I keep wondering if it would be possible for a group of artists to chip in and organize a retreat without the intention of making money on it and thus not having to have it be overpriced…. Here in North America it’s hard because prices of literally everything seem to be through the roof. But maybe I could start a small live sketching group somewhere in the city. I would love to be a part of something like that but without the luxury vibe that usually goes with it
Definitely should be possible, yes! There are lots of cheaper AirBnBs or similar in Europe, anyway - depending on exactly where you go - and if you're splitting the price between a few people it should be very feasible. And, as you say, if you're not needing to make a profit out of it, but just do something affordable for a few people, I don't see why not.
Setting up a live sketching group (or finding one that already exists - might be some, already) sounds like a great idea, and should be particularly feasible in a city, I would think.
Great Post! I'd love to ho on one of those retreats but yes also way out of my price range unfortunately. I'm envisaging an eclectic group of people from all walks of life, romantically draped across rugs and throws, sat in the grounds of a rustic villa, supping on wine whilst creating deep and meaningful works of art and having intense discussions and eating cheese. I'm not sure my daydreams are rooted in reality much!
I have frequently talked with other creative friends about making our own mini creative retreat. But we've never got around to actually doing it.
I think it's worth pursuing as much as a solo one, actually, because there's a lot of value in the sparks that happen when you're with other creative people. So just booking an AirBnB in a seaside city (or cottage in the lakes, or a villa in Tuscany, etc.) with three or four creative friends and setting a few hours a day for doing things together - walking down to a local park and drawing or writing, wandering the local market and then sitting close by to sketch or make notes, etc. Maybe having one person share something about their process or technique each day. But then also have solo time to explore - creatively and literally - and then hang out in the evening (maybe taking it in turns to cook and/or going out for a meal) and talk about what you've seen and done and felt that day.
Now, I'm actually feeling even more drawn to that than the solo one! And it wouldn't need to cost thousands like the organised retreats - in fact, sharing an AirBnB (or similar) would probably work out cheaper than a solo trip.
I keep wondering if it would be possible for a group of artists to chip in and organize a retreat without the intention of making money on it and thus not having to have it be overpriced…. Here in North America it’s hard because prices of literally everything seem to be through the roof. But maybe I could start a small live sketching group somewhere in the city. I would love to be a part of something like that but without the luxury vibe that usually goes with it
Definitely should be possible, yes! There are lots of cheaper AirBnBs or similar in Europe, anyway - depending on exactly where you go - and if you're splitting the price between a few people it should be very feasible. And, as you say, if you're not needing to make a profit out of it, but just do something affordable for a few people, I don't see why not.
Setting up a live sketching group (or finding one that already exists - might be some, already) sounds like a great idea, and should be particularly feasible in a city, I would think.
I always get excited about these ideas but it becomes so intimidating to actually carry anything out :)
Oh yes, me too. All the ideas; none of the follow-through.
Well ideas never fail, you see! While execution might!
Great Post! I'd love to ho on one of those retreats but yes also way out of my price range unfortunately. I'm envisaging an eclectic group of people from all walks of life, romantically draped across rugs and throws, sat in the grounds of a rustic villa, supping on wine whilst creating deep and meaningful works of art and having intense discussions and eating cheese. I'm not sure my daydreams are rooted in reality much!
Oh, that sounds wonderful!
I have frequently talked with other creative friends about making our own mini creative retreat. But we've never got around to actually doing it.
I think it's worth pursuing as much as a solo one, actually, because there's a lot of value in the sparks that happen when you're with other creative people. So just booking an AirBnB in a seaside city (or cottage in the lakes, or a villa in Tuscany, etc.) with three or four creative friends and setting a few hours a day for doing things together - walking down to a local park and drawing or writing, wandering the local market and then sitting close by to sketch or make notes, etc. Maybe having one person share something about their process or technique each day. But then also have solo time to explore - creatively and literally - and then hang out in the evening (maybe taking it in turns to cook and/or going out for a meal) and talk about what you've seen and done and felt that day.
Now, I'm actually feeling even more drawn to that than the solo one! And it wouldn't need to cost thousands like the organised retreats - in fact, sharing an AirBnB (or similar) would probably work out cheaper than a solo trip.