Explore stunning Seville while you learn new watercolor skills, tips, and techniques with Seattle-based artist and architect, Stephanie Bower. During this 5-day workshop Stephanie will teach 5 classes in perspective and watercolor sketching to a small group of 10-15 participants. Together we will discover and sketch the amazing food (yes, we’ll sketch the tapas before we eat them!), architecture, culture, and traditions of Seville, the most beautiful city in Spain. Average temperatures in Seville in May a high of  79° F (26° C) and a low of 55°F (13° C).

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 a little about perspective en plein air in the beautiful city of Seville. Beginner artists are welcome. Learn more about Stephanie here: www.stephaniebower.com and follow her on Instagram @stephanieabower.  

This package includes 5 days of art instruction and demos, including a sketching trip to the stunning hill town of Ronda, dinner and a classic Flamenco floor show, transportation and admission to attractions, and many opportunities to sketch the sights.

Arrival in Seville

Monday May 16, 2022

Welcome to Seville. Participants will arrive at their hotel and will have the rest of the day to settle into their accommodations. We will meet for a tapas and wine welcome reception in the early evening after which those available may wish to enjoy our first meal together.     

Day 1 Orientation bus tour 

Tuesday May 17, 2022

After breakfast, we will orient ourselves to the city with a ride on the Hop on Hop Off bus to sketch in different locations in the city. Stephanie will demo her approach to starting a sketch in perspective (it’s easy when you know what to look for), and how to add watercolor to complete the sketch. An intro to perspective sketching will be taught that afternoon. Drink and Draw sketching in the evening.

Day 2 Alcázar

Wednesday May 18, 2022

In the morning, we visit the Alcázar, a royal palace built for the Christian King Peter of Castile on the site of an Abbadid Muslim residential fortress. The morning demo will be on using watercolor to sketch in the famous gardens, followed by instruction on how to sketch the palace’s spaces. Parts of Game of Thrones were filmed at the Alcázar.

In the evening, you can stroll the Canal de Alfonso XIII and enjoy a delicious meal of local specialties with your fellow workshop participants.

Day 3 Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda

Thursday May 19, 2022

Built in the 16th century, Seville Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the world. La Giralda is the bell tower of the cathedral. It was originally built as the minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville. Climb to the top (342ft) and sketch the stunning views of the city. Stephanie will teach at this amazing location.

Day 4 All Day Excursion to Ronda

Friday May 20, 2022

We’ll travel to sketch charming streets of the ancient hill town of Ronda, where we will sketch the town’s landmarks and charming whitewashed, narrow streets. Offering unforgettable views over the El Tajo gorge, the Puente Nuevo (new bridge) was completed in 1793. The bridge joins the old Moorish town and the newer, El Mercadillo parts of the city. It is Ronda’s most famous landmark.

From there we will take a short walk to Mondragón Palace, Built originally in 1314 by the Moorish King Abomelik, it was later used as the primary residence for Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. 

Finally we will visit the Arab Baths. The baths were more than just a sanitary facility; they were also a place where locals and visitors alike would stop to purify and cleanse their bodies before entering the Mosque to purify their souls.

Stephanie will teach Session #4 on site in Ronda. Stephanie will demonstrate the answer to the question, how do you sketch white?  After lunch we will spend the rest of the day exploring and sketching.

Day 5 Plaza de España + Flamenco Dance

Saturday May 21, 2022

Today we visit the Plaza de España, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. It is a landmark example of the Regionalist Architecture, mixing elements of the Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture. The Plaza was also the backdrop to the filming of Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars episodes I and II, and The Dictator. Here Stephanie will teach Session #5. 

In the evening we will attend a Flamenco dance with live musicians for our Farewell Dinner (included).

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

Departure

Sunday May 22, 2022

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 :)

Recommended Workshop Supply List

A list of recommended supplies can be found HERE.

FAQs

Click HERE. For more information about the workshop content contact Stephanie Bower at stbower@comcast.net. For more information about the vacation package contact Brenda Murray at Studio56Boutique@gmail.com.

Tour Includes

Cost in USD

USD$1499. Workshop Participant

USD$1099. NonWorkshop Participant (such as partner or travelling buddy). NonWorkshop Participant tickets include the same attractions and meals as the Workshop Participants with the exception of the art classes. 

This workshop has been greenlighted. To reserve your spot in this workshop a $500 nonrefundable deposit is required for Workshop Participants and a $300 nonrefundable deposit is required for nonWorkshop Participants and is 150 days before the start of the workshop on Sat Dec 18, 2021. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start of the workshop on Mon Jan 17, 2022.

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

PLEASE READ OUR  REFUND POLICY.

Please note that the date of this workshop is subject to change in light of the current covid-19 virus. We will be monitoring the situation closely in an effort to ensure everyone's safety.

Accommodations

The official hotel of this workshop is the Hotel las Casas de la Juderia,  a beautiful, centrally located unique hotel comprised of 27 traditional houses with 134 different rooms linked through 40 patios, gardens and a labyrinth of small passageways and tunnels. This hotel has a pool and a spa. Participants will be sent information about how to book their room after they secure their spot in the workshop with a deposit.

Please note: participants are welcome to stay in a different hotel or an Airbnb if they wish but please do not make alternate, nonrefundable hotel or flight arrangements until this Vacation Workshop has been greenlighted. 

Travel + Medical Insurance

A lot could happen between now and when you depart for this workshop. Travel insurance is very strongly recommended as it covers you in the event you must cancel your trip and it covers emergency medical services which may be significantly more expensive than expected when travelling in a foreign country. Please check with your insurance provider. Click HERE for a list of US insurance providers. Some credit card companies may also offer travel insurance if you paid for your trip with that card.

Covid-19 Vaccinations

The instructor and tour manager are fully vaccinated against covid-19 and it is mandatory that all participants are fully vaccinated against covid-19. You will not be allowed to enter the country without showing proof that you are fully vaccinated. This tour will be following all locally recommended protocols.

Your Tour Manager

Participants will be accompanied by Studio 56 owner, Brenda Murray. Brenda is an artist and arts advocate, the founder of Urban Sketchers Waterloo Region and a former Urban Sketchers Board member. A seasoned traveler, Brenda will be on hand to assist the instructor and to ensure that everything runs smoothly. 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