©
with
Liz Murphy (USA)
& Anna Kwiecinska
2-10 July 2024 - medium to advanced
9 days/ 8 nights
Day 1 - Arrival Day - no program
Day 9 - Departure Day - no program
7 Full Days Art and Cultural programs
ten places only on this retreat
Can you imagine having 8 days all to yourself in a secluded Balinese seaside village where all you need to do is indulge you passion to paint with confidence?
Making art - in between swims, padding upstairs to a yoga class with Eva Kroes overlooking turquoise waters, floating downstairs to devour delicious healthy food cooked by our own chef, and then falling asleep to the sound of the sea? We have just 10 places on this retreat.
Join us for a retreat designed to show you how the light gets in, amid the breathtaking setting of East Bali, with British artist and designer Liz Murphy. Daily yoga is included!
THE BACKGROUND
Liz and Anna met in Sri Lanka in 2021 and we both knew that we had to do this!
Liz first came to Bali in 2023 to teach her dynamic course in Abstract Expressionism. it was an overwhelming success, so in 2024 we offer this NEW Advanced Course for more those with some experience already who wish to expand their understanding of colour, and gain confidence in using it WELL.
I have painted with many teachers (haven't we all), but I have to say that Liz Murphy is amongst the very best. Liz has a way of imparting her design and paint blending theories in a way that resulted in immediate improvement in my work.
Liz is an energetic and enthusiastic teacher who clearly loves helping her students get to the next level, regardless of where the student starts - from the beginner to the advanced.
Liz has a special talent for really helping the artist see the strengths of the student's work, and offers practical suggestions for consideration. It has been a joy to work with her!
Janet, USA, attended Liz Murphy's 2023 Bali retreat
Abstract Alchemy - July Retreat
Welcome to our Art Retreat in Bali – an immersive experience tailored for more advanced creators eager to elevate their artistic practice.
This retreat delves even deeper into the world of artistry. We're here to nurture your passion and hone your skills. This retreat is designed for those who have already embarked on their creative journey and are hungry to take it to the next level.
In this retreat, we will focus on the finer nuances of artistry. You can expect a comprehensive exploration of color mixing, enabling you to master the art of blending and harmonizing colors to create stunning, nuanced compositions. We will also delve into the principles of good art, teaching you how to refine your techniques and strengthen the design aspects of your work.
With the goal of helping you unlock your full artistic potential, throughout the retreat, you'll engage in hands-on activities, receive personalized guidance, and participate in inspiring discussions with fellow advanced artists. By the end of this retreat, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of the creative process, enhanced technical skills, and the confidence to push your creative boundaries.
Along with 35-hours of tuition from Liz, this really special retreat also includes:
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A half day tour into the beautiful East Bali for a peek into authentic cultural life of one of the island's most hidden communities in Tengenan - the creators of Ikat weaving in Bali.
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Cooking'n'Cocktails with our executive chef - cook your own 7-dish megibung with tips and recipes to be able to make it at home - plus our Signature Nilaya cocktails and snacks as you stir the sauce!
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A stylish night out on the town with fine dining
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Daily yoga (including 'proper' chair yoga so everyone is included!), starting with a 20-minute breathwork session when you arrive each morning, and a luxurious yoga session after painting, with alternative days for extra-long shavasana (guided deep rest yoga - nidra sessions), and active or restorative yoga as the week progresses.
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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 essential oils where you choose your favourite scent - Meditation or Relaxation.
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A 90-minute heavenly, live sound-bathing experience (some call it 'sound therapy' or 'healing' - we just call it divine) that will have your senses and imagination floating ...
