# Transformative Sketchbook Retreat II with Artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker in Morocco Embark on a Transformative Art Retreat in Morocco!Have you dreamed of Morocco but felt daunted by traveling there on your own? This is your chance. Join artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis for an unforgettable creative journey—returning to magical Morocco for the fourth time.Over the course of this immersive retreat, you’ll build a lasting sketchbook practice, learning how to capture vivid memories and emotions on the page. With daily classes, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback from your two experienced instructors, you’ll grow as an artist while soaking in the inspiration of Moroccan culture. Artists of all levels are warmly welcomed!You’ll stay at the enchanting Atlas Kasbah, a traditional eco-lodge surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The hosts and staff are known for their warmth and attentiveness, offering not just comfort but deep knowledge of Morocco’s history, architecture, and culture. Between UpTrek’s expert organization and the Kasbah’s extraordinary care, you’ll feel completely supported and safe.Highlights of your Moroccan adventure include:Two inspiring day trips to experience the richness of the regionA traditional tea ceremony and an argan oil demonstration led by local Berber womenAn unforgettable Berber folk music performance under the starsTime to indulge in the hammam and enjoy spa treatments on siteAll of this is paired with nourishing chef-prepared meals and the camaraderie of a supportive group of 16 fellow artists.Together, you’ll create, connect, and find inspiration in one of the most captivating destinations in the world.Let Morocco ignite your imagination, renew your spirit, and transform your art! ## Details - **Dates:** September 25 - October 2, 2026 - **Location:** Agadir, Morocco - **Starting Price:** $4,450 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Transformative Sketchbook Retreat Join an art retreat like no other with artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker, taking place in the heart of Morocco. As this is Jennifer and Gayle's fouth retreat in Morocco, your instructors' expertise will open your eyes to the beauty of everyday life, as you record your adventures in your sketchbook. Joined by a supportive community of 16 other like-minded artists, you'll learn the secrets of acrylic gouache, and let your creativity loose in a safe, supportive environment. The retreat is open to participants of all levels of experience.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!Throughout the retreat, you'll have plenty of classes at the venue (in the studio or the lush gardens), along with inspiring art trips. You’ll have the option to explore the lively Souk El Had of Agadir, the largest urban market in Morocco, where vibrant stalls brim with spices, fabrics, and handmade goods, followed by a cable car ride offering sweeping views of the coast and a visit to a centuries-old fortress. Another trip will take you to the enchanting Coco Polizzi Medina, a reconstructed village that beautifully captures traditional Berber architecture with its carved wooden doors, tiled courtyards, and winding alleys. Finally, you’ll spend a day in the seaside village of Taghazout, a laid-back fishing town with golden beaches and clear waters, where you’ll have time to sketch on location and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.Together with Gayle and Jennifer, you'll cover topics such as:Introduction to acrylic 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 photosDepicting amazing landscapes 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 background...and so much more!Your venue for this retreat, a traditional fortress, stands as a testament to eco-luxury. As an eco-lodge, it harmonizes with its surroundings, providing a tranquil space to learn and create. Its surroundings feature verdant valleys, traditional villages, and a stunning coastline, providing an ever-present inspiration for your artwork.Moreover, you'll experience the full extent of local Berber hospitality through several special activities. You'll take part in a traditional tea ceremony, rejuvenate with a complimentary hammam bath and three included yoga sessions, participate in an argan oil demonstration with the local Berber women, and enjoy a Berber folk band concert on the final evening. ### Day 1: Arrival Land at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) and hop on the 1:00 PM transfer to the venue. Once there, unpack and unwind in your cozy room. Settle in, then meet artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker, as well as your art group. Join a delightful tour the airy terraces, lush gardens, and inviting common spaces. As dusk settles, gather with your fellow participants for a delectable three-course welcome dinner, each bite enhanced by a glass of wine. ### Day 2: Art classes and tea ceremony Start your second day at the retreat with an optional yoga class in the early morning. Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast, then gather with your group over coffee for a check-in.During the morning class, you'll get more familiar with the medium of acrylic gouache. Go over the basics with a couple of fun warm-ups designed by Gayle and Jennifer, and follow their sketching demonstrations. You'll fill in the first few pages of your sketchbook, inspired by the lush vegetation surrounding the venue or the stunning landscape seen from the terraces.Refuel with a delicious lunch before joining the afternoon class. You'll reconvene in the studio or on the terraces for a hands-on practice session. As you work, Gayle and Jennifer will perform more demos, explaining their approach to sketching and giving you examples from their own sketchbooks. Learn to interpret and simplify what you see, further developing your sketches into wonderful paintings.In the afternoon, prepare for a special event: a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony. This cherished ritual is an essential element of Morocco's culture of hospitality. Guided by an officiant, engage your senses as you sip on the high-quality mint tea. This is a perfect occasion to sketch the deliberate, gracious gestures emblematic of this ceremony, as well as the officiant's traditional attire.Conclude the day with a sumptuous three-course dinner and reflect on your progress so far, or chat with your fellow artists. ### Day 3: Art trip to Taghazout Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast, then gather around for a coffee and a check-in, preparing for the first exciting art trip of your retreat.You'll visit the tranquil fishing town of Taghazout, known for some of the most breathtaking beaches in Morocco. After a scenic 1-hour drive past the Atlas mountain range, you'll