Realism in Paradise
Western Academic Figure Drawing Retreat in Thailand
Jan 4 - Jan 8, 2027
What to Expect
Imagine spending your mornings drawing from a live model under the guidance of a professional realist artist...
...and your evenings exploring vibrant markets, incredible food, ancient temples, and the rich culture of Thailand.
That's Realism in Paradise.
This unique five-day retreat brings together two experiences rarely found in the same place: serious academic figure drawing and one of the world's greatest travel destinations.
Chris Legaspi will teach the same timeless principles and systems he learned from master artists in the Los Angeles Ateliers, knowledge with roots going all the way back the to the great European academies.
Every day you'll draw from life, receive demonstrations, personalized critiques, and real-time over-the-shoulder guidance that accelerates learning in ways online instruction simply cannot.
By the end of the retreat, you'll not only create your strongest drawings yet, but you'll understand exactly how to continue improving for years to come.
Come for the art. Stay for the adventure. Leave with new skills, lifelong memories, and friendships from around the world.
Work with a live model every day under the guidance of seasoned expert and feel the same L.A. Atelier classroom experience that delivers rapid growth and long term results.
✔️ Full Drawing Atelier Immersion
Speed up your learning curve like never before with direct and immediate feedback from Chris in real time!
✔️ Over-The-Shoulder Guidance
Connect and collaborate with fellow artist and travelers who share your passion and goals.
✔️ Collaborative Energy
Experience the best of Thai culture with warm hospitality, delicious Thai food, vibrant markets and beautiful temples and cultural sites.
✔️ Fun & Vibrant Environment
Artwork by Chris Legaspi, Instructor & Founder
Workshop Overview
Monday, Jan. 5 - Friday, Jan. 9, 2027
10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
*Bonus Days
Saturday, Jan. 10 & Sunday, Jan. 11 (see below)
Date & Time
The Roadmap to Progress and Fulfillment in Realistic Figure Drawing
A week designed to transform the way you see, think, and draw. Over five intensive days, we'll build the complete drawing process from the ground up, then put everything into practice with a live model.
Cirriculum
Day 1 - Figure Sketching I
Master the basics and fix bad habits with fluid line work, dynamic gesture and elegant shape design
Day 2 - Figure Sketching II
Make figures come off the page with construction, perspective, position, and foreshortening.
Day 3 - Figure Sketching III
Create a realistic sketch finish with 3D form, light, shadow, shading techniques and sequence
Day 4 - Long Pose Drawing, Part 1
Break through comfort zones and apply everything you've learned with direct guidance as you work from a live model.
Day 5 - Long Pose Drawing, Part 2
Refine your new skills and draw your personal best with personalized, over-the-shoulder coaching and feedback.
Bonus Day 1 (Sat. Jan 10)*
Draw and practice the portrait with Chris in a 3-hour private session with a live model.
Bonus Day 2 (Sun. Jan 11)
Explore Bangkok with Chris and fellow classmates with relaxed day of sightseeing, field sketching, and spending time together.
Book Your Retreat
A week designed to transform the way you see, think, and draw. Over 5 intensive days, we'll build the complete drawing process from the ground up, then put everything into practice with a live model.
Monday, Jan. 5 - Friday, Jan. 9, 2027 // 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
Tuition Includes:
Hotel/accommodation in Bangkok (4 days, 5 nights)
Authentic Thai lunch and dinner all workshop days
Live, professional figure model all workshop days
All necessary drawing supplies: paper, pencils, erasers, drawing boards, easels & benches
*Bonus days and activities:
3-hour private portrait session with a live model in Chris’ studio (Sat. Jan 10)
Sightseeing, field sketching and social day with Chris and classmates (Sun. Jan 11)
* Limit 8 Students Only *
A week designed to transform the way you see, think, and draw. Over 5 intensive days, we'll build the complete drawing process from the ground up, then put everything into practice with a live model.
Monday, Jan. 5 - Friday, Jan. 9, 2027 // 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
Tuition Includes:
Hotel/accommodation in Bangkok (4 days, 5 nights)
Authentic Thai lunch and dinner all workshop days
Live, professional figure model all workshop days
All necessary drawing supplies: paper, pencils, erasers, drawing boards, easels & benches
*Bonus days and activities:
3-hour private portrait session with a live model in Chris’ studio (Sat. Jan 10)
Sightseeing, field sketching and social day with Chris and classmates (Sun. Jan 11)
* Limit 8 Students Only *
🔥 Early Bird Special - First 4 Enrollments save $250
Upgrades
Turn your Thailand artist retreat into a dream vacation with VIP concierge service. See, experience and taste the best Bangkok has to offer. Tour only the most authentic, fun and ‘locals only’ activities, restaurants and locations.