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plus your choice of accommodation and breakfast for 8 nights + airport collection +
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Lunches during the retreat are healthy, delicious fresh meals at Villa Nilaya, where the retreat is held
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You'll enjoy 4 special dinners at Villa Nilaya, with other nights free to discover the local restaurants, all within an easy walk of your hotel
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with the last afternoon free for shopping or more pampering
A luxurious week where all you need do is turn up each day after breakfast (and perhaps an early-morning dip? ... the snorkeling is fabulous), having taken the short walk in our pretty village to Villa Nilaya, where our first 20 minutes of the day are spent with who'll lead us in some calm, focusing and inspirational breathwork - pranayama - and then to art ...
Lean into a deeply restorative, full, luxuriant yoga class on our beautiful teak-floored yoga space.
Stretch, breathe and relax deeply ... drift off to sleep, perhaps, to the sound of the lapping sea at the end of the garden .... before padding downstairs as evening gathers, for a healthy, delicious buffet dinner prepared by our own Villa Nilaya chefs, with alternate evenings all yours to spend discovering the seaside dining venues in our village of Mendira near Candi Dasa.
Choose from one of three accommodations - from cute Balinese bungalows to luxe-plus resort suites, all venues have dining facilities if you fancy a night at home. Your 8-nights' accommodation with breakfast is included in the retreat price. There is nothing else to pay. See the Accommodation
Liz and I warmly invite you to join our small group for this delicious art experience by the sea in beautiful Bali.
WHO WILL THIS RETREAT SUIT?
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Liz's way of teaching which will offer you practical insights into ways to bring light and life to the layers of your painting, giving it depth, complexity and luminosity. Discover how the light gets in!
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This course is specially designed for those with some prior practical painting experience.
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The YOGA is suitable for ALL LEVELS of experience, including novices and for those with restricted movement we'll have a 'chair yoga' alternative for you.
ART RETREAT DATES & extra nights
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STARTS on ARRIVAL DAY (DAY 1) You will be collected from the airport, The drive to our village is about 90-minutes. The Retreat STARTS after lunch on DAY 2. There is no program on your arrival day (Day 1)
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ENDS after breakfast on DEPARTURE DAY (DAY 9), There is no program today and checkout time is 12 from your hotel.
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Arriving early or staying longer is highly recommended!
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Anna has secured special hotel rates for a limited period if you wish to arrive early/stay longer. Please enquire.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
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With 35 hours over 7 days of dedicated tuition time with Liz
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You will create several small canvases plus works on quality paper all leading to work on a large canvas (90 x 90 cm; 36 x 36 inch)
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BONUS : Watch as Liz work on a large 'masterclass' canvas throughout the week
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The small canvases can be taken home in your luggage or as a hand-carried parcel (we will pack them for you)
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The large canvas will be taken off the stretcher and rolled and packed for you to carry as a light, bubble-wrapped roll.
MANY ART MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED
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Paints and mediums, mark making tools, crayons, pastels,
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Brushes
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Canvases
Your finished works on quality, deep stretched canvases will be hung for the final night exhibition ... we call it 'floaty dress night' ... it's a distinctly Balinese-style cocktail evening celebration of your achievement with a fabulous night of entertainment.
HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING WITH YOU:
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a sketch book
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Your brushes and favourite painting tools
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a detailed list will be sent to you. You do not need to bring paint, unless you have favourite colours.
Professionally trained artist, Liz Murphy was born and raised in Surrey, England, studying Graphic Design at Kingston University. Before starting her own company, she held various roles including creative directorships in London-based design agencies, designer of a range of kids' products, and illustrator of New York Times bestselling children’s books.
Liz moved to the United States in 2005 with her family and settled just outside of New York City, launching her own interior design company, and then wham! life changed - 12 years later Liz decided that it was time she gave herself permission to dive into creative play, the way she remembered as a child.
With a deep and varied well of creative experiences to draw from, free from the expectations and limitations of working to a client brief, Abstract Expressionism became the perfect way to explore her internal landscape - what she hadn’t anticipated was quite how powerful a medicine her art practice was to become on her 'healing journey.'
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 yoga has under-pinned Creative Living Retreats, as a source of focus for creative inspiration - so whether you join us as a novice or a yogi, each day presents a new yoga journey with our intuitive teachers to Live Creatively.
