# Collage and Concertina Sketchbooking Retreat with Artist Karen Stamper in Morocco Join artist Karen Stamper for an inspiring retreat set amidst the stunning landscapes of Morocco. Open to artists of all levels, this retreat is designed to help you build confidence in mixed-media techniques, explore the possibilities of collage, and deepen your creative connection to textures, shapes, and patterns.Daily sessions intertwined with three creative trips invite you to grow as an artist while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Explore the Atlantic Coast to capture the energy of the seaside, visit the lively Souk El Had in Agadir to gather textures and inspiration, and discover the imperial city of Taroudant, including the magnificent Claudio Bravo Palace, for a wealth of ideas to fill your concertina sketchbook.Surrounded by Morocco’s breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage, you’ll learn techniques such as building up sketchbook pages, mark-making with inks, and using a variety of drawing tools. Stay in a welcoming eco-lodge, enjoy freshly prepared meals, and immerse yourself in the creative process with a supportive group of fellow artists, sharing ideas and sparking inspiration. ## Details - **Dates:** August 30 - September 6, 2025 - **Location:** Agadir, Morocco - **Starting Price:** $3,800 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Collage and Concertina Sketchbooking Art Retreat Join an inspiring art retreat with artist Karen Stamper, set against the vibrant and diverse landscapes of Morocco. Open to artists of all levels, this retreat is designed to spark your creativity and boost your confidence in mixed-media techniques while immersing you in the beauty of Morocco’s unique textures, colors, and patterns. Under Karen’s expert guidance, you’ll explore innovative ways to work with collage, inks, and drawing tools, creating dynamic and expressive pages in your concertina sketchbook.This retreat offers a blend of studio time and on-location exploration, focusing on preparing and building up concertina sketchbook pages. Discover how to creatively capture your travels using various collage techniques, using found and made papers. Learn how to combine them with drawings that capture the essence of a place, prioritizing character over perfect realism. Each session will inspire you to loosen up and produce spontaneous, vibrant work while learning how to organize a practical travel kit for working on location.The retreat features three trips to iconic Moroccan destinations. Explore the Medina of Taroudant, where the rich textures and bustling atmosphere will inspire your pages. At the beaches of Agadir, capture the lively energy of the sea or the quiet charm of the harbor. At the magnificent Claudio Bravo Palace, work amidst the stunning gardens and historical interiors, filling your sketchbook with creative interpretations of these remarkable settings.Topics covered during your classes include:Preparing sketchbook pages and building them upMark-making with inkCollecting your travels through creative techniquesDrawing with a variety of toolsExploring collage techniques with found and made papers and tissuesCapturing character through confident drawing rather than realistic renditionsFreeing up your approach to create exciting, spontaneous workFilling each page with dynamic and engaging imagesIdentifying what truly interests youBuilding confidence to work on locationCreating and using a basic travel kit for working on location...and many more!Your venue for the retreat, a stunning traditional fortress, harmonizes with its surroundings, providing a tranquil space to learn and create. The Agadir region features verdant valleys, quaint villages, and a stunning coastline, providing an ever-present inspiration for your artwork.Moreover, you'll experience the full extent of local Berber hospitality by taking part in a traditional tea ceremony, witnessing an Argan oil demonstration by local Berber women, trying out a traditional pottery or cooking class (guests' choice), rejuvenating with a complimentary hammam bath, and enjoying a Berber folk band concert on the final evening. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) in time for the 1:00 PM transfer to the retreat venue. Upon arrival, settle into your beautifully prepared room before meeting artist Karen Stamper and your fellow participants. Begin your retreat with a charming tour of the venue, exploring its stunning terraces, lush gardens, and cozy living areas. As the evening unfolds, join the group for a sumptuous three-course welcome dinner, perfectly complemented by a glass of fine wine. ### Day 2: Art classes at the Kasbah Begin your day by fueling up with a satisfying breakfast before stepping outside to explore the venue and its surrounding gardens. As you wander, take time to observe textures, shapes, and patterns that inspire you.Head to the studio for a morning of preparation and exploration. Karen will guide you through the process of setting up your concertina sketchbook, introducing techniques for layering, collage, and incorporating mixed-media elements. Watch a quick demo as Karen shares her approach to capturing textures and patterns with practical tips for working on location. Dive into hands-on practice, with plenty of one-on-one guidance to prepare for the upcoming trip.Pause for a wholesome lunch, exchanging ideas and inspiration before returning to the studio. The afternoon is dedicated to refining your techniques and building on the morning’s work. Focus on composition within your sketchbook, experimenting with your drawing tools and collage. Spread your creative practice throughout the day and take advantage of Karen's personalized feedback to bring your vision to life.As the day winds down, take time to relax and reflect on your progress. Stroll through the gardens, unwind in the peaceful atmosphere, or simply rest and recharge. The evening brings a delightful three-course dinner paired with aromatic wine, where you can connect with the group and share stories of the day’s discoveries. ### Day 3: Trip to Souk El Had in Agadir Start your day with a satisfying breakfast, fueling up for the creative adventure ahead. Gather with Karen and your fellow artists over coffee as you discuss plans for the morning. Karen will share a quick demo to set the tone for the day, offering tips and insights to enhance your exploration.Head to Agadir’s lively Souk El Had, a market bursting with energy, colors, and textures. This vibrant space, the largest market in Africa, invites you to wander through its bustling stalls filled with spices, produce, and handcrafted goods. Observe the kaleidoscope of colors and intricate patterns, taking reference photos, collecting potential collage materials, or sketching elements that catch your eye. Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the marketplace, letting its energy inspire your work. Throughout, Karen will provide guidance to help you absorb and translate the rich atmosphere into your sketchbook.Return to the venue for a well-deserved lunch and start consolidating the morning’s impressions. Review your reference photos, print out a couple of favorites, and begin preparing your concertina sketchbook for the next trip. Karen will guide you through techniques for incorporating textures, shapes, and colors into your collage. Another quick demo will ensure everyone feels confident as you experiment and refine your ideas.Take some time to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences. Walk through the grounds, enjoy the fresh air, or take a quiet moment to recharge. Dinner will be a delightful three-course meal, complemented by wine, offering the perfect opportunity to connect with the group and share insights from the day. ### Day 4: Art trip to the Atlantic Coast Wake up to a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee. Karen will share inspiring examples from her own sketchbooks, offering quick demonstrations to spark ideas and guide you for your afternoon trip. Organize materials and receive one-on-one guidance.After a scenic drive, arrive at Agadir’s stunning beaches, where golden sands meet vibrant harbors and quiet backstreets. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on the beach, taking in the fresh sea air. Enjoy the lively energy or serene charm of the surroundings while exploring what inspires you. Share ideas and impressions while recharging for the creative work ahead.Spend the afternoon sketching and recording the mesmerizing scenes around you. Whether you’re drawn to the boats swaying in the harbor, the character of seaside buildings, or the hidden stories of backstreet corners, you’ll have the freedom to follow your creative instincts. Karen will be available throughout, moving through the group to provide personalized guidance, support, and encouragement as you bring your sketchbook to life.After returning to the venue, take time to relax and reflect on the day’s progress. Stroll through the gardens or unwind in the peaceful atmosphere. End the day with a delicious three-course dinner, accompanied by a glass of wine. ### Day 5: Painting and tea ceremony Following a hearty breakfast, prepare yourself for a full day of creative exploration.The day is centered in the studio, offering time to work at your own pace while catching up on pieces started earlier in the week. With all the materials laid out, revisit your concertina sketchbook, build layers, and refine your collages. Karen will be on hand for one-on-one guidance, helping you navigate challenges and develop your techniques. As you work, take moments to share your progress with the group, sparking inspiration and fostering creative exchange.The afternoon continues with the same flow, giving you ample time to fully immerse yourself in your projects. Layer textures, experiment with shapes, and refine your sketchbook pages while building on everything you’ve learned so far. You’ll also prepare for the upcoming trip to Taroudant. Karen will share focused demos on techniques you might use, such as capturing architectural details, working with vibrant patterns, and collecting visual inspiration from the bustling Medina. Ask questions, practice these methods, and get ready to make the most of your creative explorations in this historic Moroccan setting.Before dinner, take part in a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony. Observe the graceful preparation of mint tea and enjoy its refreshing flavors, a symbol of Moroccan hospitality. Use this time to sketch, capturing the delicate gestures of the ritual or the figures around you. It’s a wonderful chance to add cultural richness to your sketchbook.As the day winds down, gather with the group for a delicious meal. Reflect on your creative journey and share insights from the day, ready to continue building on your work in the days to come. ### Day 6: Trip to Taroudant Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast before heading out on the final art trip of the retreat. Karen will provide a quick demo, offering tips and ideas to inspire the day's creative journey.Arrive at Taroudant, a historic imperial city bursting with charm. Pass through its ancient gates into the Medina, where the towering city walls and intricate archways invite exploration. Use this time to sketch the stunning architecture, capture textures and patterns, or gather reference photos for your concertina sketchbook. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with artisans crafting leather and metal goods, provides endless opportunities for inspiration. Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch, soaking in the ambiance of this remarkable city.The afternoon takes you to the breathtaking Claudio Bravo Palace near Taroudant. This vast estate, surrounded by lush gardens and elegant courtyards, offers a wealth of inspiration. Wander through the walkways, sketching the intricate historical interiors, exotic plants, and Moroccan vases. Whether you choose to focus on still life, architectural details, or the vibrant textures of the garden, this setting is a perfect addition to your Moroccan sketchbook. Karen will offer one-on-one guidance throughout, helping you bring your ideas to life using collage, inks, and various drawing tools.As the day winds down, return to the venue and join the group for a hearty three-course dinner. ### Day 7: Art class at the venue Kick off the final day of the retreat with a nourishing breakfast before gathering over coffee to discuss plans for wrapping up your creative journey. With inspiration from previous trips and yesterday’s work, the focus shifts to reviewing and refining your concertina sketchbooks.The morning unfolds in the studio, where you’ll have time to consolidate everything you’ve explored throughout the retreat. Add final touches, refine details, and build layers in your collage, drawing inspiration from textures, shapes, and patterns collected along the way. Karen will be available for one-on-one guidance, offering feedback and suggestions to help you bring your work to its full potential. Share ideas and progress with the group, exchanging tips and celebrating each other's creativity.This energy continues into the afternoon, with more time to finalize your pieces and prepare for the closing activity. The day culminates in a mini-exhibition, an outdoor display of the artwork created during the retreat. Share your sketchbook pages, gather feedback, and celebrate the diversity of styles and perspectives within the group. Whether showcasing your work or simply admiring others’, it’s a moment to reflect on the progress made and the inspiration gained.In the evening, enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner with the group. A Berber folk band will set the tone for a lively and memorable conclusion, blending art, culture, and camaraderie as you mark the end of your Moroccan retreat. ### Day 8: Departure 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. ## Instructors - **Karen Stamper** - Mixed-media artist ## Accommodation ### Traditional Eco-Lodge ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Single standard ensuite room (no AC) ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/collage-concertina-sketchbooking-retreat-artist-karen-stamper-morocco](https://uptrek.com/retreat/collage-concertina-sketchbooking-retreat-artist-karen-stamper-morocco) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*