Beautifully Imperfect Retreats with Laura Harris…. our retreats are not just about painting, they’re about living creatively and with purpose. Whether we’re beside the ocean in Victoria; in the lavender-scented hills of Tuscany; or high in the Rockies on horseback; our retreats are designed to fuel the creative spirit. We find magical places around the globe to host them and we gather some rare souls to share it all with. We prepare delicious and nourishing food, we get messy, paint freely, breathe deeply, discover a fantastic soundtrack, laugh, and remember what it feels like to let go. You don’t have to be an artist to take part. Our retreats are designed for everyone, amateurs and pros alike.
“Recognizing and honouring your own creative spark will lead you… it will open you, lift you, free you, and most importantly connect you… to yourself, to your purpose, to the highest love, and to all those who champion you. It will bring you home to your very core.” - Laura Harris

**THE SPRING RETREATS ARE WAIT-LISTED. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN JOINING - THINGS ARE ALWAYS CHANGING AND I’M HOPEFUL SPOTS WILL OPEN UP FOR YOU**

JUNE 5&6, Wed & Thurs (this retreat is wait-listed)
JUNE 7&8, Fri & Sat (this retreat is private)
JUNE 9&10, Sun & Mon (this retreat is wait-listed)

Nestled on a ½ acre across from the ocean, our home by Mount Doug in Victoria is the perfect place to spend our time. We’ll paint and eat delicious, healthy food prepared by my close friends; we’ll breathe deeply in morning yoga with Rachel Reid; we’ll laugh, share, listen to a magical soundtrack and remember what it feels like to just let go. Join us. 

$1025 Can - cost includes two full days of acrylic painting, morning yoga, all meals and snacks, including al fresco dinner. Supplies & accommodation not included. Full itinerary and supply list will be provided. Deposit due upon registration.

— NO PAINTING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY —

“I can’t even describe how amazing it was.” “I didn’t even know how much I needed this. Incredible.” “It opened me up and I’m painting again.” “You and your crew were so incredibly loving and generous." “Watching you paint was a game-changer for me.” “I want to do this every year.”

Please email me at lharrisstudio@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining us!

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6 DAY RETREAT - SEPTEMBER 15-20, 2024 (this retreat is now full, wait list started)
OR
8 DAY RETREAT - SEPTEMBER 7-14, 2024 (this retreat is now full, wait list started)

Tucked in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, overlooking the enchanting waters of Loch Tay, Stucktaymore is the perfect location for our week-long retreat. Once a treasured 18th-century hunting lodge, the property has transformed into a charming estate offering an ideal blend of privacy, relaxation, and luxury. Here, we'll spend our days painting in the studio, drawing endless inspiration from the surrounding woodlands, sweeping glens, paths and waterfalls. The Highlands are renowned for their dramatic vistas, which provide an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow. Sunbursts pierce through heavy clouds, casting a warm glow on the land, while rain sweeps in, veiling the landscape in a fine mist. It's a place where nature's raw power and stunning serenity coexist, offering boundless inspiration for us to translate onto canvas.

So many exceptional experiences await… captivating hikes amidst breathtaking landscapes, al fresco fireside gatherings, tours of our charming local village, and, of course, the whiskey tastings! We’ll introduce you to the rich flavors of some top-notch, locally distilled Scotch. When you’re ready for some downtime, you can relax in the hot tub, kick back by the fire, or pick up some knitting skills in the snug with our dear friend Paula Jeffers, owner of 3 Singing Birds in Whistler. Paula will be joining us for our 8 Day Retreat, bringing plenty of materials for everyone to work on a simple project.

We’ll be well-fed too! Joanne Hamilton of Geranium & Thyme is from the area and will be staying with us, preparing the most delicious meals for us to share around a beautiful table. Our hope is that this Scottish Highlands Painting Retreat nourishes your soul and strikes the perfect harmony between delicious adventure and artistic expression.

— NO PAINTING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY —

The 8 Day Retreat includes (Sept 7-14): 7 nights accommodation, 4 full days of painting instruction, nearby excursions, meals, transfers, knitting and painting supplies. International travel is not included. Price: starting at $5175 USD.

The 6 Day Retreat includes (Sept 15-20): 5 nights accommodation, 4 full days of painting instruction, nearby excursions, meals, transfers and painting supplies. International travel is not included. Price: starting at $4275 USD.

This retreat is run in partnership with Keri and Nicola of Finisterra Travel. A 25% deposit will be required to reserve your spot, with final payment due 60 days before travel. We are also very happy to accommodate a custom payment plan if it suits

— NEW! private retreats —
if you have a group of 8-12 & would like discuss your own, custom experience,
I’d love to design something with you! Email me

PAST RETREATS

PUGLIA, ITALY – September 16–23, 2022. SOLD OUT.

