Discover your passion in Spain

Our Art Retreats are designed to take your creativity to the next level. We believe the combination of art and travel provides a perfect stimulus for artistic expression. What sets us apart is our personal knowledge of art and Spain. We take pride in hosting every art retreat and workshop ensuring that you receive individual attention and care throughout your experience. Fluent in Spanish, Grant has not only lived in Spain but has also extensively travelled all across Europe. His profound understanding and connection to the country will enrich your experience, making every moment seamless and enjoyable. Our love for Spanish culture, language, and history has given us an appreciation of the warmth and passion of the Spanish people and is a privilege to share with you.

At Sol y Sombra Art Retreats, we believe in giving you a complete experience that includes art, culture and cuisine. Every day ends with a delicious meal, good wine, (not too much-lol) and great company. Our art retreats are known for finding the right balance between group activities and personal exploration. We know that everyone has their unique artistic journey, so we give you plenty of time to explore this. You can wander through quaint streets or enjoy the lively atmosphere of a local market. You have the freedom to create at your own pace . Refresh your creativity and your passion for art, culture, food, and adventure. So, prepare to embark on a remarkable journey, where the allure of Spain unravels before your eyes and the enchantment begins.

Grant Kenny

Meet Grant Kenny, an oil painter whose rich artistic background spans decades. Grant’s 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. Not long after his return to NZ. Grant met Alexandra, who is also a painter, specialising in Portraits and figurative painting. Alex makes her own oil and tempera paint and loves experimenting with natural pigments, mediums and surfaces, sharing this knowledge through her workshops and art courses. Not only does Alexandra love painting but her passion for cooking, especially Andalucian cuisine, will treat you to some mouth-watering classics like Salmorejo and her speciality flan!

Today, Alex and Grant divide their time between New Zealand and Spain, drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures of both countries.

Grant Kenny Paintings →

So how did it all start?

After a short time we began thinking about where our future together would be. So it came as a delightful surprise when a couple offered us a chance to care for their villa in Otivar, Andalucia. It just so happened that this was exactly the region that we were thinking of. Excited, we started our adventure in the coastal town of Salobreña.

In a delightful twist of fate, the charismatic owner of Hotel Palomares in Salobreña, Jose Luis, introduced us to a friend named Philippe, whom he told us, hailed all the way from New Zealand and had made Salobreña his home for the past 25 years. Naturally, we were initially sceptical, aware of the frequent mix-ups between Kiwis and Aussies or Brits. However, with a quick phone call, a distinguished, grey-haired gentleman appeared before us, greeting us with a cheerful "Helloooo!" that carried hints of both English and New Zealand accents. Little did we know that this encounter would mark the beginning of a deep friendship and ignite our passion for Andalucia. Phillippe whisked us away on extraordinary excursions to enchanting riverbeds where the iconic film 'And God Created Woman' was shot in 1956, the hidden Alpujarrian villages scarcely explored by foreigners, and obscure towns that had seldom seen international visitors. Phil's unparalleled knowledge of Spain, flamenco, and the essence of Spanish culture and life has been invaluable.

Immersed in these captivating experiences, we knew they were too extraordinary to keep to ourselves. We returned many times to Spain and eventually our love for art, our thirst for adventure, and our profound connection with Spain inspired us to share these treasures with other artists and travellers, so Sol y Sombra Tours began.. Naturally our love for painting and Spain has grown and after Covid we decided to focus on Art Retreats more than tours in Andalucia, however we are planning to re-introduce new exciting small group tours and art tours in the future…

You will discover as we have the warmth and hospitality of the Spanish people is second to none!