Rhythms of Costa Rica in Color
The Synergy of Ebb and Flow Painting
Robbie Laird
Guanacaste, COSTA RICA
WOW!!
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: The first 8 people to register will get a $400 USD discount per person. Also, generally, airline fares are less expensive the earlier you book them.
Please note, if you pay the entire amount of the retreat by Wire Transfer when you register, you will receive an additional 4.5% discount.
It has been our great honor and joy to host Robbie Laird on watercolor retreats in France, Italy, and Costa Rica. We invite you to take a few moments to watch this inspiring video, showcasing the artistry, passion, and creative spirit Robbie brings to her work. This is a wonderful preview of the artistic journey awaiting you in Costa Rica.
Rhythms of Costa Rica in Color
The Synergy of Ebb and Flow Painting
This workshop is about discovering and using your own creative rhythms to personalize and enhance your creative expression!
Laird’s inspiring premise about “Informed Intuitive” painting is new each year because Robbie shares the new insights and techniques she continues to discover!
Become more spontaneous without being out of control!
Through painting demonstrations and lectures, Robbie will share unique techniques for controlling large flowing wet into wet areas as well as a variety of other water media effects used in her own work.
Being an Artist
Robbie will share how she extends her personal vision by exploring a subject, then experimenting with layering various media effects such as gouache, watercolor crayons and acrylic mediums. Layering and combining effects enables her to have more control while remaining spontaneous. She will demonstrate how she uses the strength of design as well as information gathered, to allow the most freedom while painting.
Daily activities in the studio as well as en plein air when possible, will fill your sketchbooks and build your confidence in using your own rhythms in your paintings.
Sugar Beach – Reunion Resort
After inspiring lesson from Robbie in the morning, followed by a delicious lunch, studio painting time is planned for most afternoons, with participants working from their own sketchbooks, photos and other resources. Each painter will be encouraged to identify and capitalize on their own painting strengths, and may use watercolor alone or a variety of mediums to create layered effects in their paintings. Realistic painting and abstract painting are equally encouraged. Individual critiques and assistance will be given each day. Robbie has a reputation for encouraging painters, whatever their level of accomplishment, to breakthrough to new levels of freedom and confidence in painting.
Accommodations & Cost
Cost: $3,995 USD Per Person Double Occupancy
Included:
- All Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners at the Resort
- Optional Morning Yoga
- All Art Sessions
- Transportation to Resort and Airport within Set Times
- Evening Gatherings & Ceremonies
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Alcoholic Beverages (You may bring your own)
- Personal excursions and tips
A handful of examples of Robbie's artistry, and a glimpse of what you have the opportunity to learn
Introducing Our Dynamic Artist/Teacher and Hosts
ROBBIE LAIRD
Robbie Laird, an innovative painter, teacher, and juror., is a full time resident of Lake Almanor, California, and part time resident of Hilton Head Island, SC. Her paintings captivate the viewer with an exciting balance of flowing ambiguity and varying amounts of specific detail. Using large brushes and flowing paint, her work dances on the edge of abstraction in areas but pulls you back in others. She sometimes uses the
unique qualities of flowing transparent pure watercolor to create mysterious rhythmic works, while in other pieces she incorporates a variety of other watermedia. In addition to painting, she has expressed her vision in: forged metal and wood sculpture as well as leaded glass design and residential architecture. The continuing source of inspiration for Laird’s work is a lifetime interest in cycles and natural transitions and connections.
Her paintings have received numerous awards in National and International exhibitions.
Laird is a signature member of National Watercolor Society (NWS), where in 2008 her painting was selected for the Loa Sprung Award (top award for Non Objective Painting). She is a signature member of Watercolor West, National Association of Painters of Acrylic, San Diego Watercolor Society, and is a full-juried member of the Society of Layerists in Multi-Media. She is affiliated with other art associations nationwide. She is a highly sought after instructor and was named one of 20 Great Teachers of the last twenty years, by American Artists’ Magazine. Her paintings and articles have been in many publications, including Watercolor Magazine, American Artist, and International Artist Magazine. Her work is included in Splash IV, North Light Books, and Artistic Touch 3. Creative Catalyst Productions produced her video, “The Informed Intuitive Approach”.
