Watercolour Art Retreat in Cabo de Gata, Almería, Spain

Join me for a watercolour art retreat in Andalusia, Spain — eight days painting a landscape unlike anywhere else in Europe, from a private estate inside the wild and cinematic Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This is a small-group, artist-led painting holiday in the south of Spain.

• 6 - 13 September 2027
• 8 days from $4,950 per person
• Small group (max 15 students)

Fill a sketchbook with the colours of an Andalusian September — volcanic cliffs dropping into turquoise water, whitewashed villages half-hidden in the heat, wild palms and agave against a cloudless sky, and the kind of landscape that makes you stop and stare before you even think to reach for your brush. Leave with loose, vibrant sketches that capture not just what you saw, but how it felt to be there.

It was an experience I will remember forever. You helped me by teaching me how to let go of the “how to video“ sessions that I had become accustomed to and to try doing it on my own.

The Cabo de Gata Natural Park is one of the best-kept secrets in Europe — 38,000 hectares of volcanic coast, salt flats, wild coves, and desert-adapted landscapes, kestrels circle overhead, and the light turns extraordinary in the late afternoon. You may recognise it: this is the landscape of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Game of Thrones, and Black Mirror. It has been stopping artists in their tracks for a very long time.

Our base is a private countryside estate deep inside the park — a beautifully restored Andalusian finca reserved exclusively for our group. There is no sharing with other guests, no rush, and no need to go far to find something worth painting.

What we'll sketch: the estate and beyond

The estate itself offers endless painting subjects — gardens, terraces, light on whitewashed walls, the open sky — but this retreat also takes us out into one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in Spain.

• Much of our painting will happen right on the estate — in the gardens, on the terraces, in the warm morning shade, wherever the light is doing something worth chasing. The studios give us space to demonstrate, practice, and review, but the real magic happens outside.
• We'll make an art excursion into Cabo de Gata Natural Park itself — rugged volcanic cliffs, wild beaches, and a landscape that looks like nothing else in Europe.
• A second excursion takes us into the city of Almería — a layered, sun-baked Andalusian city with a Moorish alcazaba, a cathedral built like a fortress, and a maze of streets that give way to plazas and tapas bars. We plan to sketch at the alcazaba.
• Between excursions, studio days at the estate let us develop what we've gathered, revisit compositions, work on technique, and find our way deeper into the material we've been collecting.

We paint OUTSIDE – that's where the magic happens

This is about capturing life as it unfolds in real time. Our focus is plein air sketching in pen and watercolour — setting up in the garden as the morning light hits the walls, finding a spot at the edge of a cliff, or simply stopping wherever something catches your eye and getting it down in your sketchbook before the moment passes.

In an encouraging atmosphere, with plenty of laughter, perhaps a glass of Andalusian wine in hand, and all the practical details taken care of, I promise you'll leave Spain with a sketchbook bursting with memories and the confidence to paint anywhere, anytime.

Our studio spaces are three dedicated workshop areas on the estate: a spectacular 4,000 sq ft tent-studio, a smaller indoor space for more intimate sessions, and a circular studio for individual work. Between outdoor sessions, we gather here for demonstrations, skills practice, and one-on-one guidance on your individual work.

And the landscape never stops offering. September in Almería means warm days, soft evening light, and a sky so clear it almost hums. The volcanic geology and the desert plants — Cabo de Gata has a way of making sure you're never short of something worth sketching.

Small group sizes mean I have ample time to help each person every day. You'll receive:

• Daily one-on-one feedback tailored to your level and goals
• Step-by-step demonstrations showing my process and decisions
• Personal guidance on colour, composition, and perspective
• Encouragement to be brave and try things outside your comfort zone

By the end of our time together, you'll be the artist who never travels without a sketchbook.

The retreat was a fabulous experience for me as a studio watercolour artist with little experience in plein air painting. Also, journaling through sketching is a new experience for me. I love to travel and my new lessons in journaling with watercolour will be an integral part of my future trips.

Everything taken care of

Your venue is a private Andalusian finca inside the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, reserved exclusively for our group for the entire duration of the retreat. Warm hospitality, private chef cooking, and one of the most dramatic natural settings in Spain.

Cost includes - pretty much everything!

What's included...

• Teaching instruction every day: group and one-to-one tuition outside or in the studio in the form of demonstrations and individual feedback
• Exclusive use of the entire estate — the property is reserved solely for our group
• All meals — buffet breakfasts, two-course lunches, and three-course dinners prepared by a private chef using fresh, local Andalusian ingredients. Spanish wine and beverages are included with dinner, and coffee, tea, and snacks are available throughout the day
• Round-trip airport transfers to and from Almería Airport (LEI) at prearranged times
• Art excursion to Cabo de Gata Natural Park
• Art excursion to the city of Almería
• Swimming pool and outdoor terrace areas
• Wi-Fi, A/C, and parking

What is not included...

