Meet Stephanie Bower

Stephanie Bower is an architectural illustrator, teacher, author and avid travelling urban sketcher. In this workshop over the course of the week we will be learning watercolor techniques, how to capture buildings and landscapes and how to set up a sketch in perspective en plein air in charming Bruges and Ghent. Sketchers of all levels are welcome. Learn more about Stephanie here: www.drawingperspectives.com and follow her on Instagram @stephanieabower and Facebook @stephanieabower.seattle.

About Bruges & Ghent

Situated between the Netherlands and France, the primary language of Bruges and Ghent is Dutch, then French and English. These ancient cities are overflowing with charm and character and we will be sure to explore all the major castles, cathedrals, canals and cobbled streets.  

When to Arrive?

Tuesday June 9, 2026

Welkom in Brugge!  Your arrival date is your decision but we suggest you arrive on Tuesday June 9 so that you have time to settle in and possibly to adjust to a new time zone or the vagaries of travel which, as we know, could include a missed or delayed flight. Better to be relaxed at the start of your vacation workshop. **

Warm Up Sketch + Welcome Reception

Wednesday June 10, 2026

All workshop participants and nonPainter Companions are invited to a welcome reception at 6pm. Below is our proposed itinerary. 

Day 1--An Historical Walking Tour + Workshop #1

Thursday June 11, 2026

In the morning, we will learn more about this corner of the world with an historical walking tour with a local city guide who will show us hidden gems next to the must-see heritage and architectural highlights of Bruges.

After a relaxing lunch we will gather to paint quintessential Bruges for Workshop #1. 

Day 2--Workshop #2 and a Museum Visit

Friday June 12, 2026

In the morning we will paint an iconic view of Bruges for Workshop #2.

After lunch we will visit the Groeninge Museum . This museum provides a varied overview of the history of Belgian visual art, with the top-class paintings by the world-renowned Flemish primitives as a highlight.

Day 3--all-day Excursion to Ghent + Workshop #3 

Saturday June 13, 2026

Today we are off on an adventure! We will travel by train to Ghent where we will make our artistic pilgrimmage to see the Ghent Altarpiece also called the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a very large and complex 15th-century altarpiece completed by 1432 by brothers Hubert and Jan Van Eyck.

After a leisurely lunch we will tour Gravensteen Castle, the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. This important sight in Ghent is the only remaining medieval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Here Stephanie will teach Workshop #3 nearby.

Day 4--Discovering the Beating Heart of Bruges and Workshop #4 

Sunday June 14, 2026

In the morning we will discover Bruges' famous Markt Square. Here we will take in the bustle of the market stalls, listen for the resonating bell and enjoy Workshop #4.

After lunch we will visit the nearby Basilica of the Holy Blood and museum, with its Romanesque Lower Basilica, Gothic Upper Basilica and gorgeous ornate facade. This basilica is the home to a holy relic believed to be soaked in Christ’s blood and has been a focus for religious observance and pilgrimage for hundreds of years.

Day 5--Workshop #5 and a Museum

Monday June 15, 2026

After lunch we will visit the Gruuthuse Museum where we will discover majestic tapestries, Gothic stained glass, elegant wooden sculptures, refined historical lace, paintings and more.

In the evening we will meet one last time to celebrate an amazing week at our Farewell dinner (included).

Departure

Tuesday June 16, 2026

It's time to say goodbye but you will never forget the friends you made or the skills you learned during this great week! Or extend your stay for a long relaxing holiday!  

PLEASE NOTE: THE ORDER OF EVENTS AND SUBJECTS PROPOSED IN THIS ITINERARY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Recommended Workshop Supply List

The workshop supply list can be downloaded from HERE. 

FAQs

Q: What will my spouse/travelling buddy do while I'm in my art class?

A: Your art class is your time and your spouse/buddy can take this time to sleep in (not on Day 3), explore the city more fully, to shop, hike, take pix or visit venues that you will not have time for. This is a very popular city and there are lots of things for spouses to do. You will meet up again at lunch and will enjoy the cultural activities in the afternoon together.

