Haramara Retreat
This workshop goes from December 2nd to December 9th, 2023. Nestled along the warm Pacific ocean in the coastal village of Sayulita, Mexico, the Haramara Retreat has established itself as a place of intimate seaside learning where mind, body, and soul come together in what can only be described as a magical experience.
It is within this spectacular equatorial environment that we will begin our playful exploration of the creative image-making process. Utilizing imagery inspired from our own personal stories, life experience – and of course Sayulita and the surrounding rainforest – we will engage in a hands-on journey through fundamental painting principles, and learn how to sustain our own creative momentum. Haramara is a perfect setting for this, as it allows us to detach from our fast pace of our daily lives.
“The Haramara retreat was amazing beyond words. Nick is an incredible teacher and a very special human being. I am very interested in signing up for a repeat Haramara retreat in the future.”
Linda Wallace, Haramara Art2Life Workshop Attendee
Workshop Program
Throughout the week, we will work on a series of small paintings on wood panels, often working on several pieces simultaneously, which leaves little time to worry about success or failure.
We will also explore how themes of change and spontaneity enable us to create our own unique artwork, and illuminate life lessons inherent in the creative process. We seek to engage both sides of the brain, and invite in mistakes, intuition, and spontaneity.
We will explore the six Art2Life Creativity Principles: value, design, color, texture, risk, and soul. Generous time will be given for experimentation with new tools, mediums, and techniques, and as the class progresses we will create a fertile environment for art making with in depth demonstrations, music, and one on one instruction.
Accommodations & Dining
Haramara also offers a variety of open-air accommodations. Participants have their choice of lodging in spacious double or triple occupancy cabanas, each designed with the perfect amount of privacy.
While at Haramara we will have the pleasure of enjoying the finest vegetarian cuisine, made from the best locally sourced, organically grown ingredients. Haramara also has a staff of highly trained massage therapists, as well as a pool, cooking, and yoga classes, not to mention long quiet stretches of beach, just a short walk away.
There will be ample time for choosing different excursions such as a day on a catamaran to watch migrating gray whales and bottlenose dolphins – or we can explore remote, pristine beaches accessible only by boat.
Experience Sayulita
We will also partake in some of Sayulita’s local cultural flare – not only does Sayulita have its own vibrant artist community, December is also a time of lively festivities for this otherwise quiet seaside town. We will be fortunate enough to enjoy these celebrations amidst delicious food and drink, as the sounds of local musicians drift through the temperate night air.
“This workshop offers a systematic approach to the basics of painting for everyone. I felt like I learned more in this week than I did in the entire process of getting a bachelors degree in art.”
Shawnee Johnson,
Haramara Art2Life Workshop Attendee
Art2Life Workshop Art Kit
Additionally, all workshop participants will receive their very own Art2Life Workshop Art Kit!
The supplies in your Art Kit were hand selected by Nicholas, and contain everything you need to enjoy this retreat. Each Art Kit comes fully stocked with a set of 21 custom made fluid acrylic colors, gloss medium, twelve 12″ x 12″ panels, a set of 8 brushes in various sizes, a painting tray, tracing paper pad, sandpaper, steel wool, pencil, and a 2-pocket apron. And the best part about the Art Kit is that it’s yours to keep once the retreat concludes!
For more information on supplies, check out the “materials” section of our FAQ page (click here for more info).
“An art retreat in a secluded area immersed in nature was a present to myself I had been craving for a longtime. When I found Nicholas Wilton’s workshop in Haramara, I immediately knew I found what I was looking for. I didn’t have any specific expectations in terms of academics or to take home results. The only thing I wanted was to give my art all the space it needed, stay open to whatever could come out, be inspired and encouraged by an established artist and other fellow artists. My experience at Haramara ended up being really extraordinary. I had a wonderful time painting, exploring, and learning new tools to help and nourish my explorations. But, most of all, I realized how vital and fundamental art making is in my life. Thanks Nicholas!”
Paola LanFranchi,
Haramara Art2Life Workshop Attendee
Course Fees
THIS WORKSHOP HAS SOLD OUT.
TO ADD YOURSELF TO THE WAITLIST, CLICK HERE
There are five rooming options at Haramara: single, double, triple, quad, and dorm occupancy. We have a limited number of each of these types of rooms, and as such they are available on a first come, first served basis. Please also note that unless specified otherwise, all workshop accommodations are co-ed.
The cost breakdown for these 5 rooming options is as follows:
Single Occupancy Room
$4600
Double Occupancy Room
$3600
Triple Occupancy Room
$3200
Quad Occupancy Room
$2900
Dorm*
$2500
SOLD OUT
* The dorm option is only available to female participants. Interested parties should contact us at info@art2life.com
The above fees cover all room, food and art material expenses. The accommodations for this workshop are first come, first served. To reserve your space, a 1/3rd deposit (based on desired accommodation type) is required.
Please read about our payment and refund policies here. We also strongly recommend you check out our extensive FAQ for this workshop by clicking here.
Please note, due to the nature of the terrain of the Haramara Retreat it is not recommended for young children or persons with limited or impaired mobility.