Laird has been in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Her paintings are popular in Hawaii where she shows with the Village Galleries on Maui. Her paintings have been collected extensively in the US and internationally.
A past president of the National Watercolor Society and the San Diego Watercolor Society, Laird has an extensive background with arts organizations and art education. After completing her Masters degree in Art Education, Laird became a Fine Arts curriculum consultant, giving workshops for teachers throughout California, the United States, and abroad. For twelve years, she was the Director of the Kanuga Watermedia Workshops held each spring in North Carolina. Her influence as an artist and educator continues to grow.
Meet Our Dedicated Hosts
Our team at Peak Empowerment is committed to providing exceptional travel experiences that foster personal and professional growth. Meet the experts who make it all possible.
Kay Latchmansingh
Kay is the main organizer and logistic expert of this retreat. Her background in international trade and finance and her attention to details will ensure that this will be a quality experience for all. She is in communication with everyone who is a part of this program and makes sure that all aspects of this endeavor are synchronized. Kay is also in charge of participant wellness and takes care of everyone from the time they register until they are back home. Kay is the co-owner and vice-president of Peak Empowerment. She provides a wealth of experience in travel and cultural connections. Kay was born and educated in British Guyana, moved to the U.S. and has traveled and worked with people in many European countries, Russia, Egypt, South Africa, British West Indies, and Central America. Her knowledge and connections with various cultures is a wonderful asset as she works with and teaches a variety of people. Her vision of providing service to those in need and doing so in a celebratory way certainly is a foundation of this retreat.
Franco Marini
Franco is a professor at the Daniels College of Business and works with the University of Denver on several educational experiential projects. He and Kay created and operate Peak Empowermrnt Event Management. One of the branches they developed is a travel-based company providing personal and professional growth through specialized travel offerings. One of Marini’s strongest attributes is his ability and knowledge of how to empower human development as it impacts the enhancement of individual strenghts and results of an organization. One of his primary focal points is working with the attributes and contributions of individuals and empowering each participant to effectively break through bariers to achieve a level of being their very best.
ROBBIE LAIRD WORKSHOP MATERIALS LIST
SIMPLIFIED Materials List for COSTA RICA 2027
READ CAREFULLY & Pack Light!
In reality, we only need three things for a wonderful time painting together:
1. Paint- Watercolors+ any other watermedia you like (no oils please) 2. Brushes-(2Lrge(#10-14r)oundwithgoodpoints&2Flats(Lg&M) 3. Paper- A Good quality Sketch book-AND 5-6 sheets or A pad of Cold press Watercolor Paper, (300# is best,140# is also good)
Painting pads &Sheets no smaller than 11×14”-and as big as your suitcase allows REMEMBER #1,2,&3 above are all you need!
The section below is for those who like more details. …
BRING ANYTHING YOU LIKE FOR WATERCOLOR OR WATERMEDIA PAINTING. THE FOLLOWING ARE MY PREFERENCES (USE AS A GUIDE, BUT NOT REQUIRED). You’ll be happier if you KEEP IT SIMPLE!
PAINTING SET UP –
We will set up an open air (covered) studio for most of our painting. However, some days we will go to other locations to paint,we will not have tables and chairs. Bring anything you have for an easy painting set up; a small folding easel, portable sketching or painting set, or a French type-1/2 easel. You may also want a small folding camp stool. All should be compact and easy to carry. Don’t forget your camera, hat, sunscreen, and repellant. I will also take a small back-pack for field sketches and color studies when I don’t need my full painting set-up.
PAINTS (You may use whatever paints you prefer) I like M.Graham Watercolors &Gouache because the heavy pigment load in honey makes them well suited to maintaining vivid colors in flowing wet into wet paintings. VERY IMPORTANT- fresh paint gets wetter in Costa Rican humidity. LET YOUR PALETTE DRY AT HOME.
PAINTS –Bring any of your favorites!
NOTE- I fill my palette at home (let it air dry uncovered for a)few weeks if possible) and bring tubes of Gouache (white + primaries)
Avoid airport luggage search- Carry-on a few tubes in a plastic bag so they are visible.
