Sketch Mexico City with Meagan Burns
Continuous Line Sketching CDMX

​Arrive Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Depart Monday, April 22, 2024

Epic Cultural Mexico City Experience 

Join artist/instructor/event organizer Meagan Burns on this Sketch Mexico City workshop to invigorate the senses as we explore cultural highlights of fascinating Cuidad de Mexico!

Our small group will be based at a charming hotel in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City, known for its hipster urban residential vibes and excellent eateries, and where we'll start each day after breakfast with drawing warm-ups before setting out for an adventure to four very different parts of Mexico City: the Centro Histórico, the canals of Xochimilco, Chapultepec Park and Roma Norte, sketching and eating our way around this cultural metropolis.

​Mexico City is a trending destination for food, culture and the arts; it's impossible to see and experience all the city has to offer in one visit, but this thoughtfully designed agenda will have us enjoying some of the best sights and sounds of the city, while taking in some delicious meals as well as some solid sketching time to make the most of our time in this brilliant city.

If you adore fascinating cities with complex histories, adventurous food experiences and a diverse display of arts and culture, you don't want to miss the Sketch Mexico City with Meagan Burns!  

Explore Mexico City!

Sketch CDMX with Meagan Burns

Meagan has meticulously crafted a fresh and innovative workshop agenda that immerses us in a diverse sampling of Mexico City's rich tapestry of architecture, art and mercados, while helping you capture its lively essence more efficiently using the concept of continuous line drawing. This technique involves drawing one powerful, self-directed line that moves organically and fluidly across the page, and Meagan passionately advocates this approach as a means of strengthening and personalizing one's artistic expression regardless of skill level. You'll create a personalized sketchbook that better reflects your experience of the location, and Meagan will be there to guide and encourage you every step of the way.

You'll want to meet Meagan in Mexico City:))))))

This workshop experience presents an excellent opportunity to capture the vibrant and often chaotic essence of Mexico City through our drawings, a city Meagan has been living in for three years, but has been drawing and hosting workshops in since 2017. We'll begin each day in our hotel restaurant by practicing our drawing exercises before setting out to explore the sights. Our itinerary includes an architectural tour talk starting at Bellas Artes, a private boat ride (not canoes) through the ancient canals of Xochimilmo, lunch at an organic farm, exploring one of Diego Rivera's museums with his personal collection of Meso American art, an afternoon at the world-renowned Anthropology Museum with glorious food and drink along the way. Not to be missed!

Learning Goals

- Push through drawing fears and fill a sketchbook with drawings of the art, architecture and street scenes during our time in Mexico City
- Gain a better understanding of composition and logistics through a continuous line practice
- Build confidence by leaning into one's own unique style of making lines and draw lively scenes as they happen
- Enjoy an illuminating cultural experience and get to know a slice of Mexico City through our adventures, our sketchbooks and the food

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Curious travelers with an adventurous spirit and who want to explore the world as an artist by capturing travels in a sketchbook con gusto are invited. This unique Mexico City experience will take us to some of the more iconic landmarks of Mexico City, but we'll also explore off-the-beaten paths with Meagan and her network of local guides to guide and inform us. We will be sketching along the way so be prepared to #alwasybesketching! 

​Level: You love to sketch and are curious to do more

Join the Free Continuous Line Storytelling Group
​& start your drawing practicing now!

Who Is Meagan Burns

Meagan Burns Artist/Instructor/Workshop Creator 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 Drawing 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, drawing classes and delicious tacos. 
​
In this new era of traveling tours, every aspect has been considered to make all experiences a safe and positive travel adventure. We invite you to take the leap and join us on this culturally rich and educational experience in Mexico City, see the world while we can <3

Sketch Mexico City Workshop: $975 USD
Add Accommodations: $60 USD per night
(or choose your own)
Add Travel to Mexico City (MEX)

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $488 USD + $15 Transaction Fee = $503
Balance Due March 1, 2024, $487 USD + $15 Transaction Fee = $502
**Or choose to pay in full upon registration: $1,004
​**See below for cancellation policy

Mexico City Travel

Mexico City (MEX) is a major hub and easily accessible from almost all corners of the world. Upon you arrival at the MEX airport, there are verified taxi stands where you can purchase your taxi ride with a verified taxi driver. Uber is also widely used and a safe and efficient way to travel in CDMX. Our hotel is located less than 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic, and the taxi should cost approximately $200 pesos, or about $10 USD. 

