The Artsy Way is a unique, creative pilgrimage on the Camino Frances, the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago. We spend two nights at a country villa to get oriented, visit a fantastic monastery and a scenic mountain pass before walking from inn to inn on the last 100 km to the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela where St. James’ relics are thought to lie. Our journey is unique because our focus is more than simply walking, although we will do plenty of that. Our focus includes an exploration and experience of the Camino through our senses, through sketching and watercolor painting, journaling, personal reflection, dynamic stretching, moments of meditation, and learning to look and observe our surroundings with all of our senses.
We share the history of the Camino, which begins far before the famous legend of Saint James, back to pre-Celtic peoples who lived throughout northern Iberia in hilltop villages, the remains of whose houses and towns are visible in Castros dotted throughout this region. The history of the Celts overlaps that of more ancient pagan peoples who also lived throughout northern Iberia, leaving dolmens, or standing stones, as well as evidence of their spiritual practices that still may be seen in contemporary Galego village traditions. The Romans, of course, left their mark throughout this area, evidenced in roadways, aqueducts, bridges and buildings that stand to this day. We will identify subtle signs of Roman construction on the walls of churches and municipal buildings along our journey, which will help us to see the details of the landscape around us as well as tangible signs of a very complicated history.
Although the Camino is a historic Christian pilgrimage, it is widely walked by people from all over the world, with many different beliefs, languages, backgrounds and incentives for completing an arduous and personal journey. The history, architecture, color, landscape, and contemporary culture, language and food of Galicia make this journey appealing to people of all beliefs. Because of our focus on art and travel journaling, we will take our time and really sink into pilgrimage mode, which will undoubtedly have different meanings for each person.
The walking distances listed in the itinerary are between our lodgings. We are limited in lodging choices that have enough rooms for our group. However, our private driver meets us throughout the day, so you can choose how long you want to walk; you may want a lift to the next stop, or to our lodging for the night, or walk the entire distance – it is your Way.
People with all types of watercolor experience are welcome. We especially invite those of you who believe you have “no artistic talent” or haven’t painted since elementary school. All you need is a desire to look closely and some instruction and practice in basic relationship skills — like other things in life, relationships are the key to drawing and painting. We will have fun learning and practicing how to notice our beautiful surroundings, using color and simple lines, shapes and values, as well as more about the historical and cultural significance of the Camino. After our time in Spain, immersed in beauty and a creative traveling community, you’ll return home with a personal journal documenting your journey.
Click here for our trip itinerary.
We hope you will join us! – Andre and Brenda
The Travails of Diplodocus 