Art Lab Retreat - Marina Del Ray, California - August 5 -7, 2026
In May, we gathered on the Atlantic coast in Wilmington, North Carolina. This August, we're heading all the way across the country to soak up the sun and creative energy of the Pacific Coast in Marina del Rey, California.
Just 15 minutes from LAX, our host venue is the beautiful new By the Sea Studio & Gallery, owned by none other than Mina Villegas. Located in the iconic Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey, the gallery offers gorgeous waterfront views, sea lions, swaying palm trees and a refreshing ocean breeze — plenty of natural inspiration for the art we'll be creating together.
The workshops are designed to develop artistic skill, encourage experimentation and explore exciting techniques in both fluid art and mixed media. Whether you're just beginning your creative journey or looking to take your artwork to the next level, this retreat offers inspiration, growth and plenty of room to play.
Space is intentionally limited to just 15 participants, creating a more personal and immersive experience. Register now before we fill up!
Workshops
Color Theory and Composition
In abstract art, color theory helps us set the mood, create atmosphere and build emotional connection. Composition is how we tell our story — creating a focal point and guiding the viewer’s eye through the painting.
In this opening workshop, we’ll define key concepts and common terms, then put them into practice by creating a fluid art pour inspired by color, movement and intentional design. The is the highest-rated workshop by previous attendees! Led by Nate Bright
Modern, Minimal
Explore why "less is more" in this fun class showcasing the beauty of minimal design in fluid art. This mesmerizing technique is not only satisfying to create, but it is a highly sought-after style for home decor. You will learn the basics of paint consistencies, layering and tilting, using a high-contrast color palette, along with the importance and beauty of negative space. Led by Mina Villegas
Wandering Embellishments
Wandering Embellishments
What happens after you pour can make ALL the difference! Learn how to create gorgeous motion and add intricate details to your fluid art paintings by embellishing with swirls and color-stretched lines that add a touch of elegance and whimsy! Led by Mina Villegas
Thinking Outside the Box
Thinking Outside the Box
Wandering Embellishments
Discover the art of transformation in this hands‑on mixed media workshop, where ordinary pine cigar boxes become extraordinary keepsakes.
You will learn layering, texture, and embellishment techniques to create richly detailed, personalized pieces bursting with dimension and handcrafted character. Whether you like ornate or simple, this class blends painting, collage, and sculpture into one creative experience. Come ready to experiment, play, and leave with a masterpiece that’s uniquely yours. Led by Janese Pitman
Alcohol Inks 101
Thinking Outside the Box
Swipe Like a Pro!
Discover the magic of alcohol inks in this hands‑on workshop, where stainless steel tumblers become dazzling works of art. You will learn blending, layering, and sealing techniques to create vibrant, durable designs that shimmer with personality.
Whether you're drawn to bold colors or soft, flowing gradients, this class gives you the freedom to explore your own style. You'll finish with a beautifully decorated tumbler and a better feel for working with alcohol inks. Led by Janese Pitman
Swipe Like a Pro!
Thinking Outside the Box
Swipe Like a Pro!
Artists have been using palette knives since the Renaissance, and yet many artist find them intimidating. Which is a shame, because they are an essential tool - especially for abstract artists.
In this skills development class, you will get hands-on instruction on how to add motion, depth and interest using a variety of different shapes and sizes of palette knives, how to layer the paints either on the canvas or the tool, how to use it in fluid art as well as adding texture in more traditional styles. Led by Nate Bright
Meet Your Instructors
Mina Villegas
Janese Pitman
Mina Villegas
Mina Villegas is a Southern California fluid artist, educator and creator behind the YouTube channel Mina Villegas Art, where she and her “Husband of Awesomeness” share creative tutorials and inspiration.
Before pursuing art full time, Mina worked as a Doctor of Chiropractic and later as a landscape designer specializing in vibrant succule
Mina Villegas is a Southern California fluid artist, educator and creator behind the YouTube channel Mina Villegas Art, where she and her “Husband of Awesomeness” share creative tutorials and inspiration.
Before pursuing art full time, Mina worked as a Doctor of Chiropractic and later as a landscape designer specializing in vibrant succulent tapestry installations for residential and commercial spaces. Her natural eye for color, texture and composition became the foundation of her artistic journey.
Since discovering acrylic paint pouring in 2018, Mina has been creating, exhibiting and teaching fluid art in the US and internationally. Known for her adventurous spirit, approachable teaching style and love of experimentation, she creates a welcoming and encouraging environment for artists of all experience levels. Her workshops explore color theory, composition, paint consistency, professional techniques and the joy of creative discovery.
Nate Bright
Janese Pitman
Mina Villegas
Nate Bright is a self-taught abstract artist originally from Ohio and now based in Costa Rica, where he owns and operates Galeria 1084. Influenced by nature, movement, and experimentation, his work blends organic chaos with clean structural lines, layered textures, and unexpected moments of discovery. Working intuitively across fluid art,
Nate Bright is a self-taught abstract artist originally from Ohio and now based in Costa Rica, where he owns and operates Galeria 1084. Influenced by nature, movement, and experimentation, his work blends organic chaos with clean structural lines, layered textures, and unexpected moments of discovery. Working intuitively across fluid art, mixed media, and contemporary abstraction, Nate follows inspiration wherever it leads, constantly exploring new techniques, styles, and creative processes rather than repeating the same approach. His fearless philosophy toward art has led him to teach workshops and retreats in four countries while building an international audience through his YouTube channel of more than 30,000 subscribers. Whether painting on canvas, exploring natural dyes and textiles, or teaching in the studio, Nate’s work encourages others to create boldly, take risks, and BE FEARLESS.
Janese Pitman
Janese Pitman
Janese Pitman
Janese Pitman is a self‑taught mixed media artist born and raised in Northern California. She loves working with abstract designs, layered textures, and alcohol inks, with steampunk being her favorite style—an influence that grew out of her long‑standing love of sci‑fi. Janese’s passion is inspiring others to explore their creativity, try
Janese Pitman is a self‑taught mixed media artist born and raised in Northern California. She loves working with abstract designs, layered textures, and alcohol inks, with steampunk being her favorite style—an influence that grew out of her long‑standing love of sci‑fi. Janese’s passion is inspiring others to explore their creativity, try new things, and enjoy the process without worrying about perfection. Through her art, workshops, and YouTube channel, Just Janese, she encourages people of all skill levels to experiment, have fun, and create with confidence.
THREE FULL DAYS of workshops for only $1,575! ($525 per day plus 10.25% sales tax = $1,736.44)
SAVE $200 - Register by July 12, 2026 and pay only $1,375 (plus tax = $1,515.94)
STEP TWO: PAYMENT
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Destination and Hotel Information
Destination: Fisherman's Village, Marina Del Rey
Address: 13737 Fiji Way, Suite C10, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Please note: By the Sea Studio & Gallery is located on the second floor of the blue and yellow building, accessed by a short staircase. Unfortunately, it is not handicap accessible, so it cannot be accessed with wheelchairs or walkers. If you have mobility issues, PLEASE let us know IN ADVANCE so we can assist where possible.
Villa Brasil Motel
Foghorn Harbor Inn Hotel
4140 Via Marina, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292-5301, United States
T 310-823-4626
Mention 'Art Lab Retreat' and get a 10% discount!