# Sketchbook Journaling Retreat with Mike Lowery and Katrin Wiehle in Greece Join a captivating sketchbook art retreat in Zakynthos, Greece, led by renowned illustrators Mike Lowery and Katrin Wiehle. This week-long retreat invites artists of all levels to explore watercolor, pen, and ink techniques while chronicling your artistic journey in sketchbooks inspired by the island’s stunning Mediterranean scenery.Mike and Katrin will help you start and maintain a solid daily sketchbook habit while demonstrating a treasure trove 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 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.Refill your creativity cup in a premium Greek villa, indulge in delicious chef-prepared meals, and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea. Connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and create a stunning travel sketchbook that celebrates your journey and the enchanting sights of Zakynthos. ## Details - **Dates:** June 29 - July 6, 2025 - **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece - **Starting Price:** $4,750 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Sketchbook Journaling Retreat Immerse yourself in creativity on the sun-soaked island of Zakynthos at an inspiring sketchbook retreat led by artists Mike Lowery and Katrin Wiehle. This retreat, set against the breathtaking Mediterranean backdrop, is open to all skill levels and combines hands-on artistic instruction with the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of illustration. Learn to start and keep a daily sketchbook habit, an invaluable tool for artists looking to take their skills to the next level and find endless inspiration in unexpected places.Mike and Katrin emphasize experimentation and innovation, teaching you to work with a range of mediums, including pen, ink, and watercolor, while guiding you in the art of travel journaling. You’ll discover strategies to push past creative blockages and develop a sustainable daily sketchbook habit. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, their inclusive approach ensures you’ll gain invaluable skills and leave the retreat feeling creatively empowered. If getting into the illustration industry is also something that interests you, Katrin and Mike have plenty of invaluable insights, discussions, and tips to share.During your stay, you’ll cover:How to start and maintain a daily sketchbook habitCreating a meaningful travel diarySimple hand-lettering techniques to enhance your sketchbooksStrategies for finding and capturing inspiration in your surroundingsInnovative ways to keep detailed notes of your travelsExercises to help overcome creative blockPen and ink drawing methodsColoring techniques designed for sketchbooks...and much more!In addition to these core topics, Mike and Katrin will host discussions on various industry-relevant topics, including:Using Procreate for digital drawingSelf-promotion strategies for artistsGrowing and managing your presence on InstagramDeveloping and refining your unique artistic styleNavigating the world of children’s book illustration...and much 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 Get transferred from Zakynthos Airport at 3:30 PM and arrive at the stunning seafront venue, standing proudly above the Mediterranean Sea. Unwind in your well-appointed room and freshen up. Explore the property on a pleasant orientation tour, discovering the inviting pool, the shala art studio, and well-designed common spaces.Enjoy a relaxing three-course welcome dinner and the vibrant company of your community, and hear more about your week ahead from Mike and Katrin. Sip on delicious wine as you get to know your fellow artists. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Begin your day with a revitalizing breakfast. Soon after, gather with everyone for a coffee check-in to set the day's creative tone. Start the morning class with an easygoing sketching warm-up. Mike and Katrin will talk about the advantages of keeping a daily sketchbook and give some tips on how to use one to its full potential. They'll introduce techniques to visually document your experiences while encouraging you to experiment with diverse materials.Enjoy a leisurely lunch, providing the perfect opportunity to relax, chat with new friends, and savor delightful Greek cuisine.After lunch, your afternoon class kicks off with a walk around the venue, where you'll draw inspiration from your surroundings. Mike and Katrin will share their sketchbook techniques, incorporating pen, ink, and watercolor. You'll then have the opportunity to experiment with what you've learned in a fun and creative exercise, with the azure sea as your muse.Unwind and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the venue in the late afternoon. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, take a leisurely walk to the nearby beach, or continue your artistic discussions, the time is yours to enjoy.As the day winds down, gather for a lovely chef-made dinner paired with a glass of wine. Revel in a beautiful evening in Zakynthos, enjoying good food, great company, and the refreshing sea breeze. ### Day 3: Trip to Zante Town Following a refreshing breakfast, start the day with a coffee check-in to prepare for the activities ahead. With your art materials in tow, set off on an exciting trip to Zante Town, the capital of Zakynthos, reached by a quick 30-minute shuttle ride.Zante Town, with its seamless blend of history and modern charm, promises to awaken your creativity. Meander through St. Mark's Square, where Venetian architecture with arched doorways and ornate balconies will captivate your creative spirit. Marvel at the frescoes of the Byzantine churches or immerse yourself in the warmth of traditional Greek homes. For a peaceful break, the beaches offer the perfect spot to soak in the sun. Whether you're snapping photos for future reference or sketching scenes in the town square, Mike and Katrin will offer tips for your travel