# Slow Art Journaling Retreat with Artist Amy Maricle in Greece Immerse yourself in a serene and mindful art journaling retreat with Amy Maricle on the sun-drenched island of Zakynthos, Greece. This week-long journey invites artists of all experience levels to slow down, tune into the beauty of the natural world, draw and paint from nature, and put it together in a dynamic art journal. Throughout the retreat, you’ll enjoy peaceful sessions in a breathtaking Mediterranean setting, learning to approach art-making as a calming, meditative practice. Amy will guide you in developing your own slow-drawing patterns, and in drawing and painting the beauty around you in Greece. Wander through the historic streets of Zante, absorbing the charm and history of this lively Greek town, and visit the iconic Navagio Beach, where you’ll have the chance to reflect on and capture Greece’s beauty through your own artistic lens. Settle into a welcoming Greek villa with nourishing, chef-prepared meals and sweeping views of the sea. Connect with like-minded artists, sharing insights and reflections as you create an art journal that tells the story of your incredible experience in Greece. ## Details - **Dates:** May 17 - 24, 2025 - **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece - **Starting Price:** $4,250 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Slow Art Journaling Retreat Immerse yourself in the gentle practice of mindful art on the sunlit island of Zakynthos with artist Amy Maricle. Set against a stunning Mediterranean backdrop, this retreat welcomes artists of all experience levels, inviting each participant to explore the depth and joy of tuning into nature’s beauty to slowly draw and paint what you see. With Amy’s guidance, dive into a practice that will help you find the joy of tuning into nature’s details, whether you are on a gorgeous Greek island or in your own backyard. Throughout this retreat, Amy will encourage you to embrace a mindful approach to art, focusing on slow art making as a way to center yourself, find calm, and quiet the inner critic. You’ll explore techniques that invite you to draw inspiration from the natural beauty around you to create patterns and journal pages that reflect your unique experience. Each session offers a space to experiment with watercolor, pens, collage, and dynamic movable elements. You will weave these elements together to build an interactive art journal filled with surprise and delight. Amy Maricle, an experienced and nurturing instructor, will lead you through a journey of slowing down your artistic process, encouraging you to view the natural world with wonder. Amy's teaching style is both insightful and supportive, ensuring that artists of all levels find inspiration and growth. During your stay, you’ll cover:Experiencing the art of slow drawing, where each line and mark becomes a meditative practiceLearning watercolor foundations, including color mixing, washes, bleeds, and moreCalming the inner critic, helping to focus on the joy of creatingLearning to connect with the natural world through mindful drawing techniques that embrace imperfection and allow you to draw more accurately than you thought possible.Using tracing paper layers to create layers of depth and mystery with your drawings.Approaching art with a mindset of mindfulness and calmUsing reflective writing to deepen your art practice.Creating an interactive journal of your drawings and paintings with moving elements including pop-ups, envelopes, flaps, and doors.Rediscovering the playful spirit within your creative process...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 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 Amy 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 Start your day with a nourishing breakfast, embracing the calm that the morning brings. Soon after, meet with everyone over coffee for a gentle check-in, setting the tone for the day’s creative journey.The morning class opens with a relaxed introduction to creating slow drawing patterns. Amy will guide you on a mindful walk around the venue, encouraging you to take in textures, colors, and patterns that spark inspiration. As you return to the studio, Amy will share her own thoughtful approach to pattern-making, demonstrating each step and inviting you to observe and connect with the process. Slow down and focus on each line, curve, and shape as a way of bringing quiet awareness to the page.Enjoy a laid-back lunch, then return to your creative practice, taking time to develop your own patterns. This is your space to explore, experiment, and immerse yourself in mindful mark-making. With materials like watercolor, ink, pens, and collage, you’ll find yourself drawn into the flow, letting go of expectations and allowing the process itself to unfold.As the afternoon wanes, feel free to unwind in the serene surroundings. Whether you relax by the pool, stroll down to the beach, or continue conversations with fellow artists, the space and time are yours to savor. In the evening, gather with the group for a chef-prepared dinner, where you can reflect on the day’s journey over a glass of wine. Enjoy the peace of the moment and the company of your fellow artists. ### Day 3: Trip to Zante Town After a refreshing breakfast, ease into the day with a coffee check-in, centering yourself and setting intentions for the creative journey 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.In Zante Town, let your surroundings guide your creativity. Wander through St. Mark's Square, where Venetian architecture with its intricate arches and balconies encourages you to pause and observe each unique detail. Find moments of reflection among the frescoed Byzantine churches or take in the welcoming colors of traditional Greek homes. For a quiet break, stroll down to the beach, letting the sounds and textures of the sea bring a sense of calm. This time is for soaking in the environment, capturing details through mindful observation, photography, or quick sketches.Returning to the venue for a relaxed lunch, you’ll recharge for the afternoon session. Under Amy’s guidance, continue translating your inspiration into your art journal, focusing on mindful seeing and drawing from nature. Embrace the beauty of slowing down, using blind contour drawing to capture each shape, twist, and texture of what you observed—whether it’s a leaf, a flower petal, or a distant landscape. Let yourself focus on truly seeing rather than reproducing an image from memory. Layer your observations to bring your art journal to life. Let each mark unfold organically, emphasizing the experience over any final outcome.As the day winds down, take some time to relax, whether by the pool or on a quiet stroll. Later, join the group for a casual dinner, enjoying a meal together and sharing reflections on the day’s creative journey. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Following a nourishing breakfast, gather with Amy and your fellow artists for a morning check-in, creating a quiet space to review your intentions for the day, share any creative challenges, and connect with your artistic goals.In the serene, sea-facing studio, settle into the day’s mindful practice, which centers on creating interactive journal elements. Amy will guide you through the art of crafting unique and personal additions to your journal, such as doors, windows, pockets, and envelopes. Approach your art slowly and intentionally, focusing on each layer as an act of quiet discovery. Using watercolor, ink, pens, and collage, build a deeply personal and thoughtful art journal, taking your time to explore and experiment without rushing.After a satisfying lunch, return to your creative space for an afternoon focused on the gentle flow of collage work. Combine elements with a sense of playfulness, seeing how each piece can unfold naturally. Using collected textures and shapes, you’ll bring layers together mindfully, enjoying the freedom to explore without specific expectations.As the day unwinds, embrace a bit of personal time. Take a stroll down to Bouka Beach to sketch while listening to the sound of the waves, or simply relax by the pool to reflect on the day's creative journey. The day concludes with a relaxed dinner, accompanied by a glass of wine. ### Day 5: Boat trip to Navagio Beach Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast as you prepare for an inspiring adventure to Navagio Beach. Gather your art supplies and step into the peaceful rhythm of the day, ready to experience the coastal beauty.From Porto Vromi, you’ll set sail across calm, crystal-clear waters, passing hidden caves and dramatic rock formations. Take in the serene coastline, capturing reference photos of the rugged landscapes, or, if weather allows, enjoy a cooling swim. Your journey will bring you to the iconic Navagio Beach, home to the famed Panagiotis shipwreck—a relic steeped in mystery and stories of its rumored smuggling past with the Italian Mafia in the 1980s. Allow yourself to quietly observe and photograph the scene, perhaps sketching elements of the shipwreck as you reflect on its history. Afterward, sail back to Porto Vromi, where a shuttle awaits to bring you back to the venue.After a satisfying lunch, settle into an afternoon art session with Amy, embracing a slower, more mindful approach to drawing and painting. Drawing inspiration from the morning’s journey, immerse yourself in creating expressive coastal scenes with watercolor, ink, and collage. Amy will guide you in slow, deliberate techniques that allow the process to unfold naturally, encouraging you to embrace each step. Do not rush to capture an image but rather savor each line, color, and layer, allowing your artwork to become a reflection of your inner experience.As the day transitions to evening, come together for a relaxing, chef-prepared dinner. Reflect on the day’s creative journey and enjoy the peaceful evening, a perfect end to a day of mindful exploration and art. ### Day 6: Art at the venue On the sixth day of your retreat in Greece, start with a nourishing breakfast, followed by a quiet coffee check-in with fellow artists, setting a gentle intention for the day ahead.The morning invites you to continue working on pieces from earlier in the retreat, giving yourself space to reconnect with what you’ve already created. Amy will encourage you to quiet any inner criticism, allowing yourself to explore freely without judgment. As you settle into your practice, let the surrounding beauty and memories of the week’s adventures guide you, perhaps starting a new piece inspired by a moment that deeply resonated with you on this journey.After a relaxed lunch, return for a mindful afternoon session focused on creating slow drawing patterns. Working with tracing paper, you’ll experiment with layering techniques, allowing patterns to gently emerge in their own time. Each layer and mark you add invites reflection, deepening your connection to the process and encouraging you to embrace the flow of your creativity.As the day softens into evening, unwind in your free time. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, go for a quiet walk, or continue working on your art, this time is yours to savor. Later, come together for a relaxed dinner prepared by the chef, paired with a glass of wine, celebrating another day of creativity, connection, and mindful art-making. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Begin your final day with a hearty breakfast, savoring the calm before stepping into a morning of focused creativity. Gather in the open studio, where you’ll have dedicated time to complete and refine your journals, adding any final touches that bring together all the mindful techniques and thoughtful details you’ve explored throughout the retreat. Immerse yourself in each element of your journal, allowing the journey to come full circle on the pages in front of you.After lunch, the afternoon invites you to share your work in a supportive mini-gallery showing. Each artist will have the chance to display their journal and share the unique stories and inspirations behind their pieces. In this quiet celebration of creativity and growth, you’ll offer and receive gentle feedback, honoring the personal journey each journal reflects. Celebrate not just what you’ve created but how your new approach to art has shaped your experience.To conclude the retreat, gather for a farewell dinner, accompanied by live Greek music and dancing, marking the end of a beautiful week together. Enjoy the shared meal and lively company, embracing the friendships and memories that have blossomed over your time in Greece. ### 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 - **Amy Maricle** - Mindfulness Artist ## Accommodation ### Stunning Greek Estate ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Shared penthouse (female only) ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior room - adjacent bathroom ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/slow-art-journaling-retreat-artist-amy-maricle-greece](https://uptrek.com/retreat/slow-art-journaling-retreat-artist-amy-maricle-greece) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*