Sayulita Sketch Retreat with Meagan Burns Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico (North of Puerto Vallarta) 7-Night Sketch Retreat Monday, January 8 - Monday, January 15, 2024
You're invited to join Artist/Instructor Meagan Burns and Art Leap Adventures on a winter sketch retreat to experience the funky seaside surf town of Sayulita, Nayarit, about 1.5 hours north of the Puerto Vallarta airport.
Sayulita has a laid-back atmosphere, a lively hippie vibe, trendy dining scene and it's excellent surf beaches attract surfers and hip tourists from around the world, giving the town a sparkly energetic feel that will 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 over time they've maintained their original architecture, traditions, history, and 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 in our sketchbooks, please join me
With the remaining rooms, it is possible for two girlfriends to share to conserve on price, message me for details:))
Sayulita lies along the Pacific coastline of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, approximately 24 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. There will be a van 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, 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. 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-day sketch adventure we'll start our day after breakfast with drawing exercises and timed sketches and prompts to begin to fill our sketchbook, but we'll also explore local activities and mercados, visit the hip dining scene, and sit under an umbrella on the beach to take it all in and to add more to ur 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, it will be energetic experience, 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'S MAIN SURF BEACH
In this dynamic workshop, we'll be based at a charming beach town hotel and we'll start our day with drawing warmups before we set out to explore the city with one continuous line and a sense of adventure. We'll practice sketching the colorful scenes before us, as well as take time to sit near the ocean to bask in the magic that is Sayulita.
WHY I BELIEVE IN CONTINUOUS LINE URBAN SKETCHING
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 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
Art Leap Adventures is an art workshop tour business Meagan created in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico in 2017. Everything moved to Zoom classes during the pandemic, teaching back-to-back sketch classes three times a week in the Zoom Sketch Sessions, as well as Watercolor Drama Watercolor workshops with friend and fellow artist Laurie Richards.
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: - We will sketch 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 on the page by practicing continuous line - Build confidence and a sense of accomplishment by starting and completing your drawings with unique stroke
SAYULITA, NAYARIT 2022
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: $1,100 USD Plus your Accommodations, Travel and Transfer to PVR/Sayulita, Most Meals
PRICE INCLUDES:
Meagan Burns 5-Day Sketch Workshop Drawing Exercise Books Welcome Taco Tour of Sayulita Private Yoga Class on Beach Private Whaling Boating Excursion with local Marine Biologists on Bahia Bay Private Transportation to San Pancho Beach for Day Trip Last Night Dinner Tour management by 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 Dinner and Last Night Celebration Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxi and tips at your discretion Transaction Fees Required Proof of Vaccination Required Trip Insurance: suggested providers (but please use your own if preferred): Travelex Insurance Services Mexico Insurance Advisors
SAYULITA CENTRAL HOTEL
Delfin 7, Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico Seven Nights Arrive: Monday, January 9, 2023 Depart: Monday, January 16, 2023 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: $110 per night Room 6 El Anclote: $100 per night Room 8 El Faro: $85 per night Room 9 Platanitos: $80 per night Room 10 Veneros: $75 per night Room 11 Palmitas: $100 per night Room 12 Las Islitas: $65 per night Room 13 Agua Azul: $130 per night
Room #5 "San Blas": $110 USD per Night ***SOLD***
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": $100 USD per Night ***SOLD***
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": $85 USD per Night ***SOLD***
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 #9 "Platanitos": $90 USD per Night
This room is considered the most isolated, as it's positioned in the corner on the third floor. It has a shared terrace of the most picturesque Sayulita street. Individually controlled air conditioner, WiFi. See more photos here.
Room #10 "Veneros": $75 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": $100 USD per Night ***SOLD***
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": $65 USD per Night***SOLD***
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.
TRANSPORTATION
Puerto Vallarta (PVR) offers many direct flight or a transfer through Mexico City's major hub and easily accessible from almost every corner of the world. Upon you arrival at the PVR airport, there are verified taxi stands, where you purchase your sride with a verified taxi driver. Our hotel is located approximately 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. Private taxi is approximately $400 pesos, paid directly to the taxi stand. A very safe and direct way to travel to our hotel.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
Monday, January 9, 2023 Arrive Hotel Evening Walking Sayulita Taco Tour (included) Intros, Agenda, Tacos, Materials
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel Drawing warmups and practice continuous lines with local subjects 10am Private Yoga Class on the Beach Walk through Mercados Lunch Beach Time with Reserved Chairs and Umbrellas Sketchbook Review in our Private Penthouse Dinner
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel Drawing warmups and practice continuous lines with local subjects Beach Sketch Time with Reserved Chairs and Umbrellas Surfer Drawing Prompts Lunch Sketchbook Review in our Private Penthouse Dinner
Thursday, January 12, 2023 Meet after breakfast in Hotel 8:30am - 12pm Whaling Excursion on Private Boat in Bahia Bay Lunch Beach Sketch Time with Reserved Chairs and Umbrellas Sketchbook Review in our Private Penthouse Dinner
Friday, January 13, 2023 9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel Drawing warmups and practice continuous lines with local subjects Walk through Mercados, Explore the Bohemia Lunch Beach Sketch Time with Reserved Chairs and Umbrellas Sketchbook Review, Dinner
Saturday, January 14, 2023 9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel Drawing warmups and practice continuous lines with local subjects 11am Private Van for San Pancho for Day Trip, Explore Beach, Shopping Lunch 5pm Return to Sayulita Hotel Sketchbook Review, Dinner
Sunday, January 15, 2023 9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel Drawing warmups and practice continuous lines with local subjects Walk through Mercados, Explore the Bohemia Lunch Beach Sketch Time with Reserved Chairs and Umbrellas Sketchbook Review, Dinner
Monday, January 16, 2023 Local Breakfast Check out, Good-Byes Shuttle to PVR Airport Departure
WORKSHOP COST: $1,100 USD Plus your Accommodations: Travel and Transfer to PVR/Sayulita, Most Meals
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 **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 on Bahia Bay Private Transportation to San Pancho Beach for Day Trip Last Night Dinner Tour management by 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 Dinner and Last Night Celebration Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxi and tips at your discretion Transaction Fees Required Proof of Vaccination 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:
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: Urban Sketch Sayulita January 2023 with Meagan Burns