SOLD OUT! Please contact Steve via email to be added to the waitlist. Thank you!

Please call Steve at Mediterra at 310‑428‑1343 or email [email protected]. Reference "Betty's Art Retreat in Croatia".

PAINT, PLAY & RENEW:  An Abstract Art Retreat in Croatia October 17-27, 2026

Embark on a journey of art, flavors, and stories. Join me for an enriching ten-day retreat in the tranquil Croatian countryside near Dubrovnik.

Become an Expert with Values

Fully grasp the lightness and darkness of color—to enhance the depth, mood, and impact of your artwork. 

Master Color Mixing Techniques

Learn the secrets to mixing colors like a professional artist, adding depth and dimension to your artwork.

Explore Layering and Composition

Understand how to layer elements to build depth and visual interest in your abstract artwork.

About the Art Retreat

This retreat is designed especially for women artists who crave both creative depth and the joy of shared experience.  From the moment you arrive, you’ll be part of a welcoming, like-minded group where friendships form easily, and creativity flows naturally.  Travel details, accommodations, meals, and daily rhythms are thoughtfully arranged so you can relax into the experience without overthinking logistics.  Together, we’ll explore, create, and connect — supported every step of the way — allowing you to focus fully on your art, your growth, and the pleasure of traveling and creating in good company. See the full itinerary here (copy/paste): https://mediterradmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BETTY-Final-Artistas-Retreat-in-Croatia-L.pdf

What you'll learn

Mastering Harmonizing Colors

Explore the principles of color theory to create harmonious and balanced compositions. You’ll discover how to mix colors, create palettes, and use color temperature to enhance mood and emotional impact. You don't want to miss my cheating way to mix colors quickly to avoid making mud.

Building a Diverse Library of Mark-Making Shapes

You'll learn various techniques to create a range of marks—from delicate lines to bold strokes—expanding your artistic vocabulary and giving you the tools to express a variety of textures and emotions in your work.

Understanding Values and Their Key Role in Artwork

We’ll delve into the art of value—the lightness and darkness of colors—and how it can dramatically impact the depth, mood, and overall impact of your artwork. You’ll see how to use value to create a stronger sense of form, space, and drama. And so much more!

What's included

• 10-day stay (October 17-27, 2026) at a private retreat in the serene Konavle Valley, just 30 minutes from historic Dubrovnik • Accommodation provided in double ( €3,917.00 per person) or single rooms ( €4,905.00 per person), all with private ensuite bathrooms and showers • All transfers and logistics handled for a seamless journey • Daily buffet breakfast, light lunch, and dinner— fresh, healthy, and locally inspired, prepared in traditional Croatian way on an open fire (“ispod peke”) • Basic art supplies provided, including 2 canvases • Professional art sessions with Betty Franks, an experienced artist-teacher • Cooking demo-learn about some of Croatia’s traditional dishes • Guided city tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town (about 2 hours walking,) including “Game of Thrones” filming sites with all transfers • Admission to museums and other sites and attractions on city tour (Cabe car tickets and City walls are not included) • Dubrovnik Archipelago cruise — a day on the Adriatic Sea with lunch and transfers included • Excursion to the picturesque Mediterranean town of Cavtat (half a day) • Authentic and traditional folklore performance at a local church — unchoreographed and performed by villagers after church service every Sunday with round trip transfers • 24+ hours of instruction and creative time FULL ITINERARY: https://mediterradmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BETTY-Final-Artistas-Retreat-in-Croatia-L.pdf REGISTRATION WILL OPEN ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026. If you plan to research travel, consider flying into Dubrovnik (DBV). Art Retreat dates are October 17-27, 2026.

Meet Your Guide: Betty Franks

Hi, I’m Betty — an artist and teacher who loves helping people loosen up, trust their instincts, and discover their own way of making art. With deep Croatian roots, returning to this part of the world feels especially meaningful to me. I’m continually inspired by the light, textures, flowers, Adriatic Sea, and quiet beauty of the region — and I love sharing that inspiration with others through art. My teaching style is supportive, encouraging, and hands-on. I’ll guide you through abstract techniques while giving you plenty of space to explore, experiment, and grow in your own voice. Whether you’re feeling confident or a little unsure, you’ll be met exactly where you are. I would love nothing more than to paint, explore, and create alongside you in Croatia — and to watch your work (and confidence) unfold along the way.

