Sketch Bernal, Queretaro, Mexico
with Meagan Burns
CONTINUOUS LINE DRAWING+ URBAN SKETCHING + CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - Friday, January 9, 2026
Join a small circle of artists for a focused sketch experience beneath the sacred stone of Peña de Bernal, one of Mexico’s most magnetic Pueblos Mágicos. This is not a casual getaway. It is a condensed, carefully curated creative escape for those who value slow travel, meaningful place-based drawing, and the satisfaction of capturing the world in line.
We will meet in the high desert town of Bernal, with private transportation available from San Miguel de Allende or the Querétaro airport. Our group will be based at a character-rich 9-room boutique hotel, reserved entirely for us. From rooftop mornings with handmade sketchbooks to sunset sketches under the glowing Peña, each day is designed to invite focus and creative flow.
Led by artist and Continuous Line Storytelling founder Meagan Burns, this experience offers guidance without rigidity. We will have our drawing sessions after breakfast, then move through Bernal’s plazas, the folk mask museum, local legends (including the UFO stories), and a thermal spring ranch in the nearby hills.
This is for artists who want real connection with place, with practice, and with themselves. You will leave with a full sketchbook, a grounded drawing rhythm, and stories you cannot get from a guidebook.
Come to Bernal and return home with a renewed sense of creative connection.
We will meet in the high desert town of Bernal, with private transportation available from San Miguel de Allende or the Querétaro airport. Our group will be based at a character-rich 9-room boutique hotel, reserved entirely for us. From rooftop mornings with handmade sketchbooks to sunset sketches under the glowing Peña, each day is designed to invite focus and creative flow.
Led by artist and Continuous Line Storytelling founder Meagan Burns, this experience offers guidance without rigidity. We will have our drawing sessions after breakfast, then move through Bernal’s plazas, the folk mask museum, local legends (including the UFO stories), and a thermal spring ranch in the nearby hills.
This is for artists who want real connection with place, with practice, and with themselves. You will leave with a full sketchbook, a grounded drawing rhythm, and stories you cannot get from a guidebook.
Come to Bernal and return home with a renewed sense of creative connection.
Trip Goals
- Deepen your connection to place through drawing; perfection not required
- Create a handmade sketchbook that documents your unique experience of Bernal’s mythic landscape
- Experience Bernal as an artist: sketch from rooftops, soak in thermal waters, wander through folk museums, and take in the light of the Peña
- Leave with a sketchbook full of story, a strengthened drawing rhythm, and a renewed sense of artistic clarity
Who Should Attend This Experience
This experience is for artists and creative travelers who want more than a quick trip and less than a long retreat. It is designed for those who value intention, place, and the quiet satisfaction of drawing what is in front of them. You do not need to be a professional artist, but you do need to be open to line, rhythm, and letting Bernal shape your sketchbook.
We will be a small, focused group exploring Bernal with pens in hand, sketching what moves us, and letting our drawings reflect the energy of the place.
Recommended Experience
You should be comfortable holding a pen and spending time with your sketchbook. This experience is ideal for self-motivated, curious artists who are seeking creative depth and connection rather than formal instruction or external validation.
We will be a small, focused group exploring Bernal with pens in hand, sketching what moves us, and letting our drawings reflect the energy of the place.
Recommended Experience
You should be comfortable holding a pen and spending time with your sketchbook. This experience is ideal for self-motivated, curious artists who are seeking creative depth and connection rather than formal instruction or external validation.
Continuous Line Urban Sketching from the Steps of Guanajuato
Join the free Continuous Line Storytelling Group to start practicing now!
Who Is Meagan Burns
Meagan Burns is an artist, creative guide, and founder of Continuous Line Storytelling, a drawing method that helps artists loosen perfectionism and find clarity through presence and bold mark-making. Originally from Chicago and now based in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Meagan leads curated art retreats and live online classes for artists around the world.
Since 2016, she has hosted immersive drawing experiences across Mexico, the U.S., and Europe, including Oaxaca, Mexico City, Guanajuato, San Francisco, and Paris, creating spaces where artists of all levels can reconnect with their line, their rhythm, and their creative voice.
