Painting holiday

Arrival day
After a short transfer to our hotel and perhaps a swim, we go into Djamaa El Fna, Marrakech's famous square. A food lover's and entertainer's paradise, it thrums to the sounds of music, animals, jugglers and snake charmers. You’ll know you’ve arrived in Africa.

Our first day
We spend the morning exploring the labyrinth of the Medina with our guide – a feast of sights, smells and above all colour, which we record with quick sketches and cameras. Later we visit the Bou Saf-Saf Garden, designed by the French artist, Louis Majorelle. Famed for its vivid cobalt blue buildings, it provides a tranquil, though colourful setting for painting.

After breakfast we travel to Essaouira, arriving in time for lunch. Later we explore the old ramparts and woodworkers' quarters soaking up the atmosphere and stopping for sketches.

Port pictures
Essaouira's port pulses with life. This is a rich vein of subject matter including boatbuilding yards, men mending nets and lovely blue and white stalls selling fish (our lunch stop). In the afternoon the catch arrives to add excitement.

Free day
A day to further meander through Essaouira in your own time and perhaps indulge in some bartering. There are art galleries and hamams to enjoy and a camel trek is possible.

The magic of the medina
We explore the medina, gathering images with pencil and camera – piles of fruit and nuts, lovely stone arches and colourful spice stalls. Later we explore the ancient Jewish quarter or Mellah before stopping for some sketching in café region.

Atlantic impressions
The great coloured sea-walls around Essaouira, topped with their ancient canons, make for great seascapes.

Departure day
After an early start we arrive back at Marrakech airport by 10.00.