Save time, headaches and stress planning your Thailand vacation - let a local Bangkok expert and resident personally guide and plan your trip. Travel in comfort and style with a dedicated private driver. See the best Bangkok has to offer and more.
Dates: Flexible. Recommend days are Mon. Jan 11 - Fri. Jan 17. (5 days total)
Includes:
Personalized, custom itinerary with the most authentic and must-see locations and activities
Personalized and curated hotel and accommodation recommendations
Authentic and ‘locals only’ Thai food and restaurant recommendations
Personal, dedicated driver to travel in comfort, style and ease (5 days total)
VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
On-call translation and customer support
Turn your Thailand artist retreat into a dream vacation with VIP concierge service. See, experience and taste the best Bangkok has to offer. Tour only the most authentic, fun and ‘locals only’ activities, restaurants and locations.
Save time, headaches and stress planning your Thailand vacation - let a local Bangkok expert and resident personally guide and plan your trip. Travel in comfort and style with a dedicated private driver. See the best Bangkok has to offer and more.
Dates: Flexible. Recommend days are Mon. Jan 11 - Fri. Jan 17. (5 days total)
Includes:
Personalized, custom itinerary with the most authentic and must-see locations and activities
Personalized and curated hotel and accommodation recommendations
Authentic and ‘locals only’ Thai food and restaurant recommendations
Personal, dedicated driver to travel in comfort, style and ease (5 days total)
VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
On-call translation and customer support
Arrive in Bangkok in style and have peace of mind with a personal, VIP airport driver. Includes direct and on-time airport pick-up and drop-off, personalized to your travel schedule.
No hassle, no headaches. Just a clean, comfortable ride with a professional, local Thai driver.
Date and time: Flexible to your travel schedule
Includes:
1) VIP Airport pick-up
driver will pick you up directly from Suvarnabhumi arrival gate
complimentary luggage assistance
direct to hotel drop-off
2) VIP Airport drop-off
driver will pick you up directly from your hotel (or desired location)
complimentary luggage assistance
direct to departure terminal drop-off
Arrive in Bangkok in style and have peace of mind with a personal, VIP airport driver. Includes direct and on-time airport pick-up and drop-off, personalized to your travel schedule.
No hassle, no headaches. Just a clean, comfortable ride with a professional, local Thai driver.
Date and time: Flexible to your travel schedule
Includes:
1) VIP Airport pick-up
driver will pick you up directly from Suvarnabhumi arrival gate
complimentary luggage assistance
direct to hotel drop-off
2) VIP Airport drop-off
driver will pick you up directly from your hotel (or desired location)
complimentary luggage assistance
direct to departure terminal drop-off
Student Transformations
Your Questions, Answered
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The exact hotel is still to be determined (TBD), the location will be in central Bangkok city, in a safe, tourist friendly area.
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The exact hotel and accommodation is still TBD. The room will be the equivalent of a 4 star hotel with all the expected amenities.
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The food served will be a variety of authentic Thai dishes, including many famous and must try dishes like Pad Thai, curry rice dishes, mango sticky rice and more.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
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Yes all necessary drawing supplies will be provided:
newsprint
pastel or conte pencils
erasers
drawing boards
Painting supplies such as oil, watercolor or gouache will NOT be provided.
So if you want to use paint during the bonus field sketching day please bring your favorite personal supplies.
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If you have a specific question or concerns please use the form below or click below to schedule a one-on-one meeting via zoom or whatsapp:
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Yes. If the event is cancelled for any reason you will be fully refunded.
Student cancellations can be refunded if requested before Nov. 1st (60 days before the event).
After Nov 1st and Before December 15th, 2026, only a partial refund will be made.
If you any questions, concerns about the workshop or Thailand, please fill out the form below. I’m happy to help.
You may also schedule a call* here if you’d like to chat by zoom or whatsapp:
https://calendly.com/chrislegaspi/meet
*Serious inquiries only please.
Not Sure? Get in Touch Here
Ready to Book Your Retreat?
Authentic Atelier Experience
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