My Basic 12 Colors-
See my (My Costa Rica choices on the Color Wheel separate page.
I will be bringing many of the colors to share with you.
Please ring a few white washable, disposable plates for palettes for
trying new colors.
PALETTE- Use any palette you like. .
I prefer a round palette with 12 large wells. Important extras if they fit:
1. Folding lightweight easel & stool
2. Large Brushes (your choice)
BRUSHES -Bring any of your favorites!
Large brushes of your choice
Bring your own favorite brushes- Include one or two large rounds ( #10 and #14 ), and smaller rounds if desired, a large flat (1″ or 1 1⁄2″), and a large wash brush (2″ or 3″).
I prefer the following brushes:
# 14 Round Connoisseur (Kolinsky Sable), or a similar size synthetic mix
1″ Flat (Blend), or similar synthetic mix
1 1⁄2 ” Flat (Blend)
2” or 3 ” Flat (for washes and wetting large areas) Synthetic brushes for paints other than watercolor
One or two inexpensive synthetic brushes (for gouache and acrylic mediums)
SKETCHBOOK & Markers- Pencil & Permanent Marker (ultra-fine
SUPPORT BOARDS-(I use Plexiglas -to work wet
lightweight wood or gator board to finish.
Spray Bottle for water, towel, paper towels and Kleenex. Also, any of the followingWatercolor Crayons & WC Pencils’
712 West Mountain Ridge Rd., Lake Almanor, CA 96137 Phone/FAX: (530) 259-2100 www.RobbieLairdArtStudio.com email: robbielaird@frontier.com
3. WC Paper block, spiral pad &or 1⁄2 sheets
4. Palette filled with favorite watercolors (air- dryed)or several desposable white plates.
5. Plexiglas painting board- to work wet, plus a
lightweight drawing/drying board
6. Covered water container for “on location” work
An Introduction to Your Home on this Retreat
Well-worth watching
Getting to Sugar Beach - Reunion Resort
Please make flight arrangements to arrive at the Liberia airport (LIR) between noon and 3 pm on January 24th, 2027 and depart after 1 pm on January 30th. We will have a shuttle pick you up at the Liberia airport and bring you to Sugar Beach - Reunion and at the conclusion of the retreat, we will get you back to the Liberia airport. Within these time frames the shuttle is included as part of your cost. If you arrive and/or depart at a different time, we are happy to arrange transportation for you at an additional cost. The travel time between the airport and the resort is approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Click on the orange + sign for driving directions.
Driving directions from Liberia to Sugar Beach – Reunion: When you exit the airport service road, take a right and go 29 km to Belen intersection. At the Belen intersection, take a right following signs to Catalinas, Flamingo, Melia Conchal. Follow this road for 26 km through Huacas. Just after Huacas, take the first right following signs to Catalinas, Flamingo, etc. Stay on this road for 9 km passing through Brasilito. At the junction for Flamingo / Potrero, veer right onto the road toward Potrero. After 8 km, you will see the entrance to the resort on your left. There are a few hard turns, so watch for signs to Catalinas and for Potrero. Once in Potrero, drive around the soccer field to the northwest corner and continue on for only 5 km. A few more twists and turns and ups and downs …at the bottom of the first major hill, you’ll see the entrance to the resort.
Private, Magical Surroundings
Nestled in a Reserve on the Edge of the Warm & Playful Ocean
Elegant and Peaceful Accommodations Await You
Join this exclusive opportunity
Loving artist, Robbie Laird is bringing her creative brilliance to an immersive retreat at the breathtaking Sugar Beach -Reunion Resort in Costa Rica. Known for her expressive, soul-stirring work that blends color, emotion, and spiritual depth, Robbie creates spaces where art becomes both personal exploration and powerful transformation. During this retreat, you’ll not only witness her artistic process, you’ll engage in your own, guided by her insight, encouragement, and masterful eye. Set against the lush landscapes and ocean-kissed beauty of Costa Rica, this experience invites you to reconnect with your creativity in a setting designed for inspiration and renewal.
If you’ve been longing to step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in artistry, nature, and meaningful connection, this is your invitation. Register now to secure your place in what promises to be an extraordinary and life-enhancing creative journey.
