# Sunny & Joyful Sketchbook Retreat with Artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis in Portugal Join artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis (August Wren) and Gayle Kabaker on a life-changing creative sketchbook retreat on the gorgeous Algarve coast of Portugal. Learn to find your genuine creative voice, and how to develop your own sketchbook practice to preserve your memories with drawings and paintings. Develop your ability to find joy and beauty in the simple things of everyday life. Receive one-to-one guidance and be inspired by Gayle and Jennifer’s spontaneous and loose interpretive painting styles, which encourage letting go of perfection. No matter your level of skill, you will break through fears and be amazed by the end of the week at how much you will have grown in your abilities and your confidence. Stay at a stylish Portuguese Quinta rented exclusively for the group, with 2.5 acres of spectacular botanical gardens, a swimming pool, and premium rooms with private balconies overlooking the coastline. Discover the glorious sandy beaches, picturesque fishing towns, and spectacular rock formations while sailing on the Atlantic Ocean, and the beautiful 2000-year-old town of Lagos. Enjoy delicious vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian chef-made food every day paired with superb Portuguese wine. ## Details - **Dates:** May 19 - 26, 2024 - **Location:** Lagos, Algarve, Portugal - **Starting Price:** $4,250 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Sketchbooking in Portugal Unleash your creativity and discover the true beauty of everyday life through the power of sketch-booking in this inspiring retreat led by the talented artists, Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker. Join a community of 16 like-minded, creative souls and expand your artistic horizons while nurturing your authentic self-expression. Whether you're new to sketch-booking or an experienced artist, this retreat offers a supportive environment where you can grow and learn without judgment or pressure to produce a polished final product.By the end of the retreat, you'll have created a beautiful sketchbook to tell the story of your experiences in Portugal, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of acryl gouache, sketching on location, still-life painting, taking reference photos, and many more. Jennifer and Gayle's relaxed and interactive teaching style will help your best creative self come out of its shell, and find its own artistic mark. Your instructors will be there to perform demonstrations, offer one-to-one tuition, and offer personalized feedback whenever you need some extra help. Don't miss this opportunity to explore your artistic potential and connect with a network of kindred spirits in a truly transformative experience in the south of Portugal!Your muses will be the breathtaking natural beauty of the Algarve region, whose centerpiece is the variety of stunning coastal rock formations, shaped over millions of years by the wind and waves of the Atlantic Ocean. You'll practice sketching on location and taking inspiring reference photos aboard a traditional Portuguese sailing boat, where you'll embark on an exploration of the hidden crevasses and grottoes of the Algarvian coast. You'll also be inspired by the vibrancy and history of Lagos, an old port town with a rich cultural heritage. Its mix of influences (primarily originating with the Moors and the Portuguese explorers) is present in every colorful building, intricate wall carving, the narrow, cobbled streets, and the day-to-day life of those who call Lagos home - all fascinating elements to explore in your sketchbook.You’ll be using acryl gouache, and cover topics such as:Introduction to acryl gouacheHow to layout a sketchbook page - various methods and ideasColor exploration - learn how to mix colors and find color palettes that you loveHow to let your creativity wander and not pick at detailsCreating expressive artwork from reference photosPutting amazing views to the page, or painting the subtle details of still lifeLessons based on specific desires from the group, such as painting faces and figures, painting water, and painting on a dark backgroundBeyond painting alongside Gayle and Jennifer every day, you'll also have plenty of free time to discover the vast estate at Quinta Bonita, enjoy delectable Portuguese food, and share your experiences with other artists over a drink of local wine. ### Day 1: Arrival Get transferred from Faro Airport at 3:00 PM and arrive at Quinta Bonita. Take some time to settle into your premium accommodation and explore the breathtakingly beautiful property. Immerse yourself in the lovely gardens, stylishly designed common spaces, terraces, and private swimming pool, and let the serenity of your surroundings wash over you.Later in the evening, meet up with your fellow retreat participants and your instructors, Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker for a welcome drink. Get to know each other and chat about your expectations for the week ahead. Then, indulge in a special welcome dinner prepared by the private chef at Quinta Bonita. Savor the flavors of Portugal while enjoying a glass of fine local wine, and let the