©
with
JODY GRAHAM
& Anna Kwiecinska
16 - 24 JULY 2027
including BIRD FIELD TRIP
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8 days / 7 nights
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16th - Day 1 ARRIVAL day SANUR - welcome dinner and overnight stay in spa hotel
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17th - Day 2 FIELD TRIP + journey to Candi Dasa
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18th - 23rd - 5 and half days art (11 x 3hr sessions)
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24th - Day 8 DEPARTURE DAY (no program)
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all accommodation included with OWN ROOM
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inc. transfer, most meals, materials, entrances + more
Join JODY GRAHAM'S next art retreat in Bali and focus on the subject which has won her a devoted audience of art collectors - birds!
Learn how to draw expressive, dynamic interpretations of Bali’s vibrant bird species using Jody's specialised techniques, honed by years of experimentation and experience.
Take home several finished bird-inspired artworks on full sheets of quality paper, and a large rectangular canvas; new drawing and painting skills; a deeper appreciation of birds through close observation, and a handmade journal filled with memories of your time in Bali.
Join us for BIRDS UNLIMITED! an exciting new retreat with one of Australia's most renowned artists!
THIS IS OUT INVITATION TO YOU TO FIND, REDISCOVER or EXPAND YOUR CREATIVITY
Jody Graham's exhibitions are always awaited with great anticipation - now you have a unique opportunity to work alongside her in our seaside setting in a quiet village of east Bali.
Jody's dedication to helping you find or hone your individual style is exemplary in its teaching and unstinting in its generosity.
The retreat begins with a visit to the Bali Bird Park, where you'll spend time observing birds up close - including several extraordinary hornbill species. This is a wonderful opportunity to take photographs, make sketches and discover which birds you feel most drawn to (no, that isn't a pun!). Throughout the day, Jody will demonstrate how to quickly sketch birds as they move, as well as simple ways to capture gesture, posture and character. The first day is about gathering ideas, inspiration and reference material that will be used throughout the week.
On the second day, Jody will guide you through drawing birds with her signature techniques using coloured pencils and watercolour washes. Through careful observation, you will explore feathers, colour, form and character while building the skills and confidence needed for the larger artworks that follow.
Then, over the next five days, you'll begin a series of major mixed-media projects using a specialised technique developed by Jody over many years. Because this process takes time to learn and build, the retreat offers the ideal opportunity to experience it from beginning to end in a relaxed and supportive environment. You will have plenty of time to complete these works.
You will also create a large-scale charcoal drawing inspired by one of the darker feathered birds from the Bird Park, such as the striking Palm Cockatoo.
Throughout the retreat, Jody will encourage you to develop your own bird journal, recording observations, sketches, colour studies and ideas each day. This journal will become a personal record of the experience and a very special memento of the retreat.
By the end of the week, you will take home several finished bird-inspired artworks, new drawing and painting skills, a deeper appreciation of birds through observation, and a handmade journal filled with memories from their time in Bali.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this retreat is an invitation to explore, express, and rediscover your creative voice in a fully supported, tropical setting, where all you have to bring is your intention - we'll do the rest!
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JODY GRAHAM
WHAT'S THE RETREAT LIKE?
Our week begins with an overnight stay (Day 1) in a seaside resort in Sanur, about 25 minutes from the airport (we'll pick you up) - you may wish to arrive a few days earlier to soak up the laid-back ambience and fabulous dining and shopping opportunities in Sanur (arrange those nights with Anna when you book). We'll have our Welcome Dinner together in Sanur on the official Arrival night (16th), and a complimentary Balinese massage has been arranged for you - you just need to book in on your arrival.
Next morning (Day 2) after breakfast we leave for the Bali Bird Park on a full day of drawing, and a Balinese lunch en route (Included). We will drive to our final location (about 90 minutes), the village of Mendira to reach by late afternoon. Relax with a seaside cocktail and settle in to your seaside bungalow (choose from our options below).