Lovorno, Croatia

Our Home & Creative Haven in Croatia Set in the sun-drenched Konavle countryside just minutes from Dubrovnik, Kameni Dvori will be our shared home and creative base for the retreat.  We’ll stay in beautifully restored stone villas and vineyard cottages, gather over homemade local meals, and immerse ourselves in the rhythms and traditions of Dalmatian life.  Surrounded by vineyards, open skies, and timeless rural charm, this peaceful estate offers the perfect setting to slow down, connect, and create art together.

What students are saying

Students of all levels are discovering how to express their creativity from the heart while exploring a beautiful country.  These reviews are from a recent art retreat in France.

”
I loved my time at the art retreat with Betty! She is more wonderful than I imagined! She is an excellent instructor to all the students. She met each of us at our unique levels and gently guided us to try new techniques to make the art sing! I highly recommend Betty’s retreats! It was an experience of a lifetime!!! Thank you Betty!!! 
Kathleen C.

USA

I returned home last night from Betty’s art retreat in France. I cannot heap enough praises onto the entire experience. Perigord did a fantastic job, and Betty… she is kind, helpful, nurturing, encouraging, inclusive… I could go on and on. Thank you, Betty. It’s by far the best retreat I’ve experienced, and I’ve been to many. 
Maria N.

USA

”
I was so glad I signed up to go on Betty’s retreat in France. She is a brilliant teacher and she brings joy to every session. Plus, she attracts the best people. I was thrilled to spend the week with a wonderful group of artists, all passionate about their work, generous in their sharing, and ready to have a good time.
Heather K.

Canada

Payment and Refund Policy

Mediterra Destination Management Company is hosting this Art Retreat. F.I.T. Cancellation & Refund Policy Deposit, Payments, Cancellation, and Refund Rules If you are booking independent, private travel arrangements—commonly referred to as FIT (Freestyle Independent Travel)—the following payment, cancellation, and refund policies apply: First Deposit Once you accept Mediterra’s suggested itinerary, pricing, and inclusions, a deposit of $250 per person or 10% of the total amount (whichever is greater) is due within 3 days of acceptance. You have 7 days from the date of acceptance to cancel and request a full refund. After this grace period, the deposit becomes non‑refundable for any reason, including pandemics, illness, or family emergencies. Second Deposit When we notify you that all reservations have been confirmed, an additional 50% of the total amount is due. You have 7 days from the date of notification to cancel and request a refund of the second deposit. After this grace period, both the first and second deposits become non‑refundable. Final Balance The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to departure. You have 7 days from the date of payment to cancel and request a refund of the balance. After this grace period, the entire amount is non‑refundable for any reason. Bookings Within 60 Days of Departure For bookings made within 60 days of departure, full payment is required once services are confirmed. You have 7 days from confirmation to cancel and request a refund. After this grace period, the entire amount is non‑refundable. Refund Requests All refund requests must be submitted in writing before the applicable deadline/grace period. Refunds will be processed within 7 days of receipt. Air Travel Arrangements If Mediterra arranges your air travel, the airline’s cancellation and refund policies will apply. Travel Protection Insurance Mediterra strongly recommends that all travelers obtain Travel Protection Insurance. If you do not have your own provider, we can connect you with our associate insurance company: CGR Insurance Website: www.cgrinsurances.com Email: [email protected] Phone: Direct: 407‑414‑5014 | Office: 352‑989‑5082 Questions about accommodations, travel, meals, and tours, please get in touch with Steve at Mediterra at 310‑428‑1343 or email [email protected]. Please reference "Betty's Art Retreat in Croatia". For questions about art supplies or the workshop agenda, please message me (Betty) at [email protected]. ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ OPEN FOR REGISTRATION! Please call Steve at Mediterra at 310‑428‑1343 or email [email protected]. Reference "Betty's Art Retreat in Croatia".  If you plan to research travel, consider flying into Dubrovnik (DBV). Art Retreat dates are October 17-27, 2026. See the full itinerary here (copy/paste): https://mediterradmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BETTY-Final-Artistas-Retreat-in-Croatia-L.pdf

Explore

Uncover local treasures along  cobblestone pathways.

Bask

Immerse yourself in stunning history and coastal views.

Relax

Experience serene vineyard strolls, calming your mind.

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

Please call Steve at Mediterra at 310‑428‑1343 or email [email protected]. Reference "Betty's Art Retreat in Croatia".