Continuous Line Urban Sketch Guanajuato
​ with Meagan Burns
Continuous Line Storytelling

5-Night On-Location Experience
​Tuesday, May 23 - Sunday, May 28, 2023

You're invited to join Artist/Instructor Meagan Burns and Art Leap Adventures on this marvelous opportunity to sketch the whimsical Mexican city of Guanajuato, celebrated for its colorful palette, delightful architecture, silver mining history, preserved mummies as well as the plentiful serenading street celebrations that occur each night. We'll spend time sketching in the streets of this Mexican colonial city, a visit to the mummies, Hugo Anaya's in-house printmaking studio, and a day trip to San Miguel de Allende to watch Mojiganga maker Hermes Arroyo at work in his studio. Not to be missed!

Meagan has taken great care and consideration in designing this fresh workshop that offers immersive opportunities to create your sketchbook of the architecture, people, and celebrations of Guanajuato, all while learning how to more efficiently capture these lively scenes using the concept of continuous line drawing — one powerful, moving line that dances across your page — a technique Meagan champions that helps artists of all skill levels better capture their experience of a location with a more organic and free flowing energy.

In this dynamic workshop, we are based at Hugo Anaya's charming Guanajuato B&B. We'll begin each day with an incredible breakfast before setting out to fill our sketchbooks with our experiences of the lively streets of Guanajuato, and San Miguel de Allende. We'll also take time to sit in the plazas of Guanajuato to soak in the magical essence of this UNESCO protected city.

You'll want to meet Meagan and Hugo in Guanajuato!

Learning Goals

- Push through drawing fears and fill your sketchbook with drawings of the people, architecture and street scenes during our time in Oaxaca
- Gain a better understanding of composition and logistics through a continuous line practice
- Build confidence by leaning into your own unique style of making lines and draw a parade while it's happening

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Those who curious to explore the world as an artist by documenting your travels in your sketchbook, with an interest in incorporating artistic tools that will expand your creativity and strengthen the trust of your inner artist. Be prepared to #alwaysbesketching on this workshop.

​Level: You've sketched on location and are curious to do more

Continuous Line Urban Sketching from the Steps of Guanajuato

Why I Believe in Continuous Line

Join the free Continuous Line Storytelling Group to start practicing now!

Who Is Meagan Burns

Meagan Burns Artist/Instructor originally from Chicago, first went to San Miguel de Allende in 2001 and now lives in Mexico City where she helps people plow through their drawing fears by practicing Continuous Line Urban Sketching online and in the fascinating streets of Mexico City and beyond. She rallied the San Miguel de Allende sketching community to become a Regional Chapter of Urban Sketchers in 2016, with artists sketching each week with the group from around the world. Background is marketing and graphic design, now she provides her community with art making opportunities, urban sketching and delicious tacos. Favorite motto: #makeartstaysane
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In this new era of traveling art workshops, every aspect has been considered to make all workshops a safe and positive experience. We invite you to take the leap and join us on this culturally rich and educational experience in Oaxaca.

Who Is Hugo Anaya

Hugo and Meagan have been producing workshops together since 2016 and love to find new ways to create art-making opportunities for our community. Hugo is from Guanajuato City and in addition to being a welcoming hospitality professional at both Alma del Sol and Hotel del Color for the past 20 years, he's also a skilled printmaker and printmaking instructor. Hugo recently designed and built his printmaking studio on the rooftop at Alma del Sol, where we'll spend some of our workshop time.
almadelsol.com
instagram.com/piramidalgrafica/

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Those who curious to explore the world as an artist by documenting your travels in your sketchbook, with an interest in incorporating artistic tools that will expand your creativity and strengthen the trust of your inner artist. Be prepared to #alwaysbesketching on this workshop.

​Level: You've sketched on location and are curious to do more

WORKSHOP COST: $1,200 USD
Includes Accommodations:
​Alma del Sol // Hotel del Color
Add Travel to Guanajuato City, GTO (BJX)

Travel to Guanajuato

Arrive: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 (or arrive the day before to get settled)
Depart: Sunday, May 28, 2023
​Airport Code: BJX (Leon, Guanajuato), or you may also arrive at QRO (Queretaro)

Guanajuato City is located in the Mexican State of Guanajuato, and about 1.5 hours from San Miguel de Allende. The closest airport is Leon, Guanajuato (BJX), and a taxi can be arranged to deliver you in about 30 minutes to Alma del Sol. Another airport option is Queretaro, Queretaro (QRO), with taxis easily able to deliver you to the hotel.

We have a network of private drivers who can pick you up at the airport and deliver you to our B&B; the cost is $600 pesos per car (not per person). When we have your flight arrival, a driver will be at the airport with your name. We will arrange an airport return ride during our workshop week.

