Creative Retreat in the Spanish Mountains

31st May - 7th June 2026

Mas de la Serra, Fuentespalda, Aragon, Spain

A house with stone and beige walls and red-tiled roof, surrounded by a field of red poppies and tall grass, under a blue sky with a few clouds.
A woman wearing a straw hat, gray shirt, shorts, and hiking boots standing on rocky ground by a metal fence, taking notes in a notebook with a view of a turquoise lake and green mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

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Spend 6 days immersed in one of the world’s top 20 Mountain Retreats nestled in the mountains of the Aragonese region of Matarraña, Eastern Spain. This is an area of untouched natural wilderness which has been likened to Tuscany because of its “bucolic beauty, vineyards and hill towns”.

You will be looked after by your teacher Katie Sollohub and host Alasdair Grant, in this exquisitely restored traditional masia farmhouse, with top quality food and accommodation, drawing classes, and sightseeing trips into the surrounding areas.

A table with sketchbooks and watercolor paintings overlooking a green landscape with mountains, trees, a swimming pool, and a clear sky.
Hand holding a small painted artwork in front of a scenic outdoor landscape with trees, mountains, and a clear blue sky.

“Our guests relax under acres of vast skies, dramatic mountain views, almond groves and pine forest whilst wild ibex graze amongst the flora and fauna: a truly secluded wilderness paradise to escape to.”

— Alasdair Grant

What’s Inside

A 6 day reative retreat:

Drawing and exploring an area of untouched natural wilderness and outstanding beauty in the Spanish mountains. This is a very special opportunity to rest and refresh your creative juices, take a break from every day life, reconnect with nature and experiment with different approaches to drawing; guided by Katie’s unique and inspirational way of combining meditation with drawing, which will help set you at ease and awaken your senses more fully to your surroundings.

Through guided drawing, mark making, and mixed media exercises you will get to know the landscape surrounding the farmhouse, with one or two optional excursions. You will be working on a portable scale with sketchbooks and materials provided. Whether exploring the garden, sitting in the almond grove, visiting a local town, or taking a short stroll up the mountain track, there will be group guidance and one to one support from Katie every day. There will also be plenty of time and space to find yourself a peaceful spot to do your own thing.

Suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to practicing artists. Katie has a gentle and grounded way of holding the space for everyone, and letting things unfold at a calm steady pace. You will be encouraged to experiment and try different ways of working; however, essentially this is your own time to really settle in and relax, absorb the sense of the place, and come home inspired, rested and refreshed.

You will end the week with a bulging sketchbook or two as a lasting visual memory of what promises to be a wonderful multilayered experience, with good company, excellent food, and luxurious accommodation, not to mention the infinity swimming pool with a view of the mountains!

For more information on the course content contact Katie.

