Over 20 years ago I was drawing and painting as part of my way of making a living, doing commercial work, commissions, etc. Then one day I did a "bad painting" and lost my inner fire and drive to draw and paint. In the intervening years I've forced myself to do the odd commission, forced myself to try and 'get back into it' even did a few drawing challenges very diligently, but I had lost that desire to create art and despaired of ever recapturing it. Then in January, I discovered urban sketching and your continuous line practice. Well, these have reignited what was a struggling little feeble ember, and since I jumped on board your CL Facebook page earlier this month, I am riding a wave of creativity! I have the deepest heartfelt gratitude to you. You've given me the m magic key that has unlocked a part of me that had lain dormant for many, many year-end which I feared I'd never enjoy again. I intend to stick with you and your incredible vibe for as long as you can be bothered to share your enthusiasm with us. You are a very special lady, and such damn good fun! Donna S, England Hola Meagan I would just like to tell you again how differently and much improved I feel about my art after your seminar. I’m much less critical and while I don’t think I’ll ever be a fabulous artist I enjoy the process and it has encouraged me to do some thing every single day. I thank you again for the wonderful experience and for opening my eyes to art Christine M, Wisconsin |
The Continuous LIne Urban Sketch Oaxaca workshop with Meagan was lots of fun. Meagan is a very engaging workshop organizer and leader and she is careful to include cultural information to make it even more meaningful. One aspect I really appreciated was Meagan's attention to the energy level of the class and her willingness to be flexible! Meagan's thoughtfulness reached all aspects of the workshops from hints on where to shop for souvenirs to the best places to eat authentic Oaxacan meals--high-end and street-wise! The hotel was modest but perfectly situated in the city. We were able to move about individually, in small groups, and as a class as was needed. I thought it was perfect! Oh, I almost forgot. Meagan is a terrifically positive person and made us all feel incredibly successful with our continuous line sketching!
Chris L, Long Beach, CA "I didn't just enjoy the CLUSK CDMX I was overjoyed. I was. The days were filled with happy, laughing cool artists learning to stretch our skill levels. We learned and practiced sketching together all the while experiencing the best of Mexico City's cultural offerings and history. We ate (and sketched) at local food faves and historic faves and had a personally curated, by Meagan, farewell dinner we'll never forget. Mexico City inspires awe. Meagan's joyful, caring spirit inspires her students to see it and sketch it." Leslie W, Glendale, AZ |
"Establishing a continuous line practice with Meagan Burns has definitely broadened and developed my artistic skill set. The process has not only increased my self-confidence in drawing and painting- it has also made me a more CURIOUS person! I see the world differently now! Meagan is one of the most inspirational teachers/mentors I’ve ever had. And, it has been so much fun establishing an on-line community of friends. Yea for CL!!! Yea for Meagan!!!" Cynthia B, Connecticut |
"I’ve been doing continuous line drawing with Meagan Burns for the past year. Her no-stress approach has reignited my love of ink on paper and has even had a positive impact on my oil and acrylic painting practice. A great way to send your inner critic packing. Bravo, Meagan and Continuous Line Storytelling!" Rachelle S, Toronto |
"The Continuous LIne Urban Sketch Oaxaca workshop with Meagan was lots of fun. Meagan is a very engaging workshop organizer and leader and she is careful to include cultural information to make it even more meaningful. One aspect I really appreciated was Meagan's attention to the energy level of the class and her willingness to be flexible! Meagan's thoughtfulness reached all aspects of the workshops from hints on where to shop for souvenirs to the best places to eat authentic Oaxacan meals--high-end and street-wise! The hotel was modest but perfectly situated in the city. We were able to move about individually, in small groups, and as a class as was needed. I thought it was perfect! Oh, I almost forgot. Meagan is a terrifically positive person and made us all feel incredibly successful with our continuous line sketching!" Linda D, Fort Worth TX |
"Thank you for generous time in helping many artists find a simple access to creativity that helps loosening up tension and a degree of commitment to cause creative juices to flow. Your sessions help me a lot even though I still lack steadfast discipline. Your sessions inspire and allow me start over and over again. Overall it makes me happy. It also makes me happy to see the other artiste’s products. Kudos a todos! Abhi E, Massachusetts |
