ROTA Plein Air Retreat
Location: Ecuador
Lead Artist: John P. Lasater
Date: August 12-20, 2024
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
We are Nancy and Freedom Rodriguez, artist and missionaries living and serving in Ecuador. Our arts ministry reaches out to young people living in under-resourced communities. We are also the host directors of ROTA retreats. Our desire is to cultivate creative community and inspire artists towards deeper life experiences.
Group Lead: John Lasater
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, John P. Lasater IV is an award-winning artist who now lives, paints and teaches in Siloam Springs, located in the beautiful hills of Northwest Arkansas. Lasater once known for his impressionistic style and bravado brushwork, has recently evolved under the mentorship of Jerusalem Master, Israel Hershberg, as well as from his travels to Italy and in depth historical and experimental self-studies. His recent works have matured to a quieter, more thought out and simplistic approach, giving himself more time and focus on each painting.
Lasater has been a main figure on the plein air scene for several years, considered by many to be one of the best in the genre in American outdoor painting. He has won many awards including Best of Show twice in Easels in Frederick, Best of Show twice in the Plein Air Southwest Salon, and Best of Show in Plein Air Rockies just to name a few. Most recently Lasater has taken to his studio where he is creating more calculated and ambitious works, and although outdoor painting will likely always hold an important place in his process, he believes these new studio works to be the next step for him in his trek to wherever he is going.
THE ROTA RETREAT
ROTA retreats are designed for artists who love the outdoors and who love to travel to paint. We strongly believe in building community among artists. So if you love art and cultural excursions and fellowship with other artists, this retreat is for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Ecuador is one of the most ecologically diverse hotspots on the planet. It offers four utterly unique landscapes. Ranging from the rugged Andes, to the mist shrouded cloud forests, bustling colonial cities and breathtaking coastlines. A majestic land of volcanoes, forests and seas. Our excursion and retreats will be specifically focus in the beautiful Andes, the open terrain around Cotopaxi, the lush hills around Quilotoa, the mountain range of Pichincha, and the city of Quito. For artists, this means inspiration from nature, including mountains, hills, and valleys.
ACCOMMODATIONS
El Refugio
EXCURSIONS
Mindo
Mindo is known for its lush cloud forests, cascading waterfalls, and colorful array of birds and butterflies. This tranquil oasis provides artists a chance to connect with nature and draw inspiration from the surrounding beauty. The town itself is a charming mix of traditional architecture and modern amenities, providing a perfect balance of comfort and creativity for artists seeking inspiration in the heart of nature.
Quilotoa
The Quilotoa region of Ecuador is a rich treasure trove of natural beauty, offering landscape painters a stunning array of subjects to capture on canvas. The centerpiece of the region is the breathtaking Quilotoa crater lake, a stunningly beautiful natural wonder that changes color with the light of day. The surrounding Andean highlands are a patchwork of green fields and rolling hills, dotted with traditional indigenous villages and farms. The landscape is constantly changing with the seasons, offering a never-ending source of inspiration for artists seeking to capture the beauty and spirit of this magical place.
Quito
Our last couple of days we’ll travel throughout Quito is the capital city of Ecuador. The city is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
The Historical District of Quito, also known as "Old Town" or "La Ciudad Vieja," is the heart of the city's historical and cultural heritage. It is home to many colonial-era buildings, churches, and monuments, most of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Walking through the narrow streets of the Historical District, visitors can admire the stunning architecture, visit quaint shops and cafés, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The area is also home to many museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, which offer a glimpse into Quito's rich history and cultural heritage.
We will also ascend to the Pichincha mountains, a volcanic range in Ecuador's Andes. The landscape offers stunning views of the mountain range and the city of Quito.
Additional Things to Know
Every retreat will have a lead artist from our ROTA Collective that will lead in discussions aimed to encourage faith and inspire creativity.
We will have approximately 4-6 hours a day to paint. We will take advantage of morning hours and if weather and time permits we will paint during the late afternoon.
The average elevation is 9,000 ft, however we will go as low as 4,000ft and as high as 12,000ft. The daily climate is cool and warm year round. Average temperature 48°F to 66°F (10°C to 23°C).
As an option, we can visit our ministry center where we serve kids. This will help you see how ArtServe International serves under-resourced communities.
A non refundable deposit is required. However, deposits can be used for future trips. Also, we can refund 80% of the full amount in emergency situations, e.g. *death in family, *state of emergency, *testing positive for COVID (within 15 days). If cancelation on our end occurs, 90% will be refunded. Retreat costs do not include airfare.
Changes to itinerary while in country may occur based on circumstances.
Travel insurance is not required, but if you’re interested you may find options here. Or you may purchase it when you purchase your flights.
We will have a virtual meeting for more traveling and retreat information, including a detailed itinerary, sent two months prior to retreat date.