The quality of instruction, the individual attention given to each student and to all the small details of the retreat were above and beyond. The setting was beautiful, the studio and the beach were within walking distance from the inns, the instructor was magnificent, knowledgeable and professional. Working in a retreat scenario was a blast and very well organized from beginning to end. Every person involved in the retreat was a pleasure.
E.M. Artist
I highly recommend this retreat to anyone searching for lessons in living creatively, instruction in painting and drawing or simply a retreat to one of the most beautiful locations on this planet. I look forward to returning at sometime to a future retreat! I first learned about the retreat online after seeing an article in Oprah Magazine. I was intrigued by the concept of retreating from the world, demands of home and family, and focusing on artistic expression and creativity. We all live such busy lives and it is truly a gift to take a week for yourself to slow down and get back to a lifelong passion-creating art. It was so rewarding my only wish was that I had discovered these retreats sooner!
The entire week was all about living your life differently. It’s not about one week of instruction in technique; although there is amazing instruction and demonstrations of sketching, painting in gouache and using water soluble wax. It was more about lessons in living your life creatively…learning to look at the world in a different way. We were introduced to poetry, movies of artist’s lives, lectures about different styles of art, stories of the lives of artists and their works. Each day Anna read poetry or shared an inspirational thought to consider. She asked us to tune out from the distractions of cell phones and needless chatter or conversation. It was a simple thing to do…and very helpful!
Each of our five senses were thoughtfully considered: Taste-the food catered for lunch daily was simply delicious! Every day we had teas, filtered water and fruit to snack on. Sight-the lovely studio with an amazing display of flowers, objects of art, and fresh vegetables to gaze upon. Touch-the feeling of the highest quality papers and art supplies in our hands. Smell-the fresh air of Carmel drifting in the open window, and the scent of lovely flowers on every corner. Hearing- the lovely classical music played while we painted and also the sound of the ocean on our beach day and on the daily walks on the beach.
We stayed in beautiful Carmel. Simply walking to and from the studio each day was inspiring because of the beauty of the flowers, beach, sky and local galleries. We had a beach day and were instructed to paint the sky and water. We learned about the importance of being part of an artistic community. I was nourished mind, body and soul. I have many memories…the Chimes ginger chews in our welcoming gift, the lovely flowers and beautiful arrangement we selected items from to paint….the delicious food breakfast lunch and dinner, the support and encouragement from Anna and the other students. I highly recommend the Artists Retreat to anyone seeking a restorative week to recharge their inner artist. In our group we had everything from professionally trained artists, those who create art as a hobby, to individuals who had never picked up a brush. Each student was creating beautiful work. We all have it inside, and the Artists Retreat enables you to tap into your creativity or find again what you have drifted away from….
I highly recommend this retreat to anyone searching for lessons in living creatively, instruction in gouache painting or water soluble pencils and crayons, or simply a retreat to one of the most beautiful locations on this planet. I look forward to returning at sometime to a future retreat!
J.B. Entrepreneur
Anna Rhodes’ ‘An Artist’s Retreat’ is a five star life experience that I would recommend to every artist I know of all levels. Anna’s personal charisma and intelligence pulled our entire group together for wonderful, warm gatherings of which we couldn’t get enough. Individually her fifteen years of teaching skills pushed each of us to put forth work we didn’t realize possible – or – as in my case, pushed me through an artist’s block.
Carmel, the location of our retreat was Magnificent (with a capital ‘M’). The extra amenities of the trip were fabulous. It seemed that nothing was forgotten to make the retreat as special as possible. Our hosts …could not have given us more personalized attention. They truly understand the meaning of the word ‘host’ in the most polite sense. The definition should read in the dictionary as follows: ‘one who receives guests and treats their guests as if they are valued company in their own home.’ Our food was delicious. Our parties were catered with care and delight. All was brilliant.
H.J Landscape Designer
The details that went into this retreat from the opening and closing receptions with plentiful and fresh food, excellent customer service, beautiful supplies to work with, instruction with extensive knowledge and skills of materials, to everyone at the hotel and of course our teacher, were terrific and helpful in every way. This retreat was about much more than creating art; it was about creating connections that could last a lifetime!
C.J. Physician
I would like to thank you for one of the most wonderful learning experiences of my life. You are an amazing teacher. Your passion and love of art comes through in your style of instruction. I came to the retreat hoping to regain a desire to improve my artistic skills.
I came away from the retreat with so much more than I anticipated. My busy work schedule made me think I did not have time to pursue my love of art. You showed me that there is way to pursue the areas of life we love.
It just amazed me how you were able to instruct even beginners to create such beautifully rendered drawings and paintings. The learning environment, catered lunches, lectures and films were all of impeccable quality. I will forever be grateful to you for my experience at An Artists’ Retreat in Carmel, California.
D.C. Pharmacist
An Artists’ Retreat enabled me to push myself beyond anything I ever imagined. The entire week was a magical experience! You are a marvelous teacher. You know when to push and when to hold back. I want to thank you for your patience and expertise. The entire week was a magical experience and I plan to join the retreat in October.
R. T. Teacher
An Artists’ Retreat with Anna Rhodes gave me more than I could have hoped for. At a time when I was loosing my purpose, she gave me a direction and a daily routine to reactivate my passion for creating art. Along with many other participants of Anna’s retreats,I am now one of Anna’s followers. Thank you, Anna for giving me confidence to once again create art.
I have a BA in fine art, but had lost my focus to making a living. I was looking for a direction and a way back to my art. I was impressed with the description of the retreat but was unfamiliar with the medium being introduced. Anna’s enthusiasm and knowledge was infectious. In a matter of a few days she provided me with a good working knowledge of new materials . She exposed me to artists and paintings I was unfamilar with and reminded me of the how important it is to have a supportive community when creating art.
The amenities of the room and the service are outstanding. The entire staff went out of their way to create an amazing experience. The food was a work of art and the wait‐staff was impeccable. I have a disability which required special accommodations. The staff not only provided me with everything I needed, they continued to check with me to verify that I was comfortable. I am passing this location on to a travel agent friend as a recommended destination.
D. D. California
Taking Anna’s painting workshop is a transforming experience. Anna creates an environment remarkably stimulating, warm and conducive to learning. She draws out your artistic instincts and helps you let them run free. All of us who studied with her experienced a leap in our creative abilities and were left feeling confident, competent and enthused. Anna brings together a fine group of people who both work and play together joyfully.
The organic food is sensational.
If you want to expand your talents, Anna’s workshops are not to be missed.
C. V. Physician
An Artists’ Retreat with Anna Rhodes was incredible. I found the whole week to be transformative. I arrived home filled with art and have continued to create new work with that inspiration in mind. The food was absolutely divine and the setting was so inspiring for an art retreat.
R.O. Photographer
