Guatemala
Dates: TBA
Surround yourself with the sounds of cicadas, birds and howler monkeys. Feel the warm breeze flowing in off of Lake Peten Itza. Get inspired by your fellow artists, and allow your heart and soul to soar. It’s time to…
Let your creativity take flight!
It’s your first morning in Guatemala! As you wake from your perfect slumber, you hear howler monkeys singing in the forest, roosters crowing in the distance, and birds chirping in the trees. You remember where you are, and realize that you are about to embark on a fantastic 10 day journey.
There are not only painting lessons planned, there will be daily yoga classes, Mayan ruin excursions, fire ceremonies with local shamans and delicious vegan food to kick your health into high gear. Not to mention the friendships that will be formed! With 25 artists gathered to learn from 3 professional artists, you are sure to make many new friends!
As you step outside of your room, you witness a perfectly calm lake with warm breezes enveloping you. You can hear your fellow artists gathering, so you make your way down to the common area to prep and ready yourself for a 60 minute yoga class.
You find others happily enjoying some light snacks and their favourite morning drink. You follow everyone onto the veranda over looking the lake where you stretch, move and breathe through an amazing guided yoga practice.
You feel vibrantly alive, perhaps more alive than you have felt in a very long time.
But this is just the start and the day continues…
Throughout the day, you will be taught and guided by artists that will teach you simple yet effective techniques to take your painting skills to the next level.
Your day will be interspersed with creative breaks to indulge in delicious and fulfilling locally made vegan food. With the resort being right on the lake, why not take a quick swim in the clean warm water in between painting sessions?
Throughout the week, as you create your masterpiece, make new friends, and learn about the surrounding Mayan culture, you will find yourself feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
This is the experience that you have needed for a while.
Is it finally time to for your creativity to soar to new heights? If you are ready to learn new techniques and painting styles, then you’re invited to join this retreat.
By the end of this retreat you will…
learn new painting techniques
Learn from 3 professional artists about how to create and achieve the results that you want in your painting practice. Whether you want to learn more about shading, learn a specific technique to make water look real, or finally figure out how to draw those cool sacred geometry shapes, we have you covered. Plus so much more!
take away your own painting with you
Each student will be provided with a canvas and all the supplies that they will need to create a beautiful piece of art. Your intention will be to paint a vision that you want to express. It may be a person, an animal, or an object, and you will come away with a piece of art that is unique to you and your creative expression.
make new friends and be inspired
25 different artists will gather from around the world. Inspire and be inspired by each other, and build your ever growing network of artist friends. This will be a place where all creative expression is accepted and encouraged!
understand more about the ancient mayan culture
As Lake Peten Itza is surrounded by at least 27 mayan archeological sites, it would be impossible to not be influenced in some way by this ancient culture.
We will be holding at least 2 fire ceremonies, complete with local shamans to guide us. We will also be visiting 2 major mayan civilization sites. Nearby Tikal and Yaxha hold the secrets to societies that are long gone, but never forgotten. The Mayan people are still very much alive and thriving in Guatemala, and you will witness this in the traditional clothing that they wear, and the food that they are very proud of.
enjoy MOUTHWATERING PLANT-BASED NUTRITION
Have you ever wished that eating super healthy, energizing and delicious food was easier? Maybe you’ve never tried a plant-based diet before? Then you’re in for a culinary revelation! Every single meal will wow your tastebuds, deeply nourish your body and provide you with a consistent level of energy.
Let’s take it one step further! If you are interested, our plant based chef will teach you methods to create her mouthwatering food even AFTER you leave the retreat.
meet adventurous fellow travellers
Magic happens when a group of inspired people from around the world get together. This 10 day retreat will be no exception. Sharing travel experiences with others is very rewarding, and you will always remember the people that are a part of yours.
Are you ready to make lasting friendships with people from all over the world?
how are you going to learn?
Group Sessions
Three instructors will be guiding up to 25 students through the process of completing a single one-of-a-kind piece of art. As each instructor imparts their expertise on you, your painting will develop through the stages into a powerful representation of your imagination and psyche.
The group setting is a powerful opportunity to inspire and be inspired by your fellow artists. No two paintings will ever be the same, and watching them all morph into life is a process to behold.
Group sessions will run for 6 days from 10:30am – 6:30pm with lunch and snack breaks.
1 On 1 Coaching
Every day you’ll have a chance to have private 1 on 1 coaching sessions with any of our amazing and inspiring teachers.
Are you stuck on the shading of your object, not sure how to make that detail jump right out, or confused about how exactly to incorporate that special sacred geometry symbol that you want in there? Our talented instructors are here to help.
One-on-one coaching will be available on a first come first serve basis beginning at 8:30pm and extending to 11:30pm most nights of the week.
what are you going to learn?
While arriving to the retreat with an idea of what you want to paint is great, you will also be taught techniques that will allow your true spirit to shine through onto the canvas more authentically.
