wallace Monument, another significant historic site set within stunning meadows and native Scottish landscapes. Absorb the beauty of the area, taking photographs, making sketches, and quietly noting elements that resonate with your artistic vision.As evening approaches, return to your accommodation for a relaxing dinner. Enjoy a chef-prepared meal, reflecting together on the day's experiences. ### Day 6: Trip to Buchlyvie Start the following day with a hearty breakfast, then take a leisurely 15-minute walk to the charming village of Buchlyvie.This peaceful village, with its cozy cafés, welcoming pubs, and quaint local shops, offers a delightful insight into Scottish countryside life. Enjoy exploring at your own pace—browse local stores, visit the Buchlyvie Pottery Shop to admire handcrafted ceramics, or settle into a quiet corner to sketch. Capture your environment by focusing on how the morning light interacts with the surroundings, framing interesting scenes, and observing unique details. Mike and Katrin will provide support and personalized guidance.After a refreshing lunch, spend the afternoon refining your sketches in the studio or outdoors in the gardens. Katrin and Mike will provide insights on combining watercolor with ink for added depth and definition, encouraging you to experiment with line work that brings out your personal style. As you work, you’ll notice how naturally these techniques flow together, transforming your sketchbook into a vibrant collection of travel sketches that reflect your unique journey.Later in the afternoon, join your group for a relaxed gin tasting, sampling local varieties and unwinding together. Conclude the evening with a freshly prepared dinner. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Join your art group for a final hearty breakfast before preparing for your last art session with your instructors.Spend the morning adding the final touches to your sketchbook journal. This is your chance to apply all the insightful techniques you've practiced throughout the retreat. Mike and Katrin will be available for questions, personalized feedback, and specific pointers.Following lunch, gather for a special mini-exhibition event—optional but warmly encouraged. Offer and receive constructive feedback, celebrating your amazing growth. If you have any lingering questions, take full advantage of a Q&A session with Mike and Katrin, exploring topics like keeping a sketchbook, perfecting your technique, or anything related to illustration.In the evening, regroup for a farewell dinner, raising a toast to a week filled with creativity, inspiration, and meaningful connections. ### 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 - **Mike Lowery** - Author and Children’s Book Illustrator - **Katrin Wiehle ** - Author and Illustrator ## Accommodation ### Scottish farm estate ### Shared standard room (female only) ### Shared superior ensuite room (female only) ### Shared bathroom - single room (female only) ### Single room - external bathroom ### Single room - adjacent bathroom ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ### Deluxe private villa ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/sketchbook-journaling-retreat-ii-mike-lowery-katrin-wiehle-scotland](https://uptrek.com/retreat/sketchbook-journaling-retreat-ii-mike-lowery-katrin-wiehle-scotland) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*