Master sketching & develop your own unique art style
Even If You’ve Struggled for Years
If you can hold a pencil, you can learn to sketch! Sketching is a skill - just like baking bread or playing badminton. I’ve taught thousands of students sketching and I’ll show you the exact steps to confidently create your own art style. Join Brave Brushes Studio & get step-by-step lessons, real feedback, and a creative community to support you.
Trusted by 60,000+ Artists
This Month Only: Join by the end of the month & get a FREE 1-on-1 Sketch Review by Julia!
(Limited to 20 Members)
Two years ago, I set a goal for myself: “I want to find my own style.” And now, after two years, I’ve found it! The difference between my sketches from 2022 and 2024 is huge - not just for me, but also for my family and friends, who now instantly recognize my work.
Looking back, I know this was the best artistic decision I ever made. I love drawing and painting, meeting like-minded people online, and sharing our passion for art. In the summer, I take my sketchbook outside - something that felt scary at first, but now I do with confidence.
If you’re looking for a community where you can be yourself, get feedback from both a teacher and fellow members, and grow beyond where you are now - or even if you’re just starting with drawing, urban sketching, watercolor, or gouache -Brave Brushes is the place to be!
Annemarie Slotboom
Why sketching feels so hard
(And how to fall in love with it?)
"You love sketching but…"
You keep copying others’ style instead of creating your own.
You’ve tried YouTube tutorials, but they don’t seem to help.
You don’t have time to figure out what you’re doing wrong.
You feel frustrated and stuck, wondering if you’re "good enough" to call yourself an artist.
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. And the good news? You don’t need more random tutorials. You need the right system, feedback, and support to build your skills - at the right pace.
Welcome to Brave Brushes Studio
It is not just another community - it’s the only membership that gives you the structured lessons, expert feedback, and creative community you need to truly develop your unique style and make real, tangible progress on your sketching skills
Ready to finally make real progress with your sketching?
Here’s what you get when you join Brave Brushes Studio:
25+ Focused Sketching Courses
Learn techniques and build your skills step-by-step with 200+ lessons
(€425 Value)
Monthly Live Sketching Workshops
Improve your skills and develop your style through live workshops for beginners and intermediates
(€525 Value)
Can't make it live?
No worries!
We have recordins of all live sessions
Monthly Live Q&A Sessions
Improve faster with expert feedback on your sketches
(€297 Value)
Weekly Inspiration & Art Challenges
Never run out of creative ideas
(€99 Value)
Exclusive Artist Community
Connect, learn, and grow with like-minded sketchers
(€325 Value)
Over €1,600 worth of expert lessons, live workshops & feedback – all for just €1/day!
Courses inside Brave Brushes Studio
Brave Brushers' beautiful art
Join risk free today!
Pay Monthly
30 EUR / MONTH
€29.99
Per Month
Full access to all content, live events and community
Live Monthly Sketching
& Q&A Calls
A welcoming artist community
Cancel anytime – no long-term commitment
Pay Quartely
26 EUR / MONTH
Same full access as the monthly plan, but at a lower price!
3 months is the perfect timeframe to see real progress
Save €11 compared to the monthly plan
Commit to your sketching journey and grow faster
Pay Annual
17 EUR / MONTH
SAVE € 161
Try Brave Brushes Studio for 30 days. If you don’t feel it’s what you’re looking for, email me, and I’ll refund you - no questions asked!
I’m Julia, and I created Brave Brushes Studio because I believe anyone can learn to sketch. I struggled for years thinking I wasn’t ‘good enough,’ until I realized that art isn’t about talent - it’s about learning the right skills in the right order. That’s why I created a system that actually works, and have taught over 60,000 artists.
Hello,
Let me help you find the joy
in your sketching journey
-
What is the focus of the retreat?During the sketching workshops with Julia, you’ll learn the essential techniques you need to sketch confidently on location, from composition and perspective to adding color and details. You'll learn how to quickly build up a sketch and bring it to life with a mix of fineliners, watercolors, and other materials. You’ll also practice techniques to make your sketches more expressive, plus learn how to paint white buildings and dynamic shadows. During the free sketching sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your own compositions and practice applying the sketching techniques you’ve learned during the workshops. You’ll also be able to receive feedback and insight from Julia on your own sketches, so you can start to develop your confidence and unique sketching style.
-
What’s included in the retreat cost?The retreat cost includes all workshops and sketch walks, a one-month subscription to an online course to prepare for the retreat, walking tours with local guides and entry fees to planned activities, four nights of accommodation in a centrally-located hotel in Granada and meals as specified in the itinerary.