"I'm so happy I signed up with Art Leap Adventures for the Continuous Line Urban Sketch Mexico City, June 2022. Meagan Burns is a great organizer and an energetic and fun group leader. She is encouraging and non judgmental about your level of art experience and provided lots of opportunities to polish our skills. I loved all the sights she took us to and the great places to eat. I'm so glad I didn't have to figure all this out on my own, but could just totally enjoy my visit to vast Mexico City. Meagan is also fluid enough to tweak and tailor the itinerary to meet the needs of the group, so that everyone is at their best comfort level. My fellow workshop sketchers were wonderful, and I feel that not only did I come home from a worthwhile Art Leap Adventure, but that I also made a new group of friends. This was not my first trip with Meagan Burns, and it won't be my last!" Suzanne M, Dallas, TX |
"Many thanks to Meagan Burns for her tips, inspiration and enthusiasm for continuous line storytelling. Her coffee cup challenge last January really lifted me out of my slump and reminded me how much drawing means in my life. Since then, I find CL helps me get started quickly and tackle any subject with energy and enthusiasm. Also the online CL group encourages each other." Carol E, Santa Cruz, CA |
I loved every minute. The trip exceeded my expectations. Meagan showed us the charm of Mexico, shared much of the history, and took us to wonderful sketching locations. We toured the markets and sampled different types of tacos and delicious fruit drinks. Each day revealed new treasures and new reasons to want to return to Mexico on another trip. Thank you Meagan for sharing your love of Mexico with us. Christine L, Long Beach, CA |
This was my fourth trip with Meagan. In each one I’ve had fun, learned something about sketching and about Mexico. Meagan manages to find great places to visit which I’d never have found on my own. I’ve also enjoyed meeting my fellow students, many of whom are now my friends. I can’t recommend Meagan’s trips highly enough.
Amy A, Las Vegas, NV |
I loved seeing Mexico with someone who knows and loves her adopted country. Oaxaca is a special place; not overridden by tourists and very walkable. In addition, there was enough time to pursue the subject sketch matter that most interested me. The hotel and restaurants that she chose were excellent and an unexpected bonus. Fun! Patricia M, Boston, MA |
Meagan put together a stellar adventure that included plenty of continuous line urban sketching opportunities for experienced artists and newbies like me. She included numerous excursions to complement and enhance our sketching activities that included museum visits, dining experiences, and much more.
Lani S, Portland, ME |
The Continuous Line Urban Sketch CDMX was amazing. I am a novice sketcher and was welcomed among many more experienced sketchers It was easy to jump right in with Meagan's warm up exercises, easy to follow sketch techniques, group shares and encouragement. I felt comfortable and learned so much in a short amount of time. I am looking forward to doing another workshop with Meagan. Not to be missed! Lynn S, Dallas, TX |
"The entire experience of the Art Retreat in Guanajuato was so wonderful—from the lodgings and food, to the easy-to-understand instructions, to the camaraderie that grew amongst all the participants. I can't think of a more perfect way to spend 6 days! Meagan, Marti, and Hugo are share their expertise with enthusiasm, humor, and joy. They treated everyone with empathy and kindness. And we had so much fun! This is a workshop for anyone and everyone, whether you consider yourself to be an artist or not. You will learn and grow from the experience if you open yourself to it. Guanajuato is beautiful and Hugo really takes care of you while you are here. Marti and Meagan make sure that you are enjoying every aspect of the art retreat. I hope to get back for more soon!" Hae K, San Francisco, CA |
"If I had any doubts about this retreat, it was all gone by the first day even before the workshop started. The rooms were exquisite and the happy hour food and drinks were absolutely perfect. Hugo's hospitality was something I've never experienced in Mexico at all. Perhaps because he had lived in the states for decades, his service mindset was that of a hotel in the states and Europe. I highly recommend this workshop for your sisters trip, family reunion, or just to come alone and meet lovely people while learning something new. I am very happy with all 3 workshop elements as well as the whole package of this retreat." Narae K, San Miguel de Allende |
"Location was great (bit noisy at night, bring earplugs!). Food was new to me and yummy. Loved happy hours. Our work space was comfy and met my needs. I would have liked to try the miniature print making, but time ran out. Continuous line drawing helped me feel more comfortable with sketching. Thanks to all!" Pete W, Ohio |
Laurie Richards, Watercolor Drama Instructor"As an instructor, Meagan is your best friend! First she beautifully describes and markets your workshop so that participants come feeling confident and reassured that they are in good hands and that they know what to expect. Then, she works with you, listening to your ideas and needs, to guarantee your success. Meagan has a wealth of knowledge and experience in these beautiful places in Mexico where you will teach. Her behind the scenes work to find the right environment for each event is invaluable. All of this results in a very supportive experience for the instructor!
