Create. Explore. Connect.
Upcoming Sketch Retreat
📍 Location:
Navacerrada, Madrid
Join us for a creative weekend in the mountains of Navacerrada, just an hour from Madrid. This relaxed retreat is your chance to escape the city, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with your creativity.
✨ Book your place and treat yourself to a creative escape.
📅 Date:
October 17 – 19, 2025
Limited spots available!
✨Easy, beginner-friendly drawing sessions. No experience required.
✨ Time to relax, connect, and recharge away from screens.
✨ Accommodation, meals and materials included.
Private room: 2 spots remaining €370
Shared room: 3 spots remaining €290
Registration closes on Oct. 12th!
‘I absolutely love these events — it’s not only about the art, but also the wonderful community that Katie & Claire have created. Everyone is so welcoming and accepting, which makes it such a special space.
Every workshop brings me a little peace and joy, and I always leave feeling refreshed and inspired. Thank you for creating something so wonderful.’ ❤️
‘Following this workshop was a delight! Not only are Katie & Claire very engaging teachers, and clearly passionate about their craft, but the whole process is packed with truly useful tips, that allow any student to follow along.
All this, while having fun and enjoying being creative. I could not ask for a better Friday night sketch session. Thank you!’ ✨
📍 Sketch Retreat Location: Charming Navacerrada
Nestled in the serene Sierra de Guadarrama, just about an hour from central Madrid, our retreat takes place in a charming, spacious chalet in Navacerrada. Here’s why it’s perfect:
🏡A beautiful 3-floor chalet, with ample space inside and outside for quiet sketching sessions or gathering around a big table for creative prompts.
🌳 Set against breathtaking mountain views, with sweeping vistas that invite you to draw, relax, and feel inspired by nature.
☕The idyllic village has a relaxed, artsy vibe with local cafés, forest walks, crisp air, and friendly locals.
🚌 It’s just one hour from Madrid by public transport, making it an easy and refreshing escape without the hassle of long transport.
What’s included
–Accommodation for 2 nights. Shared room and private room options available (with shared bathrooms).
-A variety of beginner-friendly drawing & creative workshops with two professional artists.
–Exclusive use of the entire property with living quarters, common areas, an indoor art studio and a private garden.
–Materials like sketchbooks & a variety of materials.
–Dinner on Friday at the accommodation, lunch in town on Saturday (traditional Spanish cuisine and international dishes).
-Breakfast Saturday and Sunday.
-Tea, coffee, and afternoon snacks are available at the venue.
What’s not included
-Transport to and from accommodation
-Additional materials
-Other expenses guests might incur on their own
-Travel insurance
Sketch Retreat Overview
✨ Friday, 17th – Arrival & Welcome
4:00 PM – Check-in & Settle In
Arrive at the retreat and get comfortable in your room. Meet your hosts and fellow artists over a welcome drink.
6:00 PM – Introduction
Kick off the retreat with creative icebreaker activities.
8:00 PM – Dinner at the House
10:00 PM – Creative Activity
End the day with creative games to spark inspiration.
✨ Saturday 18th – Creativity & Exploration
9:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – Guided Sketchwalk with Katie
Explore the surroundings and capture inspiration on a guided sketchwalk.
2:00 PM – Lunch in Town
5:00 PM – Illustration Session
Create in the studio with guidance, experimenting with techniques and sharing ideas with fellow participants.
8:00 PM – Dinner in Town
10:00 PM – Creative Games
A playful way to end the evening and spark fresh ideas.
✨ Sunday 19th – Wrap-Up & Departure
9:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – Sketch Session
Spend the morning sketching in a nearby location, putting your retreat inspiration onto paper.
1:00 PM – Finish Up & Share
Wrap up your final pieces, share your work with the group, and reflect on the weekend. Pack up, say goodbye, and leave with new skills, memories, and creative energy to carry home.
Subscribe to stay up to date on upcoming retreats & workshops:
Your Hosts
@_katiebray__
Katie Bray is an artist, illustrator, and workshop host based in Madrid, with over 10 years’ professional experience in illustration and art direction and has taught more than 500 students in her creative workshops. Katie has hosted inspiring sessions via Airbnb Experiences and collaborated on engaging art events with teams at Amazon.
@claire.makesthings
Claire is a professional illustrator and lettering artist from the Netherlands, based in Madrid. She teaches her craft as a Top Teacher on Skillshare, where she helps 5000+ students with their creative practice through digital illustration & creative exercises. Claire has worked with brands like Vinted, Skillshare, Ministry of Equality in Spain, Pinta Malasaña and more.
Answering Your Questions
✨ Do I need any drawing experience?
Not at all! This retreat is designed for beginners and hobbyists. Our sessions are easy, fun, and focused on enjoying creativity without pressure.
✨ What should I bring?
We’ll provide basic art materials, but you’re welcome to bring your own sketchbook or favorite pens/pencils. A small bag for outdoor sketch walks is useful. Comfortable shoes and some warm clothes for the outdoors. We’ll send you a reminder before the retreat!
✨ How do I get there?
Navacerrada is just about 1 hour from Madrid. You can reach it by bus from Moncloa station, and then a 15 minute walk from the bus stop in Navacerrada. If you arrive by car, there is parking space right outside the accommodation. We’ll send detailed travel instructions and help you coordinate transport if needed.
✨ Can I come alone?
Absolutely! Many people join solo. Rooms are shared in twin setup, and the group is small and welcoming, so you’ll feel at home quickly.
✨ What if I’m shy or not very “artistic”?
That’s completely okay. This retreat is about having fun, trying something new, and enjoying the company of other creative people; no pressure, no judgment.
✨ What’s the cancellation policy?
€150 deposit is non-refundable, but transferable to a future retreat if cancelled 30+ days before the event.
Remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the retreat.
Cancellations less than 14 days before are non-refundable.
If we cancel, you’ll receive a full refund including deposit.
✨ What language is the retreat in?
Workshops are led in English, but we also speak Spanish. Everyone is welcome!
✨ Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, but we encourage a little digital detox — think of it as a chance to unplug and recharge creatively.
Have another question about the retreat? Chat with us at thesketchretreat@gmail.com
The Sketch Retreat a beginner-friendly drawing retreat near Madrid is perfect for anyone looking for a creative weekend getaway. Whether you’re searching for an art holiday in Spain, a sketching retreat, or a chance to unplug and join a community of hobby artists, our creative retreat in the Madrid countryside offers the perfect balance of learning, relaxation, and fun!
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