Art Retreat | Painting in Spain
Painting Color-Forward Florals and Patterns with Bekah Worley
+ photographing your artwork and artistic process with TC Worley
Andalusia, Spain | September 13 - 20, 2026
Join us in Andalusia, Spain for an intimate, multi-day creative retreat led by artist Bekah Worley and internationally published photographer TC Worley. Set against a landscape where centuries of history meet vivid natural beauty, this immersive workshop invites you to slow down, observe deeply, and create with intention. Inspired by the region’s abundant flora, shifting light, and storied architecture, we’ll explore Bekah’s signature, color-forward approach to painting florals and patterns.
We’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant contrasts of southern Spain—wandering the lively streets of Granada before taking in the sweeping views of the Lecrín Valley. Our studies will juxtapose the organic botanicals of the Generalife Gardens with the intricate geometry of the Alhambra Palaces, using these settings as inspiration for our multi-day painting and photography workshops with Bekah and TC. As Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher once said, “The Alhambra in Granada is the richest source of inspiration I have ever tapped.”
While in Granada, we’ll step inside a working ceramics factory founded in 1517, whose hand-painted tiles adorn the Arrayanes Palace within the Alhambra. We’ll experience a hands-on workshop where we’ll each create a set of small plates, using traditional painting tools and techniques that will help you think about botanicals and patterns in their simplest forms.
From the city, we’ll retreat to the tranquil Lecrín Valley, surrounded by olive groves, citrus trees, and stunning mountain views for a multi-day workshop with Bekah and TC. We’ll begin by deconstructing florals and patterns in their most basic forms, then move into thoughtful color mixing and palette development before bringing everything together in a series of paintings. Throughout the retreat, TC will guide you in creating refined reference images and documenting your process, materials, and finished pieces—elevating not only your artwork, but the way you share it with the world.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
September 13 - 20, 2026
8 Days + 7 Nights
PRICING
Shared Twin Room - $5,495 USD
Shared Double Suite - $5,995 USD
Private Room - $6,495 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
FEBRUARY 9, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
PAINTING RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Multi-day workshop with Bekah and TC where you’ll learn how to simplify flora and patterns to their simplest forms to create eye-catching compositions, how to mix colors and effective ways to build striking, yet cohesive color palettes. Along the way, you’ll learn and tips and techniques for taking reference photos to inspire you work, as well as how to document your artistic process, supplies, and finished work.
Tour and hands-on workshop at a working ceramics factory that dates back to 1517, where you’ll use traditional techniques to paint a set of small plates.
Guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens.
Private flamenco performance with renowned local artists.
Visit to a local flower farm, including a tour of the garden and a hands-on flower arranging workshop.
Boutique hotel and Estate accommodations
Chef-prepared meals featuring regional dishes and local ingredients
Transport during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Travel and Learn with
Bekah Worley and T.C. Worley
Bekah Worley is a Minneapolis-based artist whose color-forward paintings explore botanical themes, folk art patterns, and an underlying belief in joy. She works mainly in acrylic, loves incorporating found objects into her art, and painting on unique surfaces, such as ornate, vintage frames. She often experiments with color and can be found in her studio surrounded by take-out containers of custom mixed colors. She is represented by the Liz Lidgett Gallery, sells her work online and at local events, while also keeping art accessible and offering prints and stickers. She has collaborated with organizations and artists, such as Docomomo, Stoic Cider, Biota Goods, A Mano, and Korppi Coffee. Learn more about Bekah at bekahworley.com or follow her on Instagram @bekahworleyco.
T.C. Worley is an internationally-published photographer and award-winning filmmaker, based in Minneapolis, MN. His photo work is typically people-focused and ranges from lifestyle and portraiture to products in action. His film work spans genres from documentaries to branded TV commercials. He works with clients, such as Polaris, Timberland, Target, and Outside Magazine, who want to present an authentic, human connection to their audience. Learn more about TC at tcworley.com.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the desires of the group.
Day 1
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Arrival Day: Welcome to the Andalusia region of Spain! Arrival in Granada, Spain. Make your own way to our hotel—a former seventeenth century palace—in the heart of the city center. Have a rest, stroll the Alcaicería, a former Moorish market, or enjoy some tapas. Please plan to arrive at our Granada hotel no later than 4pm so you have time to settle in before dinner.
