Artist Retreats California

I highly recommend this retreat to anyone searching for lessons in living creatively, instruction in painting and drawing or simply a retreat to one of the most beautiful locations on this planet. I look forward to returning at sometime to a future retreat! I first learned about the retreat online after seeing an article in Oprah Magazine. I was intrigued by the concept of retreating from the world, demands of home and family, and focusing on artistic expression and creativity. We all live such busy lives and it is truly a gift to take a week for yourself to slow down and get back to a lifelong passion-creating art. It was so rewarding my only wish was that I had discovered these retreats sooner!

The entire week was all about living your life differently. It's not about one week of instruction in technique; although there is amazing instruction and demonstrations of sketching, painting in gouache and using water soluble wax. It was more about lessons in living your life creatively...learning to look at the world in a different way. We were introduced to poetry, movies of artist's lives, lectures about different styles of art, stories of the lives of artists and their works. Each day Anna read poetry or shared an inspirational thought to consider. She asked us to tune out from the distractions of cell phones and needless chatter or conversation. It was a simple thing to do...and very helpful!

Each of our five senses were thoughtfully considered: Taste-the food catered for lunch daily was simply delicious! Every day we had teas, filtered water and fruit to snack on. Sight-the lovely studio with an amazing display of flowers, objects of art, and fresh vegetables to gaze upon. Touch-the feeling of the highest quality papers and art supplies in our hands. Smell-the fresh air of Carmel drifting in the open window, and the scent of lovely flowers on every corner. Hearing- the lovely classical music played while we painted and also the sound of the ocean on our beach day and on the daily walks on the beach.

We stayed in beautiful Carmel. Simply walking to and from the studio each day was inspiring because of the beauty of the flowers, beach, sky and local galleries. We had a beach day and were instructed to paint the sky and water. We learned about the importance of being part of an artistic community. I was nourished mind, body and soul. I have many memories...the Chimes ginger chews in our welcoming gift, the lovely flowers and beautiful arrangement we selected items from to paint.the delicious...