Levels:- Beginner,Intermediate and Advanced.
His technique:- His main goal is to create drama in paintings. For this he paint 'Wet on Wet' (Alla Prima). He generally create a misty feel on the background to bring alive the dramatic feeling . Also adding textures at different levels is another part of his technique.
His teaching:
The sole purpose of the course is to introduce the participants with specific techniques of watercolor which includes both basic and advanced levels. Techniques would help them to gain confidence in their painting panel. It will act as a source of inspiration and creativity for them. Example is better than precept because it clarifies the doubts and simplifies the complexes. It gives a gist of the entire course and stimulates creativity. There will be simple exercises to be repeated after every step. But the final output of each trainee will reveal their own personality as there is every possibility of a different result for each participant. He prefers simple exercises for each technical process as it helps in better understanding. To master a piece of art requires demonstration and careful monitoring at each stage. So it is very important to primarily focus on the techniques for a successful realization. His painting particularly insist on the perspective,themes and creative process also little research and reframing. Aerial views, landscapes adds to the concept of his paintings. He loves to give life to the landscapes in his painting panel with his own imagination and creativity. As for colour he personally uses a very limited palette with a good combination of both warm and cool colors.
Your artistic approach:- His artistic approach towards paintings always depends upon the perspective of the subject matter. He must need to draw an outline of the subject he wants in his panel within his mind. He basically focuses on the distant objects and capture them in his imagination. Then, he adds levels of textures with watercolors to his paintings. It reinforces his subject and enriches the masterpiece he wants to create.
Arrival in Marrakech at Marrakech-Menara RAK international airport. you will be welcomed by our professional guide and driver. after the meeting, departure to Essaouira 3h drive.
Ksar "Ait-Ben Haddou" a UNESCO World Heritage site the day starts early with a picturesque sunrise before enjoying a special breakfast. As the sun begins to rise. it will be a desert day full of rocks, on the road to Ait Ben-Haddou, (about 200 km from Marrakech). the road that crosses the High Atlas mountain range. On our way we will pass by the pass of Tizin'Tichka, at more than 2200 m of altitude and which connects the valley of the wadi Tensift in the north, with the valley of Asif Ounila a semi-arid region in the south- East. Night in Ait Ben Haddou.
After breakfast , you will enjoy a full day sketching and drawing Ait
Ben Haddou, the most spectacular Kasbah in the south of Morocco and the
iconic landscape immortalized in such films as, Lawrence of Arabia,
Jesus of Nazareth, The Jewel of the Nile, The Living Daylights, The
Sheltering Sky, Kundun, The Mummy, Gladiator, and Alexander the great,
Here we will begin our first sketches of the kasbahs and Ksars
buildings.Also, sketch the shaded alleys and along the wadi (river) .In
the afternoon will leave Ait-ben-Haddou to arrive at one of the
mesmerizing places called Skoura.
Night and dinner.
It is hard to say goodbye. but, this is the farewell day...Transfer to Marrakech Airport International (RAK).
Nirupam konwar is a well-experienced and professional watercolor
artist from India. Having spent his childhood amongst the verdant hills
and beautiful countryside , he loves painting landscapes.Focused on
pursuing his passion for art, he has owed his name in the international
platform too. He always tries to ignite artistic passion for
watercolors in the budding artists by conducting internships and demos.
Painting was a hobby for him since childhood. But it became his
motivation when he received a scholarship from CCRT in 2003. The
budding artist within him slowly began to grow when he has been awarded
the North East Young Talent Artist award in 2007 . My name also got
featured in Best of World Wide Artist Magazine in 2012. However, his
brush with the international art scene began when he submitted a couple
of canvases to International Watercolor Society contest in 2014 and got
selected in the fourth position. After that there was no turning back.
He got many opportunities to conduct workshops and demos outside India
and other countries. He was invited as a guest in Fabriano to
participate in International Aquarello Fabriano, Italy in 2017 and 2018.
In 2019, he was invited as a guest artist for the International
Confluence, France. Besides these awards and achievements he has been
invited to give workshops in Italy, Taiwan and France. Recently in the
month of July, he visited France as he was invited to give a watercolor
workshop. Each and every time he give a workshop it gives him more
experience and new things to learn. Also he has been felicitated with
the title of Brand Ambassador of a color and brush company “ Nevskaya
Palitra and Roubloff LLC” respectively. This also adds to his bunch of
achievements. All these awards and achievements honours him with the
feeling of an artist. He loves to paint nature on his painting
panel.Views from morning and evening adds to his subjects for painting
as morning and evening are the best times for engaging in such works. He
is very much selective with the colours as he uses a very limited
palette and this made his paintings very unique.