• Airfare and travel insurance (travel insurance is mandatory — see FAQ)
• Art materials. A full materials list will be sent out five months before the retreat
• Personal purchases and gratuities (cash euros recommended — closest ATM in Níjar or Almería)

What you'll learn: watercolour skills that travel with you

This retreat welcomes watercolour enthusiasts of all levels – whether you're a complete beginner or have experience but want to grow your confidence painting on location. No prior experience painting outdoors is needed.

Core skills you'll develop:

• How to become confident painting en plein air with minimal materials
• How to choose what scene to paint (when everything is so beautiful!)
• Working with a limited watercolour palette for harmony and cohesiveness
• Understanding perspective in the context of Andalusian architecture and landscapes
• Capturing the intense southern Spanish light, shadow, and atmosphere quickly
• Creating loose, expressive sketches that capture the feeling of a place
• How to develop your sketches into full studio paintings
• Building a visual travel journal that reflects your personality and that you'll treasure forever

Beyond technique:

Art retreats are about more than improving your painting skills. There's a magic that happens – a combination of shared meals, laughter, painting excursions with like-minded people, and unforgettable moments both in your sketchbook and around the table. The supportive creative community, and the beauty surrounding you create a sense of connection that makes friendships feel like they'll last a lifetime.

Want to see my teaching style in action? Here's a full painting demo from a previous art retreat...

I'm passionate about travel sketching

For 18 years, I've never traveled anywhere without a sketchbook. What started as a side hobby on a climbing trip to Spain and France completely transformed how I experience the world. Now I have a massive stack of sketchbooks filled with priceless memories – villages, landscapes, flowers, food, people, and little notes that transport me straight back to those moments.

Since 2007, I've spent about 6 months a year in Europe and now I live in Spain, and sketching outside has immersed me in places in ways I never could have imagined. It's created vivid memories and allowed me to meet so many locals I wouldn't have encountered otherwise.

I've been teaching watercolour since 2017. My approach is simple: I want to make you braver. Whether you're nervous about painting in public, unsure about color mixing, or intimidated by perspective, I'll guide you through it with patience, encouragement, and practical demonstrations. By the end of our time together, you'll be the artist who never travels without a sketchbook.

Frequently asked questions

What level of experience do I need?
All levels welcome! Whether you're a complete beginner or experienced painter, you'll receive personalised guidance suited to your skill level. No prior experience painting outdoors is needed.

What's the weather like in Almería in September?
Warm, sunny, and very pleasant. Expect average highs of around 30°C / 86°F during the day, dropping to around 20°C / 68°F at night. The Almería region has very little rainfall and is one of the sunniest corners of Europe — perfect conditions for plein air painting. We have studio spaces for any rare overcast moments.

Where is the retreat venue & how do I get there?
The venue is a private countryside estate inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, at La Boca de Los Frailes, 04118 Níjar, Almería, Spain — approximately 30 minutes from Almería Airport (LEI).

• Round-trip airport transfers are included at prearranged times: arrival transfer September 6, 2027 at 3:30 PM (arriving at the venue just after 4:00 PM); departure transfer September 13, 2027 at 10:00 AM (arriving at Almería Airport just after 10:30 AM).
• If your flights don't align with the transfer times, a taxi from Almería Airport to the venue costs approximately €80 / US$93 one way.
• If you can't find direct flights to Almería (LEI), fly into Madrid or Barcelona and connect domestically — local round trips start from around US$89.

Can I bring a partner or non-participating guest?
Unfortunately this retreat does not accommodate non-participants. The policy is in place to preserve the creative and immersive atmosphere for all students.

What watercolour supplies do I need to bring?
A detailed materials list from Renee will be provided five months before the retreat. We focus on painting with minimal, portable materials — perfect for travel sketching. The venue provides easels, plein air stools, tables, chairs, projector, professional studio lights, water cups, paper towels, and power outlets.

Is the venue suitable for guests with limited mobility?
The terrain across the property is gently hilly, and a short 3–5 minute walk connects the accommodation, studios, and dining areas — with some stairs involved. The excursions also involve walking on uneven terrain across the nature reserve. Unfortunately the venue is not well suited to guests with limited mobility.

Are there insects?
The estate is located inside a nature reserve and embraces a design philosophy that works with its surroundings — rooms don't have window screens in order to preserve the panoramic views. Keep doors and windows closed during the day and night to avoid insects entering your room. There are no dangerous insects in the Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve, but do pack insect repellent and a soothing cream for bites.

What should I pack?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a cardigan for cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication. A full packing list will be sent before the retreat.

What if I've never painted en plein air before?
That's exactly what this retreat is for. I'll teach you everything you need to feel confident painting on location — from choosing a subject to working quickly in changing light. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to try.