Art Retreat | Printmaking in Spain
Botanical Printmaking with Katharine Watson
Andalusia, Spain | May 10 - May 17, 2026
Travel to the Andalusia, Spain with ceramicist and printmaker Katharine Watson. We’ll explore the juxtaposition of urban life in the city of Granada with the stunning views of the Lecrín Valley, while contrasting the geometric tiles of the Alhambra Palaces with the native flora of the Generalife Gardens. Together, these experiences will serve as inspiration for our multi-day printmaking workhop with Katharine. In the words of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Esher,“The Alhambra in Granada is the richest source of inspiration I have ever tapped.”
While in Granada, we’ll take a guided tour of working ceramics factory that dates back to 1517 and whose work is can be seen in the Arrayanes Palace at the Alhambra. We’ll experience a hands-on workshop where you’ll 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.
After spending time in Granada, we’ll transition to our rural retreat in the Lecrín Valley for a multi-day workshop with Katharine. We’ll start by learning the key tools and techniques of printmaking—carving, printing on paper, printing on fabric, and printing without a press. Then, we’ll move onto an in-depth reduction printing workshop, where you’ll learn how to create multi-layered, multi-colored prints using a single block of linoleum, carved multiple times. Katharine will guide you through the process from start-to-finish—how to approach the design, how to set up your block and register it, carving techniques for reduction prints, and working with multiple colors to create vibrant prints. Throughout our time with Katharine, you’ll also learn a series of drawing and sketching techniques to help you learn the best ways to approach line, form, shape, in your printmaking work. All of our printing will be done without a press so you will feel confident continuing your printmaking practice at home.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
May 10 - May 17, 2026
8 Days + 7 Nights
PRICING
Shared Twin Room - $4,995 USD
Shared Double Suite - $5,495 USD
Private Room - $5,995 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
AUGUST 28, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
ART RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Multi-day workshop with Katharine, learning the materials and techniques of block printing, including how to create a tile repeat, a seamless pattern, and a large-scale reduction print with multiple layers and colors
Tour and 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
Boutique hotel and Estate accommodations
Chef-cooked meals featuring local dishes and produce
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 + Learn with Katharine Watson
Katharine began exploring her connection to art at a young age and her curiosity has followed her from continent to continent. Born in New York, raised in London and Hong Kong, and eventually settling in Portland, Maine, Katharine’s creative perspective is informed by a life in motion.
As a student at Kenyon College, Katharine fell in love with the history and opportunity that are inherent to printmaking. She approaches most projects the same way, beginning with a sketch that is translated to a linoleum block and then carved by hand. She later prints these designs onto stationery, textiles, ceramics, and other beautiful, usable, everyday goods. Her work has been featured in Vogue and Martha Stewart Living, and she has worked with companies, such as the Minted, the Metropolitan Museum, and Chronicle Books, among many others.
Katharine lives in Portland, Maine where she pours her creativity and design sensibilities into her home and garden. The converted barn behind her home serves as studio space, where she spends much of her time creating and teaching workshops. When Katharine’s not in the studio, she can be found out on the water, in her garden, or poring over the latest in architecture and design with a cup of jasmine tea.
Learn more about Katharine at katharinewatson.com or follow her @katharine_watson on Instagram.
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, May 10, 2026
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 that 4pm so you have time to settle in before dinner.
This evening we have a welcome dinner with Katharine 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, May 11, 2026
Today we explore the Alhambra, one of the most famous and best-preserved monuments in Islamic architecture. Our local guide, a native to Granada and an art historian, will guide us through the Nasrid Palaces and show us how shapes are repeated, reflected, and rotated in precise rhythms, and how color was used to compliment and camouflage the structure of the geometric shapes.
Then we’ll stroll to 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.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the old city of Granada, enjoy the shops, and savor the flavors of Andalusian cuisine. We will provide suggestions for some of our favorite spots to check out.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Tuesday, May 12, 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 on 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-Arabic 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 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
Wednesdsay, May 13, 2026
Today you’ll have a full-day workshop with Katharine. We’ll start with an introduction to the tools, materials, and techniques of printmaking. We’ll spend time learning the process from start to finish, so you feel confident with each step. You’ll start by carving linoleum using both geometric and organic shapes, then you’ll create test prints on paper and fabric.