This evening we have a welcome dinner with Bekah and TC at our hotel. You’ll learn about the unique history of our hotel as a Moorish palace and Pilgrim hostel, you’ll enjoy local food and wine, and you’ll create a wish to hang on the wish tree.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Monday, September 14, 2026
Today we’ll explore the Alhambra–one of the most famous and best-preserved monuments in Islamic architecture–with a local guide, a native to Granada and an art historian.
We’ll start with a stroll through the Generalife Gardens, a summer palace and country estate for the Nasrid rulers. We’ll enjoy the spectacular views of the Alhambra and learn about the local flora and fauna. Along the way, Bekah and TC will share tips and techniques for capturing reference photos that we’ll use to inspire our paintings. Then, we’ll move onto the Nasrid Palaces where we’ll be mesmerized by how shapes are repeated, reflected, and rotated in precise rhythms, and how color was uniquely used to compliment and camouflage the structure of the geometric shapes.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the old city of Granada, enjoy the shops, and have dinner on your own. We will provide suggestions for some of our favorite spots to check out.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Today we’ll visit a working ceramics factory whose products are made according to the traditional Arab technique and whose work can be seen on the tile panels at the Arrayanes Palace at the Alhambra. Located in the Fajalauza neighborhood of Granada, this family-owned factory has been passed down through generations since it began in 1517.
We’ll start with a guided tour of the museum and factory where we’ll learn about the history of ceramics in Granada and see the only kiln of Hispano-Arabit origin. Then, we’ll move onto a hands-on workshop where we’ll use the inspiration of native flowers to paint a set of four dessert plates.
In the afternoon we’ll say goodbye to Granada and hello to the stunning views of the Lecrín Valley. We’ll check into our home away from home and have a chef-prepared dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Today we’ll have a full-day workshop with Bekah. We’ll start with an overview of Bekah’s work, learn how she uniquely uses color and pattern to create striking compositions, and understand the tools and techniques she uses in her work, including how she uses negative painting to drive her unique sense of color and form.
Then, we’ll move into a hands-on workshop where Bekah will take you through the process of simplifying flowers and patterns. Using reference photos we took at the Alhambra, as well as flora and fauna we find in our native surroundings, we’ll learn to visually dissect the components of complex flowers and patterns, translate them into basic forms and shapes, then arrange them into eye-catching compositions. We’ll work through a number of examples together, then you’ll have time on your own, with Bekah’s expert guidance, to practice the various techniques on paper.
Later this afternoon, TC will share his journey to becoming an internationally-published photographer and award-winning filmmaker, while showing examples of his work. Then, he’ll walk you through a few ways to take eye-catching photos of your supplies and progress, using the natural light and surroundings of our villa. Together, we’ll look at the property and talk about how to “use what you have” to identify good places to set up, based on context, light, and shadows. Then, we’ll look at how to compose shots using the rule of thirds, line, shape, and color.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Today we’ll spend some time gathering inspiration from the native flora and fauna of the Lecrín Valley. After breakfast, we’ll head to a local flower farm for a tour of their botanical garden and hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own flower arrangement using dried flowers from the farm. During our time, Bekah and TC will share additional tips and techniques about how to create reference photos for your work.
This afternoon we’ll return to the villa for a half-day workshop with Bekah where we’ll focus on one of her artistic superpowers–color. Bekah will spend time talking about how she approaches color in her work, including the colors she always has in her studio, her unique approach to mixing a wide variety of colors at once, and how she uses the array of mixed colors to build bold color palettes.
Since the best way to learn is by doing, you’ll have plenty of time to do just that. You’ll each have access to a wide variety of paint colors and containers so you can experiment with mixing your own colors and experimenting with your own color palettes. Along the way, Bekah will provide input about color combinations you may not have considered and help you make adjustments to colors when you get stuck or if you find they’re not working together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Friday, September 18, 2026
Today, we’ll take the techniques we’ve learned over the past couple of days together and put them all together. Bekah will start off by talking through how she approaches a blank canvas, including how she thinks about composition and color when she’s starting a new painting. Through a series of demos, she’ll show you how she uses reference photos, chooses colors, thinks about where to incorporate patterns, then how she uses negative painting to create her background and tie the entire piece together.
Then, you’ll have plenty of time to put these techniques into practice and get started on your own paintings, with guidance and support from Bekah along the way. Throughout the day, TC will work with you individually to help create progress shots of your work.
