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The Illustrated Travel Journal

Artful workshops with artist Amy Bogard on slow travel, creativity, attention, and presence.

Visit far-flung destinations and delve into local customs, foods, music, and art while making new friends along the way.

With gentle guidance in drawing and watercolor basics, I’ll help you artfully capture your travels in a journal—even if you're a beginner. 

Journey Through Art: 

Free Sketch-Along Downloads to Inspire Your Creativity

Free process download of a little sketch of my dog, Philomena. Follow along as I sketch Phil with pencil and watercolor and narrate how I approach this drawing. 

Draw A Dog With Me

Watercolor Landscape

Follow along as I make a brief watercolor sketch from a photographic image from a recent trip to Taos, NM!

Experience Slow Travel

What is slow travel? Slow travel is to give a place the time it deserves. It is centering in one place for a while, unpacking your suitcase, getting to know the locals. Slow travel involves mindful attention through sketching, or even merely sitting in observance with no distractions.

This may sound daunting, but I will share with you what I’ve learned over the years by traveling with a small kit of supplies and a fresh sense of curiosity. 

Upcoming Retreats

Each year I offer three destination driven workshops (see below).  Join me on one of these available trips or develop one of your own. I’d love to work with you!

Taos, NM
USA

June 8-14, 2025

Baile Bhuirne,
Co. Cork, Ireland

August 10-16, 2025

Antigua,
Guatemala

Week 1: February 15-21, 2026
Week 2: February 22-28, 2026

Here are some questions
my most frequent
travelers have asked…

  • Each workshop is different and while I have a loose outlined daily structure, I often follow the needs of the group and the conditions of the day.

  • I am happy to give general advice for arriving to the workshop location but you will figure out your travel plans on your own.

  • I will send a specific list to workshop participants geared toward each trip, but basically this practice involves a small book, some drawing implements and a little set of watercolors.  Watch the magic happen from there!

  • Adult beginners are the bravest people I know!  It takes courage to try something new and most people haven’t tried to make art since childhood.  I will meet every student where they are and guide you along the way.  You will be amazed at how much you’ll learn in just a week!

  • (Or I don’t think I am an artist) 

    Being creative in any way is merely part of being human.  Think about art as a human birthright!

  • This practice is a way of learning to TRULY observe the new and wonderful things while traveling.  In these workshops you learns some basic drawing and watercolor skills to visually document your experiences on your trip. 

Testimonials

  • "Amy teaches with gentleness, encouragement and good humor. My confidence is shaky when it comes to drawing and painting, and she always helped me to feel capable as I was learning."

    Mary Oliver H.

  • "My time with Amy is not 'just an art retreat'. It's a time for me to be present mentally, spiritually, and creatively in stunning locations that touch all my senses."

    Amy P.

  • "Amy provides opportunities to make are that can be as personal as you wish- grand scale or tiny scale. She meets each participant at his/her ability and provides meaningful suggestions and tips. I have taken four of amy's workshops and always learn something that takes my art to the next level."

    Penny G.

  • " I am especially impressed with Amy's guidance of beginners and tentative artists. I have created journals that are treasured mementos of my travels, her workshops and beyond."

    Astrid O. M.

  • "Amy is continually learning and growing and shares that with us on each travel adventure. She also seizes opportunities as they present themselves and is flexible at fitting in great opportunities for attendees."

    Jo. D.

  • "I've attended over five of Amy's art journaling workshops, and each one is a refreshing experience that connects you deeply to the present moment. Through creative expression, her workshops help you truly engage with your surroundings in a grounding and transformative way. After attending one, you'll leave with a fresh perspective and newfound artistic inspiration."

    Tara M.

  • "I have participated in Amy's workshops in Taos and Ireland. She chooses settings that are essencially OF their places, yet delightfully off the beaten path. Gentle and encouraging , Amy accepted and taught us from wherever we were artistically. She also demonstrated accessible methods, ideas and joy that helped us to capture our experiences of those unique places, that I still love to reexperience in revisiting my sketchbooks."

    Melissa M.

  • "In a word Amy Bogard is MAGICAL! The time you spend learning, creating and being with her stays in your heart and mind forever. I have personally learned so much through her guided watercolor and journal adventures that I now cannot imagine going a year without one or more of her adventures/classes. If you're a beginner (as I am) these are the classes for you. Amy will just make you better in her patient, kind and loving style! Just pick the class and destination that speaks to your soul and GO! You will NOT regret it!

    Cathy Y.

Follow me @amybogardartist

Still brimming after a beautiful couple of weeks out west refilling my cup as a teacher (which also fills the artists well!) dates for next year are posted on my new website and registrations are open now for the 2026 workshops! Feel free to message
Sometimes a tiny little sketchbook is all the souvenir you need. #guatemala #sketchbook #traveljournal #antiguaguatemala #sketch
While the pollen is slowly trying to kill me, the flowers in paint bring solace.
✨ Sketching the Myths of Ireland ✨ Join me, Amy Bogard, for an unforgettable travel journaling workshop in the southwest of Ireland this August 2025! We’ll explore ancient landscapes, folklore, and music, capturing our journey through sketchi
✨ Sketching the Myths of Ireland ✨ 🇮🇪☘️🪄 Ireland is one of the most inspiring places to make art!! 🎨🎨🎨 Join me for an unforgettable travel journaling/sketching workshop in the southwest of Ireland this August! We’ll explore ancient land

Contact Amy

Feel free to reach out—I’m happy to answer any questions, hear your thoughts, or help with any inquiries you may have.