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Day One

Arrive at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) and catch the 1:00 PM transfer to Atlas Kasbah.

Get shown to your comfortable room and settle in.

Meet me (Sarah Stokes), then embark on a lovely orientation tour of the terraces, gardens, and living spaces at Atlas Kasbah.

In the evening, get to know your art group over a three-course welcome dinner, enhanced by a glass of fragrant wine.

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Day three

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast. Over the morning coffee, we will meet & discuss the day ahead.

The morning class will immerse you in the serene world of sea and water, as you paint from carefully selected reference photos. Follow my demonstrations and ask for some one-to-one assistance whenever you need to. As you study the boats gently swaying in the water, I will guide you on how to capture the shimmering dance of sunlight on the waves and the subtle ripples brushing against the boats. This class will better prepare you for illustrating wildlife in its natural environment.

Take a quick lunch break, then travel to the picturesque fishing village of Taghazout, perched on the edge of the Atlantic coast. Gather inspiration from the vast azure ocean, the stunning beauty of the beach, and the golden rays gleaming over the waves. Here, you have the option to apply the techniques from your morning class by painting the majestic waves or simply to indulge in the calm, taking a refreshing swim in the ocean. If you want to test your skills, tackle painting the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

Returning to the Kasbah, you'll have some spare time to relax, dip in the pool, and wander the expansive grounds of the Kasbah. As dusk falls, gather for a delectable three-course dinner, sharing stories and laughter from the day’s adventures over a glass of wine.

Day five

Refuel with a tasty breakfast followed by a check-in chat over steaming coffee. As the morning light filters in, your art class begins, focusing on seamlessly integrating wildlife with elements of the natural environment.

The subject for the day is the captivating little owl, a species indigenous to Morocco and uniquely seen during daylight hours. Portray these owls majestically perched on trees, and delve into depicting their markings with a burst of expressive creativity. I will also touch on painting trees, emphasizing the texture and nuances of bark, helping you incorporate these natural elements into your art. For an added touch of innovation, you'll experiment with household items like salt and cling film to craft natural textures and harness spontaneous effects.

After a fulfilling lunch at the venue, the afternoon art session will pick up from where the morning class left off, deepening your understanding and honing your skills further. Practice at your leisure, and don't hesitate to ask for guidance from Sarah if you need some extra tips.

As the afternoon mellows, partake in a serene tea ceremony, a tribute to Morocco's deep-rooted culture of hospitality. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the ritual. Embrace this tradition, absorbing the scent of fresh mint tea and the artistry of the ceremony.

Afterward, enjoy some well-earned spare time to relax or explore, before reconvening for a sumptuous dinner, celebrating another day of artistic growth

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Day seven

After a hearty breakfast, join the group for a check-in over coffee, sharing experiences and expectations for the day ahead. The morning art class focuses on transforming memories from the Souss-Massa trip into captivating artworks. Dive into your photographs, and be inspired to complete your previously started pieces or embark on a new artistic journey. With freedom in your choice of subject, you might be inclined to paint a seascape or depict the rich birdlife you've witnessed. I will help you incorporate all the elements you've learned during the retreat, allowing your creativity to flow.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch, then prepare for the afternoon session. With Sarah's expert guidance, add the final strokes to your masterpieces. Lastly, prepare for a special event: a mini-exhibition. Here, you and your group will showcase your journey, celebrating progress, discoveries, and moments of inspiration. While participation is not compulsory, this is a good opportunity to give and receive constructive feedback.

As dusk settles, come together for a lavish three-course farewell dinner. To make this evening even more memorable, a Berber folk band will serenade the night, adding a touch of culture to this special evening.

Day Two

The morning session will focus on the art of monochromatic drawings with an imposing bird as the subject, such as an ostrich or an emu. Through playful creative exercises, we'll try out mark-making and painting loosely as a warm-up. Later on, we will dive into a structured lesson about discerning tone and shape. Using either pencil or charcoal, you'll follow demonstrations and craft a stylized drawing. The session concludes with an introduction to watercolor, exploring its unique qualities, understanding how to lighten or darken it, and better controlling its movement on paper.

After a rejuvenating lunch, our afternoon session will open up the world of color, drawing inspiration from the regal peacock. Dive into the dance of warm and cool colors, experiment with color mixing, and practice the art of expressive strokes. You'll also gain insights into a couple of essential techniques for watercolors. You'll go over desaturating colors, creating specific hues, avoiding muddiness, and the critical aspect of maintaining fluidity in your painting without overworking it.

With the sessions wrapped up, you'll enjoy some spare time to relax and process the day's learnings before gathering for a delightful three-course dinner. Share your accomplishments with the rest of the group over a glass of delightful wine.

Day four

Greet the day with a delicious breakfast buffet, then gear up for a journey to Agadir's lively Souk El Had. Renowned as the largest urban market in Africa, this vibrant bazaar encapsulates the spirit of modern Moroccan culture. Marvel at the rainbow-hued displays of fresh produce, aromatic spices, and intriguing keepsakes. As you navigate its winding pathways, soak in the diverse palette of colors, which can later translate into inspiring artwork. Don't miss out on collecting a few mementos and sampling the array of local snacks. End your market visit with a spectacular cable car ride, offering panoramic views of Agadir.

Upon your return to the venue, a hearty lunch awaits. The afternoon art session will follow, which will teach you how to draw inspiration from elements in your natural environment. Together we will work on a piece depicting flamingoes gracefully wading through the waters. Dive deep into integrating water, sky, and foliage into your composition. With loose and fluid strokes, bring out the essence of your subject. Your aim will be to capture the light, evoke the ambiance, and interplay with colors to introduce dynamic movement to your piece.

Concluding the art session, some spare time allows for personal reflection before reuniting for a cozy chef-made dinner.

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Day six

Your sixth day at Atlas Kasbah unfolds with a nourishing breakfast, setting the tone for the trip ahead. Following a brief check-in over aromatic coffee, you'll embark on an excursion to the captivating Souss-Massa Natural Park. You'll explore this gorgeous natural reserve in a 4x4, lending an adventurous edge to the experience. The highlight of the entire retreat, this trip will deepen your understanding of wildlife subjects through real-life observation.

The park presents a mesmerizing tapestry of natural wonders. Here, the coastline gracefully dances alongside dunes, estuaries, wetlands, and lagoons, culminating in the pristine beaches that define Souss-Massa. Notably, the Massa beach, stretching an impressive 15km, is a haven for bird enthusiasts. This national park is a sanctuary for over 230 bird species, serving as both a resting point for migratory birds and a winter refuge. Its highlight remains the presence of around 400 bald ibis, a rare and endangered species. Other species that thrive here are Eleonora's Falcon, Tawny Eagles, Dark Chanting Goshawks, ospreys, marbled teals, spoonbills, flamingos, Audouin's gull, desert warblers, and various migratory birds.

As you travel through the park, be on the lookout for the wildlife that populates its landscape. As with any wildlife viewing trip, a lot of patience and sharp observation are required. If you're rewarded by the sight of the majestic birds living here, remember to have your camera at the ready. You'll be able to take a break at midday with a packed lunch provided by Atlas Kasbah.

As the sun sets on this enriching day, return to the venue for a delightful dinner, reminiscing the day's discoveries.

Day eight

Enjoy breakfast together, exchange any last contacts, and catch the 10:00 AM transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), arriving at the airport at around 1:30 PM.

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