Find Inspiration in the jungle
Dreaming of a creative escape? Join me April 4-10 2027 in the Samara Costa Rica for an art retreat adventure where encaustic painting and eco-printing meet pura vida living! Nestled in jungle paradise with ocean breezes, we will use local plants, flowers, and natural pigments to make vibrant, textured artworks inspired by the wild beauty around us. Mornings will involve outdoor adventure and nature walks to gather materials and inspiration. Then we will dive into hands-on encaustic techniques—fusing beeswax, pigment, and intuition—and experiment with eco-printing to capture leaf and petal imprints on paper and fabric used for texture and background depth in our paintings.
Enjoy downtime at our lovely accommodations, Villa Espavel, whether lounging by the pool or relaxing in the peaceful embrace of the jungle. Evenings are for sharing work, swapping stories, and savoring fresh, local meals under the stars.
This retreat is for you.
You can customize this retreat as you would like. None of the activities are required. All art materials will be supplied, and all ability levels are welcome.
Nature's Canvas
Put simply, Costa Rica is a sensory adventure!
Samara is located in the Guanacaste province in northwestern Costa Rica along the Pacific Ocean.
Guanacaste is a place of remarkable beauty where stunning shorelines, turquoise waters, and sun-dappled dry forests come together in a landscape rich with color, texture, and life.
This unique tropical dry forest ecosystem—one of the rarest in the world—is home to an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals, while mangroves and coastal habitats help support the delicate balance between land and sea. It's rich in both natural beauty and ecological importance.
Guanacaste invites us to slow down, look closely, and develop a deeper appreciation for the connections that sustain life and inspire creativity.
What to Expect
Creative Development:
During our excursions and explorations, we will gather inspiring objects from nature. Back in the studio, these collections will serve as a spring board for creating encaustic paintings and eco prints. Through this process we deepen our connection with nature and our inner voice.
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Learn encaustic techniques including fusing, collage, mark making, color theory and more...
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Experiment with eco printing natural plant materials through natural dye baths and contact printing.
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This workshop is for beginners with no previous experience as well as intermediate artists who would like to improve their skills/techniques, and, of course, practicing artists looking for a new challenge.
Personal Growth:
Start each day with adventure as we head out on morning excursions to explore Costa Rica. Take time for yourself whether through journaling, meeting other creatives, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature. In the evening, we will gather for authentic Costa Rican cuisine to share our thoughts. It will be a time for discussing what inspires our creativity and what feels nurturing to each of us. These moments can lead to profound insights, helping to understand our creative processes and self awareness.
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Healthy delicious meals prepared each day.
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Explore new landscapes and cultures that open your senses to fresh inspiration and ways of seeing the world.
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Free time for rest and relaxation.
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Connect with other likeminded creatives.
Pricing Packages Include
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Accommodations: your choice of three room types
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Airport Transfers to and from Liberia International Airport
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three healthy meals daily
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Coffee, Tea, Water & Some Snacks. (Each Villa has its own Kitchen)
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Guided nature journal and foraging hikes
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Four encaustic/eco printing workshops
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Art supplies for painting & printing
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Additional downtime to paint or engage in activities that feel nurturing to you.
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Beach bike rental for the week
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Use of the grounds including pool, rope swing and paradise
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Two excursions in Samara including sea kayaking and snorkeling
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A few surprises from me
Terms and Conditions
Items not Included:
Items of a personal nature/souvenirs - Alcohol beverages (You are welcome to bring your own) - Personal Snacks - Additional Excursions if you choose to go on your own - Transportation outside of planned activities and airport transfers to and from Liberia International Airport - Restaurant Meals If you choose to go out
We will be doing daily activities that may include gentle hiking, biking, sea kayaking and swimming. Retreat activities require an appropriate level of fitness. Please bring comfortable hiking shoes, water shoes, and rain gear. Samara is on the edge of the dry season in April, so we may experience morning or afternoon showers.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions regarding activity levels.
Please read all TERMS AND CONDITIONS. By making a booking for this "Encaustic Painting with Nature" retreat listed above you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.
