Rehann Vazid Marrakech Retreat
15 – 22 January 2028
Where Light Teaches Color
This workshop is about learning to see color the way painters always have – through light. In Marrakech, color is not just something we choose from a palette; it is something revealed by the sun, by the desert air, by the shifting warmth and coolness of the day. Over the course of the retreat, we’ll explore how light shapes color and how that understanding can transform the way you paint.
Through demonstrations, discussions and Plein air painting sessions, I’ll guide you through the foundations of expressive watercolor—working wet into wet, understanding edge control and using color not just to describe a scene but to create mood and atmosphere. We’ll look beyond painting as well, drawing inspiration from artists, photography and visual storytelling to understand how color has long been used to evoke feeling.
Between our painting sessions and excursions through the markets, gardens and architecture of Marrakech, you’ll have time to slow down, observe and gather impressions. The goal is not simply to paint what you see, but to translate the light, energy and spirit of this remarkable place into color on paper. By the end of the week, you’ll return home not just with paintings, but with a deeper understanding of how light can guide every color you place on the page.
Plein Air & Studio Painting
Delicious Gourmet Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
What To Expect
Join us for a week immersed in color, light and creativity in one of the most visually captivating places in the world. This retreat brings together travel, painting, rest and exploration—an experience where every day offers a new blend of Moroccan culture, artistic discovery, and creative inspiration.
This retreat welcomes painters as well as non-painting partners who simply wish to travel, rest, and explore alongside us. As we move through our days, you’ll be encouraged to sketch, photograph, and collect impressions everywhere we go.
We’ll spend our time soaking up the golden light of Marrakech, wandering through gardens and markets, and discovering the rich textures and patterns that make this destination so extraordinary—from the iconic gardens of Yves Saint Laurent to the vibrant medinas and souks. One of the highlights of the week will be a plein air day in either the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert, where the landscape itself becomes our classroom.
Throughout the retreat, we’ll explore how to paint with courage and looseness—moving beyond hesitation and unlocking the expressive power of watercolor. Together we’ll practice bold brushwork, learning to let go of fear and make confident strokes that carry energy and clarity. We’ll also dive into the glow of watercolor, discovering how transparency, layering, and timing create luminosity in skies, water, and light-filled landscapes.
Color will be at the heart of our exploration. Through limited palettes and warm–cool contrasts, we’ll experiment with pushing pigments to reveal vibrancy without muddiness. You’ll learn practical techniques for capturing light—dropping clean colour into wet washes, understanding harmony, and avoiding overworking your painting.
Our small, close-knit group creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere where friendships form naturally, laughter comes easily, and creativity flows freely. The retreat balances guided instruction with open creative time, allowing you to grow your artistic voice while fully enjoying the experience of travel.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
• Daily painting and creative sessions to develop your own artistic voice
• Learning bold brushwork and expressive watercolor techniques
• Exploring the glow and luminosity unique to watercolor
• Creating and using your own sketchbook to document the journey
• Sketching, lettering, and visual journaling of your travels
• Inspiring excursions through Morocco’s colors, architecture, and landscapes
• A plein air day in the Atlas Mountains or Sahara Desert
• Studio time to translate what we’ve seen and felt into paintings
• Beautiful accommodations with space to rest and recharge
• Delicious food, meaningful conversation, and new friendships
• The exceptional care and support of the Perigord Retreats team
Whether you’re traveling with a friend or arriving solo, you’ll step into a welcoming circle of fellow creatives. By the end of the week, you’ll leave with paintings, sketchbooks filled with memories, and friendships that linger long after the journey ends.
Come with an open heart and a curious mind, and begin writing your own Moroccan story, one filled with color, connection and creative renewal.
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 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 Agafay desert for sketching and other experiences
Day 8: Rest day, painting at the villa
Day 9: Visit to the Souks, sketching and souvenir buying + farewell dinner
Day 10: Breakfast followed by departure for the airport via private car.
This is currently a loose schedule – There are also many 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. Each retreat will vary slightly depending on the group and of course there will be plenty of time for painting each day.
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 4 restaurants at your own expense.
Accommodation
9 Nights lodging on our beautiful domaine with use of the heated swimming pool as well as access to the olive grove and surrounding property.
Shared bedroom & bathroom
€4100
This bedroom is for someone happy to share a bedroom and a bathroom. Female only. Ideal for 2 friends.
Private bedroom + ensuite
€4700
This bedroom is for someone who wants a private bedroom and their own ensuite bathroom.
Couple bedroom + ensuite
€7150
This is for a couple with a non-painting partner’s discounted rate.