Traditional Dishes
One of the most striking features of Moroccan cooking is the quality and fquality and freshnes of the ingredients. Produce comes from a land without pesticides, chemicals,
hormones
or preservatives. Animals are slaughtered just hours before they are
este The meat you are offered will generally be mutton, not lamb. Market
vegetables whave been gathered that morning. Spices, herbs, fresh
fruit, nuts and dried fruthae an invigorating vitality completely
removed from the packaged and imported products available in much of
Europe and North America.
lo encourage you,
here are explanations of some of the most common and popular Moroccan
traditional dishes (for details of Arab and French
pronunciation,see Language,
Harira: a thick soup of chick peas, lentils and haricot beans often flavoured witn mutton or chicken, lemon and tarragon.mutton or chicken, lemon and tarragon.
Brochettes: Grilled kebabs of mutton, liver and fat.
Kefta: Spicy meatballs made of minced mutton and offal, often served in a negg sauce.
Pastilla/bastilla: A pie made up of multiple layers of flaky pastry filled With y
chopped pigeon meat, eggs, almonds and spices. Chicken or fish may be used instead of pigeon.
Tagine: Along with couscous, this is the most universal of Moroccan dishes -
slowly simmered stew,cooked in its own juices in an earthenware bowl with a distinctive conical lid. The tagine provides the foundation for using a whole spectrum
of ingredients, spices and styles. The most popular variants found on most menus across Morocco are: tagine de viande (mutton stew cooked with vegetables or serve
alone
with prunes); tagine de poisson (bream or sardine stew cooked with
tomatoe and herbs); tagine de lapin (rabbit stew); and tagine de poulet
aux olives et citron
(a delicious chicken stew cooked With lemon and olives). The lemon gives a deliciou bitter zest to the meat.
Mechoui: Lamb roasted whole on a spit or baked in a special oven. This delicate and fragrant meat, far removed1 from the usual mutton, is eaten with bread. It is, howevel
an elaborate luxury which is often only available if ordered well in advance.
Couscous: This dish is made from half-baked flour which is then ground into semolina-like grains. A perecty prepared couscous is laboriously cooked in a succession of steamings and oilings that allow each grain to cook while retaining adistinct granular texture. couscous served outside of a home or a good restaurant is
unlikely to be found at
its best. It is usually accompanied by sept légumes (seven steamed
vegetables) with the odd lump of mutton. It can also be served as a
pudding
with sugar, cinnamon and rich, warm goat's milk.
Cornes de gazelle: Croissant-like pastries filled with honey and almonds.
Frequently Asked questions about the workshop in Morocco
- Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Yes,
this is a country where you will have no security concerns. Our
itinerary is well marked and we will always be accompanied by local
guides. Tourists who in the past have been attacked, have ventured to
places where even Moroccans would not dare to go. So leave without fear:
for my part I feel much more in danger at the Gare de Lyon than in the
middle of the palm grove!
-How many participants will there be in the course?
Rest
assured, we will be a small group! The course is confirmed as soon as
there are 6 registered participants and we can go up to 12, even 15 at
most. A small group allows the teacher to have time with everyone;
beyond that it is a little bit difficult but not impossible
Finally, know that it is possible to come accompanied by your spouse or your children. The accompanying persons benefit from all the visits, but pay a little less because they will not have the workshop with the instructor.
- The meeting point is in Casablanca or Marrakech airport (depends on the start of our journey)
What time should you arrive ?
no later than 12H00
Ideally it would be best to find a plane that arrives in on early in the afternoon and which leaves in the late afternoon.
If
you arrive in a few days before the trip and workshop, we can pick you
up before picking up the other interns from the airport. obviously with a
supplement
- Who will pick us up and where exactly?
Our
guide throughout the stay, will be there with the bus and a driver,
pick you up at the exit Airport (the main arrivals gate), as soon as you
pass the door that leads to the outside. Here are his contact details
in case of delay: 00 212 6 60 19 43 24 Or 00 212 6 78 79 49 03.
- Where will we sleep the first night?
Our
driver will drive us directly from the airport to Casablanca (a 1 hour
drive), where we will be expected for dinner and to spend our first
night.
- Will we stay several nights in the same gîte?
It depends on the program
- How many will we be per room? Are they mixed?
The rooms have a large beds with bathroom and toilet in each room.
- To whom should we pay the balance of the stay, and when?
See conditions
- Will we have other fees?