It also results in a positive, enthusiastic energy that we all love, especially as we are pushing ourselves and our group to experiment and to embrace the unfamiliar beauty around them while learning new skills. I will always work with Meagan because I know a workshop under her watch will be an excellent experience for everyone.” |
Marti McGinnis, Paper Mache Instructor"Meagan is an absolute joy to work with. I love teaching workshops through Art Leap Adventures because I know the details of the behind-the-scenes logistics will be seamlessly handled allowing me the freedom to focus solely on the students! Participants arrive with an upbeat attitude ready to dive into the sessions because the communications from ALA is thorough and well timed."
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Rhoda Draws, Caricature Artist, San Miguel de Allende"When Meagan invited me to teach my sketching Fast & Loose techniques in Mexico City, I leaped at the chance. I’m always delighted to see (and sketch) a new location, and Meagan’s skills at managing our small group made for a very successful art adventure. Her attention to detail is awe-inspiring, and yet there was also creative flexibility built into our itinerary. She chose excellent accommodations and locations for sketching, as well as exciting art exhibits to round out our experience of this great city.
Meagan’s positive energy is unflagging. She handled every aspect of planning, recruiting students and managing the trip. Meagan enabled me to focus on teaching, while I knew she was working behind the scenes to support me and the entire group. I would follow Meagan anywhere, for further art adventures in Mexico, and beyond.” |
James Richards, Artist, Instructor, Designer, Traveler, Urban Sketcher"When Meagan Burns learned that I was headed to San Miguel de Allende for some sketching and inspiration, she lost no time getting in touch and arranging for me to teach my “Sketching the Energy of Places” workshop there. Working with Meagan was a true pleasure; she led the marketing (which was top shelf), recruited and registered participants, and arranged the logistics beautifully, down to the last detail, leaving me to focus fully on content and teaching. The workshop participants were fantastic, up for anything, with a group dynamic that made teaching easy and fun. The workshop venues Meagan arranged were perfect for our needs; even the weather was spectacular (thanks Meagan).
Meagan’s energy, professional and enthusiasm played a huge role in making this a great experience. As I told her at the time, it’s a pleasure to work with the A team.” |
Laurie and Megan were upbeat, flexible in different learning styles and quite knowledgeable about local customs and eateries. Laurie demonstrates several techniques I had not tried before. Very productive!
Janet P, New Zealand I enjoyed “Watercolor Drama for Sketchers” workshop with Laurie Richards and Art Leap Adventures because it was all SO different from the way I usually work. It was SO good to shake things up a bit... a lot actually.... and get me to consider such things as composition (yikes!) and values.
Judy Plummer, San Miguel de Allende |
Meagan and Laurie, thank you for an informative and fun workshop!
