Pack your core painting kit (a limited palette, brushes, panels, odourless solvent), sun-and-heat essentials (hat, high-factor sunscreen, refillable bottle, light long-sleeved layers) and soft, unmistakeable clothing you can paint in. Check whether the retreat supplies materials — MALLORCA ART RETREAT confirms the kit list in advance so you do not overpack.
The best packing list for a painting retreat is short. Painters who travel light paint more freely — and nowhere is that truer than on a Mediterranean island where the light moves fast and the best subject is often a short walk away. Here is a practical checklist, split into art materials, clothing and the small things people forget.
Art materials
- A limited palette — six or seven colours you actually use
- Brushes in a range of sizes, plus one large for blocking in
- Canvas panels or primed boards (working small keeps you mobile)
- A palette and a palette knife
- Odourless solvent in a sealed container, plus rags
- A sketchbook and pencils for warm-ups and studies
- A portable easel or pochade box if you plan to work outdoors
A note on paint: do not bring every tube you own. A tightly edited palette pushes you to solve problems with mixing rather than searching for the perfect colour. If you are unsure what the retreat provides, ask before you fly — many, including MALLORCA ART RETREAT, will confirm exactly what is on site.
Clothing for the light and the heat
- A wide-brimmed hat — non-negotiable for plein air work
- High-factor, water-resistant sunscreen
- Light, long-sleeved layers to protect against sun and mosquitoes
- Comfortable shoes for uneven terraces and village lanes
- A light jacket or jumper for cool mornings and evenings
- Swimwear — the sea is part of the experience
Dress in layers. Mediterranean mornings can start cool and clear before the day warms quickly, and coastal evenings turn fresh again. Soft, breathable fabrics in natural tones suit both the climate and the easel.
The small things people forget
- A refillable water bottle
- A phone or camera for reference shots
- A small notebook for notes and colour recipes
- Painter’s tape and a few bulldog clips
- Any personal medication, plus basic first aid
- An adaptor for European plugs (type C / F)
What not to bring
Resist the urge to bring your entire studio. Oversized boards, heavy easels and every colour you own will slow you down and, more importantly, keep you from working freely. A retreat is a chance to strip back to essentials — let the light and the landscape do the rest. Explore the retreat weeks.
The seven-line version: limited palette, a few brushes, small panels, odourless solvent, a wide hat, high-factor sunscreen and light layers. That is a complete painting-retreat kit for Mallorca — everything else is optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What art supplies should I bring to a painting retreat?
A limited palette of six or seven colours, a range of brushes, small canvas panels, a palette and knife, odourless solvent with rags, a sketchbook, and a portable easel if you plan to work outdoors.
Do I need to bring my own paints to an art retreat?
It depends on the retreat. Ask in advance. Bringing your own tightly edited palette is always useful, but many retreats confirm exactly what materials are supplied on site.
What should I wear on a painting holiday in Mallorca?
Light, breathable layers in natural tones, comfortable shoes for uneven ground, a wide-brimmed hat and high-factor sunscreen. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring a light jacket too.
Should I bring a large easel to Mallorca?
No. Travel light — a portable easel or pochade box is plenty. Oversized boards and heavy equipment slow you down and discourage spontaneous plein air work.