Everything
is included in the price: full room and board, internal transport and
tours. Just plan a little change for your drinks on the terrace and your
souvenir purchases. There is a currency exchange office at the airport,
just before the exit, which does not take any commission.
For information, 1 euro = 10 dirhams, 1 dollar = 10 dirhams approximately
- Are sheets, blankets and towels provided?
In all the hotels, sheets, blankets and towels are provided, even at the camp in the desert, where we will spend a night.
- What clothes should you bring?
Take
light clothes, because it can be very hot during the day, but also a
small fleece for the evening, because the nights are cool.
There is a swimming pool so you can take your swimsuit. Don't forget to bring your sunglasses and a scarf or cap to protect your head!
- Which notebook to choose?
See the teacher
*List Of The Busiest Airports In Morocco*
# Casablanca:
CASABLANCA MOHAMMED V INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - CASABLANCA AIRPORT (CMN)
**Located 30 kilometres south-east of Casablanca.
**Is among the five busiest airports in Africa.
# Marrakech:
MARRAKESH AIRPORT (RAK)
**Located 5 kilometres from Marrakesh city centre.
**RAK Airport is a focus city for Ryanair
**Tangier: Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport
The airport is named for Ibn Battouta (1304-1368), a Moroccan traveler who was born in Tangier.
**Fes :
Saïss Airport or Fès–Saïss Airport
**Located about 13 km from the city center of Fez
Marrakech is a vibrant and historic city located in Morocco, North Africa. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant atmosphere.
Here are some key aspects of Marrakech:
Medina: The heart of Marrakech is its historic old town, also known as the Medina. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a maze-like network of narrow streets, alleyways, and bustling squares. The Medina is home to many architectural gems, including palaces, mosques, and riads (traditional Moroccan houses with interior courtyards).
Jemaa el-Fnaa: This central square is the pulsating heart of Marrakech. During the day, it is filled with food stalls, street performers, and merchants selling various goods. At night, it transforms into a lively scene with musicians, storytellers, and entertainers. Jemaa el-Fnaa is a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Souks: Marrakech is famous for its vibrant markets, or souks, where you can find a wide variety of goods, including textiles, spices, leather goods, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional Moroccan crafts. Exploring the labyrinthine alleys of the souks is a must-do experience for visitors.
Majorelle Garden: This beautiful garden, originally owned by French painter Jacques Majorelle, is now owned by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. It features exotic plants, vibrant blue buildings, and a small museum dedicated to Berber culture.
Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque is an iconic landmark. Its impressive minaret dominates the city's skyline and is visible from various points. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque but can admire its architecture and enjoy the adjacent gardens.
Bahia Palace: A stunning example of Moroccan architecture, Bahia Palace showcases intricate tilework, carved cedar wood ceilings, and beautiful gardens. It was built in the late 19th century and was intended to be the greatest palace of its time.
Hammams: Marrakech is known for its traditional hammams, which are bathhouses where locals and visitors go for relaxation and cleansing rituals. Hammams typically offer various treatments, including steam baths, massages, and exfoliating scrubs.
Day trips: Marrakech serves as a gateway to many exciting day trip destinations, such as the Atlas Mountains, the desert town of Ouarzazate, the Berber villages of the Ourika Valley, and the coastal city of Essaouira.
Marrakech offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. Whether you're exploring the bustling markets, admiring the stunning architecture, or immersing yourself in Moroccan traditions, Marrakech is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Details about Ait Ben Haddou:
Kasbah: The main attraction of Ait Ben Haddou is its kasbah, which is a type of traditional Moroccan architecture characterized by fortified mud-brick buildings. The kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is an excellent example of this construction style and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Game of Thrones." The buildings are tightly packed together and rise on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
History: Ait Ben Haddou has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The kasbah was once an important stop along the caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert. It served as a trading post for goods such as salt, gold, and ivory. Over the centuries, the kasbah was inhabited by various families who added to its architectural heritage.
Architecture: The architecture of Ait Ben Haddou showcases traditional Berber construction techniques. The buildings are made of local clay, straw, and wood, giving them a distinct earthy hue. The kasbah is made up of several interconnected houses, narrow streets, and defensive walls, creating a labyrinth-like structure. The intricate details of the mud-brick buildings, with their ornate motifs and decorations, provide a glimpse into the region's architectural heritage.
Cultural Significance: Ait Ben Haddou is an important cultural site that offers insight into the historical and cultural traditions of the Berber people. The local community still lives within the kasbah, and some families welcome visitors into their homes to showcase traditional Berber customs and crafts.
