MAGICAL MOROCCO
art retreat
An immersive exploration between realism and abstraction.
Guided by Rosso Emerald Crimson
Mirleft,
12 - 18 OCTOBER, 2026
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Can you imagine waking up to the sound of waves, golden light filling the studio, and and a small circle of artists painting together — slowly, deliberately?
This autumn, join me in Morocco for an immersive art retreat designed to deepen your practice, reconnect you with your process, and create space for real, lasting change.
What You'll Learn
in-depth guidance
I’ll teach you the method I developed and refined over years of practice and teaching — the same that has helped hundreds of artists bridge realism and abstraction.
You’ll see how I work, but more importantly, you’ll gain the tools to develop your own language and translate your personal vision into paint.
Over the week, we'll cover:
- Realist figure & portrait — refining proportion, likeness, and skin tones for any complexion.
- Compositional design and structure — how to turn your reference or scene into a compelling composition
- Developing abstract grounds using mixed media and gold leaf.
- Color Harmony & Beauty Beyond Perfection
- "Taking Risks and Letting Go" — how to find that right balance that pushes us forward, without falling.
We will be working from photographic reference and (optional) plein-air .
You’ll receive:
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A full materials list to help you prepare with ease.
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A detailed workshop schedule and references before the retreat.
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The opportunity to discuss your goals with me personally, via email or a short call, so I can tailor guidance to your individual needs.
it's not about painting like me — it's about pushing your boundairies
Retreat Schedule
Every day combines creative focus and mindful rest — here’s how your week unfolds:
(subject to minor changes)
Day 1.
Arrival & Welcome Dinner
After check-in and settling into your room, everyone meets in the
evening for dinner and an introduction to the week ahead.
Day 2.
Painting Workshop starts
Studio set up followed by demonstrations and hands-on exploration of mixed media techniques.
You'll learn a fun way to prepare expressive abstract grounds and "Let Go".
Day 3.
Workshop Continues
The workshop focus is on mixing realistic skin tones and different approaches to realist portraiture.
Plenty of demos followed by self-paced study.
Day 4.
Paint or Chill
Morning painting session followed by optional leisure activities in the nearby coastal town.
Soak in the Moroccan light, local architecture, and atmosphere — perfect inspiration for your next work.
Day 5.
Workshop Day
A full day in the studio with tailored one-to-one feedback and live demonstrations on ad-hoc topics such as painting hair, hands and feet, or sourcing and manipulating references.
Optional: plein-air painting from the terrace or beach.
Day 6.
Final Show & Celebration
Morning reviews and personal feedback — we’ll look at how to keep growing after the retreat.
We close the week with an informal group exhibition and farewell dinner to celebrate your journey together.
Day 7.
Departure
Check-out and group transfer to Agadir Airport.
If you wish to extend your stay, we can help arrange extra nights or onward travel.
Your Home for the Week
Designed for artists — quiet, airy, and filled with natural light.
We’ll be staying in stunning ocean-front villas in Mirleft, blending Moroccan elegance with contemporary comfort. Think panoramic terraces, infinity pools, sunlit lounges, and plenty of peaceful corners to paint, rest, or connect. The villas are designed to give us space for both creation and relaxation — all with breathtaking views of the sea.
What is Included
✓ airport transfers (Monday 12th & Sunday 18th)
✓6 nights accomodation (12th - 18th)
✓all meals catered for by private chefs (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the workshop + soft drinks, teas, coffees and water
✓use of pool and extra amenities at the villas
✓45+ hours workshop and private tuition
✓private WhatsApp Group to connect / share before the event
Not Included
✓ flights
✓extra activities (therapies, massages, excursions to nearby cities, sightseeing tours)
✓meals at restaurants
✓airport transfers / nights before the start date or after
✓art supplies (ie oil paint, easels, brushes, acrylics, panels or canvas)
YOU'LL BE LOOKED AFTER
and surrounded by community
Feeling safe and welcome matters — especially when you travel alone.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by a small, supportive circle of artists from around the world, sharing not only their art but also their stories and laughter.
Everything is thoughtfully arranged — from meals and accommodation to local experiences — so you can relax, create, and feel completely at home.
A bit of my story, and why this retreat.
I’m Rosso — an artist, educator, and passionate connector of creative souls. I love bringing together artists from around the world, merging my love for painting, travel, and meaningful human exchange.