Guanajuato is largely overshadowed by San Miguel de Allende, but the charm and whimsey are must sees for any artist. Guanajuato is vibrant, delightful and sophisticated, with lots of nooks and crannies to safely explore. Whatever your art medium, Guanajuato is sure to inspire! ​

Workshop Agenda

Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Arrive Hotel, or day before to get settled 
Welcome Reception on the Roof
Intros, Workshop Agenda

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Orange Dining Room
Meagan Burns Workshop: Let's Create a Continuous Line Practice 
Walk to #CLUSk Sketch Location
Lunch Break
#CLUSk Assignment: Foreground Middleground Background
Happy Hour & Sketchbook Review on Rooftop

Thursday, May 25, 2023 
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Orange Dining Room
Meagan Burns Workshop: Continue our Continuous Line Practice 
Monotype Printmaking with Hugo Anaya and our Watercolors
Printmaker's Lunch Break
Afternoon #CLUSk Assignment: Printmaking Studio
Happy Hour & Sketchbook Review on Rooftop
Evening Sketching: The Wandering Singers of Guanajuato (Las Estudiantinas)

Friday, May 26, 2023
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Orange Dining Room
Meagan Burns Workshop: Continue our Continuous Line Practice 
Private Transportation to/from San Miguel de Allende
Meet & Sketch the Puppet Maker: Hermes Arroyo and the SMA Mojigangas
Lunch at SMA Restaurant
#CLUSk Assignment: La Parroquia of San Miguel de Allende
Return to Alma del Sol
Happy Hour & Sketchbook Review on Rooftop

Saturday, May 27, 2023
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Orange Dining Room
Meagan Burns Workshop: Continue our Continuous Line Practice 
Taxis to #CLUSk Location: The Mummies of Guanajuato 
Lunch Break
Happy Hour & Final Sketchbook Review on Rooftop
Adios Dinner at Local Guanajuato Restaurant 

Sunday, May 28, 2023
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Orange Dining Room
Goodbyes, Hugs, Photos, Check Out -- THE END

WORKSHOP COST: $1,200 USD
Includes Accommodations:
​Alma del Sol // Hotel del Color
Add Travel to Guanajuato City, GTO (BJX)

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $600 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $618
Balance Due March 15, 2023, $600 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $618
​**See cancellation policy for more information

PRICE INCLUDES:
Continuous Line Urban Sketching Workshop with Meagan Burns
Shared Accommodations at Alma del Sol and Hotel del Colors, assigned on first-come, first served basis 
Welcome Rooftop Reception
Daily Alma del Sol Breakfast
Daily Rooftop Happy Hours with Hugo's Famous Margaritas + Appetizers
​Monotype Combo Watercolor Printmaking Session with Hugo Anaya
Printmaker's Lunch with traditional Guanajuato comida
Transportation and Workshop Visit to San Miguel de Allende Mojiganga Maker
Last Night Art Gallery Reception 
Tour management by Meagan Burns // Art Leap Adventures

NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare/Transportation to Guanajuato (Airport code BJX in Leon, GTO, or QRO in Queretaro 
Transportation to our B&B
$250 Single Supplement, limited availability please inquire asap
Lunch during workshop days
B&B staff tips
Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxi and tips at your discretion
Transaction Fee
Two Doses first Vaccination
​Required Trip Insurance: suggested providers (but please use your own if preferred):
Squaremouth – https://www.squaremouth.com/travel-insurance-quotes
More COVID policy info: https://www.squaremouth.com/press-room/travel-insurance-coronavirus
best choices on Squaremouth:
– HTH Worldwide, TripProtector Preferred, includes COVID cancellation
– Trawick Intl, Safe Travels Voyager, includes COVID cancellation
– TinLeg Gold, includes COVID cancellation
another provider: https://www.insuremytrip.com

Why you need trip insurance: Guanajuato doesn’t have a robust healthcare system like you’re used to, so if you have a serious fall (sidewalks can be treacherous here), get sick, or the taxi you’re in has an accident, it could be very pricey to get you home for treatment. Therefore, we’re requiring everyone to purchase travel insurance for this trip (include medical evacuation of at least $50,000, international accident & health insurance including primary medical coverage, and trip cancellation coverage). There are also trip policies that include COVID cancellations. We recommend that you get PRIMARY medical coverage, not secondary. We encourage you to purchase trip insurance with “Cancel for Any Reason” to cover you for unexpected circumstances.​

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Those who curious to explore the world as an artist by documenting your travels in your sketchbook, with an interest in incorporating artistic tools that will expand your creativity and strengthen the trust of your inner artist. Be prepared to #alwaysbesketching on this workshop.