Now a spacious week awaits you: all you need do is turn up each day at 9.15 am, after breakfast (and perhaps an early-morning dip? ... the snorkeling is pretty good), having taken the short walk or a taxi ride to the retreat hub of Villa Nilaya in the village of Mendira, just a couple of kilometers from the relaxed seaside town of Candi Dasa.
Lets' begin our day with some focusing breathwork and a gentle meditation to gather us together each morning.
This is led by Anna, who has been introducing participants over the last several years of retreats to the A.W.E. technique of 'microdosing mindfulness' ... it's integrated into the week as you're introduced to many aspects of Balinese cultural life and beliefs.
Your painting studio is an airy sea-facing space beneath the soaring grass roof of Villa Nilaya - with the swimming pool just steps away, to dip into between sessions.
Most materials are provided, and you will be provided with a small list when you enrol. You can take your canvas home rolled in a tube (bring this with you), or stretched (small extra charge).
From Day 3 through to the last painting session in the morning of Day 7 (offering you 11 sessions of art-making, each 3hrs), Jody is with you to demonstrate, advise, encourage you to step beyond a pattern or comfort-zone, and reach towards an artistic goal that you will have opportunities to discuss with her at the beginning of this retreat.
A healthy, freshly-prepared lunch is served each day, buffet-style at Villa Nilaya, along with delicious morning and afternoon teas.
You'll spend a total of 6 nights in Candi Dasa. We'll enjoy one evening out for cocktails and fine dining, and on the other three peaceful evenings when there is no after-painting program, you can discover the seaside dining venues in our village of Mendira near Candi Dasa.
Celebrate on the final evening with our Exhibition Night and Farewell Party.
You can choose where you stay from one of two accommodations - from cute Balinese bungalows to luxe-plus resort suites at the Candi Beach Hotel, Both venues have dining facilities if you fancy a night at home. Your retreat cost INCLUDES accommodation with breakfast in the retreat price. There is nothing else to pay, except for dinners on the 'free nights' (during the retreat, all breakfasts and lunches and 3 dinners are included).
OUR BUNGALOW ACCOMMODATION will either be AMARTA or LOTUS, depending on local conditions.
They're situated on the beach, both with nice swimming pools and restaurants and grounds.
If you're after something more luxurious, please consider CANDI BEACH RESORT HOTEL.
Jody and I warmly invite you to join our group in 2027 for this exceptional art experience By the Sea in beautiful East Bali.
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MEET JODY GRAHAM
"Drawing is at the core of my multidisciplinary art. I relentlessly explore new techniques and investigate contemporary drawing practice. To do this I build on and then moves beyond conventional drawing processes in search of new methods and tools that connect drawing with the fundamental need to make symbolic marks."
Jody is a multidisciplinary artist with a solid solo exhibition history since 2011 - READ MORE
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Drawing is my way of learning about people, places and things.
It’s more than a technique; it’s how I make sense of the world.
I look forward to sharing this way of working at my next Bali retreat, –16 - 24 July 2027
JODY GRAHAM
Creative Living Retreats by Anna Kwiecinska
With a background as an art historian and art gallery owner, my collaboration with artists continues to be a fascinating career which evolved into specialist art retreats designed to combine seriously good art tuition with authentic cultural experiences.
The practice of meditation has under-pinned Creative Living Retreats, as a source of focus for creative inspiration.
In 202o Anna was part of a pilot study group led by two reseachers in the bay Area of San Francisco, into the practice of 'microdosing mindfulness' .Dr David Amster a pain management specialist and Jake Eagle, life coach and counsellor, - both meditators - have since published their findings as "The Power of A.W.E', and it is this wisdom that we draw on in recent retreats.
I began this retreat program in 2011 and other than during the pandemic, retreats have happened every year. Over a decade, many retreatants have returned for our thoughtfully curated weeks of supported creativity, and I genuinely look forward to welcoming you to experience the depth of wellbeing that Creative Living Retreats have become known for, More info
What You'll Do
You’ll create several finished artworks on paper and a large canvas, using expressive techniques that Jody will demonstrate and guide you through, drawing inspiration from your sketches made at the Bali Bird park, and related materials.