This is true visionary painting. When you allow yourself to just express with no limitations, your mind doesn’t guide your hand, but seemingly some outside force shapes your strokes into a subconscious vision.
Learn how to shade and highlight to create depth and body to your painting. And learn how to create backgrounds and find hidden features where you once thought that none existed.
Learning from a modern day master of elemental animation, you will learn how to bring the natural elements to life in your paintings.
Having natural elements in your paintings, really gives your artwork a movement and a depth that is hard to achieve without them. They can be a very important piece of the puzzle.
Whether you want to include wind, fire, water, eruptions, waves, explosions, waterfalls, bubbles popping, water splashing, energy movement, rivers flowing, electric static, mushroom clouds, or any other elemental feature, you will be guided through the process of getting just the look you want.
Sacred Geometry is a part of our very fabric of life. All living things embody mathematical sequences that make up their structure. The math, once converted into symbols are obvious in some objects, less obvious in others, but they are always there.
Learn how to draw your favourite shapes and sacred geometry symbols, learn about their meanings, then add them into your paintings!
These elements will add dimension and details, while bringing natural magic into your painting, making it super special and unique to you and your creative expression.
Are you ready to take your creativity to the next level?
where will you be staying?
El Remate (The Remote) is a small village that lies along the eastern shore of Lake Peten Itza, in the Northern Department of Peten. Being only a short distance away from both ancient Mayan civilizations, Tikal and Yaxha (plus so many more!), makes it the perfect jumping off point for exploring the area.
Your accomodation is located about 3 kilometers from El Remate, and only a 20 minute drive from the Flores airport. The hotel is rustic, yet stylish and is a hidden gem of Guatemalan tourism. Set aside the quiet shores of Lago del Petén Itzá, this ecological paradise will full-fill all of your senses. It’s located inside a national biotope, has 5 docks to access the lake, and flanks an immense forest that is just waiting to be discovered. You will see birds, monkeys, frogs and insects and they will sing their unique tunes to you at various times of the day.
This is an ideal place to get in touch with nature, appreciate and learn about Guatemalan culture and visit the breathtaking archeological sites of great international prestige.
what about the food?
Reece, our lovely and very talented plant based chef will be preparing a spread of dishes that will delight the taste buds of vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike. Healthy, nutritious and delicious, you won’t be disappointed by a single meal!
Guatemala has an incredible amount of fertile land, and local produce is easy to come by and very fresh. Because of this, you will enjoy the freshest local ingredients in our 100% homemade and plant based meals.
“For the most part, I’ll be cooking elegant and exotic yet simple and local.” She claims.
We will happily accomodate almost any dietary request so that everyone can rest assured that they’ll find something to enjoy at every meal.
Did we mention desert? It’s a good thing we are practicing yoga and doing a couple excursions to burn off those extra calories! You won’t be able to resist the divinity of her vegan treats:)
REECE GESUMARIA –
PLANT BASED NUTRITION EXPERT
Reece Gesumaria is a world travelling chef, freelance artist, published writer & adventurer with over 8 years of living as a mindful nomad. Her adventures have led her through 44 countries, inspired 3 books on international travel and simple living, and created vegan restaurants in 3 countries.
She shares her love affair with plant-based creative cuisine through events, workshops & retreats. From fine art model to qigong practitioner to plant-based chef, Reece is excited to share life hacks as a sustainable vibrant free-spirited explorer of planet Earth!
You’ve got inspirational artists surrounding you, a truly supportive environment and the energy you need to breakthrough. It’s time to take the leap!
what does a typical day look like?
a typical instruction day
7:00am – Coffee/Tea/Juice and light energizing snacks
8:30am – 60 minute session of yoga on the veranda overlooking the lake
10:00 – Breakfast
10:30 – Group Classes Commence
1:30 – Lunch Break
2:00 – Group Classes Resume
7:00 – Dinner
8:30 – 11:30pm – 1 on 1 consultations
The people who become great artists are not special. It’s not for “some people”, it’s for anyone willing to put the work in. Our artists will show you how you can do it to!
what’s included for you!
This is What's included
- 6 days of interactive, hands-on and group learning
- Evening private one-on-one coaching sessions with our professional artists
- 10 nights accommodation (shared and private options available)
- Gourmet plant-based meals every day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and dessert)
- Airport pick up and drop off, and all transportation to excursions
- 3 full-day epic adventures to Mayan ruins and the nearby city of Flores
- 10 days of yoga instruction
- Fire ceremonies with local Shamans
- All art supplies will be provided but bring your own brushes if you have favourites! (A packing list will be provided closer to the date of the retreat via email.)
What's Not Included
- Your roundtrip airfare from your home to Flores, Guatemala
- Personal, medical, travel or trip cancellation insurance or insurance coverage of any kind
- Other activities you choose to do that are offered outside of the retreat
- Alcoholic Beverages (there is a bar at the hotel where you can purchase beverages separately if desired.)
