From Instagram to Morocco – Let’s Do This!
“I’m 29, and I wanted to learn a new skill, it had been so long since I’d done anything like this. I took art classes and even went to art academy about eight years ago, but I stopped early. I felt the need to reconnect with it, so when I found you on Instagram, I thought, ‘Yes, let’s book this and go!’ It wasn’t just the sketching that felt new, the trip was to a country I’d never been to before. Everything, the surroundings, the culture, the people – felt like an exciting, fresh experience.”

More Than a Workshop – It Felt Like Family
“I can’t believe how much we accomplished in such a short time, it felt like a whole month packed into days. I’ve always loved art but never had the chance to learn seriously, as I pursued engineering instead. Alán’s question on why we sketch and why we don’t helped me realize how perfectionism and self-doubt were holding me back. This workshop pushed me to let go, sketch quickly, and embrace creativity without overthinking. Beyond the art, meeting people from such diverse backgrounds who shared the same passion was incredible. By the end, we felt like family, sharing techniques, journeys, and vulnerabilities. It was even better than I imagined, truly precious.”

Morocco Sketch Trip is all About Slowing Down, Creating, and Connecting
“In October, I joined Alán Ramiro’s urban sketching retreat with SeetheLines in Morocco, and it was an unforgettable experience. Traveling with a diverse group of creatives, all united by our love for art, was incredible. Sketching together in such a vibrant setting created instant bonds and allowed us to truly absorb the environment.

Urban sketching made me slow down and see Morocco in a whole new way. Instead of rushing from sight to sight, sketching made me focus on the details, the colors, textures, and movements around me.

Alán is an incredible teacher with a relaxed, open style that makes learning feel natural, whether you’re a beginner or experienced. His laid-back approach, embracing spontaneity, made the workshops fun and low-pressure.

I usually prefer sketching in private, but Alán encouraged us to sketch in busy spots, like the bustling squares and medinas of Marrakesh. At first, it was intimidating, but it turned into one of the best parts of the trip. People would stop, watch, and start conversations, making it an incredible way to connect.

This retreat was one of the most inspiring and fulfilling experiences I’ve had, blending art, culture, and real connections.”

Five star review online, five thousand in my heart!
Sketching around Morocco with Alán and the crew was beyond amazing, the trip effortlessly exceeded every expectation I had and then some. Not only were the workshops clear, thoughtful, and informative but without fail they were also full of laughter, encouragement, and validation. Alán is a wonderful instructor and a truly fantastic travel companion and I am so thankful for the experiences I had with our little caravan. I felt seen, safe, and so well cared for throughout every second of the trip and I cannot WAIT for the next opportunity to sketch alongside Alán and a passionate group of strangers once again!

Let’s go sketch!
Haven’t sketched in over 10 years and started again during the group trip to Morocco. I tend to box myself in and want to get every detail and make things perfect. However, that took the fun out of everything and kept me from sketching. Alan’s step by step teaching style, patience, and clear direction gave the group amo to tackle different scenes. It was an absolute blast learning watercolor and sketching techniques that loosened me up and gave me the freedom to be creative and let the drawings come to life. Not only was this trip a blast sketching wise, but the support and friendships that were formed in the group will last a lifetime. If you’re hesitant to join a group trip, are afraid of letting the watercolor flow, or if perfectionism is keeping you from creating – stop what you’re doing right now and go sign up for one of Alan’s sketching workshops or group trips! What are you waiting for?! You won’t regret it. I’m looking forward to the next trip I can join. Yallah, yallah!!

Hello, we are the New York City chapter of the international group called Urban Sketchers. We had the pleasure of collaborating with Alán Ramiro Manning in November  2022 and presented our members with the opportunity to take his workshop “See the Lines-Shape and Sharpen the World Around You.”

Alán was very enthusiastic about these workshops and willing to collaborate with us. We met a few weeks before to talk about his ideas for the workshop, review his portfolio, pick a location, scout out sketching spots and discuss how to facilitate his workshop for our membership. I know he also went back multiple times on his own to the location to sketch and scout out the venue.

Alán gave two sessions, three hours each; both sessions sold out and were given in an indoor space in downtown Manhattan. The response from attendees was enthusiastic, and we look forward to working with Alán again on his next visit to New York.