One of the many things I appreciated about Laurie is that she kept reminding us to STOP! We did two passes on each painting which was a new discipline for me. I learned how to apply the colors on the paper, how to control the water on a larger brush and how to add drama. I appreciated the one-on-one attention which helped me get over some blocks I have. I have studied many techniques, but Laurie's class really inspired me on a whole new level! Linda O'Neill, San Miguel de Allende The Watercolor Drama workshop really helped me see and understand what I can do with the watercolor medium. It took me to another level! I am grateful to Laurie for her well-considered lesson plan and her enthusiastic delivery, also for her patient one on one work with the other students and me during the sketching with watercolor sessions. I enjoyed our lunches as a group and the two happy hours, too! Meagan, you did a great job coordinating everything.
Dara Stillman, Patzcuaro, Michoacán |
"Marti totally succeeded in taking me back to kindergarten, where we were totally free to do what we wanted, get messy and have a great time!
Laurie Richards, San Miguel de Allende "Ohhhhhh this is the MOST FUN! So easy and soooooo rewarding!
Evelyn Goldman, San Diego, CA "I've not done this since I was a kid -- I loved it!"
Sara Shirley, San Miguel de Allende "It's like playing, but even better. You lose your inhibitions and make something beautiful."
Barbara Fess, San Miguel de Allende "The thing I loved most about paper mache with Marti and Artleap was just how much fun it was to create something. No expectations, just enjoying the process. I showed my creation to friends and now a group of us, including my husband and me again, are taking the class!"
Laura Kuykendall, San Miguel de Allende "Marti encouraged me to have fun and be playful -- that's just what I needed! She is a GREAT teacher."
Mara Alper, New York, NY "I had so much fun! My paper mache animal surprised and delighted me -- thank you Marti!"
Paula Nunes, San Miguel de Allende "You can't go wrong with Marti as a wonderful teacher -- SO FUN!!"
Kay McMullen, Boulder CO |
"I love painting my Paper Mache with my fingers -- so much fun!"
Lilly Richards, San Miguel de Allende "This is the most fun I've had with my clothes on! If you think you're not creative, come to this workshop and Marti will show you the way!"
Karen Kelly, San Miguel de Allende "I loved learning the sculptural techniques that I can now do at home -- and it celebrates a wonderful Mexican art form!"
Jennifer Smith, San Miguel de Allende "After 50 years of silversmithing, I wanted to COLOR! This class was so much fun and Marti made it easy."
David Haun, Patzcuaro, Michoacan "This workshops with Marti and Art Leap Adventures was FUN. The class was well organized, Marti is an amazingly creative and knowledgeable instructor, and both Marti and Meagan are fun to be with. I left class with a huge smile on my face, and excited to take the next Level 2 paper Mache with them."
Dixie Woods Smith, San Miguel de Allende "This was my first art experience since kindergarten -- it was SO LIBERATING!"
Barry Knapp, Boulder, CO "Extremely well-organized to let out creativity flow, and excellent instruction!"
Adrienne Allison, Eureka, CA "I came to be inspired and have instead been more than fulfilled, I have loved taking both the Level 1 and 2 workshops!"
Billielee Mommar, San Miguel de Allende |
"It was such a marvelous week—great lessons from Laurie making us stretch to learn new techniques to improve our sketching, Meagan’s always amazing arrangements so that everything goes smooth as silk, and Hugo’s can’t-be-beat hospitality making us feel so welcome. The weather cooperated beautifully, too. Another successful course for the books!"
Amy Atkinson, Las Vegas, NV
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"The Laurie Richards workshop was just great!!! I learned so much, and my watercolors look dramatically different than they ever did before. Laurie is a wonderful teacher, alive with suggestions which were always of great benefit. The workshop itself was wonderfully planned by Meagan of Art Leap Adventures, with the perfect amounts of teaching time and sketching time and down time. The location in which we stayed, Alma del Sol, is right in the center of Guanajuato near everything, and is very comfortable; Hugo, the host, took great care of all of us. I would follow Meagan anywhere."
Judy Plummer, San Miguel de Allende
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"What an adventure in Guanajuato. The workshop was beautifully executed by Meagan and Art Leap Adventures. The accommodations at Alma Del Sol were very comfortable and the food was delicious. Meagan kept us on track with fun activities as well as our watercolor workshop. Laurie was an excellent teacher, one of the best I’ve had. She was prepared and well organized. She took us all to greater skill levels in our watercolors. I highly recommend this workshop, and I look forward to perhaps attending another one."
