Sweet & Spicy
art retreat
in Sonoma
Workshop retreat with Nino at Westerbeke Ranch
March 22–26 (4 nights / 5 days)
2300 Grove St, Sonoma, CA 95476
A reset for your art
and your energy
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Five days in Sonoma to paint, play, and reconnect with your creative voice.
We’ll mix relaxed, guided sessions with open studio time, nourishing food, and simple rituals to help you create without burning out.
Step away from the noise and spend immersive days experimenting, layering, loosening up, and letting accidents become discoveries. You’ll try new approaches, see your work differently, and leave with deeper trust in your process.
This retreat isn’t about getting it “right” — it’s about showing up, letting go, and surprising yourself.
What you’ll experience:
Unfiltered Creative Exploration
Push past your usual habits, try new mark-making techniques, and allow spontaneity to lead.
Intentional Composition
Learn how to bring clarity and cohesion to your work without losing its energy.
Personalized Feedback
One-on-one insights to help you break through blocks and take your work to the next level.
Community & Support
Connect with other artists in an inspiring, judgment-free space.
Full-Day Studio Access
No distractions, just time to be fully immersed in your process.
What we’ll do
Morning: Gentle warm-ups, short demos, and guided prompts
Afternoon: Open studio time with coaching and check-ins
Evening: Optional shares, reflection, and quiet time
Sample daily rhythm
Breakfast → Morning session (demo + prompts)
Lunch → Open studio (1:1 feedback + flow time)
Break → Dinner → Optional share/reflect
What will
you get?Â
- Lodging: 4 nights at Westerbeke Ranch
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day
- Fuel: Coffee, tea, and snacks available throughout workshop hours
- Workshops: Daily sessions with demos, prompts, and 1:1 feedback
- Community: Small, welcoming group and evening share circles
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Do I need to be an experienced artist to join?
What’s included in the price?
What kind of art will we make?
What do I need to bring?
What’s a typical day like?
“Nino’s Workshop was such a treat on so many levels. The small group format allowed for a relaxed and supportive environment. Nino did demonstrations everyday to get us going and also sparked discussions about why we create, and how we overcome obstacles and maintain our curiosity as artists. The depth of instruction was incredible and the variety of exercises gave us the opportunity to look at many different approaches to our own work. Oh and the non stop snacks and gourmet lunches were over the top! Can’t wait for the next one!”
Jen Brannon
"I learned you can look into your past works and borrow a few patterns and motifs you particularly liked, but now push the limits and create them in a new refreshed and dynamic way. It was so deliciously satisfying."
Kate Jonese
"Workshop with Nino was just what I needed. The days were perfectly paced. We started each day with lively discussions, a demo or two, worked on insightful exercises, and did a lot of painting and repainting. Nino led a great workshop with charm, humour, perceptive feedback and great snacks. I’d do it all over again in a flash! Thanks Nino."
Jo-Anne Westerby
“If you have the opportunity to study with Nino do it. I found his style and instructions so encouraging and inspiring.”
Ree Katrak
"The workshop showed me a few areas in my practice that I can greatly improve by being more thoughtful and stopping earlier (less is more). It’s given me an energy to continue moving forward and paint, paint, paint. I’m excited for my art future."
Paula Weed
"I will develop my own "look" / style the more i practice - and there are only fixable mistakes. Nino was a gentle joy!"
Lisa Bunting Howard
"I'm going to try all of these techniques in my work. Even the way you pre-mix paint with pouring medium is so different than how I just pick a color as I go. The pouring medium allows for more transparency and happy surprises! I couldn't believe you use only large chip brushes and that you don't have lots of clean up butt rather plop your brush in water for the next day. How great is that!!! Your process was such an Aha for me! I'm going to use more paint markers and scraping & Yupo in my work."
Christy Vonderlack
"Super special experience, all of the other students were so kind and generous."
Lyn Feakes
"Using thin paint and scraping was new to me and I really liked the effect contrasted against thicker areas of painting on top. The one minute exercise was great for getting me out of my head and I thought that making a large number of small paintings on the first day was a great way to get going.
Thank you for your thoughtful approach to offering us advice as we worked on our painting and your generosity in sharing your own techniques"
Alice Walther
"It was a fantastic week. Nino is a gentle soul / spirit and connects well with all different types of students!"
Ashley O'Connor
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I'm Nino.
I’m an abstract artist and designer with over 27 years of experience, dedicated to exploring authenticity through the balance of creativity and design. My work thrives on curiosity, experimentation, and a deep sense of freedom—pushing boundaries while staying true to artistic intuition.
I love helping others discover their unique artistic voices, whether through my original artwork, prints, or immersive workshops. My goal is to make the journey of self-expression both inspiring and joyful, encouraging artists to create fearlessly and embrace their own creative flow.
This workshop is an extension of my own process—blending intuitive mark-making with thoughtful composition, allowing freedom while embracing structure. It’s an experience designed to help you break through creative limitations and create work that feels alive, exciting, and uniquely yours.
Refund PoliciesÂ
Enrollment and Payment:
Your spot in a workshop is confirmed when you register and pay in full.
Minimum Number of Students:
Each workshop requires at least 10 students. If we don’t meet this number 30 days before the start date, the workshop may be cancelled. You’ll be notified by email and receive a full refund. Please avoid booking non-refundable travel or lodging before this 30-day mark.
Studio Cancellation
If Nino Studio cancels a workshop for any reason, you’ll receive a 100% refund.
Student Cancellation (61+ Days Before Start Date)
Cancel 61 days or more before the first day of class to receive a full refund, minus a $100 processing fee and any payment processing fees. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected]
Student Cancellation (60 Days or Less Before Start Date)
Cancellations made 60 days or less before the first day are non-refundable — unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist. In that case, you’ll receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee and any payment processing fees. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected]
No Refunds After Workshop Starts:
We can't give refunds, credits, or make-up classes once the workshop has started.
Missed Days:
If you miss a day, we can't give refunds, credits, or make-up classes.
We appreciate your understanding and following these guidelines, which help us run our workshops smoothly. If you have questions or need more information, please let me know.
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