Land + Sea Art Retreat Recap: A Weekend of Creativity, Connection, and Coastal Magic
- andreagarveyart
- May 21
- 3 min read
Oh my goodness – I’m still smiling big time over this past weekend! What an incredible group of women artists came together for our first Land + Sea Art Retreat of 2025, and what a joy it was to host them here at our home in Santa Cruz.
This year, I’m teaching three retreats in this special place I get to home where the redwoods meet the ocean breeze. And this weekend? It was pure magic.
I intentionally kept this retreat small so that everyone had plenty of space to spread out, create, and truly settle into the experience. Last year, when Renee Mueller and I hosted a retreat with over 20 amazing artists, it was beautiful—but it also felt a bit tight at times. I’ve learned that a group of 12 or fewer feels just right: spacious, cozy, and intimate. It allows for deeper connection, easier flow, and lots of room (literally and creatively!) to breathe and make art.
The Warmest Welcome
Even before the retreat officially began, I could tell it was going to be something truly special. After connecting on Zoom and then meeting in person during our Sunset Drinks + Bites welcome night, I felt that spark of community right away.
Mark made his signature tacos and sliders, and we shared a big charcuterie board as the sun set. It was a relaxed, easy evening—lots of good food, conversation, and laughs to kick off the weekend.
Day One: Paint, Print, and Soak in the Sea
We kicked off Friday with colorful gelli prints and loose watercolor play—no pressure, just freedom to create and experiment. After a delicious lunch (thank you again, Melissa!), we headed down to charming Capitola-by-the-Sea, which is just a few miles from my house.
Some of us sketched the colorful row of cottages (The Venetian) and pier, others sketched the beachgoers, and there may have been a little shopping too!
Back home, we gathered in the garden for more sketching and painting, surrounded by my English Garden flowers and the beautiful afternoon sun. That evening, a group of us enjoyed dinner at our favorite local spot, Manuel’s, sharing stories over chips and margaritas.
Day Two: Forest Whispers and Creative Flow
Saturday brought more sketching, journaling, and laughter—and one of my favorite parts of the entire retreat: our afternoon in the redwoods. We spent a quiet afternoon in Nisene Marks Forest, sketching and taking in the fresh air beneath the trees.
Later, we returned home to dive into art journaling and collage. There’s something so intimate and freeing about layering color, texture, and story onto a page. By the end of the day, hearts were full, hands were messy, and the creative energy was still flowing strong.
Gratitude
A huge thank you to Melissa, my right-hand helper and dear friend—she creates the most stunning food displays and knows exactly how to make everything run smoothly (and joyfully!). And of course, to my husband Mark, who is the behind-the-scenes hero of these retreats—moving cars, setting up tables, cooking, landscaping, and making everyone feel welcome.
A Few Favorite Moments
Watching everyone settle into their creative rhythm and gain confidence throughout the weekend
Sketching in the forest and feeling the stillness all around us
Watching new friendships form so naturally—it felt like everyone had known each other
other for years
Seeing each person embrace the freedom to play, explore, and create without pressure
Sharing meals, laughter, and late-afternoon chats in the garden
Come Retreat With Me
I truly believe that when women gather to create, something powerful happens. We fill up our creative cups, make beautiful connections, and walk away with more than just artwork—we carry home inspiration, joy, and a renewed sense of self.
There are two more Land and Sea Art Retreats happening this year here in Santa Cruz. I have two spots that opened up for June; otherwise, we are sold out.
*South of France Retreat - Get ready for an experience of a lifetime that will be filled with inspiration and joy. Your 10 days in Gourdon, France will be a beautiful blend of colorful artmaking, inspiring excursions, cultural experiences, and of course, plenty of free time to relax and explore. We will travel into the lovely countryside to paint and visit some of the most scenic towns in Southern France and spend time painting and picnicking along the Dordogne River and throughout the valley. I am beyond excited about this - imagine our journals full of painted memories?
Each retreat blends artmaking, nature, community, and soulful reflection in a way that feels both nourishing and transformative.
🌸 Come experience it for yourself—spaces are limited, but the memories will last forever.
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