excitement of the coming week fill you with anticipation. ### Day 2: Painting at the venue Begin your first day of the art retreat with a delectable breakfast followed by a class instructed by Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis. You will have the option to sketch and paint either inside the studio or outside, in the blooming garden at the Quinta. This first day presents a great opportunity to contemplate your artistic and personal growth goals for the duration of the retreat. Gayle and Jennifer will briefly introduce the course objectives and schedule, and answer any of your questions about the teaching plan. Spend the morning class getting acquainted with your materials, acryl gouache, and get a refresher on the basics of the medium, as well as an intro to sketch-booking, from your instructors. Get inspired by the vivid tapestry of flowers found in the Quinta garden or by the painting subjects provided by Gayle and Jennifer.Sketch the native plants, capture the sweeping vista seen from the Quinta of the Lagos Marina and Praia da Luz, or scribble down scenes at the venue that describe your mood for this first day. After lunch, keep working on your sketchbook, and follow along with the demonstrations performed by Jennifer and Gayle. They will showcase their own work and teach you how to express your creativity in your unique style and method. You will learn how to interpret and simplify what you observe and transform a sketch into a painting.There'll be another break during your second class and dinner; explore the gardens further and enjoy the greenery, relax by the pool or take a dip if the weather's warm enough, or relax with a book on the airy terrace of the Quinta. The day ends with a scrumptious three-course dinner created by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of local wine. ### Day 3: Art trip to Lagos Begin your third day with a refreshing breakfast, then gear up for an art trip to the historic city of Lagos, a quiet town brimming with cultural heritage, amazing architecture, and Portuguese authenticity. Its renowned beauty is thanks to the ancient wall that encircles the old town, many historical monuments found in the 2000-year-old city center, and the melange of cultures that marked its history. The city witnessed the rise and fall of many empires, including the Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Barbarians, and lastly, Christians, while being an important maritime hub during the Portuguese era of nautical exploration. With the help of a guide, you'll explore the most important landmarks, wander the cobbled streets and learn more about the city's intriguing history. You'll find plenty of subjects for your sketchbook or reference photos among the ornate azulejos found on the colorful houses (traditional ceramic tilework), the town center and bustling shops, and most importantly, the landmark that gave Lagos its privileged status throughout history - it's Marina filled with white-sailed boats.Enjoy a local delicious treat such as pesticos and a tasty coffee at a bistro next to the Marina , then go shopping for souvenirs and interesting trinkets to boast about back home among the many boutiques downtown. Walk along the Avenida and take in the spirit of the city. If you'd like to get closer to the refreshing sea breeze, make a quick detour to one of the many golden beaches surrounding Lagos and soak in the sun. Return to the venue in time for lunch, then go over your sketches and reference photos from Lagos during the afternoon class. You'll practice techniques for turning a reference photo into beautiful artwork. After your afternoon leisure time and a three-course delicious dinner paired with local wine, hang out with your fellow retreat participants and listen to Gayle and Jennifer share secrets and tips about their successful art business. ### Day 4: Painting in the garden Following breakfast, continue your exploration of the beautiful gardens at Quinta Bonita - the 2,5 acres of botanical Italian gardens, cared for by the owners of the venue, house an incredible variety of flowers, palms, and plants from all over the world, as well as a generous orchard. There are many subjects to choose from for a sketchbook study, such as fig trees, plums, pears, apples, cherries, pomegranates, limes, lemons, apricots, oranges...and many more. If you need a moment to refresh, work by the whispering water fountains, which create a scene reminiscent of a Renaissance painting. Gayle and Jennifer will teach you even more techniques for sketch booking and acrylic gouache, such as laying out a sketchbook page or choosing a cohesive color palette.Take a lunch break to enjoy some light bites, then return for your afternoon classes, resuming your study of the garden greenery. Jennifer and Gayle will offer you one-to-one instruction and advice, will perform demonstrations of various techniques, and will be there to answer any questions you may have about the taught material. If you ever get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for feedback, either from your instructors or even your fellow retreat participants. ### Day 5: Painting at the venue Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast, then start your morning classes with