The Prague Sketching Retreat
July 2-6, 2025
Sketch Prague Like a Pro
A 5-Day Immersive Retreat
Learn from Alán Ramiro and David Drazil as you dive deep into the art of urban and architectural sketching. You’ll refine your skills and learn the keys to sketching mastery firsthand in one of Europe’s most inspiring cities.
Day 01: Welcome to Prague
Arrive in Prague settle into your accomodation, where you’ll be welcomed with a thoughtful gift pack (it’s a surprise!). In the evening, we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner, where you’ll meet your fellow participants, learn about the retreat, and set expectations for the days ahead. It’s a chance to relax, connect, and prepare for the creative journey to come.
(Included: Dinner)
Day 02: Foundations of Urban Sketching
The first full day begins with a morning session where you’ll dive into the fundamentals of urban sketching, focusing on perspective theory through an engaging and interactive presentation. After lunch, we’ll head outdoors to Prague’s stunning Old Town for group sketching sessions led by both Alán and David. You’ll break into smaller groups, each with one of your instructors, to sketch key landmarks while refining your technique. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Czech dinner together, where you can share your experiences, discuss creative processes, and bond with the group.
Day 03: Exploring Styles & Techniques
On Day 3, we’ll take a deeper dive into urban sketching styles and techniques. In the morning, we’ll focus on shadow techniques and sketching people within architectural contexts. After lunch, you’ll head back outdoors to explore one of Prague’s most iconic historical sites, such as Prague Castle or Charles Bridge, applying what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. In the evening, either Alán or David will give an insightful presentation to inspire and help refine your practice, setting the tone for the next day.
(Included: Dinner)
Day 04: Advanced Sketching Techniques
This day is all about pushing your sketching skills further. The morning session will introduce a more advanced approach to sketching, focusing on complex subjects and compositions. After lunch, we’ll meet at Letná Park for a relaxed yet focused afternoon of personal project work. Here, both Alán and David will provide personalized feedback, helping you hone in on your unique style and technique. Later, we’ll gather for dinner together, where you’ll have time to reflect on your progress and the experiences shared throughout the week.
Day 05: Wrapping Up & Showcasing Your Work
On the final day, we’ll kick off with a collaborative workshop led by both Alán and David, offering hands-on guidance and group discussion to wrap up your learning experience. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to present your work in a gallery-style format, reflecting on your growth and the skills you’ve developed throughout the retreat. To end on a high note, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner, where you’ll receive a surprise gift keepsake, and share your final thoughts and experiences from this unforgettable week.
(Included: Dinner)
Optional Evening Events & Extras
Throughout the week, there will be opportunities to participate in optional evening events, such as a sunset sketching session at a picturesque rooftop or scenic location. You’ll also have the chance to take part in a cultural activity, visiting a museum or gallery to immerse yourself in Czech art and architecture. If you want to explore more of Prague on your own, we’ll provide recommendations for the best spots for sketching during your free time.
Meet Your Instructors
Reviews from Alán's Travel Workshops
Reviews from David's Teachings
Ready to Sketch Prague?
Join the Waitlist Now
Experience Prague through a transformative 5-day intensive travel sketching adventure.
Why Join the Waitlist?
✅ Priority Booking – Get first pick when registration goes live.
✅ Early Bird Discount – Save $100 when you register by February 10th
🚀 Limited to 20 spots – Secure your place before it sells out!
Essential Trip Details:
📅 Dates: July 2-6, 2025
⏳ Duration: 5 days of creativity, exploration, and skill-building.
💰 Price: Starting at $1,500 (full details shared upon registration).
Retreat Highlights:
📍 Location: On-location sketching in the heart of Prague.
🎨 What You’ll Learn: Master urban and architectural sketching through expert-led workshops, live demos, and group exercises.
🤝 Small Group Setting: An intimate experience designed for personalized feedback and deeper learning.
Previous Workshop Images
Images from New York, Prague, Mexico, and Morocco
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the trip cost?