Kathy Mackey, Columbus, OH
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"The “Dramatically Improve Your Watercolor Sketching” workshop with Laurie Richards in Guanajuato certainly lived up to its title. Laurie is a gifted, giving teacher who provided detailed written information, well planned lessons, demos and challenging exercises. The class was geared for intermediate and above students requiring some extensive planning which was definitely accomplished by Laurie. I gained as much as I hoped for and more from the workshop. The excellence of the teaching was matched by the perfectly organized and enthusiastic efforts of our leader, Meagan Burns. To top it off, we were situated in an ideal setting in the charming B&B of Hugo Anaya, Alma del Sol. Everything was first rate and I would repeat this or attend any of Art Leap Adventures trips."
Sally Ryan, Patzcuaro, Mexico
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"Meagan really knows how to put it all together! She’s a fantastic leader who tackled Mexico City with a group of 8 like a pro. Meagan, I think you a born to this with your unflagging energy and enthusiasm. You handled the details with efficiency and attention allowing us to all enjoy a great workshop experience in CDMX. I look forward to my next Art Leap Adventure."
Sally Ryan, Patzcuaro, Mexico
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Traveling and sketching with Art Leap Adventures is the best way to spend your time and energy. Our trip to Mexico City for a workshop with Rhoda Draws and Meagan Burns was totally satisfying in every way. I always enjoy the comrade of a group with a common purpose. Everyone in this group wanted to learn Rhoda Draws’ technique and everyone felt energized and motivated by Meagan Burns’ unfailingly creative leadership. Urban Sketching CDMX was an excellent experience. I would not hesitate to join Meagan and Rhoda on any Art Leap Adventure available to me. Thank you, Meagan, and thank you, Rhoda.
Evelyn Goldman, San Diego, CA
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I've been on several trips with Meagan Burns and Rhoda Draws and I always have a great time -- I can't wait until we go on our next trip together! Meagan is an excellent trip organizer and always selects the most beautiful and interesting locations to visit. Our whole group particularly loved the exhibit of Leonora Carrington paintings at the museum of modern art. I loved the location of the hotel we stayed at, which was in the Roma district of Mexico City. Meagan has a great sense of humor and is a lot of fun to be around. On this trip, I think I finally was able to better understand how to do the "fast and loose" sketching style. I was pleased with several of my drawings and displayed them proudly on social media.
Liz Blair, San Miguel de Allende
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Meagan did an impressive job of showing us around the colonials of Roma, Condesa, Coyocan, etc. I know you worked very hard preparing for that. I also liked your enthusiasm and energy. I admire your drawing - very creative, especially with composition and subject matter ( I liked the one with your hand, wineglass, etc.). Thank you for giving us this wonderful opportunity!
Lorna Pashovich, San Miguel de Allende
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What a delightful weekend… well planned, relaxing, good company, visually exciting, memorable; I always look forward to your trips and catching up on what a happy adventure your life is. Many thanks for all the care and effort you put into this weekend. I enjoyed it immensely.
Lorie Topinka, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico |
Meagan is a pro at organizing the most unique, interesting and fun sketching adventures. We spent two nights and three days eating delicious traditional organic meals that Meagan planned, sketching not only cows and adorable calves but also the gorgeous ranch scenery. Meagan attends to every detail with taste and aplomb - making her art adventure absolutely perfect - and so much fun!
Patty McBratney, Patzcuaro, Mexico |
Thanks Meagan for an outing that was amazing in all ways; educational, artistic, cultural, and gastronomical! It was great to relax and sketch with a wonderful group of artists in such an awe inspiring setting. Every part of this wonderful trip went off without a hitch due to your thoughtful planning and delightful exuberance. Thank you again. I look forward to traveling with Art Leap Adventures in the future.
