Painting the Light of Ajijic
An 8-Day Cold Wax & Oil Painting Retreat in Mexico
A different way of seeing. A different way of painting.
Imagine...
There’s a natural rhythm to the days here—one that extends beyond the studio. You’ll wander the cobblestone streets of Ajijic, linger a little longer at the local market, and find yourself drawn to color, texture, and light in unexpected places. Time opens up. There’s space to explore, to sit by the water, to share a glass of wine, or simply to do nothing for a while without feeling like you should be doing something else. It’s a kind of ease that’s hard to manufacture at home—and it quietly becomes part of how you see, and how you paint.
Who is this for?
There somes a point when you’ve spent time around painting.
Maybe you’ve taken a few classes.
Maybe you’ve experimented on your own.
Maybe you’ve stood in front of a canvas thinking, “I want this to work… I just don’t know how to get there.”
​
You may not speak the language of composition or color theory fluently yet.
Or maybe you do—but it still doesn’t translate the way you hoped.
Either way…
Something isn’t quite clicking.
​And you begin to wonder:
-
Where do I even start?
-
Am I doing this right?
-
Why does it feel harder than it looks?
This retreat is designed for that exact place.
And surprisingly, the medium we’ll use—cold wax with oil paint—opens the door.
Not because it simplifies painting…
But because it changes how you enter into it.
The Venue
Picture yourself in this boutique bed and breakfast in the heart of historic Ajijic—an artful, relaxed setting with shared spaces that invite you in, from the pool and wine bar to quiet courtyards and comfortable gathering areas. You’ll be within easy walking distance of the lake, the plaza, local shops, and restaurants, making it simple to move between painting, exploring, and unwinding at your own pace. Class sizes are small to maximize teaching impact.
​
What you can expect is a thoughtful balance of focused painting time, genuine connection, and space to simply enjoy where you are.
Our days will include guided instruction in cold wax and oil—offered in a way that meets you where you are and helps things start to click—alongside time to work at your own pace.
Just as important is the sense of community that naturally forms when a small group of artists shares the experience together: conversations over meals, quiet encouragement, and the ease of being around others who understand why this matters to you.
​
And woven through it all is a slower rhythm—time to step away, explore, and return to your work with fresh eyes.
Hospitality Room
What's Included
-
Art instruction in cold wax and oil painting, advice to take better reference photos, and demonstrations with artist Tamara Poff
-
Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, paper towels, drop cloths, painter’s tape, glassine to pack paintings, solvent, assorted stamps and stencils
-
7 nights of accommodation at a gorgeous bed and breakfast in ancient Ajijic
-
Property amenities include a saltwater pool, guest shared kitchen, organic bath products, private terraces, gathering spaces, wine bar, wifi, and friendly bi-lingual staff. (smoke-free environment)
-
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, carefully prepared by a private chef, catering to dietary preferences
-
Coffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks are available throughout the day.
-
Non-alcoholic beverages served during meal service every day.
-
Welcome dinner, with wine
-
Round-trip airport transfers from/to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
-
Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and optional tour assistance
-
Poff Studio Art Tote
What's Not Included
-
Airfare
-
Dinners are on your own - the choice of local fare is excellent!
-
Travel and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended - see cancellation policy below) For comparison: TravelInsurance.com
-
Painting Supplies. Supply list to be provided on registration. Kits are available for purchase, $145 US.
-
​Tips - customary in Mexico - tip advice
-
Any other expenses guests might incur on their own​
-
An optional group day trip to the artisan village of Tlaquepaque (transportation fee applies)
Shared Room (2 queen beds)
-limited availability
NON-STUDENT PARTNERS ARE WELCOME to room with you in single occupancy rooms. All beds are queen or king and are assigned upon registration, on a first come, first served basis Avid golfer, Mark Poff, knows the local golf courses and will be happy to invite your traveling companion for golf outings! Also, the Inn can set your traveling companion up with numerous activities, such as private tours, spa experiences, tequila and wine tastings. Contact hello@poffstudio.com for availability. Their charge of $550 includes breakfasts, lunches, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, use of all hotel amenities, and airport transfers.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
This retreat is an instructional art program organized by the instructor and co-presented with The Drawing Studio, Tucson. The program's focus is studio and on-location painting instruction.
