Marrakech, Morocco – 21 – 28 November 2026. 

Discover Marrakech, Morocco with me in this 7 day art adventure. Our focus will be on Plein Air sketching and watercolor painting. We will listen, see, and experience nature’s beauty in the “green oasis” (Marrakech) on the edge of Morocco’s Sahara Desert and in the colorful souks, medinas and gardens, people and culture. We will capture the essence of our moments in our sketchbooks and take photos as we explore.

We will be staying in a beautiful villa with a garden and an olive grove with views of the Altas Mountains that will nourish our souls and inspire more sketching opportunities.

In the studio, we will expand on our sketches or use them as references for more watercolor paintings. We will play with light and color and explore possibilities. Demonstrations will be in pencil, ink and watercolor. I will also provide one-on-one instruction and guidance.

Our retreat will adapt to painters and non painters alike as we tour the beauty of Morocco along with sketching, photographing or painting as we go. There will be plenty of time to unwind between adventures with a cup of tea, relaxing by the pool, or chatting with new friends.

What you can look forward to:

• Daily sketching sessions and studio time
• Inspiring excursions through Morroco’s colors, architecture and culture
• Beautiful accommodations with plenty of space to relax and recharge
• Delicious food, laughter and connection with your creative community

Plein Air & Studio Painting

About Julie Drew

Julie Drew waits and listens, letting the details of the world around her speak beauty and wonder. Adding her own distinct expression using watercolor and mixed media to capture the depths and nuances of color, light, and shadow, she creates paintings that proclaim peace, mystery, and wonder.

Her passion for art led to a BFA in Painting and Drawing from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA, USA in 1987. Julie has been painting for over 35 years. In 1997, Julie moved with her family to Edmonton, Alberta.

Although Julie works predominantly in watercolor, she also uses mixed media with her own handmade paper.Julie teaches watercolor, mixed media, acrylic, oil and papermaking. Her art work has been exhibited around Alberta.

Potential Itinerary:

Flights – there are direct flights to Marrakesh from fromToronto and Montreal. Direct flights are also often available Houston, San Francisco, Newark, Atlanta, and Chicago.: 

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 our luxurious domaine with use of the heated swimming pool as well as access to the olive grove and surrounding property.

Shared bedroom & bathroom

€3150

This bedroom is for someone happy to share a bedroom and a bathroom. Female only. Ideal for 2 friends.

Private bedroom + ensuite

€3750

This bedroom is for someone who wants a private bedroom and their own ensuite bathroom.

Couple bedroom + ensuite

€5700

This is for a couple with a non-painting partner’s discounted rate.

REGISTRATION:

Is on Perigord-Retreats.com.