Join us for a creative all-inclusive 4 day/3 night retreat hosted by Fluid Artist Sara Taylor and Billie Gaura. The workshops take place lakeside on Deer Lake in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. You'll stay in a waterfront cabin and you'll attend workshops and gatherings where we will teach you, pamper you, feed you and encourage some genuine relaxation.
Nestled in the serene beauty of Deer Lake, this retreat is designed to spark your creatvity, deepen
your technique, and connect with a community of fellow artists. Over a few immersive days, we’ll
dive into unique acrylic pouring methods, color theory, and excitng new ways to express yourself
through fluid art.
In the evenings, we'll share meals and giggles as we sit by the fire and talk all things art and life.Nestled in the serene beauty of Deer Lake,
Nestled in the serene beauty of Deer Lake, this retreat is designed to spark your creatvity, deepen
your technique, and connect with a community of fellow artists. Over a few immersive days, we’ll
dive into unique acrylic pouring methods, color theory, and excitng new ways to express yourself
through fluid art.
In the evenings, we'll share meals and giggles as we sit by the fire and talk all things art and life.Nestled in the serene beauty of Deer Lake,
Location
Deer Lake, Washington
Date & Time
Friday, September 25th
Monday, September 28th
Monday, September 28th
Friday
12:00 noon
VIP Ground Transportation to Deer Lake
Transportation will be provided via our VIP shuttle with pickup at Spokane International Airport (GEG) on the Southwest Airlines curb. Please plan your arrival accordingly, or return to the designated pickup location if you arrive in Spokane prior to Friday.
1:00 PM
Welcome and Unwind, Lakeside Lunch
Ease into the retreat with a welcoming arrival and an unhurried lunch by the water. Take this time to settle in, breathe out, and start connecting with fellow artists in a relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Fill your plate, claim a sunny spot on the dock, and let the rhythm of the lake gently shift you into retreat mode. Share your first meal with your retreat family, thoughtfully prepared by our Executive Chef, and let the scenery do the rest.
5:00 PM
Happy Hour
After you get settled into your room, come have a beverage or two with Sara and your fellow artists. We'll have both alcohol and alcohol-free options available.
6:00 PM
Dockside Dinner
As evening settles in, enjoy a Chef-curated dinner prepared by our Executive Chef.
7:30 PM
Fireside Connection
Our fireside chats take place under the open sky, gathered around the dock fire pits with the water in sight. This is an unstructured, easy time for conversation, reflection, and genuine connection—where the best moments often happen naturally.
Saturday
7:30 AM
Optional Gentle Yoga & Meditation
Begin the day with gentle yoga and guided meditation led by Sara Taylor, offering space to ground, breathe, and ease into the day with intention.
8:00 AM
Breakfast
Start the day with a relaxed, nourishing breakfast designed to ease you into the morning. Thoughtfully composed offerings paired with great coffee and an unhurried atmosphere.
9:00 AM until 12 noon
Studio Session #1 :: Introduction to Pearls
In this introductory course, you’ll experiment with layered color and subtle finishes while exploring how composition comes together in fluid art. The focus will be on developing an eye for color and learning tools that support your creative process. After a demonstration, you’ll have time to create a couple of pieces of your own.
1:00 pm
Lunch
A casually elegant lunch designed for refueling and reconnecting… carefully chosen ingredients, well-executed dishes, and time to reset before the afternoon.
2:00 pm Until 5 pm
Studio Session #2 :: Colorful Pearls & Pearl Swipe
In this vibrant session, we’ll experiment with colored pearl base coats to see how they influence the flow, feel, and composition of your work. I’ll introduce the Pearl Swipe technique, an exciting new way to use the Pearl paint mixture. We’ll focus on color theory, how to build a palette that sings, and practice thoughtful use of the palette knife and other “swiping” methods to enhance your pieces. I’ll show you how to create balance and intention in your art, and then it’s your turn to play with luxurious materials and custom color combos. This class is all about bringing your artistic vision to life through thoughtful color and technique.
5:00 PM
Happy Hour
Unwind and connect during happy hour with thoughtfully selected drinks and small bites in a casual, welcoming setting.