**Note: Mexico City has added a new large airport to its profile, and the unfortunate news is that it's located a good distance from the city proper, about 2 hours away. Please be aware when booking travel to Mexico City to choose the MEX airport and NOT the AIFA airport.

Mexico City Hotel

Arrive: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 (or arrive the day before to get settled)
Depart: Monday, April 22, 2024 (or stay later)

Hotel centrally located in Colonia Roma Norte
$60 USD single room per night, includes breakfast*
*you may opt to get a room without breakfast for $50 per night, but it will be your responsibility to breakfast before we gather

We have a block of rooms reserved at our Roma Norte hotel. You'll pay the hotel directly, approximately $60 USD per night for a single room that includes breakfast, once your registration is confirmed; Meagan will confirm a room for you at the hotel. This hotel is spectacularly located but it is an economical one, meaning it lacks some of the comforts you may prefer. I've been staying with the hotel for years and know the entire staff, and it's a solid, safe and decent hotel to stay, but if you want something with a bit more comfort, you are welcome to stay at a near-by Airbnb or other hotel. In the immediate area I would suggest Hotel Stanza, or the Four Points Sheraton Condesa. Please note if you choose to stay elsewhere, and I do ask that you join us at the hotel for breakfast where we do our drawing warm-up exercises before our daily excursions.

Local hotels:
Stanza Hotel
Four Points Sheraton

Agenda

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Arrive Hotel, or day before to get settled 
4pm Intros and Experience Agenda 
Roma Norte Taco Crawl Welcome Dinner

Thursday, April 18, 2024
Meet after breakfast in Hotel
​Sketch CDMX Workshop with Meagan Burns
Private transportation to Palacio Bellas Artes
Meet Tour Guide Raul, History Talk
Walk up the Pedestrian Avenida to Templo Mayor
Lunch at Museum Restaurant
Return to Hotel 
Sketchbook Review at Cafe

Friday, April 19, 2024
8am Private Transportation to Xochimilco
9am Depart on Xochimilco Trajinera to Explore/Sketch Canals
Lunch on an organic Xochimilco Farm with Tour 
3pm Depart Xochimilco to Museo Diego Rivera-Anahuacalli
Explore Museo Diego Rivera-Anahuacalli
6pm Depart for Hotel
Sketchbook Review

Saturday, April 20, 2024
Meet after breakfast in Hotel
Sketch CDMX Workshop with Meagan Burns
Private transportation Museo de Antropologia
Explore and Sketch Museo
Lunch in Museum Restaurant
Walk to Chapultepec Park
Explore and Sketch Park
​Return to Hotel 
Sketchbook Review

Sunday, April 21, 2024
9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel
Sketch CDMX Workshop with Meagan Burns
Roma Norte Parks and Markets Afternoon:
Sunday Organic Market + Tamales
Plaza Rio de Janeiro
Angel de la Independia for Sunday Bike Day
Final Sketchbook Review
Adios Dinner @ Roma Norte Restaurant 

Monday, April 22, 2024
Breakfast 
Group Shot, Group Hugs
Workshop Over

Sketch Mexico City Workshop: $975 USD
Add Accommodations: $60 USD per night
(or choose your own)
Add Travel to Mexico City (MEX)

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $488 USD + $15 Transaction Fee = $503
Balance Due March 15, 2024, $487 USD + $14 Transaction Fee = $501
**Or choose to pay in full upon registration
​**See below for cancellation policy

PRICE INCLUDES:
Daily Sketch Mexico City Continuous Line Workshop with Meagan Burns
Roma Norte Taco Crawl + Draw
Round Trip Transportation + Admissions to our locations:
    Palacio de Bellas Artes // Zocalo
    Xochimilco Canal Launch Dock
    Museo de Museo Anahuacalli
    Museo de Nacional de Antropologia (Anthropology Museum)
Mexico City History Tour with Local Guide
Paper to make a Travel Sketchbook (to be used in addition to your sketchbook)
Adios Dinner and Drinks Roma Norte Restaurante
​Tour management by Meagan Burns // Art Leap Adventures

NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare/Transportation to Mexico City (MEX)
Transportation to Mexico City Hotel
Hotel Accommodations 
Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxi and tips outside of agenda, at your discretion
Payment Transaction Fees
​Recommended Trip Insurance: suggested providers (but please use your own if preferred):
InsureMyTrip: https://www.insuremytrip.com

We recommend purchasing travel insurance (include medical evacuation of at least $50,000, international accident & health insurance including primary medical coverage, and trip cancellation coverage). It is suggested that you purchase 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 isolate you from the tour, but it is your responsibility to get yourself home and treated. Please do not bypass this important step for peace of mind.

Covid Safety

This workshop is designed to be mostly outside and many of Mexico City's restaurants are now out in the streets, although generally speaking much of life has always been lived in the streets in Mexico. Personal responsibility is necessary and current boosters are suggested, but proof of vaccine is not required. Please travel with a health pack to include masks, pain relievers and travel insurance in the event of infection; let's do what we can to ensure the group has a safe and enjoyable workshop experience, as well as each individual person.

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

International Travelers: What You'll Need

Current passport! Please check your passport now and make certain you are not due to renew within 4 months of the experience.

Mexico City Weather

Dress in Layers!  Mexico City enjoys almost year-round ideal weather, although it does have brief rainstorms in the afternoons in the summer.
​
Layers are super important to stay comfortable. It gets hot in the afternoon and chilly at night, but overall it's quite pleasant and non-humid. Locals in CDMX dress relatively conservatively; avoid wearing tank tops, shorts or anything too revealing, or you’ll stand out. Dress in Layers!  ​

Meagan's Art Materials

What's in My Art Bag:
I use Canson XL Watercolor 140lb 9"x12"; I have this book spiral bound at my local Office Depot.​
​Sailor Fude de Mannen Fountain Pen (or similar of your choice)
Uni-Ball 207 Impact Bold Black
​INDART Saturated Watercolor Inks
Sharpies
Quality Watercolors in Travel Pan Set (Daniel Smith is recommended)
Quality Watercolor Brushes
Pentel Brush Pens
Platinum Carbon Ink (for Sailor and Pentel Brush)
Pencil + Gum Eraser
Paper Towels + Salt + Water Container
**Tiny stool for sitting (**completely optional to bring a 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

Additional art supplies of your preference, and a small sketchbook and a pen will be provided.

@artleapadventures

@meagan_burns_

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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 occasionally unforeseen circumstances 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 9 participants + Meagan; 5 participants are necessary for this experience.
​- During our group meals; we will have one bill per table 
- 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 Sketch Mexico City agenda includes meat, dairy and corn.

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

Sketch Mexico City Workshop: $975 USD
Add Accommodations: $60 USD per night
(or choose your own)
Add Travel to Mexico City (MEX)

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $488 USD + $15 Transaction Fee = $503
Balance Due March 15, 2024, $487 USD + $14 Transaction Fee = $501
**Or choose to pay in full upon registration
​**See below for cancellation policy

Cancellation Policy

1) All individual cancellations must be made in writing and are effective upon receipt. There is no guarantee of a refund of money unless you as the participant can fill your space with a paying replacement.

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 February 15, 2024.

3) If you need to cancel after February 15, 2024, please contact Meagan and we can discuss the options for  finding a full-paying replacement.

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

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Curious travelers with an adventurous spirit and who want to explore the world as an artist by capturing travels in a sketchbook con gusto are invited. This unique Mexico City experience will take us to some of the more iconic landmarks of Mexico City, but we'll also explore off-the-beaten paths with Meagan and her network of local guides to guide and inform us. We will be sketching along the way so be prepared to #alwasybesketching! 

​Level: You love to sketch and are curious to do more

Register:
Sketch Mexico City Workshop: $975 USD
Add Accommodations: $60 USD per night
(or choose your own)
Add Travel to Mexico City (MEX)

Photos from Urban Sketch Mexico City June 2022

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Meagan Burns' Continuous Line Drawings of Mexico City

Where is Mexico City?