I organised my first art retreat in Sicily in 2022, and it was received with enthusiasm that it became the beginning of something special. Since then, I’ve hosted several retreats and urban workshops — gatherings filled with painting, laughter, and that rare feeling of freedom where everyone is welcome and creativity flows naturally.
I’ve guided hundreds of artists in person and over 500 online to not only refine their skills but rediscover confidence and joy in painting.
Beyond teaching, I continue to paint and exhibit internationally. You can explore my work at www.rossoart.net and watch my process on Instagram @rossoartist
these retreats are a space to rediscover why you fell in love with painting.
What Past Participants Say...
Hear what artists say about learning with me
"Our own style is coming through each painting"
She is able to work individually with each person and gets a feeling for what your strengths are and help you improve in places where you are struggling"
Nicky Stefanelli, (California)
"I love her demos"
...because she explains to you why she does something... To Rosso: "Bringthly Color Spirit, an expert in the guide, well-deserved of merit, and her knowledge well applied".
- Tia Marce (Texas)
"It's a lot of fun"
"This is my second workshop as a 'non-artist' supporting my partner. [...] It's been an amazing experience watching her (Penny) develop"
Bryan - accompanying partner, (UK)
Your pricing options
Spaces are limited to keep the experience intimate — reserve early to secure your spot.
Participants may stay at the Ocean Villa — featuring large rooms, generous living spaces, terraces, and refined European–Moroccan décor — or, for a small additional fee, upgrade to the Paradise Villa, a stunning property with a panoramic terrace, exotic garden, infinity pool, and breathtaking ocean views.
Standard Single — Comfortable, private room with all amenities included
Room share — large rooms with twin beds and private bathroom perfect to share with another artist / friend. Price is per person
Superior Single — Spacious private room located in the Paradise Villa, with access to the panoramic terrace, infinity pool, and ocean views.
Master Ocean Suite — Top-floor luxury suite with a private balcony and spectacular views over the ocean and pool. Features an extra-large, marble-finished private bathroom. Also suitable for couples. BOOKED
Infinity Pool Studio — Independent, extra-large ground-floor unit with immediate access to the panoramic terrace and infinity pool — with ocean views directly from the bed. Includes a private bathroom. An ideal luxury artistic studio space!
Each villa includes spacious commonal living areas indoor and several bathrooms, typically one for almost every room. Rooms can also be arranged as twin share for participants travelling together or accompanying partners not attending the workshop.
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance due 60 days before the retreat begins.
Please reserve your spot via the links below.
min. 8 participants
Registrations are now open with early-bird rates for a limited time.
Book a room at
Ocean Villa
Room Share
£2450
per person
- large twin rooms ideal to share
- private bathroom
- reserve with 30% deposit (£735)
Standard Single
£2785
per person
- extra comfortable and airy room
- private bathroom
- reserve with 30% deposit (£835)
Room with partner
£3650
total for 2 people
- stay at Ocean villa with a partner (not attending the workshop)
- reserve with 30% deposit (£1095)
Stay at
Paradise Villa
Superior Single
£2900
per person
- Spacious private room with access to Terrace / Infinity Pool
- private bathroom
- reserve with 30% deposit (£870 per person)
Infinity Pool Studio
£3475
per person
- large indipendent studio with access to pool and ocean view
- private bathroom
- reserve with 30% deposit (£1042)
Master Ocean Suite
BOOKED
per person
- Luxury Suite with balcony, view on the Ocean & pool
- luxury bathroom
- booked
Room with partner
£4050
Total for 2 people
- share a large double room with a partner not taking the workshop
- reserve with 30% deposit (£1215)
FAQ
Is this retreat suitable for beginners?
Will we all end up painting the same thing?
Is art material included?
Can I come with a partner who isn’t taking the workshop?
Are vegetarian or dietary requirements catered for?
What’s the closest airport?
Can I arrive earlier or stay longer?
What if I don’t feel confident enough to join?
Can I work in my own medium ?
Here some words and candid memories from past retreats...
Nina Erikson (Sweden)
“I am so happy with the outcome and so much better then any of my previous painted faces, before the art retreat 🤩 I love that I gifted my self that week with all of you guys and Rosso.”
Tenley Dubois (Seattle, US)
"For all of you considering this: it was absolutely a magnificient experience! Whether it was being away, being there, or being with everyone painting (and Rosso guiding), it just fostered so much creativity and adventure! So worth it!"
Craig Palmer (Florida, US)
"I am very grateful to have met you. You are helping me take my work to another level. I can’t wait to see where it comes out. Thank you!!"
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