Slow Art GREECE
Apollo Wind Spinner by Jeff Koons on Hydra Island
Hydra Island / Greece / October 6-12, 2026
SO MUCH INSPIRATION, I can’t wait to bring you here!!!!! The light is palpable on Hydra! This Greek island has been attracting painters, writers and musicians since the 50’s (Leonard Cohen lived here!), and has even evolved into a world-renowned destination for contemporary art installations. It doesn’t hurt that there are NO cars on the island— some donkeys, oodles of kittens, and the wild octopus or two (remind me to tell you about my sweet encounter!). Our boutique hotel is a newly restored historic villa with terraces and roodtop views, close to everything but on a quiet street (I love a peaceful home base :). We’ll have all the rooms and will set up our indoor-outdoor studio for daily workshops on the big terrace, plus multiple levels with plenty of umbrellas and chaise lounges for relaxing hangs.
I had a little solo retreat on Hydra in October last year, it was just what the doctor ordered: A small port town with expansive views, the sun and the sparkling sea (GREAT swims), and layers on layers of beauty. Relaxing into the simple life will be our priority, and I can attest that along with a new sense of calm, your creativity will be reignited (and will multiply each day)— together we’ll get in the flow and fun of it all :)
For years you’ve asked for a longer retreat, it’s true our retreats always seem to end too soon! As a 10 year anniversary gift (our first Slow Art Retreat on the Amalfi Coast was September 2016) I’ve added an extra night for this special place. And we’ll make the most of it with an optional mid-week boat excursion exploring incredible swimming and otherwise impossible to reach views and coves. This will be an intimate retreat, there are 8 rooms with just one bed per room. See below for pricing and details.
Psst - no skills necessary! Beginners to pros, we’ll play and expand our practice— I’ll be your guide, you just start where you are.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodations, 6 nights/ 7 days
Daily Slow Art Workshops (Sketchbooking & Watercolors): Still Life to Color Stories, Landscapes/ Seascapes, and Abstract.
Daily Guided Meditations & Journal Prompts
Intro’s to the island’s best, including favorite swims, boutiques, and museums.
Detailed packing list and optional Zoom call to help with travel plans
Welcome Ceremony Soirée and Farewell Dinner with retreat souvenirs :)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare & all other transportation (ferries, taxis, etc)
Most meals (besides a few), tho I’ll make group dinner reservations for the week
Art supplies (will provide a suggested list of my go-to’s )
Slow Art Prospective Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday
4:00pm Check-in, time to unpack, take a swim, relax
6:00pm Welcome Ceremony and drinks with a view!
7:30pm Dinner out at one of the most beautiful restaurants :)
Day 2 - Wedesday
8-10am Breakfast at our neighborhood cafe
10:30-1 Sketching & Watercolor Workshop: A Grecian Still Life
1:00pm Free time (or join me for lunch and a swim at my fave spot)
5:30pm Sip n’Sketch* Sea view cocktails/mocktails and bring your sketchbook!
7:30pm Free time (Dinner reservations at a popular Taverna)
Day 3 - Thursday
8-10am Breakfast at our neighborhood cafe
10:30am Sketching & Watercolor Workshop: Hydra Color Stories
1:00pm Free time (lunch, swim, shop - bring your sketchbook!)
5:30pm Sip n’ Sketch!* Sea view cocktails/mocktails and bring your sketchbook (always)
7:30pm Free Time (Dinner reservations by the sea)
DAY 4 - Friday
8-10am Breakfast at our neighborhood cafe
11:00am Optional* Boat Trip ! An afternoon swimming and exploring by private charter, lunch included.
7:30pm Free time (Dinner reservations in the old town)
DAY 5 - Saturday
8-10am Breakfast at our neighborhood cafe
10:30-1:00 Slow Art Workshop: Landscapes & Seascapes ~~
1:00pm Free Time (lunch, swim, shop - Or pack a lunch for a hike with me)
5:30pm Sip n’ Sketch* Sea view cocktails/mocktails and bring your sketchbook xox
7:30pm Free Time (Dinner reservations by the sea)
DAY 6 - Sunday
8-10am Breakfast at our neighborhood cafe
10:30-1:00 Slow Art Workshop: Landscapes & Seascapes ~~
1:00pm Free Time (Lunch in town or by the sea, swim, paint, shop)
5:30pm Sip n’ Sketch* Sea view cocktails/mocktails and bring your sketchbook xox
7:30pm A very special farewell dinner out with treats and gifts xox
10:00pm DANCE PARTY (if you’re up to it) !
DAY 7 - Monday
8-10am Breakfast at our neighborhood cafe
11:00am Checkout & Goodbyes
* Optional Sip n’ Sketch is hanging out at a lovely spot and sketching together, dinks or other items ordered not included in retreat fees.
** Optional Boat Trip is not included in fees and will depend on number of sailors (us!) - TBD :)
Your request will be considered in the order it is received. For newcomers I will be in touch to schedule a phone or zoom interview before accepting payment.
All rooms are Private with En-suite. If you want to bring a partner or friend to share your bed I’ll consider offering a special companion rate, please contact me directly to discuss.
ROOM OPTIONS: Delux $4900, Petit $4900, Superior $5200, Old Fireplace $5200, Prestige $5500, Junior Suite $5700, Grand Central $5700, Senior Hydra View $6200. Pay in full, or hold your room with a deposit of $2500. Final investment due by September 1st, 2026.