6:00 PM
Dinner
Gather for dinner and enjoy a meal designed to nourish, connect, and reflect on the day’s creative journey.
7:30 PM
Fireside Connection
As the day winds down, gather around the fire on the dock for an evening of warmth, laughter, and real connection. With the lake at your feet and the fire glowing, this is a space to relax, share stories, and simply be together.
Sunday
7:30 AM
Optional Gentle Yoga & Meditation
Led by Sara Taylor, this gentle yoga and meditation practice invites you to slow down, reconnect with your body, and settle into a calm, centered state.
8:00 AM
Breakfast
A carefully prepared breakfast featuring warm and light options to fuel creativity and conversation before the day unfolds.
9:00 AM until 12 noon
Studio Session #3 :: Exploring Translucent Pearls
Ready to level up? We’ll dive into the magic of translucent base coats. You’ll discover how layering and underpainting can dramatically affect the outcome of your pearl pours. I’ll walk you through several ways to bring softness, glow, and subtle transitions into your work. We'll use high-end paints and mediums to create pieces that feel luminous and full of depth. Expect lots of exploration and some truly surprising results!
1:00 pm
Lunch
Take a pause and enjoy a relaxed lunch experience featuring comforting flavors and seasonal touches, crafted to recharge without distraction.
2:00 pm Until 5 pm
Studio Session #4 :: Advanced Open Creation Session
This is the most individualized experience of the retreat. Designed for artists who’ve already taken at least one Pearl class, Open Studio is an invitation to expand… in scale, in confidence, and in creative direction. Larger canvases will be available, and the focus shifts from instruction to execution.
You’ll work at your own pace with hands-on, one-on-one guidance as needed - refining color relationships, composition, and technical choices along the way. With access to elevated materials and room to explore, the intention is simple: to bring a fully realized piece to life that feels intentional, personal, and complete.
You’ll work at your own pace with hands-on, one-on-one guidance as needed - refining color relationships, composition, and technical choices along the way. With access to elevated materials and room to explore, the intention is simple: to bring a fully realized piece to life that feels intentional, personal, and complete.
5:00 PM
Happy Hour
Sip, snack, and settle in with an easygoing happy hour that invites connection and a little celebration.
6:00 PM
Farewell Dinner
Evening dining at its best… a farewell dinner meant to be felt as much as tasted, honoring connection, creativity, and the final night we share.
7:30 PM
Final Fireside Connection
As the day winds down on our final night together, we gather around the fire on the dock for an evening of warmth, laughter, and connection. With the lake at your feet and the fire glowing, this is a space to relax, share stories, and reflect—our quiet au revoir until next year.
Monday
8:00 AM
Breakfast
We hope you head home feeling relaxed and ready to take on the rest of your week. Be sure to bring your suitcases and belongings with you as we'll be wishing one another farewell at the end of the final session. Please note that you will be getting on the VIP Shuttle with your boxed lunch in hand as one final nutritious hug from Chef.
9:00 AM
5th and Final Studio Session :: Q & A with Sara
As our retreat winds to a close, we invite you to gather one last time for a heartfelt farewell and open Q&A with Sara Taylor. This is your moment to reflect, ask questions, share insights, or simply soak in the final moments of this creative, connected space. Whether you’re curious about techniques, want to hear more about Sara’s journey, or just need a little wisdom to carry home with you, this session is your chance. Bring your coffee, your questions, and your gratitude - we’ll wrap up together with warmth and intention.
10:00 aM
VIP Ground Transportation to Spokane International Airport
Enjoy seamless arrival and departure with our VIP shuttle, designed to keep your travel day easy and unhurried so you can stay fully present in the experience. The shuttle will pick everyone up at 10:00 am, so please be sure to schedule your departing flight for any time after 1:00 pm.
Deer Lake, Washington
Deer Lake, Washington
46893 East Deer Lake Way, Loon Lake, WA, USA
46893 East Deer Lake Way, Loon Lake, WA, USA
Sponsored By
© 2026. All Rights Reserved.