Click HERE for more FAQs.

For more information about this vacation package contact Brenda Murray Studio56Boutique@gmail.com.

Tour Includes

• A welcome reception
• All art classes
• Ground transportation to Ghent and admission to the museums and sites mentioned
• A farewell dinner 

Tour Excludes

• Flights to/from the area
• Hotel
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Meals (except those listed above)
• Painting supplies
• City taxes payable by guest at check out
• Tips and gratuities
• Porterage/luggage handling
• Travel insurance
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Items not explicitly specified in the inclusion list

Early Bird Prices in USD

Book now before Jan 26, 2026 and save $200USD!

$2199.USD  $1999.USD Workshop Participant

$1599. USD NonPainter Companions (such as partner or travelling buddy)

NonSketcher Companion tickets include the same attractions and meals as the Workshop Participants with the exception of the art classes.

To reserve your spot in this workshop, a $500USD nonrefundable deposit is required for Workshop Participants and a $300USD nonrefundable deposit is required for nonSketcher Companions 150 days prior to the start of the workshop. The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the start of the workshop, that is, Feb 11, 2026.

To make a deposit, please scroll to the bottom and click BOOK NOW.

PLEASE READ OUR  REFUND POLICY.

Greenlighting a workshop

Workshops are greenlighted when the minimum number of tickets (10) has been sold. All ticket holders will be notified by email when this happens. Please do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until we have given the go-ahead for the workshop.

Bring a Friend and Get a $50 Rebate

Here's how it works.  You and your sketching buddy register for a vacation workshop with your deposits. Then alert us with an email. You will each be refunded $50 after the start of the workshop. This rebate can only be applied to 2 Workshop participant tickets if the workshop has sold out with 15 participants.

Accommodations

Hotel accommodation is not included in this package but a group rate has been arranged in a beautiful 19th century aristocratic house that is now a four-star hotel in the heart of Bruges. This hotel features 50 elegantly decorated rooms and is within walking distance of the workshop locations.  

Room Rates

Information about the official hotel of this workshop will be sent to all participants after they have made their deposit. 

How to Make a Hotel Reservation

Before you make a hotel reservation, click the blue BOOK NOW button below to make your deposit that will ensure that you have a spot in this workshop.

After you have secured your spot in this workshop, you will be sent information about the hotel with instructions for how to book a room. Please do not make nonrefundable flight or hotel reservations before the workshop has been greenlighted.

Participants can stay in this hotel or book into another nearby hotel or Airbnb if they prefer. 

Travel + Medical Insurance

Last minute cancellations in this workshop for any reason are nonrefundable therefore protect your investment in this vacation by purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Click HERE for a list of US trip cancellation insurance providers. Some credit card companies may also offer travel insurance if you paid for your trip using that credit card. Be sure to get medical insurance as well.

Travel Tips

 Please check HERE for Studio 56 Travel Tips.

Pedestrian Friendly?

While Bruges is fairly flat, the streets and sidewalks are cobbled and participants must be fully mobile and able to walk for up to 30 minutes. If you are not fully mobile and able to walk up to 30 minutes, we recommend you consider a different Studio 56 workshop that is less physically demanding. 

Your Tour Manager

Participants will be accompanied by Studio 56 owner, Brenda Murray. Brenda is a Canadian artist and arts advocate, the founder of Urban Sketchers Waterloo Region and a former Urban Sketchers Board member. A seasoned traveler, Brenda has traveled to Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, England, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea (resident for 4 years), Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA (35 states). Brenda will be on hand to assist the instructor and to ensure that everything runs smoothly. She has completed the St. John's Ambulance Emergency First Aid - CPR C - AED training. Learn more about Brenda HERE. 

For More Information

Email Studio56Boutique@gmail.com or call Brenda Murray at 519-572-1757.

How to Register for this Workshop

To guarantee your spot in this exciting vacation workshop, participants must pay a deposit by clicking the BOOK NOW button below.

Interested but you have questions? Email Brenda at info@Studio56Boutique.com