This afternoon we’ll take the skills we learned this morning a step further to create large, single-color prints. We’ll start with some drawing and sketching exercises to help you think about the best approaches for composition, shape, line, and color in printmaking. Then we’ll move onto carving and printing our single-color blocks on paper.
Our goal is for you to print at least three single-color prints to take home with you and to have you feeling confident with the process so you can continue printing with this block at home, if you choose to.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Thursday, May 14, 2026
This morning we’ll continue our journey into printmaking and learn the fundamentals of reduction printing. Together with Katharine we’ll create a set of multi-layered, multi-colored prints using a single linoleum block.
Katharine will start with a detailed demonstration of the reduction process using Ternes-Burton pins, showing samples of her work for inspiration. After the demonstration you’ll create a small, 3-color print from start to finish so you can learn and understand the process before we begin working on our larger projects.
This afternoon we’ll get started on the first step of our large-scale reduction prints—the design. We’ll start off by taking a leisurely stroll through our local village in the Lecrín Valley, stopping to take photos and do some simple sketches of the flora and fauna, the unique architecture, and the rolling landscape for inspiration. Once we’re back at the villa, Katharine will guide us through some additional drawing and sketching exercises to help us translate what we’ve seen at the Alhambra and on our walk into simple illustrations that can translate well to reduction prints.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Friday, May 15, 2026
This morning we’ll get started on the next phase of our large-scale reduction prints—the multi-step carving and printing process. You’ll start by finalizing your design and translating it onto your block for carving. You’ll work closely with Katharine 1:1 throughout the day to review your composition, talk about your approach to carving, plan your ink colors, and set up your paper for printing.
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, May 16, 2026
Today is our final, full-day workshop with Katharine. You’ll pick up where you left off, continuing to carve and print the layers of your large-scale reduction prints. Our goal is for you to print at least five final, multi-color prints to take home with you. You’ll work at your own pace, but with guidance from Katharine about how to plan your print so you can successfully finish. Everyone works at a different pace and Katharine will be there to work with you 1:1 to provide guidance and reassurance along the way.
Towards the end of the day, we’ll gather our prints together for a mini gallery showing to look at our collective works together, share key takeaways, and show each other some love for the hard work we’ve put into our work over the past few days. Once we’re done, Katharine will show you how to pack up your prints so you can safely take them home.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Departure day: After breakfast, we say our final goodbyes and head on our way. We will have a group transfer back to the Granada Airport.
Thank you for joining us in the 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 room option.
Group Size: Minimum 9 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON AUGUST 28, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - SHARED TWIN ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$4,995 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.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due November 12, 2025: $4,100
OPTION 2 - SHARED DOUBLE SUITE
with en suite bathroom
$5,495 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 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.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due November 12, 2025: $4,100
OPTION 3 - PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$5,995 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 suite with a double bed and an en suite bathroom.
Initial Payment due immediately: : $2,495
Final Payment due November 12, 2025: $4,100
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Spain has a rich culinary culture. While we will try our best to manage allergies, we cannot guarantee to 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
Essential supplies for your workshop will be provided, which you’ll need to take home with you after the trip. You’ll also need to take you finished ceramics and prints home with you and we’ll provide bubble wrap and envelopes for carrying your precious ceramics and prints home safel
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. Granda 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 EU cities, such as Amsterdam.
Weather
May is a lovely time of year to visit Spain as it’s spring and the flowers are in bloom. Days are usually warm, but with cooler evenings. Daytimes temperatures usually average 68°F (20°C), but can drop as low as 50°F (10°C) at night, which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay, including a jacket + umbrella in case there are showers.
Included in this Trip
Multi-day workshop with Katharine, learning the materials and techniques of block printing, including how to create a tile repeat, a seamless pattern, and a large-scale reduction print with multiple layers and colors
Tour and 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 platesGuided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens
Private flamenco performance with renowned local artists
Boutique hotel and Estate accommodations
Chef-cooked meals featuring local dishes and produce
Transport during included meals and activities
Transport during included meals and activities
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
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 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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