With a background in marketing, design, and regenerative farming, Meagan brings a grounded, dynamic perspective to everything she teaches. Her retreats are less about instruction, more about ignition, designed for those who want to draw deeply, travel meaningfully, and return home with a sketchbook full of story.
Since 2016, she has hosted immersive drawing experiences across Mexico, the U.S., and Europe, including Oaxaca, Mexico City, Guanajuato, San Francisco, and Paris, creating spaces where artists of all levels can reconnect with their line, their rhythm, and their creative voice.
With a background in marketing, design, and regenerative farming, Meagan brings a grounded, dynamic perspective to everything she teaches. Her retreats are less about instruction, more about ignition, designed for those who want to draw deeply, travel meaningfully, and return home with a sketchbook full of story.
SKETCH BERNAL COST: $550 USD
Lodging Booked Separately
Includes RT Transportation from San Miguel de Allende
and Handmade Sketchbook Materials
Sketch Bernal: A 3-Night Creative Retreat
Tuesday, January 6 – Friday, January 9, 2026
Bernal, Querétaro, Mexico
Led by Meagan Burns
Workshop Cost: $550 USD
You'll choose your room with the hotel, and the workshop will include two on-site breakfasts, homemade sketchbook materials, rooftop drawing sessions, museum admission, thermal waters excursion, and private transportation from San Miguel de Allende or Querétaro (QRO) airport.
Payment Schedule→ First Payment: Deposit Due Now
$275 USD + $8 transaction fee = $283 USD
→ Second Payment: Balance Due December 1, 2025
$275 USD + $8 transaction fee = $283 USD
Tuesday, January 6 – Friday, January 9, 2026
Bernal, Querétaro, Mexico
Led by Meagan Burns
Workshop Cost: $550 USD
You'll choose your room with the hotel, and the workshop will include two on-site breakfasts, homemade sketchbook materials, rooftop drawing sessions, museum admission, thermal waters excursion, and private transportation from San Miguel de Allende or Querétaro (QRO) airport.
Payment Schedule→ First Payment: Deposit Due Now
$275 USD + $8 transaction fee = $283 USD
→ Second Payment: Balance Due December 1, 2025
$275 USD + $8 transaction fee = $283 USD
Travel by Plane, arrive Queretaro, Mexico (QRO)
Arrive Tuesday, January 6, 2026; a private driver will be arranged to meet you at airport and bring you to our hotel in Bernal, Querétaro. Includes return driver on last day. Bernal is about 30 minutes form Querétaro airport.
Travel from San Miguel de Allende
We have private van transportation from San Miguel de Allende to our hotel in Bernal, which takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Gather: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 @ City Market Parking Lot San Miguel de Allende
Depart: 12pm from the City Market Parking Lot
Arrive: Bernal, Queretaro at approximately 3pm
Depart: Friday, January 9, 2026 @ 1pm from Bernal to City Market, San Miguel de Allende
Depart: 12pm from the City Market Parking Lot
Arrive: Bernal, Queretaro at approximately 3pm
Depart: Friday, January 9, 2026 @ 1pm from Bernal to City Market, San Miguel de Allende
Sketch Bernal Agenda
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Travel to Bernal, Querétaro, Arrive Hotel, get settled
Welcome Reception on the Roof
Intros, Handmade Sketchbook
Dinner in town
Travel to Bernal, Querétaro, Arrive Hotel, get settled
Welcome Reception on the Roof
Intros, Handmade Sketchbook
Dinner in town
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
8am Coffee available on Rooftop
8:30am Breakfast on Rooftop
9:00am Local Tour Guide History Talk
10:30am Walk to Center, Mask Museum , Sketch Time
1:00pm Lunch Break
TukTuk to Bernal Half Way Point: Sketch Time, Walk, Shop
Return to Hotel
Sketchbook Review
Dinner at Local Restaurant
8am Coffee available on Rooftop
8:30am Breakfast on Rooftop
9:00am Local Tour Guide History Talk
10:30am Walk to Center, Mask Museum , Sketch Time
1:00pm Lunch Break
TukTuk to Bernal Half Way Point: Sketch Time, Walk, Shop
Return to Hotel
Sketchbook Review