Tonight is a special treat—we’ll be joined by a group of local artists renowned in the world of flamenco art for a private performance. We’ll immerse ourselves in the singing, guitar playing, and dancing, while enjoying the intensity and passion of flamenco. From “La Soleá” to sevillanas, alegrías, tangos, bulerías, farruca and fandangos, you’ll go on a journey through the different types of flamenco.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Today is our final workshop with Bekah and TC. We’ll pick up where we left off with our paintings. Bekah will share tips about how to know when a painting is “done” and demo her unique approach to finishing the edges of paintings with patterns and decorative touches to create a cohesive, three dimensional painting.
Later this afternoon, we’ll gather our paintings together for a mini gallery showing to look at our collective works, share key takeaways, and show each other some love for the hard work we’ve put into our work over the past few days. TC will talk about ways to stage and organize paintings and help us take photos of our work together. Then, he’ll talk through techniques for photographing your finished work and help everyone leave with high-quality photos of their finished paintings.
Once we’re done, we’ll show you how to pack up your paintings so you can safely take them home with you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Departure Day: After breakfast, we say our final goodbyes and head on our way. We will have a group transfer back to Granada—first to the Granada Airport, then to the Granada Train Station in central Granada.
Thank you for joining us in Andalusia!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
In the city of Granada, we’ll be staying in a seventeenth century Moorish palace that was once used as a pilgrim hostel. The rooms are named after works and characters by Manuel de Falla, García Lorca, and Amin Maalouf. In the Lecrín Valley, our estate villa is a late nineteenth century manor house. A recent renovation has maintained its identity and essence of the time, including restoring much of its furniture, but giving it a modern touch, including an outdoor terrace, pool, and stunning views of the surrounding area.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared bed option.
Group Size: Minimum 10 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON FEBRUARY 9, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - SHARED TWIN ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$5,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
2 nights in Granada hotel in a shared twin room with en suite bathroom, shared with one other guest. Each guest has their own twin bed.
5 nights in Lecrín Valley villa in a twin room with en suite bathroom, shared with one other guest. Each guest has their own twin bed. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due March 17, 2026: $3,000
OPTION 2 - SHARED DOUBLE SUITE
with en suite bathroom
$5,995 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
2 nights in Granada hotel where each guest will have their own private room with a double bed and en suite bathroom.
5 nights in Lecrín Valley villa in a double suite, shared with one other guest. The large, spacious suite is an open plan, featuring two sleeping areas, each with a double bed, with a shared en suite bathroom. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due March 17, 2026: $3,500
OPTION 3 - PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$6,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
2 nights in Granada hotel in private room with a double bed and en suite bathroom.
5 nights in Lecrín Valley villa in a private room with a double bed and an en suite bathroom. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due March 17, 2026: $4,000
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Spain has a rich culinary culture. While we will try our best to manage allergies, we cannot accommodate vegan, gluten-free, egg free, or dairy-free options.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Accessibility
Please note this tour includes a walking tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground for a couple of hours. Cobblestones, steep stairs, and uneven pavement may be present. The villa is two levels and the second level can only be accessed by stairs (no elevator).
Supplies
Supplies for your workshop will be provided (some of which you may want to take home after the trip). In addition to the supplies we provide, you may want to bring a few things of your own. Closer to your departure date, we’ll send more information about what supplies we’ll provide and what option supplies you may want to consider bringing with you.
You’ll need to take you finished ceramics and paintings home with you. We’ll provide bubble wrap and packing materials to make sure you can take home everything safely.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open-minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on during your workshop sessions and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Granada, Spain. The closest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada Airport, also known simply as Granada Airport (GRX) and is located 20 km outside the Granada city centre. Granada is a regional airport and offers connections from major Spanish cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, and also has a few flights to other major European cities, such as Amsterdam.
Weather
Mid September is a nice time of year to visit the Andalusia region of Spain. The days are cooling off from the hot summer temperatures, but are usually still warm enough to enjoy a dip in the pool. Daytimes temperatures are usually range in the mid 80s F with evenings in the mid 60s F. We recommend packing layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket and umbrella, just in case there is rain.
Included in this Trip
Multi-day workshop with Bekah and TC
Tour and and hands-on workshop at a working ceramics factory
Guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens
Private flamenco performance with renowned local artists
Visit to a local flower farm, including a tour of the garden and a hands-on flower arranging workshop
2 nights accommodation in a boutique hotel in Granada
5 nights accommodation at a rural estate in the Lecrín Valley
Chef-prepared meals featuring regional dishes and local ingredients
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws, including any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
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