Sketch San Miguel de Allende with Meagan Burns
Arrive San Miguel de Allende Friday, March 6, 2026
Begin Sunday, March 8, 2026
End Thursday Night, March 12, 2026
Depart San Miguel de Allende Friday, March 13, 2026
Join Meagan in San Miguel de Allende for a focused week of drawing, seeing, and creative momentum. This is a small, in-person sketch workshop designed to help you capture the color, architecture, and street life of one of Mexico’s most compelling cities while you strengthen your line confidence and creative voice.
Our home base is Hacienda de Las Flores, from Friday, March 6 to Friday, March 13, 2026. Most days begin together at breakfast with short warm-ups, then we head out for the day’s sketchbook adventure in plazas, markets, courtyards, and rooftop viewpoints. Expect a balanced rhythm of guided locations, live demos, timed exercises, composition prompts, and intentional solo time.
Meagan teaches Continuous Line Storytelling, where the focus is energy, not accuracy, while building accuracy through smart choices. We will address fear, hesitation, and the habit of overworking. You will leave with a fuller sketchbook, sharper instincts, and a reliable warm-up practice you can use anywhere.
You’ll want to meet Meagan in San Miguel de Allende.
Our home base is Hacienda de Las Flores, from Friday, March 6 to Friday, March 13, 2026. Most days begin together at breakfast with short warm-ups, then we head out for the day’s sketchbook adventure in plazas, markets, courtyards, and rooftop viewpoints. Expect a balanced rhythm of guided locations, live demos, timed exercises, composition prompts, and intentional solo time.
Meagan teaches Continuous Line Storytelling, where the focus is energy, not accuracy, while building accuracy through smart choices. We will address fear, hesitation, and the habit of overworking. You will leave with a fuller sketchbook, sharper instincts, and a reliable warm-up practice you can use anywhere.
You’ll want to meet Meagan in San Miguel de Allende.
Learning Goals
- Push through drawing fears and fill your handmade sketchbook with memories of our time in San Miguel de Allende
- Gain a better understanding of composition through a continuous line practice
- Build confidence by leaning into your own unique style of drawing and feel good about it!
- Experience the inspiring art culture of San Miguel de Allende
- Gain a better understanding of composition through a continuous line practice
- Build confidence by leaning into your own unique style of drawing and feel good about it!
- Experience the inspiring art culture of San Miguel de Allende
Who Should Attend This Experience
You’re a curious artist who loves to draw on location and wants a focused week in San Miguel de Allende to deepen your sketch practice while enjoying local culture and food. You’re drawn to cultural texture, color, architecture, and everyday street life. You want clear structure, daily warm-ups, and steady on-foot exploring with your sketchbook. You’re interested in visual storytelling without getting bogged down in details.
Level: You’ve sketched on location, you love to travel and experience cultural activities, and you’re curious to do more.
Level: You’ve sketched on location, you love to travel and experience cultural activities, and you’re curious to do more.
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, instructor, and founder of Art Leap Adventures, a travel-sketch workshop company creating immersive drawing experiences in historic urban cities. Originally from Chicago and based in Mexico, Meagan specializes in Continuous Line Storytelling, helping artists drop perfectionism, make strong choices fast, and build line confidence on the page.
She has organized and led workshops in Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, San Francisco, and Paris, inviting artists to explore culture, architecture, and daily life through a sketchbook practice.
In 2021 Meagan launched the Continuous Line Storytelling community to help artists develop skill, strength, and a reliable warm-up routine for on-location drawing. She has contributed to the San Miguel de Allende Urban Sketchers community since 2016.
With a background in marketing, graphic design, and sustainable agriculture, Meagan brings a clear, practical approach to teaching. Her workshops focus on loosening up, embracing imperfections, and capturing the energy of place with a confident line.
She has organized and led workshops in Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, San Francisco, and Paris, inviting artists to explore culture, architecture, and daily life through a sketchbook practice.
In 2021 Meagan launched the Continuous Line Storytelling community to help artists develop skill, strength, and a reliable warm-up routine for on-location drawing. She has contributed to the San Miguel de Allende Urban Sketchers community since 2016.
With a background in marketing, graphic design, and sustainable agriculture, Meagan brings a clear, practical approach to teaching. Her workshops focus on loosening up, embracing imperfections, and capturing the energy of place with a confident line.
