Drawing My Way Through Morocco: A Visual Diary / Part 1

Day 1-10, Marrakech and the workshop in Agadir.

Tea Ceremony discussion and tasting led by our hosts Hassan and Helene. This is a demo painting I did for the workshop.

I’ve never been a journaler. I always thought of journaling as writing, and writing isn’t something I naturally reach for. But drawing has always been an intrinsic part of me. When I tell the story of my path to now (At our workshops,

Gayle Kabaker

and I always do a career talk), a big part of the story is my years working as a stylist in textile companies. I was creating the overall vision for collections, but not with my art. I either bought artwork from studios or directed others to create it. I didn’t paint all those years! The same was true with drawing. Until last year, I had never made a habit of sketching my everyday life—my thoughts, my travels, the small things that caught my eye. It wasn’t a waste exactly, but I so wish I had started sooner. Now, my goal is to make up for lost time. To draw more, notice more, and use sketching as a way to connect with the present.

If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to start something like that—I know for real, it’s not.

Spread from my drawing sketchbook, one of the first days in Marrakech. Kuretaki and Tombow Markers in a Muji sketchbook.

I flew into Marrakesh three days before the workshop to adjust to the time change and prepare. Gayle and I always take those days to ground ourselves and discuss the details of the days to come.

The workshop half of the trip was as great as I could have ever imagined. We taught at the Atlas Kasbah in Agadir for the second time. I was concerned I would be comparing experiences to the last time, would the surroundings still be inspirational and magical? I needn’t have worried. From the moment we entered the Kasbah, the same feeling of calm, friendly beauty enveloped us.

These were the first views we got upon walking in!

The workshop is a two-way exchange between the students and us—we all learn and grow together. We’ve started adding a lot more drawing to each day, and it’s been a great way to spark ideas and guide our painting. This group was inspiring in their dedication to the process.

This is a sketch I did during the tea ceremony, which was reference for the painting above.

Sometimes I like to keep them super simple.

The whole group listening, drawing and drinking tea.

I would call this retreat an Art and Culture week, we were treated to many extra fascinating demonstrations. The tea ceremony, Berber woman making Argan oil from the seeds, a demonstration of Arabic and Berber writing, and a talk on how Moroccan women use their all-natural makeup products and face oils. Fascinating. I’m even trying to wear Kohl on my eyes now. It’s very messy but kind of magical!

This was drawn during the demo of the women making argan oil. These colors aren’t accurate to what was in front of me, but it’s my drawing and its ok!

A moment of rest. It’s a lot of heavy-duty work mixing the oil, It takes about 15 hours of mixing to get just a little bit of oil.

Drawing and Shopping for oils.

I love painting a page of vignettes, items specific to the place where I am. This was a demo painting for class.

All of us!

A lesson in simplifying buildings at the Medina in Agadir

We have some spots left on our Portugal Retreat next spring. It can be a life-changing experience, take a look! On this trip, the yogi, Chloe Ward, will join us, she will add another dimension of beauty and calm. Here is a little video of me talking about Portugal.

I’ll be back with Part 2 of my travels through Morocco very soon,

xxxJennifer