diary along the way.After your visit, return to the venue for lunch, followed by an afternoon art session. Together with Mike and Katrin, you'll sift through the materials collected during the trip, selecting standout scenes to transfer into your sketchbook or develop further. With their careful guidance, you'll translate the day's experience into art.As the late afternoon unfolds, enjoy free time to relax, and later, gather again for a delightful dinner crafted by the private chef, complete with a glass of wine. ### Day 4: Art at the venue After a delicious breakfast, gather with Mike, Katrin, and your peers for the usual morning check-in. Take some time to review today's plans and discuss your progress, challenges, and artistic goals.In the sea-facing studio, continue refining your sketches inspired by Zante Town. This session is focused on translating the essence of your reference photos into quirky pieces. Mike and Katrin will demonstrate more sketching techniques, helping you capture mesmerizing scenes or lively seascapes. Work at your own pace and don't hesitate to ask your instructors for help if you ever need a hand.After a nourishing lunch, dive back into the afternoon class. Katrin and Mike will introduce creative ways to deal with artistic block. Your sketchbook is the perfect place to find new ways of working and bringing ideas to life. Today's session will help you use your sketchbook as a fountain of inspiration. Katrin and Mike will also share valuable insights about pitching book ideas and navigating the children's book market and broader illustration sectors.Afterward, unwind with some personal downtime, relax by the pool, or share stories and ideas with your fellow artists. For those seeking a change of scenery, a short walk to nearby Bouka Beach offers the perfect opportunity to set up under the open sky, sketching to the music of the waves.As the day draws to a close, celebrate your creative journey with a sumptuous dinner, perfectly paired with a glass of wine, as you reflect on your artistic growth. ### Day 5: Boat trip to Navagio Beach Start your day with a refreshing breakfast as you get ready for the upcoming adventure to Navagio Beach. Gather your art supplies and prepare for an exhilarating sailing trip.Setting sail from Porto Vromi, you'll glide over crystal-clear waters, with hidden caves and stunning rock formations. Spend the morning soaking in the beauty of the coastline—whether you're snapping reference photos of the rugged landscape or taking a refreshing swim if the weather allows. Your journey will lead you to Navagio Beach, where the famous Panagiotis shipwreck awaits. Once said to be involved in smuggling for the Italian Mafia during the 1980s, this mysterious relic has many stories to tell. From your boat, take the opportunity to study and photograph the wreck, or challenge yourself to sketch it in the moment. Afterward, sail back to Porto Vromi, where a shuttle will return you to the venue.Following a flavorful lunch, dive into an enriching art session. Drawing inspiration from your boat trip photos, you'll shift your focus to creating expansive coastal scenes. 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.As the evening sets in, indulge in a delectable three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, capping off the day with a satisfying meal. ### Day 6: Art at the venue On the sixth day of your retreat in Greece, the morning starts with a satisfying breakfast. Follow it up with the usual check-in over coffee, where you and your fellow artists will review the day’s plans.Guided by Mike and Katrin, you’ll explore the venue seeking inspiration for your sketches, or developing your previous works. Craft compositions that are both compelling and personal. They will help you explore integrating ink and pen for added structure and contrast. These combined methods will help you create pieces that reflect the vibrant culture of Greece and your own artistic vision.After a leisurely lunch, dive back into the afternoon session, reserved for further personal practice. If you need some extra guidance, Mike and Katrin will be on hand to demonstrate a more difficult technique, give you some pointers, or evaluate your work so far and suggest new directions.Once class concludes, enjoy your free time—whether that's unwinding by the pool or putting in some more time on your artwork. End the day with a delightful dinner prepared by the private chef, accompanied by a fine wine, as you celebrate another day of creative progress. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Start your final day with a hearty breakfast, then dive into your morning class, fully dedicated to adding the final touches to your journals. This is your moment to apply all the sketchbook techniques you’ve practiced throughout the retreat. Mike and Katrin will be on hand to offer personalized feedback and help you refine your work.Following lunch, it's time to step into the spotlight. Present your travel sketchbook in a mini-exhibition, where you’ll share and discuss your work with your peers in a supportive environment. 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.The retreat concludes with a special farewell dinner, complete with live Greek music and dancing. Enjoy this final evening with your new friends, savoring both the meal and the unforgettable experiences you’ve shared. ### 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 - **Mike Lowery** - Author and Children’s Book Illustrator - **Katrin Wiehle ** - Author and Illustrator ## Accommodation ### Stunning Greek Estate ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Shared penthouse ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior room - adjacent bathroom ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/sketchbook-journaling-retreat-mike-lowery-katrin-wiehle-greece](https://uptrek.com/retreat/sketchbook-journaling-retreat-mike-lowery-katrin-wiehle-greece) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*