Catherine Parker

NEW Sketchbook India Art Tour!
Magical Rajasthan | Shekhawati region
November 1 - 14, 2025
Locations: Delhi, Nawalgarh, Jaipur, Bundi
Arrival + departure: Delhi
Slow paced, small group size - max 10

We welcome all creatives - from absolute beginners to advanced - sharing, collaborating and encouraging each other on the path to creative freedom

Join us on an unforgettable journey where art meets culture as we explore the enchanting landscapes and vibrant traditions of Rajasthan. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage, breathtaking architecture, and diverse art forms of this incredible region. Experience hands-on workshops, guided tours, and the chance to connect with local artisans while capturing the essence of Rajasthan in your sketchbook.

These highly specialised, bespoke Art programmes are suitable for those who wish to explore creative processes, from mark making to more structured content without the constraints of perfection. India honours creativity in all aspects, vibrant colour, philosophical diversity, music and ancient spiritual practices, not to mention beautiful food!

The relaxed, slow paced programme has been made especially for artists with plenty of time to create:
with 5 nights in one location (Nawalgarh), followed by 3 nights in Bundi, 3 nights in Jaipur, an overnight train, and 1 night in Delhi.

Costs:
$A3890 pp based on twin share;
Private room/single supplement: $790
Please note: 3 nights in Jaipur will be on a share basis due to the nature of the purpose built house for artists and writers that only contains 6 rooms + a workshop space for woodblock printing (this is factored into the overall price of the tour) - alternative accommodation can be sought for those who require their own space

Payment plans available
Registrations are now open
Registrations close on July 31, 2025
Unless fully booked
Min 6 - Max 10 people

• Your sketchbook becomes the holder of precious memories, a visual + felt record of your experiences

Each day is focused on Art...our sketchbook acts as the 'Keeper of our memories', capturing everything from the fleeting, transient moments, short workshops to more structured sessions (sketching, painting, collage, and mixed media). With plenty of free time, this Art tour suits all skill levels—from beginners to advanced; you will discover your own pace and rhythm.

We visit traditional artisans: Potters, the Bandhani community (tie and dye), bangle makers, and woodblock printers - in Jaipur, we have a private workshop with master printers where you will print your own fabric
We create art, explore markets, and enjoy delicious food. We share our skills and support each other in a friendly, nourishing environment while working in our sketchbooks, giving us a chance to start new art projects, gain fresh perspectives, and learn new skills. Independent making is encouraged as we develop our sketchbooks throughout the tour - as Artists, we are all familiar with the need for reflection and freedom.

Some of the highlights include:

Nawalgarh where we explore beautiful 19th-century havelis with stunning frescoes, meet the Kumbhar potters, and visit the Bandhej (tie and dye) community along with traditional bangle makers.

Spend the day with award winning rock art specialist, Kukki Sharma in the sweet little town of Bundi - the ancient rock art is approx 10 - 25,000 years old.

Bundi - Visit the Taragargh Fort built in 1354 - replete with frescoes and the most exquisite miniature paintings

An all-day Woodblock printing workshop is set for Jaipur - you will have the option to print your own scarf, cushion cover and explore printing outside allocated workshop times

Optional

• Learn to ‘throw’ a pot with the Kumbhar Potters
  Make a tie and dye scarf with the women of the Bandhani community
  Learn the art of making traditional bangles
  
  We also know it's important to have free time to relax and opt out of activities as needed, as we understand energy levels can change. Since we're a small group, we can easily adapt while still following our programme.

As lead professional artist + educator of these highly specialised Sketchbook Art Tours, I draw on 20 years of travel to India and 15 years organising and leading creatives…welcome to the magic carpet ride, to off beat India! - From the humble towns of Nawalgarh and Bundi to the Vibrant city of Jaipur and ancient Delhi you will feel the warmth of hospitality, artistic heritage: from traditional artisans to ancient rock art sites to beautiful temples, there is something for everyone…

This tour is fully supported with well respected local, knowledgeable guides

🔹For all inquiries please email via my contact page

Tour includes:
🔹Accommodation ( with daily breakfast ) in heritage hotels, with the exception of Jaipur where we stay in a purpose built home for artists and writers that contains a workshop space for woodblock printing  Please note: 3 nights in Jaipur will be on a share basis due to the nature of the purpose built house for artists and writers that only contains 4 rooms + a workshop space for woodblock printing (this is factored into the overall price of the tour) - alternative accommodation can be sought for those who require their own space
🔹 O/N comfortable sleeper train, and train travel between locations where comfort is a priority over congested roads, AC car as needed; Tuk Tuks, etc
🔹 Well respected, professional and deeply knowledgeable local guides will accompany us for the entire tour
🔹 Visits to traditional artisan families from Potters + Painters to Bandhej (tie and dye) and traditional bangle makers - an opportunity exists to learn the craft of Bandhej and to experiment with the Kumbhar caste of Potters
🔹 Woodblock printing workshop
🔹Entrance fees to the 14th century Taragarh Fort / Bundi Palace and fort
🔹A day with award winning ancient Rock Art specialist, Kukki Sharma in Bundi - the rock art is considered to be between approx 15,000 -25,000 years old, with some coins dated at around 6 BC
🔹 Visits to local Havelis ( 19th Century mansions ) with exquisite frescoes in Nawalgarh
🔹 Vibrant markets + temples
🔹 private areas for Art making, art tuition and so much more
🌼 Accommodation has been chosen based on comfort, natural settings, character, staff and ambience