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 for which Creative Living Retreats have become well known.
I've come home excitedly armed with fabulous new skills, inspiration, practical solutions, confidence and newfound friends, but also fond memories of rubbing shoulders with an especially talented artist and teacher.
Liz is a professional and enthusiastic tutor, sharing her tools, her processes, and her phenomenal knowledge on mixing colours.
I would do another workshop with Liz in a heartbeat!
Rose Rudd (professional artist), New Zealand
on Liz Murphy's Bali 2023 Retreat
How does the retreat work?
With our varied evening programs, each day is a little different, but the working part of our program is like this:
Read More.....
BREAKFAST At your hotel. Walk to the retreat hub, Villa Nilaya - about an 8 -10 minute walk away.
MORNING 9.30 - 9.50
BREATHWORK yoga 'pranayama' to calm, meditation to focus, 'sound bathing' to inspire
ART SESSION I 9.50 -1.00 with morning tea
LUNCH BREAK 1.00-2.00
ART SESSION 2 2.00 - 5.00 with afternoon tea
YOGA 5.15 - 6.30
DINNER 6.30 When at Villa Nilaya, dinner follows yoga, and is a buffet of Balinese dishes, zesty, but not spicy hot
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The half day tour includes a visit to the hidden village of Tengenan, home of Bali's ikat weavers gourmet Balinese lunch and a second art-making session.
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OPTIONAL boat trip depending on weather and tides. Guided snorkeling if you would like
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You’ll also have four free evenings with several dining options within just a few minutes' walk of the villa and your hotel.
Speaking of food ...
Balinese food is very flavoursome, with complex flavours that you'll learn about in our chef-led cooking experience. Even spicy food is not fiery, but tangy with galangal, lime, coriander and ginger.
Let Anna know of your special dietary requirements at booking.
What does your Retreat include? Practically everything except your airfare !
see all the inclusions >
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A/C Airport Taxi collection with name board on arrival at the International Airport
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Accommodation with Breakfast for 8 nights in your choice of beachside hotels and bungalows
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35 Hours of Art Tuition with Liz Murphy over 7 days
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All Listed Art Materials
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You should bring a sketch pad - more details in pre-retreat information
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Yoga Classes – gentle stretchy, restorative and deep relaxation yoga suitable for experienced yogis as well as those looking forward to trying yoga for the first time, and more advanced for those wishing to extend their practice.
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Breakfasts 8
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Lunches 6 - buffet, provided at Villa Nilaya during the retreat. We serve really fresh food, with an emphasis on vegetarian, tofu and seafood protein, and not too starchy (quinoa and red rice often replaces white rice).
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Morning and afternoon teas each day
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Bottled Water available throughout the retreat
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Dinners 4 including:
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‘Welcome Dinner BBQ' at Villa Nilaya (dietary restrictions catered for - please advise)
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Exhibition Night Dinner and concert performance
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Cooking and Cocktails with our executive chef Pak Dewa Ardika
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A fine dining experience in town
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Balinese Massage or reflexology treatment in house at Villa Nilaya
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a sound-bathing event (some call it 'sound healing or sound therapy ... we just call it divine!)
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and surprises along the way,,,,,
Thank you Anna for convening this fabulous experience.
Your style, grace and attention to detail made everyone feel important. Sharing your home for those days of art and food and armchair yoga will be a special memory for me to hold.
You have gathered an amazing staff around you ... thank you again.
I loved Florabunda.
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Gloria C. Queensland, Australia. Florabunda 2022
What's not included
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airfare
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travel insurance
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personal expenses
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return taxi (you can pre-pay this when you book )
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4 dinners and 2 lunches - our village of Mendira has several excellent 'warungs' - local restaurants
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Please note that the links on the pricelist below are not live - you can download the PDF by hitting the button below and can access live links from that.
Accommodation details for Bali available HERE
