Marrakech, Morocco
30 January – 07 February 2027.
Go with the Flow: An Intuitive Approach to En Plein Air Watercolour Painting in Marrakech, Morocco
Karen is an experienced outdoor painter located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, but her heart always leans toward the colours, rhythms, and surprises of painting on location—wherever she may be. In Marrakech, with its rose-tinted walls, bustling souks, serene riads, and ever-shifting desert light, she invites you to sink fully into the experience of place and let the energy of Morocco guide your brush.
David is an award winning plein air painter based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Like Karen, David’s love of interesting colour harmonies and the serendipity of painting en plein air drew him to the bejewelled city of Marrakech. Paired with Karen’s expertise in watercolour, David brings a wealth of knowledge working in pastel, and together they will guide you in your thrilling painting adventure in Morocco.
David’s approach to teaching, developed over 25 years, always starts with selecting an interesting composition, so spending time observing before jumping in ensures you will remain motivated throughout the creation of your pastel. The structure of the drawing is set first in light charcoal and initiates a period of slowly absorbing the scene and relaxing into a state of quiet study. Once the drawing is set, the colour comes out and the real excitement begins. Imagine lemony yellows, soft turquoises, and bright pinks played against more muted tones to make market scenes sing.
Sanded papers, of which there are many to choose from, allow great layering and saturation, and David will demonstrate his signature technique of using an underpainting to achieve amazing textures and layered colour. Pastels are an excellent medium to work outdoors as they are quick and lend themselves to an Impressionistic approach, so even if you are new to the medium, you will find them a joy to work in. With all the amazing locations to paint in Marrakech, you will find yourself immersed in a painter’s paradise.
Plein Air & Studio Painting
Delicious Gourmet Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
Workshop Highlights
Karen’s approach begins with a simple mantra:
Look three times,
Think twice,
Draw once.
Though she paints quickly and intuitively, every brushstroke is intentional. Throughout the retreat, you’ll be encouraged to slow down and absorb the atmosphere—the scents of spices drifting through the medina, the echo of voices in narrow alleyways, the glow of late-day sun over the Atlas Mountains. As you tune in, you’ll naturally begin to think less about copying a scene and more about translating the feeling of a moment onto paper.
A highlight of the week will be exploring the playful magic of yupo paper. Its smooth, bright white surface encourages looseness, spontaneity, and joyful experimentation—perfect for capturing the lively colour and movement of Marrakech. Karen will bring extra sheets for those unable to source it at home, and you’re equally welcome to work on traditional cotton rag paper if you prefer a more controlled, textured result.
We’ll begin the retreat with a relaxed introduction to working with both yupo and cotton papers, followed by quick, expressive warm-ups to shake off expectations and get comfortable with the materials. Each day will feature outdoor demonstrations in inspiring locations—quiet gardens, lively squares, shady courtyards—along with one-on-one guidance tailored to your skill level and goals. Studio time will be available as needed, and daily check-ins with short, friendly critiques will help you build clarity and confidence. Optional demos on technique will round out your practice, and by the end of the week you’ll also learn how to finish yupo paintings so they can be displayed without glass.
Some watercolour experience is helpful but not essential. Karen’s warm, supportive teaching style ensures that whether you’re taking your first steps into plein air painting or refining years of practice, you’ll find your rhythm, your confidence, and your own intuitive way to go with the flow—all in the heart of Marrakech.
Potential Itinerary:
Flights – there are direct flights to Marrakesh from Houston, San Francisco, Newark, Atlanta, and Chicago. For our Canadian friends: direct flights are also often available from Toronto and Montreal.
Day 1: Arrival at the airport, transfer by private car to the domaine. Settle in, relax and explore the property. Lunch (if required) and evening meal at the domaine.
Day 2: Guided tour of the Medina, special lunch and tour of the palace/ruins
Day 3: Full-day trip to the Atlas mountains or desert with sketching
Day 4: Rest day, painting at the villa, optional trip into Marrakesh
Day 5: Visit to the YSL museum and gardens + sketching
Day 6: Morning painting at the domain, visit to la Koutoubia and Jemaa el Fna
Day 7: Visit to the Souks, sketching and souvenir buying + farewell dinner
Day 8: Breakfast followed by departure for the airport via private car.
There are equally lots of other activities we can organise depending on your group. More plein air painting, Camel rides, a visit to a Berber village, and other historical and cultural sites to visit in Marrakesh. Pottery or rug making. Atlas valley, ourika valley. Art galleries. Visit to old Jewish quarters.
The Accommodation
What’s included
Excursions
Daily trips to tailored locations chosen by the artist and their group. Opportunities to explore, shop, paint plein air or gather inspiration for studio work.
Tuition
Every day you will receive group and one-to-one tuition outside or in the studio in the form of demonstrations and individual feedback.
Food
Fresh baked goods, fresh fruit salads & continental style breakfasts every day. Locally produced, freshly cooked lunches and evening meals. We will visit a couple of restaurants at your own expense.
Accommodation
7 Nights lodging on ourluxurious domaine with use of the heated swimming pool as well as access to the olive grove and surrounding property.
Shared bedroom & bathroom
€3550
This bedroom is for someone happy to share a bedroom and a bathroom. Female only. Ideal for 2 friends.
Private bedroom + ensuite
€4150
This bedroom is for someone who wants a private bedroom and their own ensuite bathroom.
Couple bedroom + ensuite
€5925
This is for a couple with a non-painting partner’s discounted rate.
