Discover your artistic voice in the heart of Morocco: artist retreat, May 26 - June 2, 2025

Discover your artistic voice in the heart of Morocco: artist retreat, May 26 - June 2, 2025

Imagine waking up to the warm sun rising over the Moroccan landscape, the distant sounds of bustling markets and the gentle rustle of palm leaves in the breeze. You’re surrounded by artists, each with their own stories and passions, and you’re here to do what you love most: create. This is what my upcoming ARTIST RETREAT in Agadir, MoroccoMay 26 - June 2, 2025, is all about—a space to reconnect with your creativity, explore a new culture, and let your artistic spirit flourish.

Come paint with me, in Agadir, Morocco!

A journey of creativity and culture

For me, there’s something truly magical about Morocco. The vibrant colors, the intricate patterns of traditional architecture, and the rhythm of everyday life—it all becomes an endless source of inspiration. I wanted to create an experience that captures this magic, offering artists of all levels a chance to immerse themselves fully in their craft, while soaking in the beauty and energy of this incredible country.

Relax by the pool.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or just beginning your journey, this retreat is designed to ignite your imagination and encourage you to explore new possibilities. Throughout the week, I’ll be guiding you through hands-on sessions focused on Abstract Expressionism and other techniques that foster artistic independence. Together, we’ll explore different approaches to painting, allowing you to break away from the constraints of self-doubt and fully embrace your own artistic voice.

Delicious food and beverages, created by a private chef!

A comfortable stay to nurture your creativity

Our home for the week is a gorgeous eco-lodge with castle-like charm, nestled in the desert-like landscapes of Agadir. You’ll have the entire property to yourself—workshop spaces, terraces, gardens, a swimming pool, and a spa—everything you need to relax and create freely. Our private chef will take care of our meals, crafting delicious Moroccan dishes, while accommodating vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. And yes, unlimited wine will be served during dinner each evening, so we can all unwind after a fulfilling day of art and discovery! 

Private chef will prepare traditional Moroccan delights for our group!

The space is designed for comfort and inspiration, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Picture yourself painting in the fresh open air, taking a dip in the pool to recharge, or simply sitting back on the terrace, enjoying a cup of Moroccan tea as you let your surroundings sink in. It’s all about giving yourself the time, space, and peace to let your creativity flourish.

Sleep in comfort, in Moroccan style.

Enjoy the luxury of staying a premium eco-lodge, with only our group there!

Inspiration beyond the studio

Beyond the lodge, we’ll also explore some of Morocco’s most inspiring locations together. From sketching by the Atlantic coast to visiting the bustling Souk El Had market in Agadir, every experience will enrich your artwork in unexpected ways. We’ll travel to the imperial city of Taroudant, visit the beautiful Claudio Bravo Palace, and experience authentic Moroccan traditions—like a tea ceremony and an Argan oil demonstration. These moments of cultural immersion are so important to me because they connect us to the world around us and feed our creativity in unique, meaningful ways.

Wander the retreat's beautiful garden.

A supportive artistic community

One of the best parts of any retreat is the people you meet along the way. During our time in Agadir, we’ll build a community of artists who encourage and inspire each other. Whether we’re sharing ideas during group discussions or simply sitting side by side, painting in silence, the connections we make will be just as valuable as the techniques we learn.

Abstract artist, Claire Desjardins, painting in her art studio.

Acrylic paints and paintbrushes around a painting in progress.
Paintbrushes in art studio, just waiting for painting!

To help get everyone excited and organized, I’ve also created a private Facebook group for participants, which we’ll use in the months leading up to the retreat for updates and a chance for everyone to get to know each other before we even arrive. The team at Uptrek (@uptrek on Instagram) are ready to answer any questions about packing lists as well as tips to help you prepare.

Indulge in the cultural richness of Morocco!

 

Be inspired by beautiful Moroccan customs.

Join me in Morocco!

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a journey that truly nurtures your creativity—one where you can explore, learn, and grow as an artist—this retreat is for you. No matter where you are in your artistic journey, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of your own work, new skills, and a heart full of inspiration.

Visit the local souk, see all the colors of the Moroccan marketplace!

If this sounds like the experience you’ve been looking for, I’d love for you to join me. You can find more information and register on the Uptrek website. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait too long—let’s make this artistic adventure in Morocco a reality.

Visit a charming seaside Moroccan village!

Interested? You can register here.

I can’t wait to create with you!

Abstract painting by artist Claire Desjardins, inspired by Morocco: "Maroc 02".

 

See the Sahara dessert, get inspired!

Abstract collage painting by artist Claire Desjardins, "Maroc 01" - inspired by Morocco.
Pink flamingos bathing at the Souss Massa, in Morocco.
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