Painting retreat in the High Atlas foothills and Marrakech Palmeraie, Morocco.
18th – 25th March 2026
An immersive seven-day oil painting retreat combining exclusive use of two wonderful venues; Tigmi Nomade, a riad style house perched in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, and Villa Ezzahra, a hidden gem in the exclusive Palmerie of Marrakech. Both venues have been thoughtfully selected for qualities that inspire contemplation and creativity.
The retreat welcomes all levels of artistic talent, from experienced painters to complete beginners. Mornings and afternoons will be spent painting plein air in and around our bases, with two of these afternoon sessions focusing on painting the figure. One-to-one tuition will be provided throughout the week and a series of Illustrated talks on various aspects of painting and drawing will be given on four of the evenings.
The first four days of the retreat will be spent at Tigmi Nomade, a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding unspoilt landscape, affording spectacular views of the foothills, traditional berber villages and distant peaks of the high Atlas Mountains. Villa Ezzahra, where we will be based for the final 3 days, arguably the most prestigious place to stay in Morocco, is a stunningly beautiful haven of calm, a place of refined elegance and exceptional cuisine.
Here are links to the venues’ websites;
https://www.ezzahra-morocco.com/villa-ezzahra/
https://tigminomade.com
All accommodation, meals, Airport transfers, transport, guided and accompanied tour of the souks and Jemma el-Fna, unlimited spa treatments at Ezzahra, tuition and tips are included in the price. Travel insurance and flights not included.
Prices per person:
Single; £3100
double/twin;£2500
Deposit of 30% will secure a place on either option. Deposit not refundable if cancellation is less than 60 days before start date, otherwise totally refundable. Balance to be paid 1 week before start date.
For more details, and bookings email studio@colinwatsonartist.com
Painting week in the Draa valley and Djebel Sahro, Southern Morocco.
Sunday 18th May – Sunday 25th May 2025
An immersive painting course focusing on landscape and figure painting in oils welcoming all abilities from complete novices to experienced painters in the idyllic setting of Kasbah Azul in the Draa valley palmery.
Sunday; arrival. Depending on arrival time, drawing at Kasbah Azul in the afternoon.
Monday; painting in and around Kasbah Azul and the Palmery.
Tuesday; day excursion to Tazzarine and N’kob in the Djebel Sahro mountain range, including visit to the prehistoric rock carvings.
Wednesday; figure painting in the morning followed by painting in and around Kasbah Azul and the Palmery.
Thursday; Sketching visit to the Adgdz weekly soul in the morning. Free afternoon.
Friday; day excursion to the kasbah atTamnougalt .
Saturday; figure painting session in the morning, painting in and around Kasbah Azul and the Palmery in the afternoon.
Sunday; departure. Depending on departure time, drawing at Kasbah Azul in the morning.
In addition, illustrated talks on various aspects of painting will be presented on four evenings.
Prices
These prices are per person.
Double occupancy; £1360
Single occupancy; £1650
Includes One to one tuition throughout the week, full board accommodation, day excursions, transfers from Ouarzazate airport and tips. Not included are flights, travel insurance, transfers from Marrakech and drinks.
If there are no suitable flights to/from Ouarzazate, transfers will be arranged from Marrakech. Cost of this will depend on the size of the group.
30% deposit will secure a place. Deposit not refundable if cancellation is made less than 60 days before 18th May 2025, otherwise fully refundable.
