Retreat Schedule for 2027
Please join us in the charming Mexican back country, unspoiled by mass tourism,
The settings offer a true adventure and a unique opportunity to have fun
while learning from the experts.
Please read below about the details of the upcoming workshops.
Make sure you browse our About and Gallerypagese to learn about our facility,
magnificent jungle settings, surrounding villages and their people,
flora and fauna and much more.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Jane and Dallas at janerom@shaw.ca
Click here to see a short video about Holly’s retreat in 2026
February 3 - 13, 2027
MIX MEDIA MADNESS !
with Holly McWilliams
A Retreat in Colour, Collage & Creative Play
Pack your creativity—and clothes you don’t mind getting paint on—and join artist and educator Holly McWilliams at Casa Buena Artist Retreats for 10 colourful days on the lush coast of Nayarit, Mexico.
Inspired by tropical gardens, ocean views and Mexico’s vibrant surroundings, we’ll paint, cut, paste and play our way through acrylic painting, collage and creative sketchbook journaling.
Leave perfection at home and come ready to embrace bold colour, funky ideas, happy accidents and the unexpected magic of mixed media—all while enjoying plenty of relaxation and a little sun-soaked artistic adventure.
January 13- 23, 2027
ART VIVA: MEXICO 2027
with Doug Swinton
10 Days of Artistic Immersion in Vibrant Mexico
Join us for this year’s inspiring Mexican retreat—a 10-day journey into creativity, culture, and connection.
Set against the backdrop of Mexico’s rich colors and textures.
This immersive workshop combines studio time, outdoor painting, and cultural exploration.
February 17 - 27, 2027
BOLD STROKES, BRILLIANT COLORS: Journeying into Painting Techniques and Creative Visualization
with Dominik Modlinski
‘Unleash Your Creative Potential: Discover Painting Techniques and Visualization in a supportive environment’
Would you like to expand your knowledge of painting techniques and creative visualization in a relaxed and supportive environment? Then, this workshop is for you!
Each day, Dominik will begin by explaining his process through demonstration and presentations, while students will benefit from individual assessment and critique as they work and progress.
March 10 - 17, 2027
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS:
From an Impressionist Point of View
with Dan Beck
‘An Impressionist approach to capturing light, color and atmosphere’
Join award-winning artist Dan Beck for an immersive five-day painting workshop at Casa Buena Art Retreat on Mexico’s beautiful Pacific coast. Using people, places and everyday objects as inspiration, Dan will share his impressionist approach to capturing light, color, atmosphere and the feeling of a subject.
The workshop will include demonstrations, individual instruction and group discussions, with opportunities to paint the figure from a live model, still life subjects and the colorful tropical surroundings of Casa Buena. A special plein air outing will allow students to experience and paint the natural beauty and local character of Mexico.
Self-Guided Artist Residency:
‘Come paint in Mexico! No classes. No schedule.
Do your own creative thing’
Would you like to come to tropical Mexico in the middle of Winter, enjoy a creative holiday on your own schedule and paint all your heart desires?
Casa Buena is the perfect place to retreat from the world, relax and create.
TBA
ABSTRACT MEXICO!
Find your mark…
with Susann Woolgar
Immerse yourself in the rich and varied landscapes surrounding the Casa Buena Art Retreat. Working on-site with your sketchbook and a selection of drawing and painting tools, you will learn to observe the textures, shapes and energy of your location.
After a fantastic morning of discovery, you will return to the open-air studio at Casa Buena for a group critique.