Mountain range with pink blooming trees in foreground and clear blue sky
A scenic view of a turquoise lake surrounded by green forests and mountains in the distance.
Clear green water flowing through a rocky canyon with trees on either side and a rugged mountain backdrop.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a towel, set near a modern house on a hillside surrounded by greenery and trees.
Nighttime image of old buildings along a river with reflections in the water, illuminated by streetlights and lit windows, and a large tree on the right.
Cozy living room with stone walls, wooden ceiling beams, a red velvet sofa, a glass coffee table, and an antique wooden dresser.
Living room with stone walls, large windows with a view of trees, wooden ceiling, and furniture including a plaid sofa with blue pillows, metal armchairs with blue cushions, and a coffee table.
Living room with stone walls, wooden ceiling, three sofas, wooden coffee table, fireplace, framed artwork, and windows with red curtains.
A cozy bedroom with a bed, decorative pillows, nightstands with lamps, a stone accent wall, wooden ceiling beams, and a window with curtains.
A cozy bedroom with a bed against a rustic brick wall, flanked by two lamps, and a wooden ceiling with slanted beams.
Outdoor dining table with salad, grilled kebabs, wine glasses, a bottle of wine, and condiments, set against a backdrop of green mountains and blue sky with clouds.
Three women sitting at an outdoor table with drinking glasses, a water pitcher, and a black bottle, enjoying a sunny day with a scenic rocky hillside and lush green trees in the background.
Three women sitting at a table outdoors with drinks in glasses, a historic stone castle and buildings in the background, under a large umbrella on a sunny day.
Group of six women sitting around a glass-topped table on a balcony, enjoying conversation with a mountain landscape in the background during sunset.
Four women sitting outdoors on foldable chairs with drawing boards, engaging in an art class on a grassy area near trees and a gravel path, with art supplies scattered around them.
People art supplies and nature scene in an outdoor setting with trees and blue sky, and a woman working on a project at a folding table.
A woman sitting on a blue camping chair in a grassy field with trees and hills in the background, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a coral shirt. She is painting or drawing with supplies laid out on the ground next to her.
An elderly woman with glasses and short gray hair is looking at an open book or sketchbook on a black table outdoors. The table has various items including bottles, scissors, a cup, a box of watercolor paints, and other art supplies. The setting appe
A collage of twelve landscape sketches, mostly in watercolor, depicting rolling hills, mountains, trees, and fields with a mix of colors including green, brown, yellow, and gray. Some sketches are detailed while others are more abstract.
Hand-drawn sketches of various outdoor scenes including trees, a house, a bridge, a mountain, and leaves, with some labels and notes.
Group of people hiking on a rocky hillside with mountains and trees in the background under a blue sky with clouds.
Three women working at tables outdoors with a scenic landscape of green hills and trees in the background on a bright sunny day.
A woman sitting on a stone ledge next to a large potted plant in front of an old beige stone building with a tall vertical banner that reads 'PICASSO *HORA CUBISTE* 1909-2009 Centenario de la Segona Estada.' There is a red abstract sculpture nearby a
Six women sitting at an outdoor table on a patio overlooking mountains in the distance, with some wearing hats and sunglasses, enjoying drinks and talking.
Group of women sitting around a large table outdoors, engaging in watercolor painting with art supplies, with scenic hills and cloudy sky in the background.
A sketch of a house with a tiled roof, trees, and a mountain in the background, drawn in black ink or watercolor on paper, held in front of a blurred outdoor landscape with cloudy sky, trees, and a building.
A person with curly hair viewed from behind, sitting in a stone window overlooking green hills and mountains under a cloudy sky, with a notebook, mug, and papers on the windowsill.
A person holding a small, colorful drawing in front of a scenic outdoor pool area with mountain view, lounge chairs, and umbrellas.

General Schedule

Sunday 31 May - ARRIVAL day (pick up time to be arranged, estimated arrival at the farmhouse around 4pm)

Sunday 7 June - DEPARTURE day (in the morning, details to be arranged)

MORNING

  • Time in the morning for your own meditation, yoga, walk, or swim

  • 8.30am - 9am breakfast

  • 10am - 1pm morning teaching

LUNCH 1.30-2.30 lunch

  • 2.30pm - 4pm Siesta (time by the pool)

AFTERNOON TEACHING

  • 4pm - 6.30pm afternoon teaching (tea, coffee, biscuits available as required)

EVENING

  • 7pm drinks

  • 7:30pm dinner

A table set for coffee outdoors with cups, saucers, a pen, sunglasses, and a person in the background with mountains and blue sky.

Total cost is £2135

It includes: airport transfers, tuition, most art materials, food, accommodation (large double room en suite per person, maximum of 7 participants on the course unless sharing)

Not included: flights to Spain and 1-2 meals out

For more information on the location and for booking form contact Alasdair at www.masdelaserra.com - pay a deposit now, and full balance in 2026.

Contact to Book

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Can I pay in instalments?

    Yes, you can pay with a deposit of £600 to secure the space. The remaining balance of £1435 is due 2 months before departure (by 31 March 2026).

    You can discuss instalments with Alasdair by emailing info@masdelaserra.com

    What is the refund and cancellation policy?

    In order to secure your space and ensure we can deliver a course of the upmost quality for a small group of individuals, the deposit is non-refundable unless there is an unforeseen major change in circumstances.

    Full payment is due by 31 March, after which there will be no refunds unless someone can be found to fill your place.

    We suggest you take out your own travel insurance to cover for all eventualities.

  • Will I have my own room?
    Yes, all the 7 rooms are double ensuite, so you will have single occupancy of one of the 7 available luxury bedrooms in the house (unless you want to come with a partner - they are welcome to come, whether they attend the art course or not).

  • What are the travel arrangements?

    Included in the price will be your transfer from the airport as long as you arrive on the recommended flight, or arrange to meet Alasdair (our host) at the specified time/airport.

    It will be either Barcelona or Valencia, depending on which flights are most appropriate - this varies from course to course.

    You are responsible for booking your own flight. Flights are not included in the price.

  • What shall I pack for my personal comfort?