-
What’s not included in the retreat cost?The retreat does not include flights to and from Granada, airport transfers, visas, travel insurance, meals not specified in the itinerary, art materials, tips for local guides, personal expenses, activities outside the planned ones and any other item not specified as included in the retreat cost.
-
What skill level is required for the sketching workshops?The retreat workshops are designed for a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to more experienced sketchers. In September 2025, you’ll receive a one-month subscription to an online course so you can learn (or revise) the essential sketching skills you need to make the most of this experience! Completing this course will be essential if you’re an absolute beginner and is encouraged for all sketchers.
-
What materials should I bring with me?We recommend that you bring your usual airtight watercolor palette, sketchbook and sketching tools with you. A small stool for sketching on location is also recommended. We’ll send you a detailed materials list prior to the retreat, including a list of recommended watercolors.
-
How physically demanding are the activities?The retreat involves a moderate level of physical activity, including city exploration and sketch walks. Unfortunately, the retreat venue and activities are not well suited to host people with limited mobility. The sketching workshops and walking tours involve walking on uneven terrain and cobblestones. We’ll mainly be sketching on location, so you should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods. If you have any specific concerns, please let us know in advance (and prior to booking).
-
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?Yes, most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Please inform us of any specific needs when you book your spot on the retreat.
-
Will I have time to myself?This is a flexible itinerary that has been designed to balance sketching activities and free time. We know how important it is to have enough time for solo exploration and rest! We’ll keep in touch so you know when and where to next meet up with the rest of the group.
-
What type of accommodation will we be staying at?You will stay in a centrally-located hotel in Granada. The accommodation has been carefully chosen for its quality and proximity to our sketching locations and transportation. Please let us know if you prefer to share a double occupancy room or stay in a single room (with limited availability and a supplementary charge) when you book the retreat.
-
What is the group size for the retreat?To ensure a personalized experience and facilitate one-on-one interactions, our group size is limited to a small number of sketchers. There is a minimum number of eight and a maximum number of 16 sketchers.
-
What is the age range for sketchers?Sketchers aged 18 years and older are welcome to join the retreat.
-
Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreat remains intact for all sketchers.
-
How do I book my spot on the retreat?To book your spot, please click the “Reserve your Spot” button, fill in the form with your details and click the “Submit” button. A deposit of 500 euros is required to secure your place, with the balance due when the retreat is confirmed.
-
Is travel insurance required?Yes, you are required to purchase travel, medical and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. This insurance should cover any potential losses incurred due to cancellation or no-show, including but not limited to medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances. It is your responsibility to secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption protection. We highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance provider to understand the coverage and claim process.
-
Do I need a visa to enter Spain?It is your responsibility to ensure all necessary visas are obtained prior to departure and that your passport is valid as per the laws of any country that you are travelling in or through. We don’t accept any responsibility and won’t make any refunds if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements or if you have lost or mislaid any necessary documents (including travel documentation). You should also contact your GP for details of any measures you may need to take prior to departure.
-
What’s the cancellation policy?A €500 deposit is required to secure your spot. The deposit (minus any transaction fees) is fully refundable until the “confirmation date”, which is the date that we notify you by email that the retreat is confirmed. On and from the confirmation date, the remaining balance becomes due and the deposit cannot be refunded. You agree to pay the remaining balance within 7 days of the confirmation date. On or after 23 July 2023, cancellations are non-refundable.
-
Is it possible to join only part of the retreat or to book my own accommodation?Attending the entire sketching retreat is mandatory to ensure the best experience, even if you are already in Spain. So it won’t be possible to attend only part of the retreat or to stay in your own accommodation.
-
What should I pack?The weather in Granada in October tends to be pleasant and sunny, but the temperature can vary during the day, so please pack appropriate clothing that you can layer. For outdoor activities, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes with appropriate grip are essential. You should also bring any personal care items and medication you may need.
-
How do I get to Granada?Granada is connected by air, rail and road, making it accessible from most parts of the world. By air: Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaen (GRX) is Granada’s international airport. By train: Granada’s main train station is centrally located. You’ll need to book your own flights or train tickets. From the airport or train station you can take a taxi or public transportation to our centrally-located hotel.
-
Can I extend my stay in Granada?Yes, you’re welcome to extend your stay in Granada before or after the retreat. Please let us know if you’d like recommendations for additional accommodation and things to do.
-
What language is used during the workshops and other activities?The retreat is available in English.
-
Who can I contact for more information?If you have any further questions or need more clarifications, please contact us via email at info@bravebrushes.com. We can’t wait to welcome you on this sketching adventure!