1. Description of artistic techniques:
Have you ever aspired to master your control over illumination, hues, and atmosphere in your watercolor artworks? Embark on a creative journey with Gonzalo Ibáñez, a seasoned watercolor artist renowned for his expertise in landscapes and plein-air painting. Under Gonzalo's guidance, you'll have the opportunity to refine techniques aimed at enhancing your watercolor artistry in a robust and delightful manner. Join us on an artistic odyssey through the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, where you'll acquire the skills to keenly perceive the interplay of light and color in your surroundings and skillfully translate them onto your canvas. Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez,
2. List of materials that I recommend for plein-air and inside painting
The basic materials are a suggestion, I propose here that I will use during the workshop in order to achieve uniformity in the results. However, everyone can bring the materials they can access and it will not affect the development of the workshop.
1. Paper: Watercolor block of 36x26cm minimum, ideal 31x41cm or half sheet sheets (35x50cm approx). Cotton 100% 300 g/m2 (or 200 g/m2 minimum for a watercolor sketchbook). If you have sheets, I recommend masking tape and a rigid board to stick the sheet.
2. Colors: I recommend Schmincke or Nevskaya Palitra as a guide, but you can use the watercolors of your choice as long as they are of semi-professional quality or better. Not college-quality watercolors. The colors can be in pans or tubes. The basics colors are: 213 Chrome yellow deep, 494 Ultramarine finest, 354 Madder red dark, 474 Manganese violet, 519 Phthalo green, 214 Chromium orange, 661 Burnt sienna, 649 English Venetian red, 787 Payne's grey bluish. It is important to have a palette to mix the colors.
3. Brush:
- Big areas brush, as a guide, I recommend Da Vinci petit gris pur 418 series n°6 and hake watercolor brush 40mm (Herend as a guide).
- Medium areas brush, Da Vinci petit gris pur 418 series n°5-4 or Da Vinci Casaneo n°4.
- Detail brush, Da Vinci Casaneo n°2 or generic synthetic round brush n°10. If possible add a rigger brush.
For plein-air painting consider using a fine water spray to moisten the paper, a container for water, an easel or board to paint outside, and plenty of sunscreen! Also do not forget your drawing materials such as a 2B or 4B graphite pencil and a soft eraser.
Upon arrival in Marrakech, participants will be warmly welcomed by our professional guide and driver. We will then embark on a journey to Essaouira by bus (17 seats). A brief stop will be made to inaugurate the travel log. The meeting at the airport will be no later than 14:00 pm, to take the road to Essaouira
Today is dedicated to exploring the fish market in the medina. We'll take a lunch break at the fish market, indulging in fresh, grilled fish. In the afternoon, we'll venture to the lively harbor to witness the return of the fishermen at day's end and enjoy the sunset.
Overnight stay in Essaouira.
A stroll within the walls of the medina (fortresses) awaits, providing time for painting and sketching. After a lunch break, the afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the city and sketching in the shaded streets.
Overnight stay in Essaouira.
First excursion to the Souk d’Had Draa, a large regional market held every Sunday where breeders and merchants conduct their business, selling animals, clothes, unusual materials, spices, meat, fruit, and vegetables, etc. This presents a total immersion into the local culture and an opportunity to enjoy our first mint tea under a tent. Return to the gite at the end of the afternoon. Night in Essaouira.
Today's objective is to sketch the 15th-century architecture. Afterward, return to the gite for lunch, served on the panoramic terrace exclusively reserved for our group. This offers a breathtaking view of the numerous roofs and terraces of the city. Following a break, the afternoon will be dedicated to sketching and painting on our terrace, allowing us to savor the sunset.
Overnight stay in Essaouira.
Take a leisurely stroll on the vast beach of Essaouira, capturing panoramic sketches either by the sea or nestled in the dunes. Spend the afternoon in the company of camels and horses, with the option for those interested to take a camel ride.
Overnight stay in Essaouira.
Morning on the Riad terrace for finalizing the sketchbook. Receive guidance on layouts, various collages, and texts. Lunch break. In the afternoon, free time: souvenir shopping, indulging in the pleasures of the hammam, leisurely strolls with the wind as your guide. Last night in Essaouira.
Departure for Marrakech in the morning.
Gonzalo Ibáñez (b. 1992). As a contemporary artist based in Santiago, Chile, he has excelled in the exploration of urban environments and the representation of everyday aspects. His artistic production is characterized by the introspective depth it communicates, often encapsulating the essence of empty spaces or alienated individuals who appear disconnected from their surroundings. Furthermore, Ibáñez employs the watercolor technique with a realistic approach, achieving a delicate balance between areas of clearly defined figurative representation and others that maintain a deliberate ambiguity. To do this, he relies on a limited color palette, creating atmospheres that explore the interplay of light and shadow. In his work, Gonzalo Ibáñez highlights the tension between the everyday and the singularity of the urban environment, delving into the hidden beauty of the underestimated, the vacant, and the routine.
Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez, Gonzalo Ibáñez,
The Riad Chakir Mogador is conveniently located in the center of Essaouira, just a few steps from the port and the beach.
The traditional Moroccan rooms at Riad Chakir Mogador all feature a private bathroom and a seating area. Some rooms are air-conditioned.
Traditional Dishes
One of the most notable aspects of Moroccan cuisine is the emphasis on the quality and freshness of ingredients. The produce is sourced from a land free of pesticides, chemicals, hormones, or preservatives. Animals are typically slaughtered just hours before they are used, with mutton being the prevalent meat offered, rather than lamb. Market vegetables are freshly gathered each morning. The use of spices, herbs, fresh fruits, nuts, and dried fruits imparts an invigorating vitality that stands in stark contrast to the packaged and imported products commonly found in much of Europe and North America.
To further acquaint you with the culinary delights, here are explanations of some of the most common and popular traditional Moroccan dishes:
Harira: A thick soup made of chickpeas, lentils, and haricot beans, often flavored with mutton or chicken, lemon, and tarragon.
Brochettes: Grilled kebabs featuring mutton, liver, and fat.
Kefta: Spicy meatballs crafted from minced mutton and offal, often served in a seasoned sauce.
Pastilla/Bastilla: A pie composed of multiple layers of flaky pastry filled with chopped pigeon meat, eggs, almonds, and spices. Chicken or fish may be used as alternatives to pigeon.
Tagine: Alongside couscous, this is one of the most ubiquitous Moroccan dishes—a slowly simmered stew cooked in its own juices in an earthenware bowl with a distinctive conical lid. Variants include tagine de viande (mutton stew with vegetables or served alone with prunes), tagine de poisson (bream or sardine stew with tomatoes and herbs), tagine de lapin (rabbit stew), and tagine de poulet aux olives et citron (a delicious chicken stew with lemon and olives). The lemon imparts a delightful bitter zest to the meat.
Mechoui: Lamb roasted whole on a spit or baked in a special oven. This delicately fragrant meat, distinct from typical mutton, is often enjoyed with bread but is considered an elaborate luxury that may need to be ordered well in advance.
Couscous: Made from half-baked flour ground into semolina-like grains, perfectly prepared couscous involves a meticulous cooking process with steamings and oilings, resulting in distinct granular texture. While best enjoyed in a home or a quality restaurant, it is often served with sept légumes (seven steamed vegetables) and occasional mutton. Couscous can also be served as a dessert with sugar, cinnamon, and rich, warm goat's milk.
Cornes de Gazelle: Croissant-like pastries filled with honey and almonds.
Essaouira is a coastal city in Morocco known for its unique blend of history, culture, and seaside charm. Here are some key features and attractions of Essaouira:
*Medina: The historic medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is characterized by its well-preserved fortifications, narrow winding streets, and traditional Moroccan architecture. The medina is a vibrant hub with shops, markets, and artisan workshops.
*Port and Beach: Essaouira's port is a bustling area where you can witness the daily activities of fishermen. The beach is renowned for its strong winds, making it a popular destination for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
*Skala de la Ville: This historic seafront rampart offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the medina. It's a great place to explore and take in the maritime atmosphere.
*Moulay Hassan Square: This central square in the medina is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a lively spot to relax and enjoy the local scene.
*Essaouira Citadel (Scala): A historic fortress with cannons and a lighthouse, providing a glimpse into the city's maritime history.
*Essaouira Music Festival: The city hosts an annual music festival that attracts artists and music enthusiasts from around the world.
*Gnaoua Culture: Essaouira is known for its association with Gnaoua music and culture. Visitors can experience Gnaoua performances and learn about this unique musical tradition.
*Artisan Markets: The medina is home to numerous artisan markets where you can find handmade crafts, including woodwork, textiles, and traditional Moroccan goods.
*Essaouira's relaxed atmosphere, coastal beauty, and cultural richness make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a unique Moroccan experience.
When we receive your deposit we will email you to confirm your reservation and payment.
Once the retreat becomes guaranteed (minimum number of registrants met) we will contact you to confirm your reservation and arrange payment of the balance for the retreat if only the deposit was paid at registration.
If for any reason the retreat does not become guaranteed, you will be refunded any funds paid (deposit or total amount).
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