Sketch & Stroll
A week of observation, sketching, and storytelling through art.
Guided by contemporary figurative painter Philine van der Vegte, this retreat begins indoors, exploring composition, light, colour, and perspective,at your own pace. Then, step into the medina’s winding streets and vibrant markets to sketch and paint on location with looseness, confidence, and joy.
When:
Check in: 05 April 2026
Check out: 12 April 2026
Price:
€ 890 - shared room (max 2)
€ 250 - single room surcharge
Guided by contemporary figurative painter Philine van der Vegte, this retreat begins indoors, exploring composition, light, colour, and perspective,at your own pace. Then, step into the medina’s winding streets and vibrant markets to sketch and paint on location with looseness, confidence, and joy.
When:
Check in: 05 April 2026
Check out: 12 April 2026
Price:
€ 890 - shared room (max 2)
€ 250 - single room surcharge
Meet Philine van der Vegte
Retreat Leader - Sketch & Stroll
philinevandervegte.com
Workshops conducted in Dutch & English
philinevandervegte.com
Workshops conducted in Dutch & English
Philine van der Vegte is a contemporary figurative painter who lives and works on a former dairy farm in North Holland.
In her work she explores the relationship between humans and animals, often in large paintings, portraits and landscapes. Although she works primarily with oil paint, outdoor sketching is an essential part of her practice. Wherever she travels, her sketchbook and watercolor box are always at hand.
In her work she explores the relationship between humans and animals, often in large paintings, portraits and landscapes. Although she works primarily with oil paint, outdoor sketching is an essential part of her practice. Wherever she travels, her sketchbook and watercolor box are always at hand.
Retreat Overview
What the Week Looks Like
Every day we fill our sketchbooks with small impressions: a door, a market stall, a vista, an encounter. We capture the atmosphere of the city with pen and watercolor. At the end of the week you will have a bound journal full of memories - a personal report in images and color of your adventure in Fez.
A typical day might include:
Every day we fill our sketchbooks with small impressions: a door, a market stall, a vista, an encounter. We capture the atmosphere of the city with pen and watercolor. At the end of the week you will have a bound journal full of memories - a personal report in images and color of your adventure in Fez.
A typical day might include:
- A morning wandering through the old city and sketching on location
- Shared lunch in the courtyard or roof terrace
- Free time to paint, write, nap or wander
- Relaxing dinner with the group or a local restaurant
- An evening a calm reflection or a social gathering
What Makes this Week so Special
This is more than a sketching retreat, it’s a full creative journey in a city where inspiration awaits round every corner. From hands-on learning to quiet inspiration and discovery, here’s what makes a week at Dar Drouj unforgettable.
Creative Inspiration
Pick up your sketchbook and step into the streets of Fez.
The daily sessions are all about on-location sketching - capturing movement, light, and details of alleyways, markets, doorways, and quiet corners, learning and exploring in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
The daily sessions are all about on-location sketching - capturing movement, light, and details of alleyways, markets, doorways, and quiet corners, learning and exploring in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
Be Inspired by Fez
With its winding alleys, patterned tiles, and ever-changing street scenes, the Medina of Fez is a sketcher’s dream. As you wander through Fez, your sketchbook becomes a travel companion, recording fleeting scenes and quiet details that bring your creative journey to life.
A Place to Call Home
Stay in Dar Drouj, a lovingly restored 14th-century home on the edge of the medina. With peaceful corners, a light-filled atrium, and a rooftop terrace, the house offers comfort, calm, and space to create. Meals are shared, conversations flow easily, and inspiration is always close by.
What You’ll Be Part Of
Each of our retreats includes your stay at Dar Drouj, daily workshops, materials, Moroccan meals, and cultural excursions - all designed to support your creative flow.
- Stay in Our Unique 14th-Century HouseEverything is taken care of so you can focus completely on your creative process. Enjoy a restful and inspiring stay in a beautifully restored home, filled with Moroccan charm.
- Creative CommunityCreating together enhances both your work and your experience. Share ideas, get inspired by others, and enjoy the unique connection that comes from making art side by side.
- Intensive Creative WorkshopsOn five of the seven days, you'll join Philine for guided urban sketching sessions in and around the Medina. Together, you’ll sketch the spirit of the city, experimenting with materials and learning how to capture movement, atmosphere, and place.
- Cultural ImmersionAlongside your creative sessions, you'll have the opportunity to experience Moroccan culture through curated local excursions and special activities. Jennifer will guide you to some of her favourite hidden spots in and around Fez.
- Inspirational LocationDar Drouj is located in the historic city of Fez, surrounded by vibrant energy and colourful souks. The house is filled with handcrafted details - from mosaics to carved woodwork - and offers a calm, welcoming atmosphere that invites reflection and creativity from the moment you walk in.
- Personal SupportPhiline offers individual support and thoughtful feedback, creating a space where you can explore freely, refine your skills, and deepen your personal connection to your work. His gentle guidance helps you grow with confidence, wherever you are in your artistic journey.
Moments from Past Retreats
From shared meals and quiet moments to workshops, walks, and spontaneous laughter — these photos capture the heart of what makes our retreats unforgettable. Every guest brings their own spark, and every week tells a new story.