    For your personal comfort please bring:

    • small rucksack for art materials when walking and on trips

    • sensible shoes for walking on rough terrain (trainers are good enough, walking boots are not necessary unless it is your preference)

    • lightweight shoes/sandals for around the house and terrace

    • swim suit ( you DO NOT need to bring a pool towel, they are provided)

    • sun protection, sun cream, sun hat, scarf/shawl

    • mosquito repellent - optional - not a big problem in the mountains

    • lightweight clothes for warm days

    • warm clothes for the early morning and evening mountain air and early morning (socks, fleece, scarf, shawl, hat - layers)

    • raincoat just in case (check forecast before travel)

    • money if you want cash, although any meals out will usually be paid by card and all shops will now take card

    • there will be one dinner out, and possibly one lunch, plus meal out on return to airport, museum/medieval town visit - details to be confirmed

    • a cash tip for staff at the end of the week would be welcome - suggested 20 euros

  • What excursions and meals out can I expect, and are they included in the price?

    All travel is included in the price (apart from your flight). Meals out are not included.

    • A day trip to Horta where there is a Picasso Museum. We will have time to explore the local area, Picasso’s views, draw and have lunch.

    • An afternoon/evening trip to Valderrobres, to explore and draw - the nearest proper town, a very picturesque old town on the side of a hill, with the church at the top, river at the bottom, and some informal bars where we will stop for tapas on Friday evening.

    • A walk up the mountain from the Masia - a good hours walk uphill! But so worth it for the views. Alasdair can give a lift to those who want, and will bring us refreshments

    • A river/lake swim if there is anywhere nearby with enough water - it gets very dry!

    • There may be an additional stop on the way to or from the airport for lunch, depending on the flight times.

  • What art materials are provided and what shall I bring myself?

    You will each be given a welcome pack including:

    • A5 sketchbook,

    • A4 notebook

    • a water-soluble graphite pencil

    • an eraser, pencil sharpener, pritt-stick and brush pen

    • A4 carry folder

    Also provided on site:

    • black drawing ink

    • PVA glue, scissors

    • masking tape

    • pots for water and ink

    • drawing board and bulldog clip


    Katie will be bringing a selection of materials for GENERAL use, including:

    • spare paper, coloured paper, tissue paper, carbon paper, acetate

    • oil and chalk pastels

    • pencils, coloured pencils

    • scissors/craft knives (for those travelling with only hand luggage)

    • charcoal and rags

    • masking tape


    In addition, if you want to bring any of the above as well as your own preferred materials from the list below. (This is a GUIDELINE, you do not need to bring everything, you could bring NOTHING):

    • drawing pens, pencils - water soluble are good

    • coloured pencils, felt tips

    • a Posca Pen (acrylic paint in a pen) - good for writing on any surface

    • watercolours or gouaches for colour

    • brushes

    • pastels - chalk and/or oil

    • water-soluble pencils/pastels e.g. inktense

    • a portable pencil case for working around the site and/or on trips

    • additional sketchbooks/paper/scrap paper

  • What can I expect at mealtimes?

    Food is lovingly prepared by Jenny and Luis who are resident housekeepers at the property. They come from Peru, and mix their own cultural flavours with the local cuisine.

    They will cater for most requirements, providing alternatives if you are vegetarian, vegan or have intolerances where possible.

    Severe allergies cannot be catered for as there is only one kitchen, cooking on a domestic scale, so foods will be prepared and stored in shared conditions.

    Please talk to Alasdair and Luis to discuss this further by emailing info@masdelaserra.com

    House and Pool - What is provided?

    • all meals at the Masia, pre dinner drinks and wine with the meal are provided - additional drinks can be bought from the honesty bar and paid by card at the end of the week.

    • please send any dietary requirement to Alasdair before the course).

    • meals out are an additional cost.

    • transport on organised trips are included, museum entry is not included (approx 5 euros).

    • towels will be provided for both bathroom use and poolside so no need to bring any toiletries, shampoos, soaps, hairdryers are all provided so no need to bring any unless you have a preference.

    • mosquito repellent and basic first aid items are available.

  • What is the weather like at this time of year?

    The weather should be pleasantly warm and not too hot at this time of year. It is in the mountains, so can be cooler in the early mornings and evenings, and can be unpredictable, with occasional storms.

    There is plenty of indoor space, and alternatives to being outside. It is advised you check the weather prior to packing so you know what to expect.

    It is a wonderful time of year for spring flowers, some of which will still be in bloom.