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Artists in the Alhambra, Art Retreat
An inspiring art retreat painting in the beautiful gardens of the Alhambra,Granada.
This is a rare and inspiring opportunity for artists to paint 'plein-air' in the beautiful surroundings of the Alhambra Gardens in Granada. Enjoy a balance of painting and fabulous day excursions soaking up the Spanish sunshine. Evening gatherings provide a space for reflection and conversation over delicious homemade Andalucían cuisine, fostering a community of like-minded individuals passionate about art. Make new friends from all over the world who share a passion for plein-air painting, cuisine and culture while you explore your creativity.
An overview
Dates 12th - 21st September 2025 / 10 days (TBC)
Our retreats are about much more than painting; they're about connecting with yourself and other like-minded artists. Join us for a transformative experience that enhances your artistic confidence and creativity. An extraordinary opportunity that nourishes your spirit in one of the most stunning areas of the world.
We meet you at Granada train station* in the afternoon on the first day. ( * Depending on your connecting arrival time, we are only a few minutes away ) After arriving at our beautiful accommodation near the Alhambra, enjoy light refreshments over an introduction to your inspiring Artists in the Alhambra Retreat in Andalucia.
Granada - The Alhambra and Generalife
We begin this art retreat in Granada with a visit to the Alhambra. The Alhambra’s stunning Palaces, tranquil gardens and trickling fountains are delightfully refreshing. After your initial visit to the Alhambra, you can choose where you would like to paint within the designated areas specified on your permit. Our fabulous accommodation is within walking distance and proximity to the Alhambra Generalife, making it easy to spend time each day in both.
In the evenings discover wonderful tapas bars nearby in the Realejo or walk to the Albaycin, to the plaza San Nicholas where you can see one of the best views of the Alhambra at sunset. Andalucía is the home of flamenco so there’ll be no shortage of musical performances to enjoy. Sunday is a free morning to explore the Albaycin with its charming narrow labyrinth of streets and delightful tea houses or join a day excursion to the Alpujarras or Guadix. The peaceful mountainous villages of the Alpujarras and the colourful troglodyte town of Guadix, are all within an hour of Granada, providing such a variety of subject matter that you will be spoilt for choice.
We paint during the mornings and again later in the day when the temperature is cooler, so participants can come and go as their work allows. It’s each person’s choice as to where they work, whether outside in the garden, during excursions or back under shade in privacy at our accommodation. There will be an opportunity to participate in plein air painting demonstrations and receive tuition if desired.
Mediterranean Cuisine
Enjoy delicious meals with a Mediterranean flare prepared with local seasonal produce. Breakfasts and lunches are inclusive except when we dine out during excursions. After a rewarding day of creativity, we can’t think of any better way to end the day than with a glass or two of Spanish wine or fino accompanied by delicious tapas and wonderful conversation.
Ronda - Breathtaking and Majestic
From Granada, we travel to our fabulous accommodation in the heart of Ronda for the last few days of your art retreat. The ‘Puente Nuevo’ bridge built in the 18th century is a masterpiece of engineering, spanning a deep gorge with vertical rock faces on both sides. Ronda is one of our favourite villages and we can’t wait to share why we feel this town is a must-see if you are visiting Andalucía!
Our last day together ends in Ronda. If you prefer to continue your journey to Sevilla, ( which is accessible by train from Ronda), or have an alternative destination please let us know and we do our best to facilitate your request.
PLEASE NOTE: *Your permit to paint in the Alhambra Gardens ( Generalife) is pre-approved by the Alhambra and we arrange this in advance. A permit is optional and not required to join this art retreat, as there is plenty of subject matter near the Alhambra and within Granada.
Reserve your spot early as participation is limited to a small group on a first-come, first-served basis!
Painting in the gardens of the Alhambra
Your facilities and accommodation
Your accommodation is in a beautiful residence in the Realejo, within a 15-minute walk of the Alhambra. All rooms are large with double or twin beds. The villa has a lovely garden with ample room for painting outdoors and multiple conversation areas.
Your hosts and art facilitators
GRANT KENNY AND ALEXANDRA HEYES
As practising artists and tutors with works in private collections around the world, Grant and Alexandra are delighted to share their practical knowledge of painting and art history. Painting in the Alhambra gardens has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. There is such a vast array of subject matter that you will always be able to find a secluded spot to capture the magic that is hidden in the Alhambra. You will have access to designated areas and can paint at your own pace.
Grant Kenny is an oil painter whose rich artistic background spans decades. His artistic journey commenced in 1982 at Elam School of Fine Arts, where he honed his skills. A pivotal part-time position at Artworks Foundry ignited his passion for sculpture and the intricate beauty of the human form. Just two years later, Grant's quest for artistic mastery led him to Sydney for life-drawing classes at the esteemed Julian Ashton School of Art, propelling him towards Europe.
Over the following four years in London and Italy, Grant immersed himself in the vibrant art scene, creating remarkable painted copies at the National Gallery and participating in life classes at Chelsea School of Art. During this time, none other than famous British painter Francis Bacon recognized his potential and encouraged him to keep pushing his craft. In 1989, Grant moved to Madrid, where he painted at the iconic Museo del Prado and expanded his knowledge at the Circulo de Bellas Artes. His exceptional talent secured numerous commissions, including a unique opportunity to work privately within the Prado, copying Holbein’s Portrait of Sir Thomas More for a notable Spanish lawyer.
