Atapuerca, Spain | 7–12 September 2026
Escape the noise and reconnect with your creativity.
This September, join a small group of illustrators, writers and visual storytellers for five nights in the beautiful countryside of Atapuerca, northern Spain.
Picturecamp is a chance to step away from the rush of everyday life and immerse yourself in stories, drawing, nature and focused creative practice.
Not a course.
Not a conference.
More like a creative residency for picturebook makers.
Arrive on 7 September and spend four full days developing your work alongside fellow makers before departing on 12 September.
Whether you arrive with a project already underway or simply the desire to begin something new, Picturecamp offers the time, support and atmosphere to help ideas grow naturally.
Led by
Alexis Deacon
Author of celebrated books including Beegu, I Am Henry Finch and Slow Loris, Alexis Deacon is one of the most respected voices in contemporary picturebooks. His work has been recognised by the New York Times, the Kate Greenaway Medal and Time Magazine. He currently teaches at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Jorge Martin
Co-founder of Picturecamp and host of the retreat since its beginning seven years ago, Jorge Martin has worked on more than twenty children’s books and has spent over a decade helping people develop ideas through storytelling, drawing and visual thinking.
What is included?
• Five nights accommodation in Atapuerca
• Breakfast and lunch each day
• Four days of creative work and studio time
• Daily one to one mentoring and project support
• Group feedback and creative conversations
• Optional workshops or talks if requested by participants
• Transfers from Burgos
A small group. A beautiful setting. Time to focus.
Places are intentionally limited to create a supportive and personal atmosphere.
A week to draw, think, experiment and rediscover momentum.
Applications are now open.Introducing Picturecamp Retreat, a five-day picturebook school set in the beautiful countryside of northern Spain.
Join us from September 8th to 14th for an immersive experience led by a team of highly experienced professionals, including renowned author-illustrators Chris Haughton, Jorge Martin, and Alexis Deacon. Bring your own project or start something new. All tuition is one-to-one so the week can be shaped to suit what you need. Draw, write and tell stories in the company of fellow creators and in peaceful surroundings. Your stay includes breakfast and lunch (vegan or vegetarian), with transfers from the city of Burgos provided. Prices start at 1,295 euros for shared accommodation in a twin room and 1,245 euros in a triple (€1,395 for a single).
Picturecamp 2017 from jorgemartin on Vimeo.
Picturecamp 2016 from jorgemartin on Vimeo.
Picturecamp 2015 from jorgemartin on Vimeo.
Picturecamp 