New Sketchbook India Art Tour to India
Rajasthan | Shekhawati region
November 1 - 14, 2025
Slow paced, small group size - max 10
Locations: Delhi, Nawalgargh, Jaipur, Bundi
We welcome all creatives - from absolute beginners to advanced - sharing, collaborating and encouraging each other on the path to creative freedom
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 Nawalgargh 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
This is suitable for those who wish to explore creative processes without the constraints of perfection in a country that honours creativity, vibrant colour, philosophical diversity, music and ancient spiritual practices, not to mention beautiful food!
India is a land of contrasts and mystery so it is befitting that we come without expectations….to go with the flow, whilst fully supported with my long term colleagues.
Your sketchbook becomes the holder of precious memories…with ample time to sketch, paint, make small objects, forage and collage with found materials, throw pots (on wheels!) and woodblock print fabric…with options to make a bangle or learn the art of Bandhej (tie and dye) - whatever your choice we have it covered!
🔹For more info please click on my contact page
Costs:
Cost: $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 August 1, 2025
Min 6 - Max 10 people
Tour includes:
🔹Accommodation 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
🔹 Daily breakfasts
🔹 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 - 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 with exquisite frescoes in Nawalgargh
🔹 Vibrant markets
🔹 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)
🔹 Scroll below for a photographic overview 🔹
An example of a beautifully painted 19th century Haveli
(Mansion and Persian for enclosed space) built by wealthy merchants in the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan. Nawalgargh has an incredible open gallery of frescoes, exquisite doors, alcoves and arches
Sketchbook tour to Odisha, India
28 October - 10 November 2024
New 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
Art work by Leanne Bray - 3rd time participant!
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/