Dinner at Local Restaurant
Thursday, January 8, 2026
8am Coffee available on Rooftop
8:30am Breakfast on Rooftop
10:00am Private Van to Thermal Water Pools
10:30am – 3:00pm Picnic Lunch, Thermal Waters, Sketch
Return to Hotel
Dinner
8pm Night Sketch Light Show on the Pena from our Rooftop
8am Coffee available on Rooftop
8:30am Breakfast on Rooftop
10:00am Private Van to Thermal Water Pools
10:30am – 3:00pm Picnic Lunch, Thermal Waters, Sketch
Return to Hotel
Dinner
8pm Night Sketch Light Show on the Pena from our Rooftop
Friday, January 9, 2026
8am Coffee available on Rooftop
Breakfast on your own
1pm Depart Hotel, Travel to SMA or QRO
Experience over
8am Coffee available on Rooftop
Breakfast on your own
1pm Depart Hotel, Travel to SMA or QRO
Experience over
Santo Cuervo Hotel, Our Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Bernal, Hotel Boutique Santo Cuervo offers a charming and intimate retreat, perfect for our sketch adventure -- we will occupy the entire hotel for this sketch experience. This beautifully restored nine-room hotel, once the home of the town's beloved doctor, exudes warmth and character. Each room is thoughtfully decorated with handcrafted details, colorful murals, and traditional Mexican textiles, Each comfortable room has wifi, drinking water and a fan.
The hotel's rooftop terrace provides breathtaking views of the majestic Peña de Bernal, making it an ideal spot for morning coffee, evening sketch sessions, or soaking in the serene surroundings. Its central location places you just steps away from Bernal's lively plaza, artisan shops, and local eateries, allowing for easy exploration of this enchanting Pueblo Mágico.
The hotel's rooftop terrace provides breathtaking views of the majestic Peña de Bernal, making it an ideal spot for morning coffee, evening sketch sessions, or soaking in the serene surroundings. Its central location places you just steps away from Bernal's lively plaza, artisan shops, and local eateries, allowing for easy exploration of this enchanting Pueblo Mágico.
SKETCH BERNAL COST: $550 USD
Lodging Booked Separately
Includes RT Transportation from San Miguel de Allende
and Handmade Sketchbook Materials
Sketch Bernal: A 3-Night Creative Retreat
Tuesday, January 6 – Friday, January 9, 2026
Bernal, Querétaro, Mexico
Led by Meagan Burns
Workshop Cost: $550 USD
You'll choose your room with the hotel, and the workshop will include two on-site breakfasts, homemade sketchbook materials, rooftop drawing sessions, museum admission, thermal waters excursion, and private transportation from San Miguel de Allende or Querétaro (QRO) airport.
Payment Schedule→ First Payment: Deposit Due Now
$275 USD + $8 transaction fee = $283 USD
→ Second Payment: Balance Due December 1, 2025
$275 USD + $8 transaction fee = $283 USD
Tuesday, January 6 – Friday, January 9, 2026
Bernal, Querétaro, Mexico
Led by Meagan Burns
Workshop Cost: $550 USD
You'll choose your room with the hotel, and the workshop will include two on-site breakfasts, homemade sketchbook materials, rooftop drawing sessions, museum admission, thermal waters excursion, and private transportation from San Miguel de Allende or Querétaro (QRO) airport.
Payment Schedule→ First Payment: Deposit Due Now
$275 USD + $8 transaction fee = $283 USD
→ Second Payment: Balance Due December 1, 2025
$275 USD + $8 transaction fee = $283 USD
PRICE INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED:
InsureMyTrip: https://www.insuremytrip.com
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for this workshop. Look for a policy that includes medical coverage, trip interruption or cancellation, and emergency evacuation. This is a good safeguard in the event of illness, injury, or other unexpected disruptions.
While we’ll do our best to support you if something goes wrong during the trip, you are ultimately responsible for your own medical care, travel adjustments, and early departure if needed. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind so you can focus on what matters: sketching, exploring, and being present.
