UpTrek

If any of these signs felt a little too familiar, that's not a coincidence. We've always believed that creativity comes alive in beautiful places, in the company of people who understand the pull of creating something. That's been the core belief of what we do. And now, we're bringing that same intention to the writers among you. New writing retreats are finding their homes in inspiring locations this year, with more on the way. ✍🏻 If you've been waiting for a sign, here are five. ♥️💫 — 📍 2026 dates for writing retreats are available now, and more retreats are coming soon! 🔗 For more information - link in our bio. -- #uptrek #gobeyond #writingretreats #creativeretreats #uptrekadventures

👀 👀 👀 -- 🎥: @‌lifeidesign @jeanneoliver @emjlefebvre @e_olson_art - Thank you! ♥️ -- #uptrek #gobeyond #artretreats #uptrekadventures

Grateful for the moments that made this chapter feel real. ♥️ Part 1 of our UpTrek recap is here. Thank you to everyone who showed up, supported, shared, and believed in us. More soon - stay tuned for the art recaps! ✨ #uptrekrecap2025 #uptrek #creativeretreats

It’s only been a few days since we wished each other a safe trip home after spending an incredible week at @tenutadisticciano but we leave with so many memories and a feeling I can never put to words. It’s one of those things that you just have to be there to experience first hand yourself. I once again had the pleasure of leading a beautiful group of creatives during our week long watercolor retreat nestled in the hills of Tuscany. What always impacts me the most during these retreats are the people. I got to meet and spend time with 14 women who arrived in Itay with an openness. An openness to create, connect, and explore art making. We painted, laughed, and shared our stories. Not to mention got to visit incredible places and ate the most delicious food. Looking through my camera reel and trying to pick just a few moments from the trip is always the hardest. Each time I think I found my favorite moment, another one pops up. I hold so much gratitude to @uptrekcom for planning these incredible trips that we get to experience. @a.n.c.u having you by my side all week made this trip even more memorable. ❤️ The entire staff at @tenutadisticciano you are the best - we will be back! To Cathy, Leslie, Toi, Julie, Judy, Catherine, Connie, Michelle, Robyn, Denise, Nancy, Jill, Michele, and Becky, thank you for joining me this past week and for letting me guide you, push you and paint along side you! Your energy and warmth made this week a trip filled with beautiful memories for me! Grazi Mille ❤️🇮🇹

A week of creativity, connection, adventure and fun with @karenriceart . We are grateful to everyone who brought such warmth, energy, and magic to the week 🥰 A big thanks to @catlaz64 for the wonderful food! #artretreat #paintingretreat #holidayintuscany #artworkshop #paintingworkshop

Instead of posting a more polished reel, I decided to share reality. Kenz and I tried to film content to help promote our Greece retreat next year. Marketing is NOT something we love, by the way. The boys came along. They entertained themselves for all of 5 minutes and then… they wanted in on the fun. So… NOT SO POLISHED. Oh well…we tried!! Instead of a beautifully filmed reel with images of the blue water, gorgeous venue, darling village and us creating together overlooking the water… we made this.🤪😜🤪😜 If you do want to join us in Greece where we will both share our art journaling techniques… and lots of laughter… Comment GREECE and I will send you the details! @uptrekcom #creativeretreat #greeceretreat #artjournalling #artretreat #artjournallove @snippetsofwhimsy