Jennifer and Gayle in the studio, or the sunny garden. You'll continue your exploration into sketch-booking and experimenting with acryl gouache. Get inspired by the beautiful scenery around the venue, or by the plants in the colorful Italian garden, and follow along with your instructor's demonstrations and explanations. If you need a little extra help, Gayle and Jennifer will spend some one-to-one time with you, going over techniques that will take your skills the extra mile.Take a lunch break, then resume your classes in the afternoon. You'll have time during this class to add the finishing touches to today's sketches, and you'll have the opportunity to ask Gayle and Jennifer more questions about their artistic careers. Their years of experience cover many topics of interest for both beginner artists and those who are already working towards a career in art, from growing your following on social media to overcoming creative blocks and finding your own voice.If you haven't paid a visit to the nearby beach yet, now's a good opportunity to do so, during your leisure time in the afternoon. Soak in the sun and enjoy the calming sound of the rolling waves. To end the day, revel in a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef on the terrace, enjoyed with a glass of fragrant wine and your newfound community of artists and fellow creatives. Get excited for the upcoming sailing adventure the following day! ### Day 6: Sailing art trip After breakfast, gear up for a day of adventure. Set off on a traditional Portuguese sailing boat with your art group and feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin, surrounded by the stunning blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The boat will take you along the breathtaking Algarvian coastline, with its towering cliffs, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. As you sail towards the grottoes, you'll pass by dramatic rock formations and see the waves crashing against the rugged shoreline. You can take reference photos of the grottoes, which are illuminated by the sun's rays that filter through the narrow openings in the rock formations. Get inspired by the dance of light and shadow, in their fiery tango over the crested, rugged walls. Try your hand at sketching the stunning views, or go for a swim if you're feeling adventurous. Before lunch, you'll return to the shore, feeling invigorated by the adventure, the natural beauty, and the sense of freedom that comes with a sailing trip to the grottoes in Algarve.After grabbing a bite to eat at the venue, continue your classes with Jennifer and Gayle, going over the photos and sketches you've made during your sailing art trip. Focus on creating a balanced composition, and emphasizing the unique shape of the landscape by using light and contrast to your advantage. Gayle and Jennifer will offer feedback fit to your needs and personal challenges, and give you individual help if you feel the need for some extra guidance. Enjoy your afternoon leisure time chatting with your fellow artists on the terrace about the sailing trip, then end the day with a flavorful three-course dinner, washed down with a glass of delicious local wine. ### Day 7: Painting marathon On the last day of your retreat, you'll be challenged to participate in a marathon painting day with Jennifer and Gayle in the studio. The aim is to produce as many paintings as possible, guided by your instructors, allowing you to exercise your newly acquired observation skills and capture the essence of inspiring views and objects. This is a chance to let your creative spirit run free in the ultimate loose painting exercise.You can draw inspiration from the stunning retreat venue gardens, reference pictures taken during trips, the items provided by Jennifer and Gayle, or sketches you started earlier during the retreat. After breaking for lunch, the marathon will continue until the evening. As a final exercise, you'll share your artwork with the group, presenting the piece you're most proud of, and discussing how each of you has changed and grown artistically.You'll celebrate your accomplishments, the friendships you've formed, and the beautiful memories you've created at Quinta Bonita with a farewell dinner, paired with discretionary wine and a joyous atmosphere. ### Day 8: Departure Have breakfast with Gayle, Jannifer and the art group as you prepare for your departure, bid farewell to your fellow artists, and get ready for your transfer to Faro Airport. Check-out time is at 10:00 AM, and you should expect to reach Faro Airport at approximately 11:00 AM. ## Instructors - **Gayle Kabaker** - Illustrator, Writer, Visual storyteller - **Jennifer Orkin Lewis** - Artist, Illustrator, Author, Teacher ## Accommodation ### Quinta Bonita ### Shared triple ensuite room ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite room - garden view ### Shared deluxe ensuite room - seaview ### Master suite with seaview ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/sunny-and-joyful-sketchbook-retreat-with-artists-gayle-kabaker-and-jennifer-orkin-lewis](https://uptrek.com/retreat/sunny-and-joyful-sketchbook-retreat-with-artists-gayle-kabaker-and-jennifer-orkin-lewis) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*