Madrid also became the backdrop for Grant’s first solo exhibition in 1993, marking a significant milestone in his career. Following his adventures in Madrid, Grant explored North America before returning to New Zealand in 1994, where he quickly gained recognition in galleries across Auckland. Today, he divides his time between New Zealand and Spain, drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures of both countries. Whether capturing the elegance of human figures or the breathtaking beauty of landscapes, Grant Kenny's capacity to portray vivid colors and delicate light on canvas is truly remarkable. His figure paintings are proudly represented by the Turua Gallery, showcasing the depth and allure of his artistic vision.
Grant Kenny studied painting in Madrid at the Circulo de Bellas Artes, painted in the Museo del Prado and the National Gallery in London. He has lived and travelled extensively throughout Spain and knows Spanish art and history well. Grants plein air painting experience will help you gain an understanding for composition and tone in the medium of your choice that will bring you great confidence.
Grant Kenny Gallery
Alexandra specialises in portraiture and figurative painting. She also has an extensive knowledge of oil painting and and loves experimenting with natural pigments, mediums and surfaces, sharing this through her workshops and art courses. Not only does she love painting, but her passion for cooking, especially Andalucian cuisine, will treat you to mouth-watering classics like salmorejo and her speciality flan!
As each artist has different material requirements participants are requested to bring their own art supplies. We are happy to send a list of recommended materials when you register. If you require any materials to be purchased on your behalf to save having to bring them with you, we may be able to arrange this for you as long as you give us advanced notice ( The price of materials is additional so we can send you a quote ). Some easels will be available if you require one. ( Please advise us if you need an easel as these must be booked ahead of time). Arrangement for the transportation of finished works after the retreat is the sole responsibility of each participant.
“I find Alexandra as an instructor extremely helpful. She is very experienced and she has the skill level to transfer her knowledge to you at a level that you would understand perfectly well. Furthermore, Alexandra ensures that you can experiment to still learn at your own pace, but she delivers sufficient guidance so that you’ll feel satisfied with the end result you’ve accomplished. This certainly differentiates her workshops because she helps you to take your painting to the next level.
I am sincerely grateful for all the techniques I’ve learnt from her.”
“It is with pleasure that I recommend any budding or keen artist join Alexandra and Grant on their artists’ retreats and workshops in Spain. Alexandra has been my tutor for several years now and it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. I started off as a total beginner, not even knowing how to mix colours and am now doing portraits in oils and charcoals and just loving it. I have also had lessons in painting landscapes in both oil and pastel. She explains how to do things so well, then lets you get on with the painting. I now enjoy every minute I am painting and the rest of the world seems to pass away. Just enjoy,”
Painting within the Alhambra Gardens
Obtaining a permit to paint within the Alhambra gardens is a rare opportunity. Permission to work within the Alhambra complex is pre-approved and is therefore booked in advance. A permit to paint in the Alhambra is for up to five days and covers painting, drawing or photographing in designated areas of the Alhambra gardens. We do this on your behalf as part of this art retreat.
Learn more - How to apply for a permit to paint in the Alhambra
What’s included in your Art retreat
Dates 12th - 21st September 2025 / 10 days (TBC)
EUR 3900 pp (sharing with a partner or friend)
EUR 4500 pp (includes single supplement/non-sharing) (Early bird EUR 4200 )
your art retreat is all-inclusive of the following
☀️ Entrance to the Alhambra palaces and Generalife.
☀️ A Permit to paint in designated areas within the gardens of the Alhambra*
*We send you the information required to apply for a permit when you register.
☀️ Luxurious accommodation in a beautiful villa in the Realejo.
☀️ Magnificent accommodation in the heart of Ronda.
NB: All rooms have double or twin beds and can be booked either as a couple or single ( single supplement applies )
☀️ Introductory drinks and tapas.
☀️ Evening aperitifs and tapas.
☀️ All breakfasts and catered lunches whilst at the villa.
🍽️ A fabulous farewell dinner to leave Spain richer and more refreshed than when you arrived.
☀️ Laundry services (a washing machine and iron) are available at our residence.
☀️ Land and travel costs during the retreat for excursions.
☀️ Day excursions to Guadix and the Alpujarras.
Travel Light
We will be exploring Granada on foot so please travel light and be prepared to carry your own supplies.
We encourage participants to bring their own art supplies since everyone has their own preferences. We can send you a list of materials and suggestions suitable for plein air painting should you need advice. If you require any materials to be purchased on your behalf to save having to bring them with you, we are happy to help with this (Please give us advanced notice and we can send you an estimate or quote.) We supply oil medium and odourless archival solvents for oil painting, charcoal for drawing and some supports. A limited number of easels will also be available. ( Please advise us in advance if you would like to reserve an easel ).
Most days we will paint out in the mornings and possibly later during the day. Participants can come and go as their work allows. Delicious breakfasts, lunch, and light refreshments will be provided at our residence when we are not travelling on excursions. We try to cater for all foodie preferences and there are organic shops and a vegan restaurant near our accommodation.
Please note: We meet our guests at Málaga Train station on the first day at 1 pm or if you choose to arrive in Granada by the evening of the first day we will send directions to our accommodation. The art retreat terms and conditions→
Register your interest below to reserve your place for an unforgettable experience! 🌟
Artists in the Alhambra Art Retreat
It’s time to give yourself this opportunity of a lifetime…
Dates 12th - 21st September 2025 / 10 days (TBC)
EUR 3900 pp (sharing with a partner or friend)
EUR 4500 pp (includes single supplement/non-sharing) (Early bird EUR 4200 )
Reserve your place now for September 2025!
We find that meeting via a Zoom call is the perfect way for you to meet us, learn more about the art retreat and for us to answer any questions.
Reserve your spot early as participation is limited to a small group on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those who register their interest.
🌟 Reserve your place for an unforgettable experience! 🌟
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