We’ll begin the retreat by crafting our own handmade drawing tools, setting the tone for the week and embracing the idea that letting go of perfection can lead to powerful, authentic art. Jody will share a series of innovative techniques she's developed to help you reconnect with your innate creativity and shift from creating in your head to creating from your heart.
Throughout the week, you’ll explore a rich variety of themes and materials to create your own interpretations of Balinese Birdlife – Learn how to draw expressive, dynamic interpretations of Bali’s vibrant bird species using ink and mixed media.
By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with a vibrant collection of completed mixed media artworks, on both canvas and paper, in sizes that are easy to pack and take home, as well as a deeper connection to your creative self and a renewed, fearless approach to drawing and painting. You’ll gain practical skills in drawing and painting, mark-making, working with mixed materials, and composing meaningful, personal artwork—all while soaking in the natural beauty of Bali, enjoying nourishing food, and participating in grounding events and ceremonies to keep you feeling present and inspired throughout the week.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this retreat is an invitation to explore, express, and rediscover your creative voice in a magical setting.
Your STUDIO TIME consists of:
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11 x 3-hr sessions at Villa Nilaya for painting - a total of 33 hrs with Jody Graham
MASTERCLASS and DEMONSTRATIONS
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Jody will demonstrate throughout the retreat and you'll see her work evolve side-by-side with your own
Who Will This Retreat Suit?
If you love design, appreciate cultural diversity, are curious about new techniques and materials, then whether you are a ceramicist or painter already , or not, Christine's teaching will inspire you to approach these projects with confidence.
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What does your Retreat include? Practically everything except your airfare !
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Airport collection
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Tutoring with Jody Graham - 11 art sessions of 3 hrs each
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All art materials - paper and canvas, so you just bring a sketchbook & a fountain pen for drawing
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full day Field Trip for bird observation and drawing
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1 night accommodation at seaside resort in Sanur
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6 nights at your choice of accommodation and breakfast in Candi Dasa (retreat Hub is Villa Nilaya)
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7 breakfasts
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7 Healthy Balinese lunches prepared at Villa Nilaya each retreat day
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3 dinners - Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner and Candi Dasa night out
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Short morning practice with sound and meditation with Anna
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A 60-minute deliciously restorative Balinese massage or reflexology treat with our expert masseuses using Sensatia's pure sweet almond oil infused with restorative Balinese essential oils
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retreat bag with arty gifts
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organised, curated, hosted and fully supported by Anna Kwiecinska
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What's not included?
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flights
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taxi transfer from retreat
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all personal expenses incurred at hotel (laundry etc)
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4 dinners
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any trips, tours or transports not included in the description of 'inclusions'
MEET YOUR RETREAT CURATOR, ANNA KWIECINSKA
With a background as an art historian and gallerist, Anna's collaboration with artists and writers continues to be a fascinating career which evolved into specialist art retreats designed to combine seriously good tuition with authentic cultural experiences.
Over the last 15years, hundreds of people over dozens of retreats have experienced the depth of wellbeing that being creative can foster. Creative Living Retreats are a source of focus for creative inspiration, with our intuitive teachers guiding you to Live Creatively.
This retreat answers a long-held desire to work with Jody Graham, whose work I've admired for years! I'm thrilled to share this new week of art-making with Jody, with you, and with the bird life and beautiful Balinese people who work with us, ... all this and more abounds in beautiful Villa Nilaya by the sea. See you there!
ACCOMMODATION
Your accommodation is included in the published retreat cost. All you need do is choose the hotel, and then choose the room tyoe.
IN CANDI DASA (seven nights) we offer you two hotels to choose from - both with beachfront locations and both about 8-10 minutes' walk from the retreat venue of Villa Nilaya, a spacious, fully-staffed private villa with large swimming pool, beachfront swimming access, painting studio, and lovely gardens. We are located in the quiet village of Mendira.
The accommodation iis shown here OR click on the images below to go to the hotel websites.
The retreat prices include SINGLE OCCUPANCY in ALL ACCOMMODATIONS and all of the items listed in 'Inclusions'.
