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Past workshop:   2024  10 day Plein-air Retreat
Painting the “Blue Pearl” & more of Northern Morocco
with Jan-Willem & Nancy Boer of the Shenandoah Art Destination

About The Instructors 

Jan-Willem Boer, was born in

The Netherlands and attended the Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam.

He is a practicing fine artist who has exhibited in the USA and Europe. He has undertaken many public and commercial commissions, both in the USA and Europe.

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Nancy worked for many years as an Art Representative, representing the work of many illustrators and photographers, and contributes her knowledge of the art market to the educational process. She has dealt with art buyers, magazine editors and marketing agencies.  She has guided fine artists and researched art galleries.

    Day 1:  Arrive in Casablanca Airport

​Your private guide and driver will welcome you at Casablanca Airport and kickstart your trip! If time allows, we’ll head straight to the Hassan II Mosque—a jaw-dropping masterpiece by the ocean—where you can paint its towering minaret and seaside setting. After a lunch of fresh local fish, the mosque’s official guides will take you inside to marvel at its glittering mosaics, carved marble, and its big prayer hall (fun fact: its minaret is taller than the Statue of Liberty!). Later, we’ll drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, to settle into your charming hotel. Spend the evening relaxing in your room or strolling the quiet streets nearby. 

​Day 2:  Let the adventure begin!

​After breakfast, meet your local guide at the hotel to explore Rabat. Visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower Mosque, where you’ll learn about the city’s royal history and role as Morocco’s capital. Later, sketch or paint in the beautiful Andalusian Garden and the blue-and-white streets of the Kasbah of the Udayas. Enjoy lunch, then travel to Assilah, a coastal gem. Upon arrival, head to the Asilah Harbor to paint its lively fishing boats, ocean views, and serene coastal atmosphere. End your day strolling the town’s artsy medina, famous for its white walls, bright blue doors, and murals from its annual Arts Festival. The evening is yours to relax.

Day 3:   Full day Painting In Assilah

Spend the whole day inside Asilah’s old city walls. Walk through narrow streets full of blue doors, white walls, and colorful flowers – perfect for painting or taking photos! Learn a little about Asilah’s history (it’s a mix of Moroccan, Portuguese, and Spanish cultures) and its famous Arts Festival, where artists paint murals on the walls every summer. For lunch, enjoy fresh fish at a local restaurant . In the evening, relax at your big hotel – swim in the pool, enjoy a drink, or just unwind.

Fun fact: Asilah’s medina is car-free, making it a peaceful paradise for artists and dreamers!

Day 4: Chefchaouen – Blue City, Scenic Stops & Art

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous “Blue City.” On the way, we’ll stop at a peaceful dam for painting and lunch at a restaurant with views of the dam. Next, we’ll take a short break at a hill with stunning views of Chefchaouen’s Blue Houses and the mountains around it – a perfect spot for photos or painting! After arriving in Chefchaouen, check into your cozy riad (a Moroccan-style guesthouse). Spend the afternoon exploring the blue-painted alleys or relaxing. Finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 : Chefchaouen – Blue City, Full day 

Kick off your day with a sunrise breakfast on your riad’s terrace, sipping mint tea while the blue-washed medina shines. Wander through the cobalt alleyways with your camera or sketchbook, capturing charming doorways and sunlit steps. After lunch, head to Al Hawta Square to watch locals gather around the fountain, then unwind on a bench to sketch or enjoy a drink. As evening approaches, indulge in dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6 : Volubilis  – The Roman Ruins 

Start with breakfast in Chefchaouen, then hit the road to Volubilis. After enjoying  lunch at a local spot. we're off to explore the ancient Roman ruins—walk past crumbling columns, colorful mosaics, and olive groves with mountain views. After the tour, paint the historic scenes with your own style. Finally, drive to your cozy riad in Fez, where you’ll unwind after a day of adventure. Don’t forget: sunscreen, a hat, and your camera! 🌞🏛️🎨

Day 7 : Full Day In Fes 

Start your day painting Bab Boujloud, the iconic blue-and-green gate to Fez’s medina. Explore 9,400 narrow streets filled with spice stalls, leather workshops, and shops of pottery and textiles. Enjoy lunch at a cozy café, then experience the tanneries, watching artisans dye leather (bring mint leaves for the smells). Discover ancient madrasas and mosques before haggling in the souks, then unwind on your riad's rooftop terrace. Tips: Wear comfy shoes, bring cash, and embrace the lively of Fez!

Day 8 : Ceramic workshop , Meknes 

After breakfast, explore Morocco’s artistic heritage at a Fes pottery workshop, where artisans create Zellij mosaics and ceramics. Then, enjoy lunch in Meknes and take a guided tour of key sites like Bab Mansour and Heri es-Souani. Get creative with a painting session in the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail's courtyard, and relax in a charming riad with rooftop views and authentic Moroccan hospitality. A perfect mix of culture, history, and fun!

Day 9 :Morning In The Riad , Back to Casablanca 

Enjoy a peaceful morning at your Meknes riad, learning to paint intricate Islamic geometric patterns and tiles with guidance from artist, Jan. Soak in the serene atmosphere as you create your final Moroccan masterpiece. Later, travel back to Casablanca for a heartfelt farewell evening—share stories over a goodbye dinner and exchange contacts with your fellow travelers. Each guest departs with a signed painting by Jan as a treasured souvenir of your creative journey. Bid farewell to Morocco’s vibrant colors, warm hospitality, and the new friends you’ve made—a perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure! 

Day 10 : Airport Casablanca CMN

It is hard to say goodbye. but, this is the farewell day...Transfer to Casablanca Mohamed 5 International Airport  (CMN).

​What's included

​Not included

  • English-speaking tour director/guide/translator

  • Hand selected accommodations

  • Air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver

  • airport-pickup & delivery

  • All meals 

  • Complimentary water, coffee, organic herbal tea

  • ​All local tourist fees and taxes

  • 24/7 support

  • Airfare

  • Travel insurance

  • Art materials

  • Tips

NOTE:  Artists are responsible for bringing all their own supplies, easels, chair – whatever you require.   Keep in mind being plein-air sites, walking will be required and artist will be responsible for carrying their own materials/supplies.

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