Malibu, Los Angeles 6-Day Painting Retreat
Immersive Painting Experience in Los Angeles Coast & Canyons
May 3rd to May 9th, 2026 | Malibu, Los Angeles
We welcome artists
to a relaxed, small-group plein-air or studio retreat nestled between the dramatic cliffs of Malibu and the quiet, oak-filled canyons of Topanga. This retreat is designed to give you uninterrupted time to paint, explore world-class scenery, connect with fellow artists, and enjoy the coastal-canyon culture of Southern California. Each day features inspiring outdoor locations, gentle structure, guided demos, and opportunities to unwind with local food and wine.
The Topanga–Malibu region
lies just west of Los Angeles, where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific. From sweeping ocean bluffs and hidden coves to vineyard hillsides, chaparral canyons, and historic ranches, this area offers remarkably diverse subjects for plein air work. You’ll paint in places that have inspired generations of California Impressionists — from the broad horizons of Malibu Lagoon to the winding ridgelines of Mulholland Highway and the rustic enclaves of Cornell.
Your studio home base
is a private studio near the Mulholland corridor. From here, you’re only minutes from notable spots such as El Matador Beach, Point Dume, Malibu Creek State Park, Peter Strauss Ranch, Paramount Ranch, Malibu Pier, and the Saddlerock wine country. Mornings are spent painting on location or exploring for photo references; afternoons shift to demos, critiques, still-life studies, or relaxed studio work. Evenings bring optional group dinners at beloved local institutions like The Stonehaus, The Old Place, or coastal restaurants along the Malibu shoreline.
Welcome reception, field-trip transportation and all art instruction are included as well as the use of the art studio. You’ll experience iconic coastal light, golden canyon hours, and the quiet of California’s oak woodlands — all within a few miles of the studio.
ITINERARY
Day 1: May 3rd
Arrival & Welcome
Arrive and check in to your chosen lodging. Settle in, then meet at the art studio for a welcome reception with wine and light bites. Materials review, site overview, and mingling.
Day 2: May 4th
Coastal Light: Point Dume & Malibu Bluffs
Morning plein-air session capturing cliffs, surf, and coastal atmosphere. Bagged lunch included. Afternoon demo on color harmony and composition; group critique in the studio. 7:00 pm Sunset Dinner at The Stonehaus, a rustic vineyard-style café in nearby Westlake Village.
Day 3: May 5th
King Gillette Ranch
Morning painting session among canyon clearings, oak groves, and ridgelines. Bagged lunch included. Afternoon layering & glazing demonstration with one-on-one coaching. Sunset reference-photo walk by the lake and group dinner at The Landing Restaurant in Westlake Village with sunset views.
Day 4: May 6th
Malibu Icons: Surfrider Beach & Malibu Pier
Morning beach and shoreline painting session focused on breaking waves, rock formations, and shifting light. Bagged lunch included. Afternoon at the studio: color temperature exercises and guided refinement time back at the studio. Group dinner Paul Martin American Grill in Westlake Village.
Day 5: May 7th
Full-Day Field Trip: Peter Strauss Ranch
Morning painting in a scenic setting: ranch structures, Western-town architecture, and broad valley backdrops. Self-directed lunch at The Old Place in Cornell — a historic canyon restaurant with great atmosphere. Afternoon at the studio for individual work and/or critiques. Optional dinner: Farfalla (Italian Restaurant).
Day 6: May 8th
Lake, Boats Painting, and Final Critique
Morning wrap-up critique, finishing touches, and artwork showcase, group photos. Lunch group at Justine cafe. Afternoon sketching and photo tour of water and boats in the beautiful West lake, sunset photo walk. Evening farewell dinner at The Landing with sunset views.
Day 7: May 9th
Final Gathering, Packing and Departure Day
Optional breakfast meet-up at the studio to pick up artwork. Guests depart at leisure.
WHAT YOU’LL GET?
Daily instruction, plein-air sessions, most lunches, afternoon demos, and studio access are all included in your retreat experience. Ground transportation to plein air locations are included, along with a welcome reception and most dinners are included. You will receive a printed map and digital guide to painting locations plus a curated photo-reference package from our outings.
Base Price (per person): $5,500
Includes 6 days of instruction with Paola Luther, studio access, guided demos, critiques, ground transportation for day trips, welcome reception, farewell dinner, and reference photo package.
For out of town participants, accommodation and transport to and from the airport are not bundled in the retreat fee. Guests may choose the lodging option that best suits their style and budget. Recommended hotels and inns are provided, and booking support is available upon request.
All prices are in US dollars.
THIS WORKSHOP INCLUDES
5 days of immersive plein-air painting in the most iconic areas of Malibu, lakes and Ranches near Los Angeles (Day 1 and 7 are for arrival and departure).
Hosted and taught by painter Paola Luther — daily demos, guided instruction, and supportive one-on-one mentoring.
Welcome reception & farewell gathering at the private Topanga/Cornell studio.
Daily painting locations: Malibu coastline (Point Dume, Malibu Bluffs), King Gillette Ranch, Malibu Pier, Peter Strauss Ranch, West Lake.
Studio access for afternoon sessions: critiques, color-mixing demos, still-life setups, and refinement time.
All ground transportation except to and from airports and hotels.
Printed map + digital guide to painting spots.
Curated photo-reference package from coastal, canyon, and vineyard sessions.
Balanced schedule combining painting, exploration, rest, and optional social outings (including a group dinners).
Supportive, small-group environment ideal for all skill levels and all media.
Optional activities for non-painting partners: coastal walks, wine tasting, local shops, scenic drives, and nature trails.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION
Residence Inn by Marriott
Los Angeles Westlake Village
This is an all-suite hotel, apartment-style accommodation, designed for extended stays or group stays.
Suites are about 50% larger than a typical hotel room — so more space for artists to spread out, store gear/materials, or even use as a temporary studio/creative space.
Each suite includes a full kitchen (pots, pans, dishes, utensils), a living room with sofa (some have pull-out sofa beds), storage (closets/dressers), and a flat-screen TV.
Why it’s ideal?
Residence Inn Westlake Village offers the ideal blend of comfort, space, and convenience for a creative gathering. Each suite provides a full kitchen, living area, and generous workspace, giving artists the freedom to relax, create, and settle in comfortably for multi-day stays. The hotel’s amenities — including complimentary breakfast, reliable high-speed WiFi, an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center — make it easy to balance productivity with rest.
Address: 30950 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362, USA
Check-in / Check-out times: Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 PM