Esté Macleod Marrakech Retreat 27 February – 06 March 2027
Come and join me and other creative kindred spirits from around the world on an art filled adventure in Marrakech next spring. This delicious spring period is an ideal time to get creative and be charmed by the beautiful medina, gardens and desert as well as the spectacular scenery of this historic city in Morocco. You will be inspired by the distinct differences between the hustle and bustle of marrakech, the green of the atlas mountains and the vastness of the Agafay Desert. Our accommodation is a beautiful moroccan villa set in an olive grove 20 minutes from Marrakech.
Daily Painting Sessions
Delicious Gourmet Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
During the retreat you will
For the art program we will be creating artworks in mixed media, using a variety of materials and processes including watercolour, acrylics, gel plate printing, mark making, stamping and painted paper collage to create atmospheric layered artworks in response to our Moroccan surroundings and experiences.
During the retreat we will go on day trips to sketch and gather information at various locations and get to work in the studio. We’ll create a selection of printed collage papers using gel plates. Textures and patterns will be incorporated in the creation of layered collage artworks. What we observe as we wander through the medina, souks and lush gardens will inform what we create. There is so much to be inspired and enthused by, from Berber rugs and textiles to zelij tiles on ancient buildings – notice the way light hits a red clay wall and the colours of spices sitting next to each other in the markets.
Back in the studio, you’ll explore further and compose sketches to become collages, this is a wonderful way to create and embrace new ideas and concepts. No prior collage or painting experience is needed and you don’t need to be “good” at drawing. Curiosity and an open mind is all you requirefor you to gather what speaks to you to then be transformed into something personal, creations with a sense of place because you made it in Morocco, in this particular light, in this particular place.
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
€4000
This bedroom is for someone happy to share a bedroom and a bathroom. Female only. Ideal for 2 friends.
Private bedroom + ensuite
€4600
This bedroom is for someone who wants a private bedroom and their own ensuite bathroom.
Couple bedroom + ensuite
€6400
This is for a couple with a non-painting partner’s discounted rate.
