Sketch Guanajuato with Meagan Burns +
​Printmaking with Hugo Anaya
SKETCHING + PRINTMAKING
​Wednesday, October 2 - Monday, October 7, 2024

Meagan and Hugo are thrilled to invite all curious artists to join us in Guanajuato in October for an urban sketching + printmaking adventures in the whimsical artistic town of Guanajuato, Mexico. This immersive workshop presents an excellent opportunity to capture the vibrant essence of Guanajuato in both a sketchbook and in monotype printmaking, a Mexican city renowned for its delightful architecture, rich silver mining history, and captivating street serenading. 

We'll begin each day in our rooftop studio for a glorious regional breakfast, then on to practicing our morning drawing exercises before setting out to explore the streets. Our itinerary includes an afternoon sightseeing Guanajuato, an evening musical stroll with the Estudiantinas of Guanajuato, a day trip to San Miguel de Allende to sketch and observe Mojiganga maker, Hermes Arroyo in his studio, plus an exciting printmaking session in Hugo's studio, where we'll experiment with combining our sketches with printmaking techniques. Not to be missed!

Meagan has crafted a fresh and innovative workshop agenda that immerses you in the rich culture of Guanajuato's architecture, people, and street celebrations, while helping you capture its lively essence efficiently using the concept of continuous line drawing. Her technique involves drawing one powerful, self-directed line that moves organically and fluidly across the page, and she advocates this approach as a means of personal artistic expressions, no matter what your skill level. We'll focus on having a very creative experience with our sketchbooks in tow, and then we'll take our creations into Hugo's printmaking studio to create even more artistic magic. 

You'll want to meet Meagan and Hugo in Guanajuato!

Learning Goals

- Push through drawing fears and fill your sketchbook with memories of our time in Guanajuato
- Gain a better understanding of composition and logistics through a continuous line practice
- Build confidence by leaning into your own unique style of drawing and feel good about it!
- Experience the whimsical art culture of Guanajuato

Who Should Attend This Workshop

If you're a curious artist and not quite sure what to do with that funky yet festive week between Christmas and New Year's, don't delay, join Meagan and other fellow adventure-seeking artists by celebrating the last week of the year doing the thing you love most: sketching on location! This inaugural year of the HOLIDAY SKETCH CLUB will kick off in whimsical Guanajuato City, Mexico, and we'll set off on sight-seeing adventures as well as sketching and printmaking. The plan is to have a fun and festive sketch week as we ring in the new year together with fellow artists.

​Level: You've sketched on location and are curious to do more ​​

Continuous Line Urban Sketching from the Steps of Guanajuato

Why I Believe in Continuous Line

Join the free Continuous Line Storytelling Group to start practicing now!

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. 

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 take the leap and join us on this culturally rich and educational experience in Guanajuato.

Who Is Hugo Anaya

Hugo and Meagan have been producing workshops together since 2016 and love to find new ways to create art-making opportunities for our community. Hugo is from Guanajuato City and in addition to being a welcoming hospitality professional at both Alma del Sol and Hotel del Color for the past 20 years, he's also a skilled printmaker and printmaking instructor. Hugo recently designed and built his printmaking studio on the rooftop at Alma del Sol, where we'll spend some of our workshop time.
almadelsol.com
instagram.com/piramidalgrafica/

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Curious travelers with an adventurous spirit and who want to explore the world as an artist by capturing your travels in a sketchbook con gusto are invited. We'll enjoy delicious local meals and cultural destinations, so if you enjoy an artistic immersion in your travels, you'll want to meet us in Guanajuato! Sketchers and printmakers are welcome, as are all art-curious individuals. We will be sketching along the way so be prepared to #alwasybesketching.

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

WORKSHOP COST: $1,175 USD
​Add Accommodations @ Alma del Sol // Hotel del Color
Add Travel to Guanajuato City, GTO (BJX)

Travel to Guanajuato

Arrive: Wednesday, December 27, 2023 (or arrive the day before to get settled)
Depart: Tuesday, January 2, 2024
​Airport Code: BJX (Leon, Guanajuato), or you may also arrive at QRO (Queretaro)

Guanajuato City is located in the Mexican State of Guanajuato, and about 1.5 hours from San Miguel de Allende. The closest airport is Leon, Guanajuato (BJX), and a taxi can be arranged to deliver you in about 30 minutes to Alma del Sol. Another airport option is Queretaro, Queretaro (QRO), with taxis easily able to deliver you to the hotel.

We have a network of private drivers who can pick you up at the airport and deliver you to our B&B; the cost is $600 pesos per car (not per person). When we have your flight arrival, a driver will be at the airport with your name. We will arrange an airport return ride during our workshop week.

Guanajuato is largely overshadowed by San Miguel de Allende, but the charm and whimsey are must sees for any artist. Guanajuato is vibrant, delightful and sophisticated, with lots of nooks and crannies to safely explore. Whatever your art medium, Guanajuato is sure to inspire! ​

Workshop Agenda

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Arrive Hotel, or day before to get settled 
Welcome Reception on the Roof
Intros, Workshop Agenda

Thursday, October 3, 2024
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Dining Room
Meagan Burns Workshop: Continuous Line Storytelling 
Lunch Break
Guided Tour of Guanajuato with Local Tour Guide and Private Van
Sketchbook Review on Rooftop
Dinner at Local Restaurant 

Friday, October 4, 2024
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Dining Room
Meagan Burns Workshop: Continuous Line Storytelling 
Printmaking with Hugo Anaya and our Sketches
Afternoon Sketch Assignment + Printmaking in the Studio
Sketchbook Review on Rooftop
Dinner at Local Restaurant 
Evening Outing: The Wandering Singers of Guanajuato (Las Estudiantinas)