Accommodations, breakfasts, and hospitality services are provided by an independent hotel in Ajijic, Mexico. While these arrangements are coordinated for participant convenience, the hotel is solely responsible for all lodging, breakfasts, guest safety, and compliance with applicable Mexican laws and regulations.
​All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. Payments and deposits are non-refundable due to the careful planning and limited nature of retreat spaces (maximum 9 students). If you need to cut your trip short, for any reason, no refund can be issued.
​
If your space is resold, your payments may be applied as a credit toward a future Poff Studio retreat, valid for two years. While we will make every effort to refill your spot, we cannot guarantee it. No exceptions to this policy will be made. Check travel insurance for cancellation coverage details. Travel insurance can offer peace of mind by protecting your investment and ensuring you are covered in case of unexpected health-related issues.
​
Poff Studio and The Drawing Studio plan retreats with great care; however, in the unlikely event that we must cancel, you may transfer your payments to a future retreat or receive a refund of payments made, less any costs incurred that cannot be recovered. Credit card refunds will be reduced by a 3% processing fee. Poff Studio and The Drawing Studio are not responsible for any additional expenses incurred as a result of cancellation.
Meet Your Hosts
Instructor, Tamara Poff
A graduate in fine arts with a B.A. in art eduction, Tamara Poff has followed her quest to share her love of personal expression through the arts for over four decades.
Her work is found in corporate and private collections throughout the U.S.
The Drawing Studio's Executive Director, Maggie Rush Miller
Maggie Rush Miller, daughter of founder Andrew Rush, has decades of experience in nonprofits, particularly in serving marginalized youth. Her background in performing arts and creative writing centered on the African American experience fortifies her dedication to the ever-expanding need for access to art for all.
Founded in 1992 , The Drawing Studio is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive art community.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 – Tuesday (Arrival)
Meet your driver at the Guadalajara airport and settle into the hotel. We’ll gather in the evening for a welcome wine reception and light dinner—an easy, relaxed start to the week and your first taste of Ajijic’s warm, creative atmosphere.
Breakfast is served from 8:00–10:00 am. Lunch is provided from 1:30–2:30 pm, with mid-morning snacks available.
​
Day 2 – Wednesday
We’ll meet on one of the miradors (rooftop terraces) from 10:00 am–1:00 pm to walk through our setup and how to use your phone to capture strong reference photos—focusing on light, color, and composition. From there, we’ll head out together for a guided tour of Ajijic, including the lively Tianguis (open-air market), gathering painting ideas along the way.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the mirador to refine and print your images and begin painting.* The remainder of the day is yours to explore, unwind, or join one of the hotel’s optional excursions.
​
Day 4 – Thursday
10:00 am–1:00 pm — Painting resumes with group guidance and individual instruction, helping you translate your references into expressive work.*
​
Day 3 – Friday
A free day to rest, explore the village, book a massage, or simply notice the rhythms, textures, and colors that make this place unique.
​
​Day 5 – Saturday
10:00 am–1:00 pm — Continued painting instruction as your work develops and your personal approach begins to emerge.*
​
Day 6 – Sunday
Optional excursion to Tlaquepaque (estimated $40 USD round-trip transportation), often called the “Soul of Mexico,” from 10:00 am–3:00 pm—rich with folk art, galleries, mariachis, and traditional craftsmanship.
Or spend the day your way—hiking or touristing with many optional experiences.
​
Day 7 – Monday
10:00 am–1:00 pm — Final session focused on bringing your painting to completion, with guidance on finishing and packing your work for travel.*
​
Day 8 – Tuesday (Departure)
A farewell breakfast before your transfer back to the Guadalajara airport.
​
*Because everyone works at their own pace, supported open studio time is available on instructional days from 2:30–4:00 pm for those who want to continue working.
​
Travel and Accesability Considerations
Part of Ajijic’s charm is its historic character — colorful cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, gentle hills, and lively walking areas with an elevation of roughly 5,000 feet. Guests should be comfortable with moderate walking and varied terrain while exploring and participating in excursions. We encourage everyone to move at their own pace, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
​
Late October in Ajijic is beautiful and lush, following the rainy season, with comfortable temperatures expected. As in many lakeside destinations, mosquitoes may be present at times — particularly near the water and around dusk. We recommend bringing insect repellent and packing lightweight clothing for coverage during evening outings.