​Level: You've sketched on location and are curious to do more

Guanajuato Weather

Dress in Layers!  Guanajuato enjoys almost year-round ideal weather, although it does have a dry season interspersed by rain downpours that begin around May. Your smartphone weather app may say rain for the day, but generally speaking the rains move in around 4pm and are done by 6pm, so rain showers are brief. Dressing in layers is your best bet, having some rain gear and a back-up pair of shoes in slight chance we get caught in the rain. 

Covid Safety

This workshop is designed to be mostly outside and many of Mexico's restaurants are now out in the streets, although generally speaking much of life has always been lived in the streets in Mexico. Proof of vaccination is required to attend this workshop, as it is show of respect and regard for being a tourist in Mexico. If you have any further concerns about the Covid situation in Mexico, please feel free to reach out to Meagan, but I have been living in Mexicothroughout the entire pandemic and have found it somewhat easy to navigate an outdoor existence because so much happens outside. Personal responsibility is necessary and current boosters are requested; let's do what we can to ensure the group has a safe and enjoyable workshop experience. 

If Covid protocols are required by Mexican Government and/or City Officials, we will abide and you must agree to abide.

Suggested Art Materials

I use Canson XL Watercolor 140lb 9"x12" plus Hahnemuhle 100% cotton; I combine these sketchbooks into one and have them spiral bound at my local Office Depot.​
What's in My Art Bag:
​Sailor Dude de Mannen Fountain Pen (or similar of your choice)
Sharpie Fine Point Markers
Quality Watercolors in Travel Pan Set (Daniel Smith is recommended)
Quality Watercolor Brushes
Pentel Brush Pens
Platinum Carbon Ink (for Sailor and Pentel Brush)
HB Pencil
Gum Eraser
Water Containers
Paper Towels
Water Bottle (for you to drink)
Backpack to carry all your supplies
Tiny stool for sitting (highly recommended to have a handy portable stool to sit on; I have the Cooseon 10" folding stool, folds up nicely and fits in my backpack, but others prefer the Walkstool Comfort)
Sun Hat + sturdy walking shoes
Layers of clothes for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, rainy evenings
A regard for the safety of yourself and others
Your enthusiasm and sense of adventure

Additional art supplies of your preference
*It is not an option to attend this urban sketch workshop and not participate in the sketching activities

Download Materials List

Connect with @meagan_burns_

Connect with @ArtLeapAdventures 

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SMALL PRINT, PLEASE READ

- Minor agenda changes may occur, but the substance of the tour will remain.
- Please always be armed with your walking shoes, N95 masks, sun hat, sketch bag and sense of adventure, as there will be sketching prompts throughout the workshop, as well as unforeseen circumstances that naturally occur in Mexico. We'll roll with the changes and ask for your patience if a change in the agenda is necessary.
- Group is limited to 8 participants + Meagan
​- During our group meals; we will have one bill per table and you must pay for what you consume plus a 20% tip. Please keep track of what you consume.
- Food sensitivities can be accommodated with proper notification, but please know that corn is an extremely important ingredient in the food and culture in Mexico. Vegan and vegetarian options exists, with diligence, yet currently this ALA agenda includes meat and corn.

​Physical ability to walk unassisted and stand for extended periods is absolutely necessary.

Cancellation Policy

1) All individual cancellations must be made in writing and are effective upon receipt. 

2) If you have paid your deposit or trip fee and are unable to attend due to medical emergency, you will receive a 100% refund up until April 15, 2023.

3) If you need to cancel after April 15, 2023, please contact Meagan and we can discuss the options for the possible refund of monies.

4) If a waiting list of interested participants has formed, we will put you in contact with the first person on the list to whom you can offer your class spot. If the person accepts and then pays the workshop fee in total, you will be reimbursed for your workshop fee.

5) If there is no waiting list, you can transfer your paid fees to another ALA travel workshop within 12 months. However this option is not possible if canceled within two months or less until workshop date.

6) Participant expenses incurred in preparation for the trip (e.g., non-refundable purchased airline tickets) are not the responsibility of ALA. It is required to obtain medical/trip cancellation insurance for this reason.

7) If an emergency occurs and you must make a change to your participation status, please contact Meagan to discuss.

WORKSHOP COST: $1,200 USD
Includes Accommodations:
​Alma del Sol // Hotel del Color
Add Travel to Guanajuato City, GTO (BJX)

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $600 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $618
Balance Due March 15, 2023, $600 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $618
​**See cancellation policy for more information

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Those who curious to explore the world as an artist by documenting your travels in your sketchbook, with an interest in incorporating artistic tools that will expand your creativity and strengthen the trust of your inner artist. Be prepared to #alwaysbesketching on this workshop.

​Level: You've sketched on location and are curious to do more

Meagan's Guanajuato Drawings

Register:
Continuous Line Urban Sketch Guanajuato with Meagan
​May 2023

Previous Guanajuato Sketch Workshops

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Where is Guanajuato City?