Exclusions: international airfares, visa, meals, with the exception of daily breakfast - we will have a simple food kitty that we all contribute to throughout the trip; tipping: $150 to be paid at commencement of tour - tipping is considered customary, respectful and a cultural courtesy

For more information please visit:
https://catherineparkerarttours.com/ and email catherineparkerarttours@gmail.com
(Australia)

2024
Previous Sketchbook tour to Odisha, India
28 October - 10 November

Previous Sketchbook tour to Odisha, India
28 October - 10 November 2024

This is a two week Sketchbook Art program / tour to Odisha, considered the ‘soul of India’
Whether you are an experienced artist or just starting out, this Art Tour will bless you with inspiration that will carry you beyond time, where spirit and matter merge. Your sketchbook becomes the cherished memory holder of this deeply nourishing, joyful journey.

I have participants returning again and again, some on their 3rd and 4th tour - testament to my impeccable research, knowledge, experience and creative teaching skills

Each day we experiment, explore and create unique impressions of our experience. We have a combination of guided workshops, independent making and collaborative opportunities with our beautiful staff.
As we are based in only 2 main locations you will have plenty of quality time. This is not a fly in, moving from one thing to another kind of tour. It is a well balanced program of meaningful interactions and art making

These highly specialised, bespoke, cultural + creative immersion Tours, are made with love and the deepest respect for land and people. We will be immersed in nature, ancient temples and small villages where you will be welcomed with warmth and kindness.

• This is slow pace, joy filled, rural India where you will be greeted with warmth and kindness that is deeply felt. The village is considered the true, beating heart of India..just ask Gandhi.
  Odisha is not heavily touristed so you will experience an India that is still ensconced in its ancient roots
  These tours are fully escorted with a well respected guide who will accompany us the entire journey
  
  Cost: $A3890 pp based on twin share;
  private room/single supplement: $850
  Payment plans available
  Registrations are now open
  Registrations close on August 1, 2024
  Max 10 people
  
  For more information please visit:
  https://catherineparkerarttours.com/ and email catherineparkerarttours@gmail.com
  (Australia)
  
  🔹Tour includes: accommodation in beautiful, comfortable, character filled locations, each with private areas for Art making: from adobe inspired cottages to our exquisite palace - feel the ambience each day as we explore our surroundings; all home cooked, delicious meals (with the exception of the last 2 days), ground transport; full time guide for the duration of the tour, art tuition and so much more - please see below

🌼 5 nights in our unique, community based adobe inspired cottages in lush surrounds on a peaceful river with large rocks based in the hill district of Desia;
🌼 5 nights in our divine palace - the location set amongst tree plantations and exquisite gardens - perfect for workshops and private drawing/painting - an extra night has been added here for reflection and immersion
🌼 All home cooked, delicious meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner with the exclusion of the last 2 days
🌼 All ground transport in AC cars.  
🌼 O/N comfortable sleeper train
🌼 A well respected, professional and deeply knowledgeable guide will accompany us for the entire tour
🌼 Visits to traditional artisan families from Textiles, to Potters, Painters, Dhokra + Bell Metal, Drum makers: Odisha is known for its exquisite IKAT weaving and is highly sought
🌼 Private GOTIPUA classical dance performance
🌼 Ancient temples including Ratnagiri “Hill of jewels” a 5th century Buddhist monastery set in a lush mountainous district
🌼 Sacred dusk ceremony in the Joranda monks temple near Dhenkanal
🌼 vibrant markets
🌼 Tribal hamlets
Love, joy and inspiration!

Exclusions: international airfares + local tipping
🙏🏽 Local tipping: $140 to be paid at commencement of tour in India
Kitty contribution tbc

Testimonials
I consider myself lucky to respond to the original email about your trip. I saw something of the ‘magic’ in you and I wanted to be part of what I thought would be a ‘carpet ride’ across some very interesting territory. Thankyou Catherine. Your very deep experiences in India with both the people and the landscape enabled me to just ‘step’ onto that ‘carpet’ and blast off on one of the best experiences in my life. Tony and I both are indebted to you and Kamlesh for all you did for us. We are now set to make plans for our next trip
Betsy Forster, Australia

My experience with Catherine Parkers Art Tour of India was more than I could imagine, an adventure of a lifetime.She is so experienced and in tune with the energy that is India, that we were all able to benefit from her deep research and love of the country and people. Every day was joy filled, educational and inspiring. We stayed in beautiful heart felt lodgings where the owners knew Catherine and welcomed us in comfort and safety. I am planning to return as soon as possible, for another magical tour with Catherine.
Karen Meadows, California USA

For more information about CATHERINE PARKER ART TOURS please visit: https://catherineparkerarttours.com/