Sketch ​Sayulita with Meagan Burns
Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico (North of Puerto Vallarta)

One Week Sketch Adventure with Beach Time
​Monday, January 8 - Monday, January 15, 2024

Let's go to the beach! You're cordially invited to a winter sketch getaway set in the vibrant  bohemian surf town of Sayulita. This charming pueblo magico is nestled in the heart of Nayarit, Mexico, offering the perfect backdrop for an artistic escape. Led by artist/educator, Meagan Burns who's crafted a tremendous agenda brimming with the region's finest experiences you won't want to miss. Grab your sketchbook and prepare to be enchanted by the sea!

Located a breezy 1.5-hour drive north from the Puerto Vallarta airport, this hidden gem promises an artistic journey like no other. We'll blend creativity with the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves and immerse ourselves in the vibrant hues of Sayulita's hip culture.

This is a very special seaside town full of Mexican charm, color and culture, and we're going to spend a week taking in these sights and sounds with our sketchbooks, please join me this winter.

Sayulita's colorful atmosphere, lively hippie vibe, trendy dining scene, design shops and surf beaches attract surfers and hip tourists from around the world, giving the town a sparkly energetic feel that'll sure to inspire your sketchbook creations. Sayulita is one of the handful of Mexican towns that have been designated with the title of Pueblo Mágico because the town has maintained their original architecture, traditions, history, and culture.

Sayulita lies along the Pacific coastline of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, approximately 24 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. There will be a car service available to shuttle you to Sayulita, which is the most convenient and efficient way to arrive in our beach town getaway. 

Our charming hotel is nestled in the middle of town overlooking the evening's nightlife activities (including selfie-stick alley), as well as with a slice of the ocean that's a block away. Each hotel room has it's own air conditioner and quality bed linens, so the rooms will be comfortable, but please know that we will be located in the heart of Sayulita's Centro where there's dancing in the streets with local musicians, so this will be a very lively week, as opposed to a quiet sleepy beach town experience (​ear plugs are required). This sketch experience will give us an opportunity to take in the pace of a Mexican surf town, as well as have an opportunity to fill your sketchbooks with Mexican beach-type scenes.

On this 7-night sketch adventure we'll start our days after breakfast with drawing exercises, timed sketches and prompts to begin to fill our sketchbook, but we'll also explore local activities such as a private whaling boat to see and experience the humpback whale migration with trained marine biologists, private yoga class on the beach after a mild hike through the jungle, strolls through mercados and the hip dining scene. We'll also sit under an umbrella on the beach to take it all in and to add more to our sketchbooks.

A winter getaway with your sketchbook could be the perfect winter escape for curious, sketch-booking artists. 

Visitors to Sayulita tend to be more interested in surf activities and trendy restaurants, as opposed to lounging on the beach, so it's a town for active folks -- this is not a quaint beach with lazy days, so if you're up for funky Mexican seaside exploration, keep reading for more details.

​Good physical mobility is required for this sketch adventure, as our hotel has two or three sets of stairwells depending on the room you choose, and we will be on foot on the cobbled streets of Sayulita, Mexico.

Sayulita Sketch 2023

Yes, there will be whales!!

WHY I BELIEVE IN CONTINUOUS LINE URBAN SKETCHING

WHO IS MEAGAN BURNS

Meagan Burns artist, educator and workshop creator, originally from Chicago, now living in Mexico City where she leads drawing classes online and in person to help people move past their drawing fears by practicing Continuous Line Drawing in the fascinating streets of Mexico City and beyond. Meagan has been a part of the urban sketching community since 2016 and has hosted sketch workshops throughout Mexico in cities such as Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Sayulita, Mexico City, Guanajuato and San Francisco, California. Background is marketing, graphic design and organic meat, now she provides her community with art making opportunities, sketch workshops and community bonding. 

In the Continuous Line Storytelling group, Meagan offers tips, techniques, classes, demos and live streams that assist artists in becoming stronger line makers by using the concept of continuous line drawing. Meagan designed a specific curriculum with three powerful benefits: moving past fears, increasing composition comprehension, and building confidence that helps artists of all skill levels enhance their creative expression. 

Art Leap Adventures is an art workshop tour business Meagan created in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 2017. 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 join fellow creatives and Meagan on one of our artful experiences.

LEARNING GOALS

Our overall goal is to learn to confidently on location, no matter what the subject matter. This workshop is a travel experience and we will learn to capture it all with a small and versatile kit, and in quick sketches throughout our days:
- Fill a sketchbook with people, food, architecture and experiences throughout the duration of the workshop
- Push through drawing fears to add more unique character to your urban sketches
- Gain a better understand of composition and logistics by practicing continuous line
- Build confidence and a sense of accomplishment by starting and completing your drawings with unique stroke
​- Be a visual storyteller!

