The Alchemy
of Ink
Six days of Zen painting, encaustic, and handmade brushes — in the golden light of San Miguel de Allende.
This is not a class. It's a week to slow down, work with your hands, and rediscover the mark that is unmistakably yours.
Three ways of making
Zen Painting
Movement, breath, and mark-making. Learn to let the line flow — and to trust it.
Encaustic Monotypes
Hot wax, color, and layer upon layer. Luminous, tactile pieces you can't plan — only discover.
Brushmaking
Craft your own tools from natural Mexican materials, guided by Elizabeth. The mark begins with the maker.
No previous encaustic experience needed — only curiosity.
A city that paints itself.
Cobblestone streets the color of terracotta and ochre. Light that turns gold at dusk. A living community of artists, galleries, and craft that has drawn makers for generations.
This UNESCO World Heritage city isn't a backdrop — it's a collaborator. Its color, texture, and rhythm will find their way into everything you create. Between studio sessions we'll wander galleries, a nearby pueblo mágico, and one of Mexico's great folk-art collections.
Home for the week: Casa de la Noche, a historic building lovingly restored by arts patron Barbara Poole, steps from the central Jardín.
Day by day
Arrival & welcome
Settle in, then gather in the evening for introductions over light botanas, margaritas, and agua fresca.
Into the studio
Demonstrations and hands-on class time, morning and afternoon, with free studio time to follow.
Atotonilco
Visit the Atotonilco Chapel & Gallery, lunch at Nirvana, then open studio time in the afternoon.
Layers & process
Demo and class time in the morning; a long, unhurried studio afternoon to go deeper.
Local art
Work time in the morning, then visit local exhibitions that feed the eye and the imagination.
Making, fully
A full day in the studio bringing your pieces together, ending with a gentle clean-up.
La Aurora & the exhibition
Morning at Fábrica La Aurora, then we set up and open our work to the public — a farewell celebration of the week.
Farewell
A final breakfast together before departures.
Two artists, one table
Elizabeth
Schowachert
A Montana-based artist who draws her materials from the land itself — weaving found natural elements into the brushes and tools she makes by hand. Each tool becomes a bridge between nature and the mark it leaves.
With more than a decade of teaching and exhibitions across the United States and Asia, Elizabeth's work in sumi-e and encaustic monotype is quietly, deeply distinctive.
elizabethschowachertart.comGabriela
Sánchez
Born in Mexico City, Gabriela is a visual artist with roots in textile design and a master's in visual communication. Her work is built around the line — drawn, stitched, or implied — where every mark tells a story.
She divides her time between her studio and teaching, guided by a single belief: that art is a process of discovery, never just a finished object.
gabrielasanchezarte.com
What past artists carry home
"Each piece is a little portal of friendship, creativity, freedom, and fearless community. I walk by them at home and soak up the energy to keep going. The best art time capsule."
"Truly extraordinary. Our teachers shared not only their knowledge but their spirit — so we learned technique, and learned to treasure the philosophy behind it."
"I'm still flying high with gratitude. Thank you for your kindness and for sharing your art with me. A rewarding, unforgettable week."
One price, everything considered
- 7 nights at Casa de la Noche
- All breakfasts & the meals in the itinerary
- Zen painting, encaustic & brushmaking instruction
- Materials for guided practices
- Cultural visits — Atotonilco, La Aurora & galleries
- Round-trip airport shuttle
- Final public group exhibition
- A circle of 15 fellow artists
Not included: flights, dinners, and personal expenses.
The practical details
Fly in
Arrive November 5, 2026 at León/BJX (Guanajuato) or Querétaro by 2:00 p.m. Central Time.
We'll drive you
The ~90-minute transfer to Casa de la Noche is included. Just send us your flight details.
Where you'll stay
Casa de la Noche — a restored historic home a short walk from San Miguel's central Jardín.
Good to know
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received 90 or more days before the start date are refunded, minus a $750 cancellation fee. Within 90 days, fees are non-refundable unless you find another artist to fill your spot — and if we have a waiting list, we'll help you reach out. Deposits and fees are applied as pre-payment of tuition; all cancellations must be in writing.
If the retreat can't run
We reserve the right to cancel due to low enrollment without incurring obligations. In that case, all deposits and payments are refunded in full.
Do I need experience?
No previous encaustic experience is needed — just curiosity and the joy of creating. Artists of all levels are welcome.
Reserve your spot
Secure your place with a $500 deposit · the form takes about 2 minutes.
Come make something luminous.
The circle is small and it fills quickly. Reserve your place with a $500 deposit today.
Reserve your spot