The trip cost includes all workshops, lectures, activities, online classes, meals as specified (dinners on Day 1, 3, and 5; lunch on Day 2), guided tours and entry fees to all planned activities and sites.
What is not included in the trip cost?
Accomodation, flights to and from Prague, travel insurance, meals not specified in the itinerary and personal expenses.
What skill level is required for the sketching workshops?
The workshops are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. Althought if you are a complete beginner you will be required too take a series of online workshops to be prepared. Alán provides guidance tailored to your experience and helps you grow your sketching skills throughout the trip.
What’s the focus of the workshops?
We’ll cover everything from perspective techniques to crafting unique scenes by combining perspectives from different areas. Expect to experiment with wet-on-wet watercolors, tackle challenges like starting a sketch with just 5 lines, and dive straight into ink and watercolor. There’s even a collaboration workshop. It’s a mix of techniques to push your creativity and grow!
What materials should I bring for the workshops?
It is recommended to bring your preferred sketchbook, pencils, pens, erasers, and any other materials you like to work with. A portable watercolor set and a small stool or cushion for sketching outdoors can also be useful. A detailed material list will be provided. PLUS we will have sponsors to provide you with some goodies too!
How do I get to Prague?
Prague is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easily accessible from most parts of the world.
By Air: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the main international airport
By Train: Prague’s main train station (Hlavní nádraží) is centrally located.
What is the group size for the trip?
Minimum 16, maximum 20 participants.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the workshops and tours, with lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for outdoor activities.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, travel insurance is required for all participants. This ensures you are covered for any unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
How do I book my spot on the trip?
To book your spot you can register beginning February 7th.A deposit is required to secure your place, with the balance due 90 days before the event.
What is the cancellation policy?
90 days out, cancelations are non-refundable. Within the grace period of collecting the minimum number of participants (16), your registration deposit is fully refundable, minus the transaction fee if opted for credit card or paypal.
If in the event you need to cancel, the deposit is transferrable to future trips minus a cancelation fee of $100.
Can I extend my stay in Prague?
Yes, you are welcome to extend your stay before or after the trip on your time. Please let us know your plans, and we can coordinate people together or assist with additional accommodations and recommendations for things to do.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any further questions, please contact us via email at alan@seethelines.com or david@sketchlikeanarchitect.com
We’re here to help and look forward to welcoming you on this incredible 5 day experience!
Your Co-Host and Workshop Teacher
Alán Ramiro Manning | @seethelines
Alán is on a passionate mission to create, connect, and inspire through sketching and teaching on-location around the world. A graduate of Architecture in Los Angeles, California, with 10 years of experience in the field, Alán blends his creative and technical expertise in the arts, design, and video storytelling.
Through his Sketching Life Workshops, Alán has inspired over 500 students this year alone with his weekly online LIVE classes, teaching the art of urban sketching with clarity and passion. Beyond the digital realm, he leads transformative sketching retreats in stunning destinations, with Morocco standing out as a key location for immersive experiences that spark creativity and personal growth.
From Rome to Porto, Barcelona to Andalusia, and now Prague, Alán’s workshops bring students face-to-face with the beauty of the world while fostering a movement to live in the moment, create fearlessly, and take bold action on their dreams. Boots on the ground, he’s building a global community that embraces art as a tool for connection and transformation.
Your Co-Host and Workshop Teacher
David Drazil, MSc. | @david_drazil
David is a trained architect with international studying and working experience from the Czech Republic and Denmark. He’s a published author of 3 books on architectural sketching, a speaker, and a trusted teacher with more than 15,000+ students in his online and offline courses and workshops.
In 2017, David started creating and sharing educational content on architectural sketching and since then his fun and approachable way of teaching gathered an audience of over 350k+ fans of sketching & drawing across online platforms. David’s project Sketch Like an Architect has become a global go-to resource for all things architectural sketching.
Learn more about David and all his awesome books! at SketchLikeAnArchitect.com
Follow David on Instagram
More Experiences from 2024 Trips
Watch TestimonialsFive 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.