reach the whitewashed houses of Taghazout. Bask in the sun's embrace on the golden sands, or let your creativity flow with a quick sketch. The location is perfect for studying the coastal landscape or painting the local beachgoers and surfers. If the weather's warm enough, why not go for a quick dip in the sea?You'll enjoy a delicious packed lunch, then return to the venue in the afternoon. Reconvene with your art group for another class, where you'll leverage the fresh inspiration gathered in Taghazout. Continue filling your sketchbook with beautiful paintings, using your reference photos or sketches as a starting point. As you work, Gayle and Jennifer will be available for tailored feedback and advice.Enjoy your free time in the late afternoon, then wind down with a chef-made dinner and a glass of wine, reflecting on your seaside adventure. ### Day 4: Art classes and argan oil demo Start the day with another refreshing yoga class, then enjoy breakfast with your group. Over a cup of coffee, check in with each other's progress and learn more about the plans for the day.Set your materials in the paradisiac gardens of the venue for another display of Berber customs and traditions. Joined by a group of local Berber artisans, you'll witness an Argan oil demonstration. Learn more about the history of this noble oil, how the local Berber women have harvested it for centuries, and how it was used in beauty rituals. During the demonstration, take this opportunity to paint and sketch, with the Berber women as your subjects. They bring their beautiful, pure products to sell, making this a win-win for all! Take a break with a light lunch, then return to your classes in the afternoon. It's time for another hands-on practice session as you continue developing your sketches from the morning. As always, Gayle and Jennifer will be there in case you need extra help, giving you tips to make your paintings truly shine.In the late afternoon, spend your free time as you wish. Wander the gardens, sketch on your own, or exchange stories with fellow participants. Dinner comes with another traditional feast, prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of wine. ### Day 5: Trip to Souk El Had & Coco Polizzi Medina Begin the day with a refreshing breakfast before a coffee check-in to chat about the day ahead. Gear up for an adventure to Agadir’s bustling Souk El Had, the largest urban market in Africa and an authentic Moroccan experience in itself.Here, let the kaleidoscope of spices, fruits, and handwoven fabrics inspire you. Hunt for unique finds to bring home as souvenirs, snap a few reference photos, or gather inspiration for your sketches by observing the locals go about their day. Cap your visit with a cable car ride, taking you all the way up to the Agadir Oufla fort. You'll be able to spot some stunning panoramas of the coast.Return to the venue for lunch before heading to Coco Polizzi Medina, a striking architectural and cultural landmark on the outskirts of Agadir.Once inside this recreated fortress-like Medina, with its arched gateways, tiled courtyards, and maze-like alleyways, you’ll set up your materials for an immersive painting session. Surrounded by traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and blooming gardens, you’ll sketch the distinctive towers and stonework of Coco Polizzi, practicing how to capture structure and atmosphere directly on the page. Jennifer and Gayle will guide you in painting with freedom and looseness, showing you how to suggest the essence of the Medina’s architecture without being tied down to every detail.Use your spare time to relax, reflect, or roam the venue grounds—maybe start a new sketch or connect with fellow artists. Evening brings a three-course chef-made dinner with wine, the perfect end to an adventurous day. ### Day 6: Art at the venue Ground yourself with another yoga session in the early morning, then refuel with some tasty breakfast. Over a relaxed check-in, find out more about the plans for the day.Set up your materials in the verdant gardens of the venue for an insightful class about on-location painting. Inspired by the unique architecture of the venue, the surrounding landscape, and the blooming plants, you'll depict the likeness of the fortress in your sketchbook. Practice your ability to transpose what you see onto paper. Jennifer and Gayle will help you paint more loosely and avoid getting bogged down in details.Take a break during lunch, then return to your classes in the afternoon. Jennifer and Gayle will help you refine the paintings you started in the sketchbook but haven't had the time to finish yet. Add that final bit of polish while listening to the valuable insights of your instructors. You'll also prepare for the painting marathon, taking place the following day.Spend the rest of the evening lounging by the pool and chatting with your fellow creatives, then treat yourself to a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of wine. ### Day 7: Art class at the venue Your final day of the retreat starts with another relaxing yoga session, followed by a delightful breakfast. Today's classes bring a unique challenge: a full-day painting marathon in the studio. As guided by Gayle and Jennifer, you'll try to paint as many pieces as possible in a loose and expressive way. This fast-paced exercise will help you push your limits, focusing less on painting everything perfectly and just letting your creativity flow.The painting marathon will continue after a lunch break. Return to the studio to complete the challenge, which will last until the evening. As a final exercise, you'll have the chance to present your work during a relaxed mini-exhibition with your group. Discuss your amazing progress, and give and receive constructive feedback from your peers.As the sun dips, come together one last time for a special farewell dinner featuring delicious wine. The evening is made even more memorable with a live performance from a Berber folk band, encapsulating the magic of Morocco. Immortalize the moment with one last sketch of the mesmerizing performers. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast together, exchange any last contacts, and catch the 10:00 AM transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), arriving at the airport at around 1:30 PM. ## Instructors - **Jennifer Orkin Lewis** - Artist, Illustrator, Author, Teacher - **Gayle Kabaker** - Illustrator, Writer, Visual storyteller ## Accommodation ### Traditional Eco-Lodge ### Shared standard ensuite room (female only) ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/transformative-sketchbook-retreat-ii-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-morocco](https://uptrek.com/retreat/transformative-sketchbook-retreat-ii-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-morocco) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*