Exactly one year from today, I’m taking my teaching approach abroad! 🇪🇸 🍷 🌊 🫒 The weeklong writing workshop will take place in a sprawling hacienda in Níjar, Almería, in southern Spain. The estate borders the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, and accordingly, walks, hikes and scenic outings will be on the menu alongside intense (but joyful!) craft classes. Speaking of the menu, we are going to eat SO WELL. #Níjar is known for its tomatoes, hearty stews and line-caught fresh fish incorporated into traditional Mediterranean fare. If you drink alcohol, you probably already know how good Spanish wine is. (#Rioja, anyone?) If you do not drink alcohol, ice-cold N/A alternatives will be at your disposal. The estate will be privatized for our use and we’ll have a chef for all our meals. All the rooms are private and come with en suite bathrooms; most rooms have a terrace. . But let’s get to the writing! Like all my workshops, I organize the program to welcome writers of all genres and skill levels. It doesn’t matter if you’ve already published a #1 New York Times bestseller or you’ve never published anything at all: you will feel inspired, challenged, and supported at your particular experience level throughout our time together. . One-on-one sessions will take place prior to the retreat so I’ll be familiar with your work before you land in Spain. The day’s lessons will be organized much like my workshop @turningpoints_writers in New Mexico, with a combination of craft improvement and industry know-how so that you’ll make progress in your manuscript, and also in your capability to promote and sell your manuscript. . Spots are limited but the first-come-first-served admission process is hassle-free: you simply book a spot. Perhaps a great last minute #MothersDay present would be a trip to Spain next year? . Questions? You can write to [email protected] or DM them here on Instagram via @uptrek.com (Curious about UpTrek itself? My gal pal @rebeccamakkai has taught twice for them so we’re in great company!)

Looking back at this painting I did a few years ago called Compassion & Dreams, 12x16” on canvas (available). I hope she inspires you to lead with an abundant heart ✨ And if you’re dreaming of a creative getaway, I’ll be teaching a retreat with @uptrekcom in Italy May 3-10, 2027. Comment Italy below and I’ll send you all the details. . . . . . #artretreatsforwomen #artretreat #artretreatinitaly #expressiveart #intuitiveart #creating #artist #expression #paintings #intuitivepaintings #intuitiveartist #artheals #creativesoulart #dailyarts #artcommunity #creativeart #meditating #inspiration #womenartists #meditations #intuitive #meditativeart #intuition #figurativeart

Here’s what some of our guests had to say about @hellolovelypeople_ 's The Anatomy of Watercolor Retreat in Scotland this year! 🙌🎨 Thank you to everyone who joined us on this unforgettable adventure! Looking forward to many more to come. ✨ -- 📸 from @hellolovelypeople_ 's retreat with us - Thank you! ♥️ -- #uptrek #gobeyond #artretreats #creativeretreats #uptrekadventures

There’s something so special about sitting down in a tiny corner of the world with a watercolor pan, a sketchbook, and someone you love… and simply noticing. The sound of church bells echoing through Pienza, the warmth of the sun on the stone streets, the smell of espresso drifting by, the laughter between sketches… and then turning all of that into a few little lines, a splash of color, and a memory you can tuck right back into your purse. 🎨✨ That’s what I love most about travel sketching. It’s not about perfection. It’s about capturing the essence of a moment while you’re still living it. The feeling. The atmosphere. The little details your camera could never fully hold onto. In just a couple weeks, I get to do this all over again in Italy… and honestly? I can’t wait. 🇮🇹 And if your heart has been whispering that you want more creativity, adventure, connection, and moments that feel fully alive… don’t miss your chance to join me in France for my May 2027 retreat. We only have a few spots left, and it’s going to be such a beautiful mix of art, exploration, inspiration, and slowing down enough to truly see. Link in bio or dm me! Tell me below: if you could sit and sketch anywhere in the world for one afternoon… where would it be? ✈️🎨 #TravelSketchbook #WatercolorSketching #ItalyArtRetreat #PienzaItaly #ArtistLife

Okay… real talk for a second… I leave for Italy in TWO WEEKS 😳🇮🇹 (which feels both exciting and slightly chaotic… in the best way) But here’s what’s wild… While I’m packing for that, France 2027 is already filling. 🇫🇷 And I know how this goes because I’ve watched it happen over and over: “I’ll think about it…” “I’ll wait…” “Maybe next year…” And then suddenly… it’s full. This isn’t just about travel. It’s about finally doing something that’s been sitting in the back of your mind. Creating. Exploring. Letting yourself be more than just “busy.” There are still a few spots left… but not enough for everyone who thinks they might want to go. So if that’s you… 👉 don’t just think about it. Comment LETS GO and I’ll send ya the link

Closing out April with our usual recap of what was launched this month! Make sure you don’t miss out on what we have in store for you. 🙌 🔗 For more information, head to the link in our bio. The journey to your next creation begins here. ♥️💫 --- #uptrek #gobeyond #artretreats #creativeretreats #uptrekadventures