Arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco

Airport pickup any time night or day. 

We will start with an introductory session with Melissa and a visit to the seafront to sketch Hassan II Mosque.

Each day we will start with Melissa and a morning prompt or idea to pursue that day & touch base later on how you are progressing.

Heading off to Marrakech, we will drop our bags and have an afternoon wander to get our bearings.

You might like to work on a quick sketch of our beautiful Riad before we spend time having a review with Melissa before dinner.

Let's share a Welcome Dinner.

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Medina day today.

We will start with a walk through the markets to The Secret Garden. It is 400 years old and built in the great tradition of stately Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. It has recently been renovated and open to the public for the first time in its long history.

Perfect place to sip mint tea, and sketch a traditional garden and buildings. Traditional Muslim gardens were built to mimic paradise on Earth.

Take the middle of the day to wander, check out the medina and bright markets.

We will gather at a rooftop café to witness the incredible transformation of the World Heritage site, Jemaa el-Fna. This empty square becomes a bustling dining area as open-air restaurants are set up around 4:00 pm. By evening, the square is alive with food stalls, storytellers, and performance artists. It’s an experience full of fun and excitement.

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Look up at the Bahia Palace as we pass, there is often storks nesting high on the ramparts. Morning visit to the beautifully restored Madrasa Ben Youssef and the Musée de Marrakech Art Gallery.

The rest of the day is free to explore and sketch as you will.

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An early visit to YSL’S beautiful Le Jardin Majorelle and the The Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts.

You can photograph in the garden, and I think a quick sketch would also be OK.

No photography in the museum, so spend your time feasting your eyes.

We are heading out into the country to a Riad with a view of the High Atlas Mountains.

Time to sketch and enjoy the countryside, perhaps swim or take a walk.

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Start with a session with Melissa. Take time to work and enjoy the location. We will take a little drive and look for a local viewpoint this afternoon.

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Its medina (old town) is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah.

Old brass cannons line the walls, and there are ocean views.

Strong “Alizée” trade winds make the city’s crescent beach popular for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Atmospheric, you’ll find plenty of places to catch your eye around here.

Let’s get settled into our hotel, get our bearings in town and make a meeting point for tonight’s dinner.

Take some time to wander before dinner.

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Explore town, start with a morning sketch session on the sea wall.

The fishing boats are beautiful and you can often find fresh cooked fish when the boats come in.

We’ll meet up for a review session and dinner later in the day.

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Driving to Casablanca we will pull into Safi, it has a huge Castle on the Ksar el Bahr. It is known for its pottery.

Arriving back in Casablanca, let’s take time with Melissa for a review and concluding remarks

Then let’s get ready for our Farewell Dinner at Rick’s Café.

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We will arrange individual drop to the airport for departures from Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco

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A small travelling art kit.

Melissa will supply a list of suggestions.

Here is a start on the idea- more details coming.

Here's a basic materials list for the Morocco trip:

Sketchbook

Watercolor Markers

Colored Pencils

Neocolor Crayons or Oil Pastels

Pencil Sharpener

Waterbrush (brush that holds water in the handle)

Small Watercolor Set

I will also put together a more specific list that recommends the brands and colors that I'll be using so that people can (optionally) get similar supplies.

 I'm still narrowing that down so that I don't make a huge list for people. 😁