Nicaragua on canvas:
Artist workshop

Upcoming Dates in 2017
Contact us with interest.
9 days, 8 nights
Novice to Intermediate

THE TOUR
In the days leading up to, and following, the 5-day art workshop we will have the opportunity to really dig deep into Nicaragua. We will prepare a homemade Nicaraguan meal to share in a humble family kitchen in the barrio. We'll travel to the Pacific coast to spend the night on the beach, swim in the warm waves and capture incredible sunsets to bring back home.

THE WORKSHOP
Day 1
After waking up to the sounds of a new adventure and indulging in a traditional Nicaraguan breakfast, we will stroll to the Centro de Arte for an overview of the week to come. After, we will head out to Granada's central park where we will cover perspective and composition. Capture fruit vendors, shoe shiners, peddlers of artesanía. Afternoon horse-drawn carriage ride through the city's hustle and bustle.

Day 2
Today we will temper the street scene on the slopes of Mombacho Volcano. Just 20 minutes outside of Granada, the air is cooler and nature abounds. At a private lodge nestled in the tropical forest we will paint the lush foliage and learn to emulate the dappled effect of the sun as it filters through the dense canopy. An afternoon cloud forest hike (1 hour) takes us around one of Mombacho's four craters, where epiphytes and orchids abound. And, you may possibly glimpse a howler monkey or two.

Day 3
Let's take another look at the city. This time we will focus on the Colonial architecture that Granada is known for. We'll set up our easels  on a city street with a view, some giant, old wooden doors, colorful walls, church steeples.

Day 4
Nicaragua is the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes so we must also paint water. For this we will head to a private island in Las Isletas. Here, from under a lovely thatched roof or natural canopy we will capture the lapping waves, the water birds and lush islet vegetation. Afternoon optional activities include swimming, kayaking or just chillaxing with a good art book.

Day 5
Our final day will begin, once again, at the Centro de Arte. Today we will strive to complete our works of art, after which we will come together for a group critique. Perhaps visit a place you found you wanted to return to for some last minute sketching before we head to the Pacific for some beach time!

Your Instructor - Amy Bushnell
Amy recalls a love of drawing from a very early age, which was strongly encouraged by her artistic parents. Growing up in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Amy was a crayon aficionado and mud pie enthusiast. She eventually learned how to transform that sense of wonder about color and the natural world, to the canvas.

As an adult, her love of art turned into way of life. She studied under renown artist, Andy Braitman, in Charlotte, NC, before starting Centro de Arte, in Granada, Nicaragua, where she now resides with her husband, Darrell, and their two dogs, George and Gracie. The Centro de Arte is a studio/gallery located in the tropical courtyard of an old Colonial-style home, which provides artists natural light and inspiring green space, and welcomes a continuous stream of visitors from all over the world.

Amy's personal style leans toward impressionism/ expressionism, however, she encourages every blossoming artist to find themselves in their work.
Highlights
  • One-on-one instruction
  • Unique opportunity to paint Nicaraguan architecture and landscape alongside a local artist
  • Experience both urban and rural Nicaraguan life with local guide
  • Explore Granada, one of the oldest European settlement on mainland Americas, and the largest lake in Central America
  • Spend two nights right on the beach.

What is included
  • 5 days of artist instruction/workshop (Monday-Friday)
  • Eight nights of double occupancy accommodation
  • Transport to and from Managua airport
  • Transport in Nicaragua
  • Afternoon activities as specified on the course itinerary
  • All breakfasts and lunches
  • Welcome dinner on first night
  • Farewell dinner on last night
  • Experienced, bilingual tour guide
  • Individual instruction in both the field and studio
  • Group critiques
  • Provided materials: easels; water containers; saran wrap; paper towels; masking tape; straight edge; charcoal; pastels; white acrylic paint

Not included
  • Air travel to Nicaragua
  • Travel insurance/trip cancellation insurance
  • Medical expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified, snacks or alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for tour leader, housekeeping staff, drivers, local guides
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Artist materials or equipment not specified (ask us what to bring)

Group is limited to six (6) participants so reserve your place early, they will fill up fast! If you are an artists group with at least 6 people and would like to arrange your own workshop dates, please contact us. Workshop cost is for double occupancy. Single room supplement is $325.

Additional travel extension packages are available. Come early or stay late and really get to know Nicaragua! Ask us!

NOTE: The conditions on this workshop can be difficult due to the nature of the developing world. While accommodations are upscale for Nicaragua, there may still be issues with electricity, water, access to the internet, and Nicaraguan culture continues to run on its own schedule - that's why we adore it!