Flight INFO
Arrive at Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores (FRS), Guatemala on November 10th before 4pm if possible so we can pick you up and get you settled in before the evening meal and welcoming ceremony.
The official ending of the retreat happens on November 20th, with November 21st being a departure day (breakfast included).
We’ll arrange transportation to and from the airport based on your arrival and departure times.
Travel Tip: If you are traveling from a location that has 8+ hours of timezone difference it is extremely likely that you will experience jet-lag. Arriving early might be a good idea and we can help arrange accommodation and transportation as needed (for additional cost).
Wow! If you’ve read this far you know this retreat is going to be awesome. What are you waiting for?
YOUR SELF INVESTMENT PRICE
Shared Dorms
Sharing is caring!Shared lake front dormitory. Buildings are open to the natural surroundings. Mosquito nets provided.
All classes, 1-on-1 coaching, meals, transportation and excursions for 10 days (no surprise costs).
$500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Remaining balance ($1595) due by October 10th, 2019.
Private Oasis
Private Queen Room (limited #)Queen-sized bed, private accommodation. Private ensuite bathroom. Mosquito nets provided.
All classes, 1 on 1 coaching, meals, transportation and excursions for 10 days (no surprise costs).
$500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Remaining balance ($1,995) due by October 10th, 2019.
Luxury Room
2 Queens or 1 King (limited #)2 Queens or 1 King Sized Bed, private accommodation. Private ensuite bathroom, Jacuzzi Bathtub, Private Balcony, Electric Air Conditioning.
All classes, 1 on 1 coaching, meals, transportation and excursions for 10 days (no surprise costs).
$500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Remaining balance ($2,395) due by October 10th, 2019.
YOUR TEACHERS & HOSTS
teacher – Katia Somerville – Vancouver, Canada
teacher – joseph gilland – expat canadian living in costa rica
Joseph Gilland is an animation director, special effects animator, journalist, painter, author and musician. In a career that spans decades, he has worked for, most notably, Walt Disney’s Animation Studio, Don Bluth Animation, and the National Film Board of Canada.
He acted as Supervisor of Visual Effects for the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch, plus played major roles in animating for hit Disney titles such as Mulan, Pocahontas, Tarzan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and much more.
His recent book ‘Elemental Magic – The Art of Special Effects Animation’, has quickly become a sensation in the global animation community, bringing to print for the first time the magic behind the visual effects animation that has dazzled audiences since the 1930’s.
In recent years, Joseph has been teaching his animation class titled ‘An Organic Approach to Special Effects Animation’ in many parts of the world. He is applauded for his approach to guiding students through the fluid organic process of animation that breathes new life into a fine art form that many believe to be a highly technical affair.
Now-a-days, you can find Joseph applying his animation techniques to wonderful and invigorating 2D paintings that almost make you feel like you can jump right into them.
Joseph now resides on his permaculture farm in the Costa Rican jungle, and can quite often be found regularly harvesting his home grown Mangos, Bananas, Pineapples and more.
You can find more information about Joseph at www.elementalmagicworkshops.com or on his Instagram profile @gilland2000.
Teacher – zach brown – united states
I create work that sources archetypes from the great cosmic spirit that pervades everything, and by creating with a specific intention and energy, messages from these different planes of consciousness are able to be translated into the two dimensional art. These archetypes, or by definition the original source patterns, come from spiritual practice, ancient teachings, sacred geometry, nature, and primarily the inner god-self which exists within us all, which resides beyond all thought and form.
Recently, I begin my work by setting an intentional ceremony on water, and then creating randomized texture on canvas with this water along with acrylic paint. This allows me to open myself to my intuition, and form imagery that spirt can enter into through my will interacting with the sacred water and paint.
Find Zach on Instagram @visionaryvoyager.
hosts – jillian amatt & chris decap – world nomads
Hi there!
We are Jill and Chris. In October of 2017 we sold all of our possessions, headed out into the world on a one way ticket, and have been travelling and experiencing Central America and the Caribbean ever since.
While spending 4 months in the Flores area, we fell in love with the people, food, culture, history and landscape of Guatemala. It was in realizing what a special place it is, that we decided that we wanted to share it with more people.
As we are both artists who feel deeply inspired by the surroundings of the area, we realized that the elements needed to create a wonderful and invigorating art retreat on the shores of Lake Peten Itza, were all available.
It would be an honour to have you attend this retreat and be as inspired by Guatemala as we have been. We know that you will have a wonderful time, make some great friends, eat some amazing food, make a beautiful piece of art, and come away feeling refreshed and invigorated.
To see some of our art check us out on Instagram! Jill – @jillianamatt Chris – @inkcaptattoosandart
What are you waiting for? Come and play with us in Guatemala!