SAYULITA, NAYARIT 2023

MEAGAN'S SAYULITA SKETCHES

Sayulita is a charming Mexican beach town that stands out from neighboring towns because of it's youthful crowds and high end dining and shopping, and I invite you to enjoy a week taking in it's Magic with Meagan and a small group of fellow traveling artists. We'll gather each morning for breakfast and community, then we'll begin our drawing exercises and sketch prompts. Each evening we'll gather o review our sketches from the day. 
​
Bring your sketchbook arsenal, your beach attire, sense of adventure and your appetite, we're going to see and sketch the magic of Sayulita.

WORKSHOP COST: $1,200 USD
Plus your Accommodations, Travel and Transfer to PVR/Sayulita, Most Meals

PRICE INCLUDES:

Meagan Burns 6-Day Sketch Workshop
Drawing Exercise Books
Welcome Taco Tour of Sayulita
Private Yoga Class on Beach
​Private Whaling Boating Excursion with local Marine Biologists 
Private Transportation to San Pancho Beach for Day Trip
Last Night Adios Dinner
Tour management by Art Leap Adventures

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfare/Transportation to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR)
Transportation to Sayulita, Nayarit (transfer can be scheduled with my private driver)
Hotel (see hotel information)
Food & Drinks except for Welcome Dinner and Last Night Celebration 
Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxi and tips at your discretion
Transaction Fees
​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

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.

In the event you become injured or contract Covid or another illness, we will do what we can to immediately remove you from the workshop location, but it is your responsibility to get yourself home and treated. Please don't bypass this important step for peace of mind. 

SAYULITA CENTRAL HOTEL

Delfin 7, Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
Seven Nights
Arrive: Monday, January 8, 2024
Depart: Monday, January 15, 2024
​Airport Code: PVR

Our hotel for the duration of this workshop is Sayulita Central Hotel, and we have a block of rooms reserved. You'll pay the hotel directly after choosing your room based on availability. The hotel has 12 rooms and we will occupy eight of them for our stay, please choose from the list of rooms and please note there are varying prices, as the room sizes differ because this was once a large home.

Room 5 San Blas: $2300 mxn or approx. $135 per night
Room 6 El Anclote: $2100 mxn or approx. $125 per night
Room 8 El Faro: $1800 mxn or approx. $105 per night
Room 10 Veneros: $1600 mxn or approx. $95 per night
Room 11 Palmitas: $2100 mxn or approx. $125 per night
Room 12 Las Islitas: $1400 mxn or approx. $85 per night
​Room 1 La Bahia: $1100 mxn or approx. $65 per night

Room #5 "San Blas": $135 USD per Night 

A most spacious room in Sayulita Central Hotel, the room has a wrap-around patio with views of the town and the surrounding hills. Individually controlled air conditioner, queen size bed, WiFi, terrace with hammock, second floor. See more photos here.

Room #6 "El Anclote": $125 USD per Night  

Another spacious room in Sayulita Central Hotel, the room has a balcony with views of the town. Individually controlled air conditioner, king size bed, WiFi, terrace with hammock, second floor. See more photos here.

Room #8 "El Faro": $105 USD per Night  

A funky but cozy room on the third floor with queen size bed and private patio.. Individually controlled air conditioner, WiFi. See more photos here.

Room #10 "Veneros": $95 USD per Night 

This is a bright studio with access to a shared terrace with views of the hustle and bustle of Sayulita's most famous selfie street. Individually controlled air conditioner, WiFi. See more photos here.

Room #11 "Palmitas": $125 USD per Night  

This pretty room has a private patio with ocean views, hammock, queen size bed. Individually controlled air conditioner, WiFi. See more photos here.

Room #12 "Las Islitas": $85 USD per Night  

This pretty room received a refreshing sea breeze and has access to a terrace. Queen size bed. Individually controlled air conditioner, WiFi. See more photos here.

Room #1 "La Bahia": $65 USD per Night 

Economy room: La Bahía is an affordable and comfortable room located on the same level as the lobby. It features a cozy matrimonial bed and a spacious bathroom, providing all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Despite its budget-friendly price, La Bahía is designed to offer a comfortable and convenient experience to our guests. See more photos here.

TRANSPORTATION

Puerto Vallarta (PVR) offers many direct flights or a transfer through Mexico City's major hub and easily accessible from almost every corner of the world. We'll coordinate your arrival with my personal driver Jazz, who will safely deliver you and your luggage to our hotel in Sayulita, sick back and enjoy the ride through the jungle, once past the outlying Puerto Vallarta area. Price will depend on how many from our group arrive together, but each one way will be approximately $900 pesos ($50 usd)

WORKSHOP AGENDA 

Monday, January 8, 2024
Arrive Hotel 
Evening Walking Sayulita Taco Tour (included)
Intros, Agenda, Tacos, Materials

Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Meet after breakfast in Hotel
Drawing warm-ups and sketching on location
Mild Hike to Private Yoga Class on the Beach
Walk through Sayulita
Lunch
Beach Time // Sketch Time
Sketchbook Review in our Private Penthouse
​Dinner

Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Meet after breakfast in Hotel
Drawing warm-ups, exercises and travel sketching on location
Beach Time Sketch Time with Reserved Chairs and Umbrellas
Surfer Drawing Prompts
Lunch
Sketchbook Review in our Private Penthouse
Dinner

Thursday, January 11, 2024
Meet after breakfast on the beach
8:30am - 12pm Whaling Excursion on Private Boat
Lunch
Beach Time Sketch Time 
Sketchbook Review in our Private Penthouse or on the Beach
Dinner

Friday, January 12, 2024
Meet after breakfast in Hotel
Drawing warm-ups and sketching on location
Explore Friday Farmer's Market
Lunch
Beach Time Sketch Time
Sketchbook Review  in our Private Penthouse or on the Beach
Dinner

Saturday, January 13, 2024
Meet after breakfast in Hotel
Drawing warm-ups and sketching on location
1pm Private Van for San Pancho for Day Trip, Explore Beach, Shopping, Lunch, Sunset
(transportation included)
Return to Sayulita Hotel
Dinner

Sunday, January 14, 2024
Meet after breakfast in Hotel
Drawing warm-ups and sketching on location
Free day: beach walk, shop, sketch, rest
Gather on Beach for Final Sunset
Final Sketchbook Review,
Adios Seafood Dinner at Restaurants (included)

Monday, January 15, 2024
Check out, Good-Byes, Departures
Shared Shuttle to PVR Airport

WORKSHOP COST: $1,200 USD
Plus your Accommodations +
 Travel and Transfer to PVR/Sayulita, Most Meals

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $600 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $618
Balance Due November 1, 2023, $600 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $618
​**See below for cancellation policy

PRICE INCLUDES:

Meagan Burns 6-Day Sketch Workshop
Drawing Exercise Books
Welcome Taco Tour of Sayulita
Private Yoga Class on Beach
​Private Whaling Boating Excursion with local Marine Biologists 
Private Transportation to San Pancho Beach for Day Trip
Last Night Dinner at Lovely Seafood Restaurant
Tour management by Meagan Burns // Art Leap Adventures

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfare/Transportation to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR)
Transportation to Sayulita, Nayarit
Hotel (see hotel information above)
Food & Drinks except for Welcome Taco Walk, & Last Night Dinner 
Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxi and tips at your discretion
Transaction Fees
​Required Trip Insurance: suggested providers (but please use your own if preferred):
Travelex Insurance Services
Mexico Insurance Advisors

SAYULITA WEATHER

Mid 80's during the days, low 70's during the night with humidity.
Winter temperatures in Sayulita average 80F // 27C with sunny, dry days and cool evenings for perfect sleeping temperatures. If you are used to a warm climate, you may need a light sweater or long sleeves at night, in January and February, but most people from colder climates find the temperatures at night quite nice.

COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Although Mexico never officially closed their borders throughout the Covid pandemic, much of the country followed strict safety protocols even as vaccinations became available, and as Covid numbers have been in decline. Foreigners living in Mexico also were able to get vaccinated, although not as easily as in the United States nor Canada, but none the less the vaccination program throughout Mexico has been successfully employed as a Temporary Resident of Mexico.  Currently mask mandates are in place, however this seems to be a fast-changing topic. The workshop is designed to be mostly outside and many of Sayulita's restaurants are now out in the streets, and much of life has always been lived in the streets and beaches 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 me, but I have been living in Mexico City since 2021 and have found it somewhat easy to navigate an outdoor existence because so much happens outside. Personal responsibility is required, and I am here to help make this an enjoyable experience even in an uncertain world.

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

ART MATERIALS REQUIRED*

I suggest having at least two sketchbooks; one larger one for Continuous Line Urban Sketches in the streets and a smaller one for quick street scenes. Just make sure they are quality sketchbooks!
I use Canson XL Watercolor 140 lb 9"x12" spiral bound book for this workshop. For watercolor paintings I use Fabriano Artistico and I also carry my hand-sized, handmade Fabriano 50 5"x7" sketchbook for my quick street sketches.

What's in My Art Bag:
Sailor Fude 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

Your workshop organizer, host and instructor, Meagan Burns in Oaxaca City,  June 2022

Complete agenda will be emailed upon registration

FOLLOW MEAGAN HERE:

FOLLOW ART LEAP ADVENTURES HERE:

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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.

​50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $550 USD + $16 Transaction Fee = $566
Balance Due December 1, 2022, $550 USD + $16 Transaction Fee = $566
​
​When paying online through the Art Leap Adventures' invoice, a 3% USD fee will be added for all online payments; please contact Meagan directly for specific information. ​If you require other travel arrangements, please allow Meagan to assist you. 

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 or pandemic affiliated issue  you will receive a 100% refund up until November 30, 2022.

3) If you need to cancel after November 30, 2022, please contact Meagan and we can discuss the options.

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.

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.

REGISTER:
Sketch Sayulita January 2024
​with Meagan Burns

LOOK AT PHOTOS FROM OAXACA SKETCH WORKSHOP AUGUST 2022

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Where is Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico?