2026 Watercolor Retreat in Boulder, CO • How to paint Landscapes.

A relaxing all-inclusive watercolor retreat with lodging, meals, inspiration, and over 30 hours of painting time.
About this Event

2026 Watercolor Retreat - Oct. 4-6, 2026

| October 4 to 6, 2026
(Check in: 1 PM | Check out: 11 AM)

I am so excited to officially announce that I am planning a Watercolor Retreat for Adults at the beautiful A Lodge Boulder. This retreat is designed to be a true escape from the everyday stresses of adulting.

This 3 day, 2 night retreat is all about slowing down, breathing deeply, and reconnecting with your creativity in a peaceful mountain setting.
About A Lodge Boulder: https://a-lodge.com/boulder-hotel/
💛 A True No Stress Creative Escape

You do not have to worry about the logistics. I have taken care of that for you.

• Lodging is already booked
• Meals are fully arranged and provided
• There is no need to take notes. You will receive a take home landscape workbook filled with tips and techniques I have learned over the years
• You do not have to worry about the weather. We will be painting daily in a large indoor conference room with beautiful mountain views
• All you have to do is show up, settle in, and paint.
✨ A Flexible and Supportive Painting Experience

This retreat is designed to be a relaxed, self paced painting experience with no pressure to keep up or follow step by step instruction. Instead, you will paint what you want, at your own pace, with gentle support along the way.

I will share short, helpful demonstrations to offer clarity on specific techniques, along with a take home workbook filled with tips and reference images.

I will also provide an optional landscape reference photo for you to use, but you are encouraged to bring your own images that feel inspiring and exciting to you.

You will never be expected to paint like me. This is your time to explore, practice, and grow in a way that feels natural to you.

We will have exclusive access to the large indoor Flatirons Conference Room, so you can paint comfortably indoors while enjoying stunning mountain views through expansive windows.

When I am not demonstrating, I will be walking the room offering one on one guidance, encouragement, and feedback as needed.
Our workspace space: https://a-lodge.com/boulder-amenities/boulder-workshop-and-corporate-event-space/

🌿 Your Experience Includes

• 3 days and 2 nights in a beautiful mountain lodge
• Over 30 hours of open, self paced painting time
• Short optional demonstrations
• One on one support and feedback
• A printed landscape workbook to take home
• A relaxed and supportive environment with like minded creatives

💲 Investment

$1200 per learner

This includes lodging, meals, workshop space, and instruction for the full retreat experience, along with a take home landscape watercolor guide filled with tips and techniques for painting common elements such as mountains, clouds, trees, water, and rocks—something you can continue to reference long after the retreat is over.
Note: To ensure an engaging and successful retreat experience, a minimum of 10 learners must be registered by August 15, 2026. If fewer than 10 learners are registered by that date, the retreat will be postponed until September 2027, and all registered learners will receive a full refund.

🍽️ Meals Included 5 Total

All meals are provided and dietary needs will be accommodated.
Catering By: https://www.savorycatering.com/

• Dinner Night 1
Savory Caesar Salad
Buffet entrée choices include Classic Chicken Piccata and Grande Italian Meatballs
Vegetarian and vegan option available with Classic Tofu Piccata
Served with Cacciatore Vegetables, Penne Alla Vodka and Dinner Roll
Basil Lemonade

• Breakfast Day 2
Gourmet Fruit Salad, Assorted Fresh Bagels, Savory Scone
Southwest Frittata, Potatoes O Brien, Sausage Links and Thick Cut Bacon
Orange Juice, Fresh Coffee, Cream and Sugar

• Lunch Day 2
Choice of sandwich including Roast Beef and Cheddar, Toasted Turkey Avocado BLT, or Roasted Vegetable and Hummus
Served with French Country Potato Salad and Chocolate Chip Cookie
Unsweet Iced Tea and Sugar

• Dinner Day 2
Vegetable Ribbon Salad
Choice of Grilled Beef Tender, Seared Salmon, or Portobello and Tofu Stack
Served with Sunburst Vegetables and Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
Hibiscus Iced Tea

• Breakfast Day 3
Strawberry Fruit Salad, Blueberry Muffins, Breakfast Sandwiches
Orange Juice, Fresh Coffee, Cream and Sugar
🏡 Lodging Details

I have reserved a variety of room options to make this experience comfortable and flexible.

Six rooms have been reserved
• Two adults per room, with each guest enjoying their own queen size bed
• These rooms include an electric stovetop range, fridge, coffee maker, microwave and dining area
For those who prefer more privacy...
Ten rooms have also been reserved

Private room upgrade available for an additional $300

Dog friendly lodge
Free WiFi
Maximum of 14 adult learners total

✨ When You Are Not Painting

Take time to relax and recharge with

• Hot tub
• Barrel sauna
• Creekside trails
• Fire pits
• On site beer garden
View Amenities: https://a-lodge.com/boulder-amenities/
🎒 What to Bring

Please bring your own watercolor supplies (I'll provide a material list) and a landscape reference photo if you do not plan on using the one I provide. This will allow you to paint freely and explore your personal style.

🌄 Day 3 Wrap Up

On the final morning, we will gather for a collaborative group discussion where you will have the opportunity to share what you worked on during the retreat. We will talk through lessons learned, celebrate progress and successes, and discuss thoughtful next steps to help you continue growing beyond the retreat.

This retreat is the perfect opportunity to get away with a friend or loved one, step outside your daily routine, and immerse yourself in a creative and peaceful environment with zero pressure and plenty of inspiration.

Space is limited and will fill quickly.
About the Instructor

Hi, I'm Kristi Arzola, an award winning watercolor artist and instructor with more than 20 years of painting experience and over a decade of teaching artists of all skill levels.

Watercolor has been my passion for most of my life. Through years of painting, teaching, exhibiting, and participating in juried shows, I have learned that artistic growth happens best when people are given both guidance and the freedom to explore their own creative voice.

My teaching style is encouraging, supportive, and approachable. Rather than focusing on rigid rules or trying to get everyone to paint exactly like me, I enjoy helping artists understand the "why" behind watercolor techniques so they can make confident decisions on their own. Whether you're struggling with color choices, composition, trees, mountains, water, or another aspect of landscape painting, I am here to provide personalized guidance tailored to your goals.

Throughout this retreat, I'll share many of the lessons I've learned over the years through short demonstrations, one on one coaching, and a take home landscape watercolor guide designed to help simplify common landscape elements. My goal is not to create copies of my paintings. My goal is to help you gain confidence, strengthen your skills, and leave feeling inspired to continue your watercolor journey long after the retreat has ended.

If you've ever wished for uninterrupted time to paint, personalized support, and the opportunity to learn in a peaceful, pressure free environment, this retreat was created with you in mind.