Saturday, October 5, 2024
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Dining Room
Meagan Burns Workshop: Continuous Line Workshop in the Streets  
Private Transportation to/from San Miguel de Allende
Meet & Sketch the Puppet Maker: Hermes Arroyo and the SMA Mojigangas
Lunch at SMA Restaurant
Sketch Assignment: La Parroquia of San Miguel de Allende
Return to Alma del Sol
Sketchbook Review on Rooftop
Dinner at Local Restaurant 

Sunday, October 6, 2024
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Dining Room
Free Morning to Sketch, Rest, Shop, Sightsee
Afternoon Comida at Local Restaurant (included)
Night Sketching on Rooftop, Light Snacks and Margaritas

Monday, October 7, 2024
8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop
9am Breakfast in Dining Room
Goodbyes, Hugs, Photos, Depart -- THE END

Alma del Sol, our Hotel

As part of your registration, you'll choose your room based on availability. I've been hosting art workshops at Hugo's Alma del Sol for almost a decade and it's a warm, spacious and beautifully located hotel and workshops space -- Hugo's hospitality is top notch!

​Hugo also has a second location called Hotel del Colors, situated about four blocks away from Alma del Sol. We place participants in this located when we fill up Alma del Sol, yet all breakfasts and workshops take place at Alma del Sol.

Alma del Sol, price includes breakfast, pay directly upon arrival:
Shared Room, $70 per night per person
Single Room, Limited Availability $100 per night

WORKSHOP COST: $1,175 USD
​Add Accommodations @ Alma del Sol // Hotel del Color
Add Travel to Guanajuato City, GTO (BJX)

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $588 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $606
Balance Due July 15, 2024, $587 USD + $17 Transaction Fee = $604
​**See cancellation policy for more information

PAY DEPOSIT Sketch Guanajuato with Meagan + Printmaking

PRICE INCLUDES:
Continuous Line Sketch Workshop with Meagan Burns
Welcome Rooftop Reception
Daily Alma del Sol Breakfast
Daily Rooftop Margaritas with Sketchbook Review 
Local Guide and Tour of Guanajuato in Private Van
Admission to Evening Stroll for the Callejonada
​Combo Monotype Printmaking + Drawing Session with Hugo Anaya
Printmaker's Lunch
Transportation and Workshop Visit to San Miguel de Allende Mojiganga Maker
Last Night Dinner at Guanajuato Restaurant 
Tour management by Meagan Burns // Art Leap Adventures

NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare/Transportation to Guanajuato (Airport code BJX in Leon, GTO, or QRO in Queretaro 
Airport Transfer to Alma del Sol // Hotel del Color
​Accommodations at Alma del Sol // Hotel del Color
Lunch and dinner during workshop days (except printmaker's lunch, and last night dinner)
Alma del Sol // Hotel del Color staff tips
Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxi and tips at your discretion
Transaction Fees
​Required Trip Insurance: suggested providers (but please use your own if preferred):
InsureMyTrip: 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 isolate you from the workshop location, but it is your responsibility to get yourself home and treated. Please do not bypass this important step for peace of mind.

Guanajuato Weather

Dress in Layers!  Guanajuato enjoys almost year-round ideal weather, although with the shorter days we'll may experience some cold weather, so plan accordingly. Dressing in layers is your best bet, sweater, jacket and scarves for the evening, t-shirts, shorts and sandals for the daytime. Please have closed-toe shoes for when we're out walking in the streets. 

Covid Safety

This workshop is designed to be mostly outside and many of Mexico's restaurants are now out in the streets, although generally speaking much of life has always been lived in the streets in Mexico. If you have any further concerns about the Covid situation in Mexico, please feel free to reach out to Meagan, but I have been living in Mexico throughout the entire pandemic and have found it somewhat easy to navigate an outdoor existence because so much happens outside. Personal responsibility is necessary and current boosters are requested; let's do what we can to ensure the group has a safe and enjoyable workshop experience. 

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

Suggested Art Materials

What's in My Art Bag:
I use Canson XL Watercolor 140lb 9"x12", but I also experiment with other sketchbooks. 
I tend to use larger sketchbooks.​
​Sailor Fude de Mannen Fountain Pen (or similar of your choice)
Sharpies
INDArt Saturated Watercolor Inks
Quality Watercolors in Travel Pan Set (Daniel Smith)
Quality Watercolor Brushes
Pentel Brush Pens
Platinum Carbon Ink (for Sailor and Pentel Brush)
Sun Hat + sturdy walking shoes
Pencil, Gum Eraser, Salt, Scrapers, Bleed Proof White, Water Bottle, Paper Towel
**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)

Additional art supplies of your preference.
​It is not an option to attend this workshop without the sketching activities.

Connect with @meagan_burns_

Connect with @ArtLeapAdventures 

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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 10 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, however, currently this ALA agenda includes meat and corn.

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

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 July 15, 2024.

3) If you need to cancel after July 15, 2024, please contact Meagan and we can discuss the options for the possible refund of monies, which will include 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.

WORKSHOP COST: $1,175 USD
​Add Accommodations @ Alma del Sol // Hotel del Color
Add Travel to Guanajuato City, GTO (BJX)

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $588 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $606
Balance Due July 15, 2024, $587 USD + $17 Transaction Fee = $604
​**See cancellation policy for more information

PAY DEPOSIT Sketch Guanajuato with Meagan + Printmaking

Register:
Holiday Sketch Guanajuato with Meagan
​Wednesday, October 2 - Monday, October 7, 2024

Meagan's Guanajuato Drawings

Previous Guanajuato Sketch Workshops

Where is Guanajuato City?