Sketch SMA with Meagan
Early Bird $1,095 USD (first 5 seats or by November 22, 2025)
Regular $1,195 USD November 23, 2025 and after
Lodging: Add 8 nights at Hacienda de las Flores (paid directly to the hotel)
Travel: Fly to BJX León or QRO Querétaro
Travel to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Closest airports
BJX: León/Guanajuato (Del Bajío International). Easiest option with frequent shared shuttles to San Miguel. Drive time about 1.5 hours. Typical shared shuttle fare $30 USD per person one way, plus optional tip.
QRO: Querétaro Intercontinental. Also convenient with shared shuttles and private cars available. Drive time about 1–1.25 hours. Typical shared shuttle fare $35–45 USD per person one way, plus optional tip.
After you register, I’ll send step-by-step booking links for reputable shuttle services, plus guidance for coordinating arrival times. Private car service can be arranged on request.
Arrive: Friday, March 6, 2026.
Depart: Friday, March 13, 2026.
Hotel base: Hacienda de Las Flores, San Miguel de Allende.
BJX: León/Guanajuato (Del Bajío International). Easiest option with frequent shared shuttles to San Miguel. Drive time about 1.5 hours. Typical shared shuttle fare $30 USD per person one way, plus optional tip.
QRO: Querétaro Intercontinental. Also convenient with shared shuttles and private cars available. Drive time about 1–1.25 hours. Typical shared shuttle fare $35–45 USD per person one way, plus optional tip.
After you register, I’ll send step-by-step booking links for reputable shuttle services, plus guidance for coordinating arrival times. Private car service can be arranged on request.
Arrive: Friday, March 6, 2026.
Depart: Friday, March 13, 2026.
Hotel base: Hacienda de Las Flores, San Miguel de Allende.
Arrive San Miguel de Allende Friday, March 6, 2026
Begin Sunday, March 8, 2026
End Thursday Night, March 12, 2026
Depart San Miguel de Allende Friday, March 13, 2026
Agenda
Friday, March 6, 2026 (or when you choose)
Arrive Leon, Guanajuato (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) Airport
Transfer to San Miguel de Allende Hotel
Saturday, March 7: Day on your own
Arrive Leon, Guanajuato (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) Airport
Transfer to San Miguel de Allende Hotel
Saturday, March 7: Day on your own
Sunday, March 8, 2026
1pm Gather at Hacienda de las Flores for Experience Intros
Handmade Sketchbook Project
Break
6:30pm Welcome Dinner at Centro Restaurant (included)
1pm Gather at Hacienda de las Flores for Experience Intros
Handmade Sketchbook Project
Break
6:30pm Welcome Dinner at Centro Restaurant (included)
Monday, March 9, 2026
Breakfast
Meagan Burns: Continuous Line Workshop
Local SMA Tour Guide @ Parroquia plus sketching (included)
Lunch at SMA Restaurant
Bellas Artes Tour + Sketching
Local Dinner
Breakfast
Meagan Burns: Continuous Line Workshop
Local SMA Tour Guide @ Parroquia plus sketching (included)
Lunch at SMA Restaurant
Bellas Artes Tour + Sketching
Local Dinner
Tuesday, March 10, 2025
Breakfast
Private Visit to Mojiganga studio with sketching (included)
Lunch (included)
Break
Street Tacos + Elotes (included)
Night sketch in Jardín Principal
Breakfast
Private Visit to Mojiganga studio with sketching (included)
Lunch (included)
Break
Street Tacos + Elotes (included)
Night sketch in Jardín Principal
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Breakfast
8am Private Transport to Guanajuato (included)
10am Guanajuato City Sketch Walk
Don Quijote Museum (included)
Lunch in Local Restaurant
Return to SMA
Dinner on Own
Breakfast
8am Private Transport to Guanajuato (included)
10am Guanajuato City Sketch Walk
Don Quijote Museum (included)
Lunch in Local Restaurant
Return to SMA
Dinner on Own
Thursday, March 12, 2025
Breakfast
Walk through Mercado Ignacio Ramírez en route to the Artisan Mercado
Lunch at courtyard café
Private tour + Sketching of Hacienda El Santuario (included)
Final sketch review
Adiós Dinner at Hacienda El Santuario (included)
Breakfast
Walk through Mercado Ignacio Ramírez en route to the Artisan Mercado
Lunch at courtyard café
Private tour + Sketching of Hacienda El Santuario (included)
Final sketch review
Adiós Dinner at Hacienda El Santuario (included)
Friday, March 13, 2026
Breakfast
Departure
Breakfast
Departure
Our Hotel: Hacienda de las Flores
Stay at Hacienda de las Flores, about three blocks from the Jardín Principal. Classic colonial courtyard setting, a lovely pool, leafy patios, and breakfast is included. Quiet, walkable, and an easy home base for the week.
