I’m James Vaulkhard, a painter exploring the intersection between memory, nature, and abstraction represented in the landscapes around us. My journey began with a BA in History of Art from Leeds University and classical training in Florence, where I honed traditional techniques in portraiture and sculpture. Over the years, my work has evolved to blend these foundations with experimental approaches, drawing on influences from Japanese aesthetics and artists like Peter Doig and David Hockney. My recent paintings explore the concept of MA and invite viewers to rediscover the meaning of space, memory, and the spirit of place. Through my art, I aim to create immersive dreamscapes that evoke a meditative reflection on the beauty and complexity of our natural world as well as its interplay with human relationships. I look forward to sharing this creative journey with you in Morocco.
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Between the shifting light and vibrant colors of Morocco, there's a subliminal space where human experience and nature intertwine. On this journey, we'll explore that space by painting from unique vantage points throughout the country, each providing you perspectives beyond the corporeal.
Start on the rooftop terraces of Fes with panoramic views of the medina, where the city’s intricate mosaics and ancient architecture inspire your brushstrokes. In the High Atlas Mountains near Ourika, you’ll paint amidst serene mountain landscapes and traditional Berber villages, capturing the textures and atmosphere of these timeless places. Marrakech offers a rich palette too, from the cobalt blues and lush greens of Jardin Majorelle to the ornate details of Bahia Palace and the vibrant energy of the souks.
Alongside these painting sessions, you’ll explore cultural landmarks like Al-Qarawiyyin University and the Chouara Tannery, visit a Berber family home to learn traditional weaving techniques and enjoy live Andalusian and Moroccan music during special dinners. Experiment with new techniques, embrace the emotions that well up within, and deepen your connection to the space we'll inhabit during this inspiring week in Morocco.
-Touch down at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport and begin your journey to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and artistic heart.
-As we transfer through the changing landscapes to the ancient city, imagine the centuries of creativity that have flourished here.
-Upon arrival, we’ll check in at our riad, a tranquil retreat nestled within the labyrinthine medina.
-Tonight’s welcome dinner is our first taste of Fassi hospitality — a chance to connect, share intentions, and immerse ourselves in the city’s storied past, where every alley and mosaic whispers of memory and artistry.
-Awaken in Fes and greet the day with a rooftop painting session overlooking the medina. From this vantage, the city’s intricate geometry and shifting light offer endless inspiration for our first painting.
-Later, we embark on a guided walk through Fes’s wonders: the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University, recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating educational institution; the Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed using techniques unchanged since the 11th century; and bustling artisan workshops, home to master potters, weavers, and metalworkers preserving centuries-old crafts.
-As evening falls, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by the evocative strains of Andalusian music — a fitting soundtrack for a city where every sense is awakened.
-After breakfast and checkout, we journey into the High Atlas Mountains, tracing a route that reveals Morocco’s dramatic natural beauty.
-The drive to Ourika is a study in contrasts — verdant valleys, terraced fields, and Berber villages nestled against rugged peaks.
-Upon arrival at our kasbah retreat, the evening is yours to unwind, absorb the serenity of the landscape, and reflect on the day’s shifting palette. Here, nature’s grandeur invites a meditative approach to both painting and presence.
-Begin the day surrounded by the mountain air, then venture out for an outdoor painting session amid the timeless scenery of Ourika.
-As the morning light glazes the landscape before you, allow your senses to color your emotions, and your emotions to guide each brushstroke.
-Our cultural immersion continues with a visit to a Berber family home, where we’ll learn the art of traditional weaving. It's a tactile reminder of how memory and place are woven together in Moroccan culture.
-The day concludes with a shared dinner, a celebration of creativity and connection.
-After breakfast and checkout, we depart for Marrakech, pausing at the enchanting Anima Gardena whimsical and immersive outdoor space where art and nature intertwine.
-Created by Austrian artist André Heller, this fantastical garden offers an inspiring break along the journey.
-Upon arrival in Marrakech, we check into our riad and set out for an orientation tour of the city’s vibrant streets, where the energy of the medina and the echoes of history set the stage for the days ahead.
-Our morning unfolds in the iconic Jardin Majorelle, where bold hues and lush plantings evoke the spirit of painter Jacques Majorelle and the aesthetic dialogue between East and West.
-Here, we’ll paint amidst cobalt blues and verdant greens, drawing on the garden’s harmony and sense of space.
-The afternoon brings a guided exploration of Marrakech’s architectural gems: the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and bustling souks, each offering new textures and stories to inspire our art.
-As night falls, we gather for a farewell dinner accompanied by traditional Moroccan music, celebrating the creative journey we’ve shared.
-After breakfast and checkout, we transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, carrying with us sketchbooks and canvases filled with memory and hearts stirred by Morocco’s landscapes and people.
-Our retreat concludes, but the spirit of place and the memories of Morocco will continue to echo in our work and lives. Thank you for joining me.