Tourism: Ait Ben Haddou attracts a significant number of tourists who visit to explore its unique architecture and experience its cultural significance. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to navigate the narrow streets, climb to the top of the kasbah for panoramic views, and learn about the history and traditions associated with the site.
A visit to Ait Ben Haddou provides an opportunity to step back in time and witness the architectural and cultural heritage of Morocco's Berber civilization. The impressive kasbah, surrounded by a picturesque landscape, offers a memorable experience for travelers interested in history, architecture, and cultural exploration.
The Palm Grove of Skoura:
The Palm Grove of Skoura, also known as Palmeraie de Skoura, is a vast oasis located in the Skoura region of Morocco, near the city of Ouarzazate. It is one of the largest palm groves in Morocco and offers a serene and picturesque landscape.
Here are some key details about the Palm Grove of Skoura:
Oasis and Palm Trees: The Palm Grove of Skoura is an expansive oasis covering an area of approximately 25 square kilometers. It is characterized by lush greenery, date palm trees, and various other fruit trees. The oasis is fed by a network of underground canals (known as khettaras) that bring water from the nearby High Atlas Mountains.
Traditional Agriculture: The palm grove has been cultivated for centuries and is known for its agricultural activities. Local farmers make use of the fertile soil and water resources to grow a variety of crops, including dates, almonds, olives, pomegranates, and vegetables. The traditional farming methods used here showcase the sustainable practices employed by the local communities.
Kasbahs and Traditional Architecture: Within the Palm Grove of Skoura, you will find several fortified mud-brick villages, known as kasbahs. These ancient structures were built by local tribes and served as residences for noble families, as well as fortified defense posts. Many kasbahs have been restored and transformed into guesthouses or boutique hotels, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional Moroccan architecture and hospitality.
Scenic Beauty and Exploration: The Palm Grove of Skoura provides a picturesque setting with its dense palm trees, verdant gardens, and tranquil atmosphere. It is an ideal place for leisurely walks, picnics, or exploring the surroundings on a bicycle or by hiring a local guide. The landscape is particularly enchanting during sunset when the golden hues cast a magical glow over the palm grove.
Cultural Heritage: Skoura is home to a vibrant local community that preserves its cultural heritage. Visitors can engage with the locals, learn about their traditional way of life, and witness firsthand the customs, crafts, and hospitality of the Berber people.
Excursions and Activities: The Palm Grove of Skoura serves as a base for various excursions and activities in the surrounding area. From here, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Kasbah Amridil, visit the Dades Gorges and Todgha Gorges, or embark on a desert adventure to the Sahara Desert.
The Palm Grove of Skoura offers a peaceful and idyllic retreat away from the bustling cities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and experience the rural traditions of Morocco.
Merzouga is a small village located in the southeastern part of Morocco, near the border with Algeria. It is best known as the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, which are part of the Sahara Desert. Merzouga is a popular destination for travelers seeking desert adventures and experiencing the unique culture of the region.
Merzouga:
Erg Chebbi Dunes: The highlight of Merzouga is undoubtedly the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. These towering sand dunes, reaching heights of up to 150 meters, stretch for approximately 30 kilometers and offer stunning views of the vast desert landscape. Many visitors come to Merzouga specifically to witness the breathtaking sunrise or sunset over the dunes.
Desert Activities: Merzouga is a hub for desert activities and experiences. Travelers can embark on camel treks that take them deep into the desert, allowing them to immerse themselves in the tranquility and solitude of the Sahara. Overnight desert camping is also a popular option, where visitors can spend the night in traditional nomadic-style tents, enjoy traditional Moroccan food, and marvel at the starry night sky.
Berber Culture: The area around Merzouga is inhabited by the Berber people, who have a rich cultural heritage. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about Berber traditions, music, and cuisine, as well as interact with the local community. Traditional music performances and dances are often organized in the evening, providing a glimpse into the vibrant Berber culture.
Off-Road Excursions: Merzouga serves as a starting point for off-road excursions into the desert and nearby attractions. Travelers can explore the rugged landscape in 4x4 vehicles, visiting places like the dramatic Todgha Gorges or the picturesque villages of the Draa Valley. These excursions offer a chance to witness the diverse natural beauty of the region.
Birdwatching: The desert around Merzouga is home to various bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. During certain times of the year, migratory birds can be spotted in the area, including desert sparrows, Egyptian nightjars, and many more.
Festival of the Desert: Merzouga hosts the annual Festival of the Desert, which showcases traditional music, dance, and cultural performances. This vibrant event brings together artists from different parts of Morocco and beyond, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
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).
A deposit is required to the teacher :
konwarnirupam924@gmail.com