Why this hotel
Comfortable rooms, garden and pool access, reliable breakfast, and a central location that keeps daily walking simple.
Payment: Payment hotel directly after room is chosen
Rate: Single King Room approximately $4000 MXN per night.
Why this hotel
Comfortable rooms, garden and pool access, reliable breakfast, and a central location that keeps daily walking simple.
Payment: Payment hotel directly after room is chosen
Rate: Single King Room approximately $4000 MXN per night.
Sketch SMA with Meagan
Early Bird $1,095 USD (first 5 seats or by November 22, 2025)
Regular $1,195 USD November 23, 2025 and after
Lodging: Add 8 nights at Hacienda de las Flores (paid directly to the hotel)
Travel: Fly to BJX León or QRO Querétaro
SMA Sketch San Miguel de Allende with Meagan: $1,095 USD Early Bird or $1,195 USD Regular
Deposit: $550 due at registration (nonrefundable).
Balance: due January 15, 2026.
Standard card processing fees apply at checkout.
Deposit: $550 due at registration (nonrefundable).
Balance: due January 15, 2026.
Standard card processing fees apply at checkout.
Price Includes
Hosted sketch experience with Meagan (curated locations, cultural access, on-site hosting and coordination)
Materials for a handmade sketchbook
Local guide tour in San Miguel de Allende
Visit to Mojiganga studio
Private transportation for the Guanajuato day trip
Site and museum entries listed in the agenda
Private tour of Hacienda El Santuario
Welcome dinner
Street-tacos evening
Festive post-Mojigangas lunch
Adiós dinner
On-site coordination by Meagan Burns // Art Leap Adventures
If you choose “with Instruction,” you also receive:
Scheduled coaching windows outside group walkabout time (brief small-group and/or short 1:1 slots)
Not Included
Airfare and travel to BJX (León) or QRO (Querétaro)
Airport transfer to the San Miguel de Allende hotel
Accommodations at Hacienda de las Flores (paid directly to the hote)
Most lunches and dinners not listed above
Personal sketch supplies beyond the handmade book kit
Hotel staff tips
Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxis, and discretionary tips
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend travel insurance with trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical coverage, and medical evacuation of at least $50,000. “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage is worth considering. You can compare plans via a broker such as InsureMyTrip or your preferred provider.
If you become ill or injured, we will help you locate care and adjust your participation as needed, but medical costs, isolation needs, and return travel are your responsibility.
Hosted sketch experience with Meagan (curated locations, cultural access, on-site hosting and coordination)
Materials for a handmade sketchbook
Local guide tour in San Miguel de Allende
Visit to Mojiganga studio
Private transportation for the Guanajuato day trip
Site and museum entries listed in the agenda
Private tour of Hacienda El Santuario
Welcome dinner
Street-tacos evening
Festive post-Mojigangas lunch
Adiós dinner
On-site coordination by Meagan Burns // Art Leap Adventures
If you choose “with Instruction,” you also receive:
Scheduled coaching windows outside group walkabout time (brief small-group and/or short 1:1 slots)
Not Included
Airfare and travel to BJX (León) or QRO (Querétaro)
Airport transfer to the San Miguel de Allende hotel
Accommodations at Hacienda de las Flores (paid directly to the hote)
Most lunches and dinners not listed above
Personal sketch supplies beyond the handmade book kit
Hotel staff tips
Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxis, and discretionary tips
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend travel insurance with trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical coverage, and medical evacuation of at least $50,000. “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage is worth considering. You can compare plans via a broker such as InsureMyTrip or your preferred provider.
If you become ill or injured, we will help you locate care and adjust your participation as needed, but medical costs, isolation needs, and return travel are your responsibility.
San Miguel de Allende Weather
Dress in Layers! March days are sunny and warm, nights are cool, and the air is dry at high altitude. Mornings can feel brisk, afternoons warm up, and evenings cool down again. Pack a light sweater or jacket and a scarf for night, plus tees and comfortable pants for day. Bring a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and a light rain layer just in case. Wear closed-toe walking shoes for cobblestones and uneven streets. Earplugs are smart for sleeping; Mexico is loud!
