andrea garvey art
"Land + Sea" Creative Art Retreats
Come paint, play, and connect.
These retreats are an invitation to slow down, step outside your everyday routine, and make art inspired by the land and the sea. We’ll gather in my home studio on the coast, create together indoors and outdoors, and let nature guide our mark-making, color choices, and creative flow.
These are the only two Land + Sea retreats I’ll be offering this year.
Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly.
May 14–16, 2026
August 27–29, 2026
If this feels like something your heart has been nudging you toward, hop on the waitlist to be the first to receive retreat details by email.
Creative Retreats First to Know List
Be the first to receive retreat dates, details, and registration info.
This list gets early access before spots open publicly.
Our Time
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Thursday evening: Sunset Meet and Greet + Long Table Dinner
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Friday: Full-day Workshop
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Saturday: Full-day Workshop
Our days are structured but relaxed, with plenty of space to create, rest, wander, and connect.
Where
My home sits on a coastal bluff with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains. We’ll create art indoors in the studio and outdoors in the flower gardens, at the beach, and in the forest.
We’ll walk along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, taking in the light, movement, and sound of the water. We’ll also spend time in the redwoods at Nisene Marks State Park, sketching and drawing inspiration from their quiet, towering presence.
This place has a way of helping you breathe a little deeper and see a little differently.
Creative Play
Our art lessons are rooted in observation, curiosity, and permission to explore. You don’t need to arrive with a plan or a finished style. Just bring yourself and your supplies.
During the retreat, you’ll:
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Play with color and mark-making in fresh, approachable ways that help you loosen up and work more expressively
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Create loose, expressive florals inspired by the flowers of California, using acrylics or watercolors
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Translate your experiences from the beach and the forest into your artwork
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Learn how to see new color palettes, shapes, patterns, and textures while out on our excursions
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Experiment with building inspired color palettes, layered marks, and simple mixed media techniques
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Learn tips for sketching and painting on location
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Explore different brush techniques for expressive florals on paper
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Practice working more intuitively, using nature as your guide
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Fill your art journal and travel sketchbooks with meaningful pieces from our time together
You’ll leave with a stack of artwork and sketchbook pages that tell the story of this place and this moment.
What’s Included
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Long Table Sunset Dinner on First Night
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Light breakfast Friday + Saturday
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Lunches Friday + Saturday
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Snacks Friday + Saturday
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Some art supplies (a full supply list will be shared closer to the retreat)
What’s Not Included
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Travel and airfare
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Lodging
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Insurance
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Transportation to the studio
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Optional Saturday night dinner
Retreat Tuition
Workshop fee: $795
This workshop is non-refundable. You are welcome to transfer your spot to another person, or if there is a waitlist, I’m happy to connect you with the next person. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is a mix of inspiration, art lessons, nature, beauty, conversation, and laughter. All levels are welcome. You don’t need to consider yourself “an artist” to come. You just need a willingness to show up and try.
Together we’ll make art, share meals, have meaningful conversations, and enjoy beautiful sunsets. Many past participants say they leave feeling refreshed, encouraged, and more confident in their creative voice.
Getting There
My home and studio are located in Aptos, just minutes from Rio Del Mar Beach.
Airport Options
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San Jose International Airport – approximately 40 minutes
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San Francisco International Airport – approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
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Oakland International Airport – approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Drive times can vary depending on traffic.
Lodging Suggestions
If you’re looking for a nearby place to stay, these are popular options:
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Seacliff Inn
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Seascape Beach Resort
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Rio Sands Hotel
You can also search VRBO or Airbnb using “Aptos” or “Rio Del Mar Beach.”
I’d Love to Hear From You
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at help@andreagarvey.com.
I’m so excited to share my home and this experience with you.
