Last October, Emily Olson embarked on an incredible adventure to Morocco, not just as a traveler, but as a leader of a watercolor retreat. Her goal was to share the joy of painting and inspire others to view the world through a new artistic lens. What she could never have anticipated was just how deeply this journey would transform her.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
“Arriving in Morocco felt like stepping into a vibrant painting,” says Emily Olson. “En route from the airport to my riad, a traditional Moroccan hotel, I got my first taste of the bustling streets of Marrakech. Motorcycles and scooters zipped around donkeys pulling carts; I even spotted a family of four balancing on one tiny scooter. The traffic moved fast and unpredictably yet there was an unspoken rhythm that kept it all flowing. Despite the chaos, I felt a sense of safety and anticipation. In that moment, I recognized that for the duration of the trip I would be placing my trust in strangers, a fact that was both daunting and freeing.
“As I settled into my charming riad, I was greeted warmly by the staff and treated to my first taste of Moroccan mint tea. It was on the hotel’s flower-adorned rooftop that I created my first painting of the trip; the creative energy just flowed.
“The next day, I made the three-hour journey to Atlas Kasbah in Agadir, where Helene and Hassan Aboutayeb would be hosting me and my guests for the next eight days. Arriving at Atlas Kasbah felt like stepping into paradise. The lodge, a hilltop castle nestled in the Atlas Mountains, was surrounded by terraced gardens filled with palms, orange and pomegranate trees, and vibrant flowers. I was welcomed with a delicious lunch and, of course, more mint tea. As I waited for my guests to arrive, I sat on the patio overlooking the breathtaking landscape and couldn’t resist pulling out my watercolor journal to make another painting.”
PAINTING VIVID MEMORIES
“My guests and I packed the week with immersive painting days set at a large outdoor table under the arched roof by the saltwater pool — an ideal space for our painting from life theme. Basking in the perfect weather outdoors, we explored fundamental watercolor techniques, including blending, mixing, and quick exercises like five- and 10-minute scene sketches. I also led a full landscape demonstration focusing on composition, and we painted still life scenes using fresh fruits from the gardens. I enjoyed watching my guests fill their watercolor journals with vivid memories of our trip. Each painting was a testament to their growth and the inspiration surrounding us.”
MAKING CONNECTIONS
“One afternoon, I found a quiet spot in the fruit tree garden to paint. There, I had a heartwarming encounter with one of the gardeners. He noticed me sitting on hard rocks and laid down a mat for me to sit on instead. Moments later, he brought me flowers. This small act of kindness epitomized the genuine care for one another that I witnessed throughout my time in Morocco.
“The entire journey shifted my perspective significantly. I had always thought that my life in America represented the pinnacle of happiness. Witnessing the radiant smiles and vibrant spirits of the Moroccan people made me realize that happiness isn’t tied to a specific location. It’s rooted in the connections we build and the kindness we extend to one another.”
In High Level Sketching, Iain Stewart shows you how painting-as-sketching can help you be more adventurous with your creations.
