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.

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, and meals as specified in the itinerary.

The retreat does not include flights to and from Granada, accommodation, 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.

The retreat workshops are designed for a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to more experienced sketchers.

In September 2026, 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.

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.

The retreat involves a moderate level of physical activity, including city exploration and sketch walks. Unfortunately, some areas and attractions like the Alhambra 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).

Yes, most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. Please inform us of any specific needs when you book your spot on the retreat.

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.

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 maximum number of 16 sketchers.

Sketchers aged 18 years and older are welcome to join the retreat.

Our sketching workshops and activities are for participants only; however, you can spend your free time with friends and family if they accompany you to Granada.

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 300 euros is required to secure your place, with the balance payable by 1 July 2026.

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.

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.

This retreat is confirmed and a €300 deposit is required to secure your spot.

If you cancel before 1 July 2026, any payments made can be refunded (except for the non-refundable deposit of €300).

On or after 1 July 2026, cancellations are non-refundable.

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.

The weather in Granada in October tends to be pleasant and sunny, but there can be a big difference between the minimum and maximum daily temperature, 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.

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. (You can also fly into Málaga Airport (AGP) or Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and catch a train or ALSA bus to the centre of Granada.)

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 your hotel. Please let us know if you have any questions about getting here - we’re happy to help!

The centre of Granada is relatively small and accessible on foot. We recommend staying within comfortable walking distance of the Cathedral, as we’ll be meeting nearby each day of the retreat. Let us know if you need assistance finding accommodation to meet your needs.

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 activities and sketching spots.

The retreat is available in English.

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!