Three one-week programs for those who prefer experiencing a place from the inside rather than observing it from the sidelines.
Each retreat balances focused studio time with carefully chosen cultural experiences, shared meals, and hands-on time with local makers.
Set against the poetic backdrop of Hoi An’s ancient streets, rivers, and villages, this retreat combines beginner-friendly urban sketching and watercolour workshops with morning yoga, cultural outings, and shared meals prepared from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Throughout the week, you’ll move between focused studio workshops, sketch walks, cultural outings and open studio hours, with plenty of time to explore at your own pace – from cycling through the rice paddies to sipping coffee at a nearby cafe or heading down to the beach between sessions. In the studio and out on the streets, you’ll learn to observe, sketch, and paint directly from life – filling your pages with everyday scenes and atmosphere of Hoi An.
By the end of the week, you’ll leave not just with new skills, but with a sketchbook full of memories, colors, and moments you captured yourself.
First workshop 21st June to 27th June 2026 CLOSED
2nd Workshop 14th March to 20th March
3rd Workshop 25th July to 31st July 2027
This retreat combines beginner watercolor and urban sketching workshops with the streets, villages, and everyday life of Hoi An as your subject. You’ll move between the studio and the town throughout the week – learning to observe, sketch, and paint from life. By the end, you’ll have a sketchbook full of scenes you captured yourself, and a real foundation in watercolor and drawing.
This retreat is for you if:
You’re a beginner curious about watercolor or urban sketching – no experience needed
You enjoy experiencing a place through its everyday life rather than typical sightseeing
You want a creative, unhurried week with time to explore at your own pace
Day 1: Arrive Hoi An. On check in get to know your hosts and studio. Getting right onto it with your first sketches.
Day 2: Seeing things differently Sketching and perspective basics. Training your eye through observation and your first watercolour washes and colour mixing
Day 3: Into the streets Sketch walking through the old town of Hoi An capturing everyday scenes. Work on Light, Shadow and Contrast with Watercolour.
Day 4: Pottery Village and colour Palette Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village and experience traditional pottery making. Explore Colour, layering and texture.
Day 5: Herbs and flavours of Hoi An Explore the organic herb village and traditional farming and try your hand at cooking Vietnamese dishes from the garden to the table with fresh ingredients.
Day 6: Your own day Personal Project day and studio time. Outdoor watercolour session followed by the well deserved relaxed farewell dinner.
Day 7: Farewell day We farewell you in the Vietnamese coffee shop and hope you have had a fantastic week
