Creative Retreat with Cristóbal and Johanna Schmal
from 28.01. – 31.01.2027 at Ebenrieder (Allgäu)
The course
Winter is a time of retreat, stillness, and inward turning. Nature becomes more sparse, the light precious, the colours subdued. Much lies dormant – and it is precisely in this stillness that a particular strength can be found.
In Wintering, this quality becomes the starting point for our artistic practice. Through drawing and painting, and by exploring different materials and ways of working, we observe the winter landscape – its forms, traces, textures, and qualities of light – and allow ourselves to be inspired by its clarity and emptiness.
At the same time, we turn inward. What emerges when we slow down, when we no longer have to achieve anything, and allow ourselves to enter the silence? Memories, dreams, fragments, and moods open up inner landscapes and worlds of imagery. New artistic impulses arise from linking perception and imagination.
Winter invites us into a different way of creating: less from intention and striving, and more from receptivity. It is about gathering, observing, and going deeper – about staying with emptiness and not knowing, and trusting in what slowly begins to reveal itself. In this way, winter becomes our counterpart and a mirror – reflecting what grows quiet within us, what is changing, and what longs to emerge anew.
A retreat to listen inwardly, to engage with the world around us, and to encounter our own images in between.
The teachers
Johanna and Cristóbal Schmal is a German-Chilean duo working across illustration, fine art and graphic design. Cristóbal graduated from the University of Valparaiso and between 2001 and 2008 worked as a graphic designer in Barcelona before developing his career as an illustrator and artist when moving to Berlin. His work has widely been published in international newspapers, magazines and books and amongst his clients are The New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, Greenpeace, Lufthansa, Taschen a.o. Johanna graduated in architecture and expanded this discipline in 2015 with a specialization in children‘s book illustration at EINA Barcelona. She works across media in drawing, painting, illustration and textile art. Their work has been exhibited in galleries and artspaces in Germany, Portugal and Spain. Some of the topics inherent in their work such as playfulness, materiality, craftsmanship, experimental and holistic processes, place, nature, re-connection and transformation as well as a their personal passion for intercultural exchange, they pass on through their courses. Johanna completed a yoga teacher training (360h) in 2024 and has been sharing this practice in her workshops and retreats since then. After a decade in Berlin they live at the countryside south of Frankfurt a.M with their 2 children.
You can see more of their work here:
Cristóbal: www.artnomono.com / @nomonki
Johanna: www.studioschmal.com/work / @studioschmal
About the Retreat
Wintering is a winter retreat in the Allgäu, inviting you to celebrate the energy of the season. Over four days, we immerse ourselves in an artistic process that explores this special moment in the cycle of the year via drawing and painting. You can deepen your personal practice and explore new forms of expression, while inner and outer landscapes serve as sources of inspiration.
Gentle movement accompanies the days through morning yoga and walks in the surrounding nature, supporting balance, grounding, and presence. Within the group, a supportive and appreciative atmosphere unfolds, shaped by shared time, exchange, and learning from one another.
The retreat takes place at and in collaboration with the lovingly restored guesthouse Ebenrieder in the Allgäu — a place to slow down, enjoy and be held by its unique atmosphere. Our stay includes 3 nights in this comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and time to relax in the shared spaces, cozy rooms, sauna and at the fireplaces.
Prices
EARLY BIRD till Sep, 30 2026
Course fee + Yoga: 495€ (570€)
Accommodation + full board catering:
double room 495€ (570€)
single room 675€ (750€)
Total
990€ (1.140€) DR / 1.170€ (1.320€) SR
It is possible to book the course without accommodation.
You can find more information and details HERE!
Registration and booking via
www.ebenrieder.de