Health Safety
This is a mostly outdoor, on-foot workshop with open-air meals when possible. If you feel unwell, please mask, test as needed, and let Meagan know so we can adjust plans. Bring any personal medications and follow your doctor’s guidance on vaccines and preventive care. We will follow local regulations in San Miguel and Guanajuato as they stand during the workshop, and some venues may have their own rules. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.
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.
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
SMALL PRINT, PLEASE READ
- Minor schedule changes may occur due to weather, traffic, or site access. The substance of the workshop will remain.
- Come prepared each day with walking shoes, a sun hat, an N95 or preferred mask, your sketch kit, and a flexible attitude. Mexico has surprises, and we will roll with changes and appreciate your patience.
- Group size is limited to 9 participants plus Meagan.
- For group meals there will be one bill per table. Please pay for what you consume plus a 20% tip and keep track of your items.
- Food sensitivities can be accommodated with advance notice. Corn is central to Mexican cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian options exist with diligence, and this Art Leap Adventures agenda includes dishes that may feature meat and corn.
Physical ability to walk unassisted and stand for extended periods is absolutely necessary.
- Come prepared each day with walking shoes, a sun hat, an N95 or preferred mask, your sketch kit, and a flexible attitude. Mexico has surprises, and we will roll with changes and appreciate your patience.
- Group size is limited to 9 participants plus Meagan.
- For group meals there will be one bill per table. Please pay for what you consume plus a 20% tip and keep track of your items.
- Food sensitivities can be accommodated with advance notice. Corn is central to Mexican cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian options exist with diligence, and this Art Leap Adventures agenda includes dishes that may feature meat and corn.
Physical ability to walk unassisted and stand for extended periods is absolutely necessary.
Cancellation Policy
1. All cancellations must be made in writing (email is fine) and are effective upon receipt. The $550 deposit is nonrefundable..
2. The balance is due January 15, 2026. If the balance is not received by that date, your seat may be released and the deposit forfeited.
3. If you cancel on or before December 1, 2025, all payments after the deposit are refundable.
4. If you cancel between December 2, 2025 and January 14, 2026, 50% of payments made after the deposit are refundable.
5. If you cancel on or after January 15, 2026, no refunds are offered. If a full-paying replacement takes your spot, your payments (less the deposit) will be refunded after their payment clears.
6. Waitlist and transfers: If a waitlist exists, we will connect you with the first person in line. If they accept and pay in full, your refund will be processed as above. If no waitlist exists and you cancel on or before December 1, 2025, you may transfer your non-deposit payments as a credit to another Art Leap Adventures workshop within 12 months.
7. Processing fees and personal expenses are not refundable. Participant expenses incurred in preparation for the trip (airfare, shuttles, supplies, etc.) are the participant’s responsibility.
8. Travel insurance with trip cancellation/interruption and primary medical coverage is strongly recommended. Deadlines and times are based on America/Mexico_City.
If an emergency arises, contact Meagan to discuss options.
2. The balance is due January 15, 2026. If the balance is not received by that date, your seat may be released and the deposit forfeited.
3. If you cancel on or before December 1, 2025, all payments after the deposit are refundable.
4. If you cancel between December 2, 2025 and January 14, 2026, 50% of payments made after the deposit are refundable.
5. If you cancel on or after January 15, 2026, no refunds are offered. If a full-paying replacement takes your spot, your payments (less the deposit) will be refunded after their payment clears.
6. Waitlist and transfers: If a waitlist exists, we will connect you with the first person in line. If they accept and pay in full, your refund will be processed as above. If no waitlist exists and you cancel on or before December 1, 2025, you may transfer your non-deposit payments as a credit to another Art Leap Adventures workshop within 12 months.
7. Processing fees and personal expenses are not refundable. Participant expenses incurred in preparation for the trip (airfare, shuttles, supplies, etc.) are the participant’s responsibility.
8. Travel insurance with trip cancellation/interruption and primary medical coverage is strongly recommended. Deadlines and times are based on America/Mexico_City.
If an emergency arises, contact Meagan to discuss options.
Register:
Sketch San Miguel de Allende with Meagan
Friday, March 6 - Friday, March 13, 2024
Meagan's Drawings
Previous Mexico Sketch Workshops
Where is San Miguel de Allende?
