# Vibrant Sketchbook Retreat with Artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker in Morocco Embark on a Transformative Art Retreat in Morocco!Have you dreamed of going to 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 sixth time.Come escape the cold winter and join Gayle and Jennifer for a warm getaway to the amazing Morocco. During the daytime, you can enjoy pleasantly mild temperatures and often bright sunshine, perfect for getting outside and soaking it all in. 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 getting inspired by Moroccan culture. Artists of all levels and ages are warmly welcomed!You’ll stay at the enchanting Moroccan 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. Highlights of your Moroccan adventure include:Two inspiring day trips into the heart of the regionA traditional tea ceremony and an argan oil demonstration hosted by local Berber womenLearning about natural Moroccan beauty products and Berber and Arabic handwriting Rejuvenating spa treatments such as the Moroccan steam bath ‘hammam’Relaxing optional morning yoga sessions to start your day All of this is paired with nourishing chef-prepared meals focused on, but not limited to, vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options. All dietary needs can be accommodated.You’ll create, connect, and find inspiration in one of the most captivating destinations in the world and enjoy the camaraderie of a supportive group of 16 other fellow artists.Let Morocco ignite your imagination and renew your creative spirit! ## Details - **Dates:** February 6 - 13, 2027 - **Location:** Agadir, Morocco - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Vibrant Sketchbook Retreat Join an art retreat like no other with artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker, set in the heart of Morocco. Now on their sixth retreat in Morocco, Jennifer and Gayle's deep knowledge of the country will open your eyes to the beauty of everyday life as you record your experiences in your sketchbook. Alongside a supportive community of 16 like-minded artists, you'll unlock the secrets of acrylic gouache and let your creativity flourish in a safe, nurturing environment. The retreat welcomes participants of all experience levels.Your instructors will lead daily demonstrations, share a wide range of techniques, offer personalised feedback, and above all, champion your self-expression every step of the way.Throughout the retreat you'll enjoy a mix of classes at the venue, in the studio and the lush gardens, as well as a series of inspiring art trips. One outing takes you to the imperial city of Taroudant, a city brimming with culture and heritage. You will explore the city through a horse-drawn carriage ride, as well as visit the nearby Palace Museum Claudio Bravo, where expansive, spectacular gardens and tranquil Moroccan landscapes will provide another source of inspiration. Another trip brings you to the charming seaside village of Tagazhout, where golden beaches and calm waters await to fuel your creativity. 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, offering 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 four included yoga sessions, participate in an argan oil demonstration with the local Berber women, and learn about natural Moroccan beauty products and Berber and Arabic handwriting. ### 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: 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?Return to the venue for a delicious lunch, then reconvene with your art group for another afternoon 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 Taroudant & visit to Claudio Bravo Palace Begin the day with a refreshing breakfast before a coffee check-in to chat about the day ahead. Gear up for an adventure to Taroudant, a city of long-standing history brimming with culture and heritage. Pass through its ancient gates into the Medina, where the towering city walls and intricate archways invite exploration. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city, soaking in all the mesmerizing views that this imperial town has to offer. You can use this time to sketch the stunning architecture, capture textures and patterns, or gather reference photos for later. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with artisans crafting leather and metal goods, provides endless opportunities for inspiration. Stop by a bustling local market and take a closer look at the stalls filled with spices, fruits, and handwoven fabrics, drawing inspiration from the kaleidoscope of aromas and colors. The day further takes you to the breathtaking Palace Museum Claudio Bravo, located just a short drive away from Taroudant. This vast estate, surrounded by lush gardens and elegant courtyards, offers a wealth of inspiration. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the palace grounds and soak in the spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. Continue the afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens of the palace, wandering through hidden walkways, exotic plants, and intricate historical exteriors. Stop by the tranquil pool and take a moment to relax, sketch, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the palace. As the afternoon comes to an end, return to the venue and enjoy some spare time to reset and unwind. The evening brings a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of wine, the perfect end to a day full of adventures. ### 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. Raise a glass and toast to a week full of creative discoveries, cherished memories, and new friendships. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and immortalize the moment with one last sketch of the beautiful farewell dinner. ### 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 ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/vibrant-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-morocco](https://uptrek.com/retreat/vibrant-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-morocco) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*