Lynn O'Brien, San Francisco, CA |
This was a totally relaxing weekend, in such a beautiful place! It was so good to get out of the city and be in bountiful nature. Meagan as usual had perfectly planned all the details, while leaving space for unexpected pleasures. The accommodations were comfortable, the food was fresh and delicious, and the spots which Meagan had chosen for us to sketch were exquisite and inspiring. The company was also great. So was the horseback ride (though I'll want a pillow next time!). I can hardly wait for the next Art Leap Adventure!
Judy Plummer, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico |
Our Art Immersion tour of Mexico City was wonderful. We stayed in a small, lovely hotel located just blocks from the Cathedral, Zocalo, Palacio National and Tempol Mayor, so we were close to everything. We visited a variety of sites and restaurants, so we got a nice feel for what the Centro district offered, and saw places, like Mercado San Juan, that most tourists never see. Even as an American speaking little Spanish I was comfortable the entire time, so an Art Leap Adventures tour group makes it easy to travel as a single woman.
Amy Atkinson, Las Vegas, NV |
Loved it!
David Miller, Boston, MA |
This was my second trip with Art Leap Adventures, and It always exceeds my expectations. Meagan is a great organizer and tour leader, flexible, plus just fun to be with. I'm looking forward to my next Art Leap Adventure!
Dixie Woods Smith, San Miguel de Allende |
What a fun time in Mexico City and all made possible by you!! I so appreciate your planning and organizational skills that resulted in a “taste” of Mexico City that was diverse, safe and fun. Your high energy, flexibility, good humor and sense of adventure made the trip a good experience for a diverse group of travelers. Some highlights for me were the exhibit at Belles Artes, the Diego Rivera murals, and the time with the Urban Sketchers of Mexico. It worked for me to have time to plan for my own interests and I found the various museums that I visited, usually with Judy, worth the effort. The hotel was a good choice as were all the restaurants. Well done!
Lorie Topinka, San Miguel de Allende |
I enjoyed the tour very much. It was certainly an immersion, and I saw things I would have missed if by myself. It was fun to be with a group of like-minded people, and Meagan was a great tour leader with a wonderful sense of things to do and see, and she took care to keep us informed of changes in the schedule, etc.
Judy Plummer, San Miguel de Allende |
Meagan is a great tour leader. She picked really great restaurants and places to visit. The trip to the art exhibit at the Belles Artes was a highlight of the trip and so was the historical tour. I collected lots of photos and good ideas for my next art project.
Liz Blair, San Miguel de Allende |
Highly recommended! I took this wonderful monoprint workshop last weekend. Well organized by Meagan Burns and Art Leap Adventures, taught by Hugo Anaya. So much fun to be in Guanajuato and stay at the beautiful Alma de Sol B&B, with a great group of women, fabulous food and a perfect Centro location!
Catherine Hemenway, Oaxaca, Mexico |
My recent adventure with Art Leap Adventures was beyond super. I am a professional artist and have attended many workshops. This was by and far one of the best I have attended. The entire weekend was a treat, great food, great B&B and a great printmaking instructor. Meagan makes the workshop amazingly fun!!! I am hoping to attend another workshop in the future.
Victoria Pierce, San Miguel de Allende |
'Printmaking in Guanajuato', with Meagan Burns, was a wonderful weekend art experience. It provided the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful, lively city of Guanajuato. Our small hotel, in the heart of the historic Centro, was fabulous! Amazing breakfasts and lovely happy hours are served on the roof ...views are spectacular! In the art studio, Hugo Anaya shared ideas & techniques, making hands-on studio time, informative and a lot of fun. I highly recommend this workshop for creative inspiration, adventure and the opportunity to make new friends!
Alex Smith, Winnsboro, TX |
Also highly recommend!! It was a blast learning about printmaking and letting go of my fear of making a complete idiot of myself!! I came away with something I am actually proud of!! Hugo is very patient and a wonderful teacher. Meagan outdid herself putting this event together with a great group of women, fabulous place to stay, not to mention the wonderful city of Guanajuato. Lots to do & explore both in and out of the workshop!! Cheers!!
Leni Garetson, San Miguel de Allende |