- Private round-trip van transportation from San Miguel de Allende or Querétaro (QRO) airport
- Welcome Happy Hour on the first night
- Two on-site breakfasts (breakfast on your own on third day)
- Watercolor paper for handmade sketchbook, plus inks
- Entry to the Museo de la Máscara in Bernal
- Private round-trip transportation from Bernal to the thermal waters at Rancho La Providencia
- Drawing workshop, tour coordination, and on-the-ground support by Meagan Burns
NOT INCLUDED:
- Transportation to San Miguel de Allende (if applicable)
- Hotel accommodations (you choose your own room)
- Meals not listed above
- Personal art supplies (bring your favorite pens, sketchbook, travel tools)
- Staff tips, souvenirs, and incidental expenses
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
InsureMyTrip: https://www.insuremytrip.com
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for this workshop. Look for a policy that includes medical coverage, trip interruption or cancellation, and emergency evacuation. This is a good safeguard in the event of illness, injury, or other unexpected disruptions.
While we’ll do our best to support you if something goes wrong during the trip, you are ultimately responsible for your own medical care, travel adjustments, and early departure if needed. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind so you can focus on what matters: sketching, exploring, and being present.
Bernal Weather
January in Bernal usually brings sunny skies, warm afternoons, crisp mornings and evenings, and shortened winter days. Because of the elevation and desert-like climate, temperatures can shift noticeably throughout the day. We recommend dressing in layers; bring a sweater or a jacket, and a scarf for the cooler evenings, along with breathable clothing like t-shirts or long sleeves for daytime sketching.
Closed-toe walking shoes are essential, as the streets are cobbled and slightly uneven in places. Don’t forget a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: the high desert sun can be surprisingly strong, even in cooler months.
Closed-toe walking shoes are essential, as the streets are cobbled and slightly uneven in places. Don’t forget a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: the high desert sun can be surprisingly strong, even in cooler months.
Suggested Art Materials
- Sketchbook: Canson XL Watercolor 140lb, 9"x12" (or try other large sketchbooks)
- Pens: Sailor Fude de Mannen Fountain Pen, Sharpies, Pentel Brush Pens (your choice)
- Inks & Watercolors: Watercolors, Saturated Watercolor Inks, Crayons, Pencils, Markers (your choice)
- Extras: Platinum Carbon Ink, bleed-proof white, salt, scrapers, straws (your choice)
Additional art supplies of your preference
*It is not an option to attend this sketch workshop and not participate in the art-making activities
Connect with @meagan_burns_
Connect with @ArtLeapAdventures
SMALL PRINT, PLEASE READ
- The agenda is subject to minor adjustments, but the core of the workshop will remain the same. Flexibility is part of the experience.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, your sketch kit, and a sense of humor. We’ll be outdoors most of the time, and some days may bring unexpected changes or delays.
- The group is limited to 8 participants plus Meagan
- For group meals, we’ll have one bill per table. Please pay for what you ordered plus a 20% tip, and track your items.
- Food sensitivities can be accommodated with advance notice, though corn is a key ingredient in much of the cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian meals are possible with some extra effort and patience.
- You must be able to walk unassisted and stand for extended periods. This is a physically active workshop and Bernal is a hilly town with uneven streets.
Cancellation Policy
Please review the full cancellation policy before registering.
If you have questions about logistics, travel, or sketching, contact Meagan at:
[email protected]
- All cancellations must be submitted in writing and are considered effective upon receipt. Refunds are not guaranteed and will only be issued if your spot can be filled by a full-paying replacement.
- If you cancel on or before September 30, 2025 due to a documented medical emergency, you’ll receive a full refund.
- Cancellations after September 30, 2025 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. A refund is possible only if a replacement participant is found and fully paid. If a waitlist exists, the next person in line will be contacted. If they accept and pay in full, your fee will be refunded.
- If no replacement is found, you may apply your payment toward a future Art Leap Adventures workshop within 12 months—unless your cancellation occurs within three months of the workshop start date, in which case this option is not available.
- Art Leap Adventures is not responsible for travel expenses such as non-refundable airline tickets. Travel insurance covering medical issues and trip cancellation is required.
- If your plans change unexpectedly, contact Meagan as soon as possible to discuss next steps.
Register:
Sketch Bernal with Meagan
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - Friday, January 9, 2026
Meagan's Bernal Drawings
Where is Bernal, Queretaro?
