What I’ve Learned From Hosting Art Retreats (It’s Not Just About the Art)
- andreagarveyart
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
After wrapping up my second art retreat of the year at my home in Aptos, California, I’ve been reflecting on what makes these weekends so magical.
And you know what I’ve realized?
It’s not about becoming a better artist.
It’s not about making a “perfect” painting.
It’s about something much deeper—and more beautiful.
It’s about taking time for yourself, often after years (or decades!) of putting everyone else first.
The women who come to my retreats are often in a new chapter of life:
Empty nesters, retirees, or caretakers stepping back into their own lives.
Some are hobbyists who’ve been quietly creating on the side.
Some are artists who feel stuck and need to feel that creative mojo again.
Others are just beginning, looking for a spark of inspiration.
Almost all arrive hoping to reconnect with their creativity and be filled up with inspiration so they can go back home ready to make more art!
Over the weekend, we sketch, paint, collage, and layer with watercolors and mixed media art tools! We explore new techniques in a gentle, playful, no-pressure way.
Because I live so close to the Redwoods and the Pacific Ocean, we also go on little sketching excursions during the day to break up the lessons and get some fresh air!
A river walk, sketch + stroll, and then a short walk into Capitola-by-the-Sea
To sketch and breathe in the fresh air while listening to the wind and the birds. What's better than that?
We eat nourishing food.
We laugh (a lot).
We share stories and make space for rest and joy.
We shed tears (especially in the magical forest grove).
I couldn't even think of hosting these retreats without my team working hard in the background, Melissa (in photo with me) and my hubby Mark.
And each woman leaves with more than just artwork to bring home.
She leaves with creative confidence.
With new friends.
And with that lightness that comes from feeling seen, supported, and inspired.
***This is so apparent throughout the retreat - it's exactly what these amazing women need.
A special thanks to Cheryl (in the middle photo), who gifted everyone at the retreat a homemade watercolor journal! I can't wait to take mine to Ireland!
This work has shown me something I deeply believe:
People don’t come to my retreats just to learn art.
They come to feel taken care of.
To make space for joy.
To let go of perfection.
To play again.
To be seen.
And I’m so honored to create that space. I know this is my life's work. To help women feel this way, whether it's in my Facebook Group, Live Workshops, Sketchbook Club or Art Retreats. I want you to create so you can make space for joy.
If this sounds like something your heart needs, I’d love to invite you to join the waitlist for my next retreats. They fill quickly, and I always give early access to my email subscribers.
No experience needed. Just come as you are with a willingness to try, to play, and to enjoy the process. I’ll take care of the rest!
If you could travel anywhere for an art retreat, where would you go? Drop your dream destination in the comments—I’d love to know. Maybe I will try and teach there!
With joy,
Andrea
This will rank up there with the greatest trips I've ever taken. This was an unbelievable experience with a group of amazing people who are now new friends. If you are contemplating just one getaway, this is it.
Andrea, you made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. It was a very special weekened. I love your retreats and hope to go on more. I love connecting with other artists and with taking time to create. But the weekend was so much more than that. I loved seeing the whales and visiting the beach and the Redwood forest. Ever minute was magical. Thank you.
I am still basking in the magical energy of our weekend! It was so much more than just an art retreat, my heart is full and I'm grateful I attended. Andrea, Mark (her hubby), and Melissa (who waited on us hand and foot) were all so generous, supportive, and loving. I've made new friends, learned new things, challenged myself, relaxed and breathed, ate amazing food, laughed, and felt deeply connected. One of the girls there and I were saying how we always felt like the misfit toys (from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer). But being at the retreat gave us a sense of belonging and knowing there has never been anything wrong with us. Anyway, sweet Andrea, a huge th…
Looks so fun. I love the poof in the last picture. Is that something you made? beautiful
Keuka Lake in NY...because I live nearby and could probably afford to attend, lol. And also...because the Finger Lakes are BEAUTIFUL! Waterfalls, wineries, mountains and valleys, farms, fall foliage to rival New England...:-) And NY has lots of lovely retreat centers!