Join us for a heavenly week of creative, cultural, and epicurean experiences in breathtaking Puglia. We’ll paint in the mornings and spend our afternoons exploring local villages and stunning landscapes, enjoy mouth-watering cuisine, and laze about by the seaside. With whitewashed buildings, secret castles, the crystalline Mediterranean Sea, and a slow approach to life, you will surely be enchanted by this gorgeous slice of Italy.
For this gloriously easy and indulgent week, we’ve partnered with the incredibly talented chef Julie Marr and her amazing partner Francesco Creanza – a Puglia native, of Everyone at the Table. This dynamic duo will take us to some of their favourite haunts in Puglia and share their love of the region and passion for food with us. We love their approach to life and their philosophy of sharing time, food and stories around a table where everyone is welcome.

LUCCA, ITALY – October 1–8, 2022. SOLD OUT.

Join us at a beautiful, 17th Century estate, set amongst the hills and olive groves of Northern Tuscany. Lucca is known as the hidden gem of Tuscany with city walls that keep out most of the cars, it has a notable, chilled-out vibe with a palette of warm yellows, rich turquoise, and deep emeralds – the perfect, inspiring backdrop for our creative getaway. We’ll throw some paint around, lounge amongst olive trees and grapevines, gather and share, explore treasured places, and oh my, we’ll eat! We are thrilled to be working with our dear friend – the incomparable, most generous, and lovely Rosanna Passione. Rosanna lives and thrives in Tuscany and her energy and passion for authentic, yet modern Italian cooking is infectious. We have worked together before and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

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What people are saying…

”Traveling with Laura Harris is like going on holiday with a best friend, she is so incredibly generous and shares her art skills as well as her passion for amazing food, wine, music, style and travel creating an amazing once in  a life time experience. The feeling of welcome, inclusion and attention to detail from Laura and the amazing girls at Finisterra, from my two trips with them were unforgettable.” ~ Paula Jeffers, British Columbia

“It's difficult to put into words how inspiring Laura is! I was greatly inspired by her enormous talent and the incredible generosity she bestowed upon us all. Through her kindness and gentle coaching, my inhibitions and fears were quickly replaced with confidence and a sense of wonder at my own creative spirit. Every part of the retreat was beautiful and nourishing to my spirit. The food was also artful and delicious (thank you, Rachel) and the time spent with everyone was deeply enriching." ~ Wendy Lockhart, Toronto

“Highly recommended… the destinations, accommodations and travel experiences are so thoughtfully curated by Laura and the Finisterra crew. It's the creative element that makes these trips truly remarkable. Laura is a talented artist and a beautiful soul. Her kindness, patience and enthusiasm make her an extraordinary teacher. And it's true that no experience is needed. If you are a beginner with a hankering for a creative outlet, Laura will guide you to create some beautiful art. If you are an experienced artist, Laura will help you become a better artist. I will most certainly take another trip with Laura and Finisterra! ~ Charlotte MacNaughton, Alberta

“Traveling with Laura Harris and Finisterra Travel is like attending a really well-organized party with your closest and coolest friends. They make the whole experience enjoyable with creative energy, boundless enthusiasm for the beauty and unique characteristics of the location, passion for music, great food and drink, and the knack of attracting interesting fellow travelers.  Laura is a marvel to watch in action and so generous in sharing her talent. Keri and Nicole’s professional and unflappable attention to detail makes it so easy for everyone to relax and enjoy the ride.” ~ Ann Duker, Arkansas

"Laura's leadership presence and ability to draw out the unique creative gifts of each participant were amazing! I know I will look back at these glorious days as a "defining moment" in my life. I cannot speak highly enough about the effect it had on me.” ~ Jim Reger, British Columbia

“It goes so far beyond the art, beyond the incredible meals, the music, the surroundings… the participants go through an incredible metamorphosis. I have been moved to tears as participants reach within themselves not just to find the artist within, but to stretch out with their soul and put on canvas a part of who they were, are, and who they are becoming… they share an experience that will forever change and nurture them.” ~ Stephanie Stevens, Alberta

“A perfect pairing - Laura Harris and Finisterra Travel by combining creativity and exploration have created a formula that works so well it makes each experience MAGICAL. Having traveled with them many times I can’t express how effortless and satisfying each trip has been.” ~ Val Wilson, British Columbia

“For me, a technology entrepreneur, grabbing a paint brush and canvas was a daunting and terrifying experience. What unfolded over the workshop weekend was a memorable experience of art, women and uncovering the hint of an artist inside of me. Laura Harris is an inspiration to me - at work and at play. I would do it again, absolutely.” ~ Shelley Kuipers, Alberta

“So much of the workshop resonated with me, that I think it all rocked my soul a little, and all those emotions are still spilling over. Powerful stuff.” ~ Melanie Willing, British Columbia

“Thank you for sharing your gift... which it truly is... your style and technique is soooo out of the box and watching you channel your vision onto canvas to your soul-filled soundtrack was inspiring! And Rachel’s yoga class was magic.” ~ Linda Main, British Columbia