Myself and Victoria Johnson had dreamed about an in person art event for a while so when the opportunity presented itself we knew a retreat would allow us to channel our collective teaching and art business experience into a course that would help fellow creatives. As a creator and teacher of online classes the week long art retreat in Le Marche Italy was wonderfully immersive on many levels. 

Many of us work alone from home, learning online. Being present and able to discuss the concept of embracing happy accidents and simply diving in without knowing the outcome was refreshing for both me and the guests.

It was a pure joy and privilege to have 15 amazing ladies who had journeyed far to take part in the Creative Fruit And Flowers art retreat run by Uptrek. Place these exceptional ladies on the 8 acre luxury Villa Oliveto Estate with uninterrupted views of the Adriatic coast, a dedicated chef, an airy studio, two committed teachers and we had the makings of a magical week.

The guests were from all over the world - Europe, UK, and the USA.They were a mixture of artists with well established art careers and keen hobbyists. Bearing this in mind, it was important for Victoria and I to approach the art creation process with a fun perspective but also build firm foundations where everyone could achieve fascinating results. The theme of fruit and flowers provided a great launch pad for explorations in watercolour, gouache and other mixed media methods. Many of our guests were trying techniques which were totally new to them, yet they incorporated them seamlessly.

Truly, the main event was seeing the wonderful transformations that transpired over the 7 days for many of the artists, if not all of them. The results were a myriad of art pieces that were unique and distinctive to each individual. It's kudos to each artist, that they trusted the process and overcame any doubts or fears they had about art making. 

Victoria and I will be holding our next retreat in a beautiful location in Morocco in May/ June 2022 and would love you to join us. Please take a look HERE for more details

I’m going to dedicate the rest of the post to some of the artists who contributed to the incredible rapport and camaraderie we all felt. They have very kindly allowed me to share some thoughtful insights to how the retreat has positively supported and expanded their creative horizons.

Retreat guest Krystin Mann says:

‘This retreat was exactly what I needed: focusing on process, play and creativity with no specific knowledge  on what the end would be. I think as artists we get caught up rushing to the end and the known and forget the middle bit.

If you're looking for a ‘paint like this artist’ course this is not that kind of retreat. This is a ‘get uncomfortable’, ‘try new things’ and ‘finding your voice’ course with loads of creative support and tremendous generosity and insight from the instructors.’

Kristina Hunter is looking forward to a more happy creative life:

‘Before the retreat I felt a bit blocked artistically. However being amongst new friends and teachers I’ve admired helped m to break out of my block; new perspectives and approaches to creating art helped me fill my creative cup’

Sujanitha Sambasivan felt there were many ways the retreat bolstered her creative outlook:

‘ The retreat helped me to push through my work: be comfortable with the uncomfortable. To be a kid again and have fun with creating. And letting go of my own fear of the unknown. As well as trusting myself and my inner guidance’

Carla Maria a fellow sketchbook keeper had this to say:

‘ The retreat is a gift that keeps on giving after returning home. My new friends continue to inspire me everyday with their art and creative community we have created. I’m trying new things in my art and pushing myself to work outside of my comfort zone. I’m seeing patterns and creations in places I had never looked before’

Kelly - Wild Azure Studios who has recently open her first Etsy shop

It has me thinking how I approach the whole creative process - to be less fearful and have more fun and play. Really what it means to live a creative life. When you’re open and present, those happy accidents are everywhere and honestly the best part of life. It was a truly magical week’

These words only capture a tiny essence of the sense of connection that were forged. There were palpable shifts in energy and perspective in the studio as beautiful artwork emerged. It will forever be etched in my heart as a vital cornerstone in my evolution as a teacher, learning a great deal by becoming a student again. Also, sharing the vulnerable side of our personality, that is sometimes filtered out through the lens of social media, made us feel less alone and part of a compassionate group of like minded individuals. It was truly a magical event that made many of us feel the best is yet to come.