Program

Day 1: Arrival

Land in time for your 1:00 PM transfer from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) and arrive at Atlas Kasbah. Meet your instructor, Elly Smallwood, and your fellow artists at the venue. Take a moment to wind down after your flight. Join a guided tour of this award-winning eco-lodge and take in the distinctive Berber influences on the architecture. End the day with a scrumptious three-course dinner paired with wine, a delightful introduction to the Moroccan cuisine you'll explore in the coming days. Meals included: welcome dinner

Day 2: Art classes at the Kasbah

Start the day with a nutritious breakfast, then join Elly and your fellow artists in the workshop space for the morning class. You may have the class indoors in the spacious studio, or outdoors on one of the many airy terraces. You'll be introduced to the retreat schedule, and also have the chance to talk about your own artistic goals. You will start your first portrait. Elly will demonstrate how to use charcoal to draw out the anatomy, then acrylic to paint the face. You'll have a short lunch break, then resume your classes in the afternoon. Elly will be available for one-to-one guidance and demonstrations, should you ever need some extra help. In the afternoon, enjoy some downtime, wander around the Kasbah at your own pace, and sip on some pre-dinner drinks. Delight your senses with a mouthwatering three-course meal prepared by your private chef, enhanced by a glass of fragrant wine.

Day 3: Painting and tea ceremony

The third day starts with an energizing breakfast, followed by a morning class with Elly. You will spend the entire day painting at the retreat venue. Elly will do a deep dive into anatomy and correctly portraying proportions. She will guide you in creating expressive sketches and capturing dynamic poses, in preparation for the tea ceremony sketching session this afternoon. After a refreshing lunch, prepare your materials and join Elly and the group for the Moroccan tea ceremony. A knowledgeable officiant will serve as your guide during this enchanting ritual. At the heart of Moroccan hospitality lies the ages-old tea ceremony—an integral part of the country's cultural tapestry. Indulge in the aromatic allure of high-quality Moroccan tea, paired with the fragrant essence of fresh mint, an emblem unique to this region. Let your guide and the careful movements needed for this ritual be an inspiration for your studies in poses and proportions. Take leisure time as needed and delight your senses with a chef-made dinner, paired with a glass of delicious wine. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Instructor Name

Georgia Mansur

Instructor Bio

I hope we will meet in person whether in one of my workshops or retreats or through my paintings for sale in galleries in Australia and overseas. Please explore and enjoy my website and feel free to drop me a line or two if you wish to book me for teaching a workshop in your area or are interested in purchasing my paintings. Always happy to accomodate if possible! Although my degree is actually in Communication Studies I started taking Summer school classes at the nearest university and studied all kinds of media with some of Australia’s best artists over about 20 years. I also studied overseas with Masters in Italy and the United States and Australia privately to hone my skills and broaden my knowledge.

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Accommodation

Guest house - Riyad - Hotel

Villa Maroc In Essauouira’s medina (historic quarter) district, the charming Villa Maroc offers a beautifully designed riad style residence with free Wi-Fi access in public areas. The friendly staff and luxurious facilities will ensure an unforgettable stay. Traditionally styled rooms come fully equipped with modern comforts. Some enjoy sea views and separate living rooms. Guests can awake each morning to a traditional Moroccan breakfast served either in the room or on the terrace. Creative cuisine made from local produce is served for dinner around an open fire. After a day of exploring the surrounding region, guests can unwind on the terrace or enjoy a moment of pure relaxation in the Oriental Spa.

Marrakech:

**Villa Rosa Damascena is 3 km from Sidi Abdallah Ghiat, and 10 minutes from Riad Bledna. The villa offers you accommodation with tea and coffee making facilities, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and air conditioning in its rooms. Villa is a 30-minute drive from Marrakech train station.

** La Claire fontaine offers a terrace with panoramic views of the High Atlas mountains, a patio with a fountain and Wi-Fi is free of charge in the entire property. It is a 15-minute walk from Jemaa El Fna Square.

Georgia Mansur It’s All About the Light