Fair Oaks, California · July 2026
A Weekend to Slow Down, Create, and Come Home to Yourself
An intimate dot art retreat guided by Lina West, Certified Art Therapy Practitioner, held inside a beautifully curated studio in Fair Oaks, California.
Only 14 spots available. When they are gone, they are gone.
What This Weekend Is
More than a workshop.
A real reset.
This is not a weekend where you rush through a project and leave feeling overwhelmed. This retreat was designed, every detail of it, to give you the rare gift of slowing down completely.
You will spend four days inside a warm, beautifully lit studio, closed to the public and the world outside. No interruptions. No hustle. Just you, a paintbrush, and a 16-inch birch wood mandala waiting to become something extraordinary.
You do not need experience. You do not need to be an artist. You just need to show up. Lina and her team will guide and support you through every single dot, from your very first practice stroke on Friday evening all the way to the moment you hold your finished piece up for the group show-and-tell.
And somewhere in between the painting, the coffee, the French pastries, and the sound bath, you might just find yourself again.
Reserve Your Spot
Everything That Is Included
Here is what your weekend looks like.
Your $475 investment covers everything inside the studio. This is what is waiting for you.
The Art Experience
- Full mandala on a 16-inch birch wood round, guided start to finish
- Expert instruction and one-on-one support from Lina and additional instructors
- All materials provided, paints, tools, and practice worksheets
- Optional Monday finish session, 4 to 7:30 PM, included at no extra charge
The Atmosphere
- Full specialty coffee bar and curated tea service, all weekend
- Fancy drinks and morning breakfast spread each day
- Catered lunch and snacks daily
- Fresh French desserts for an afternoon treat
- Studio closed exclusively to retreat guests
The Extras
- Relaxing sound bath experience
- Curated gift bag to take home
- Group show-and-tell to close the weekend
- Intimate group of no more than 14 guests, by design
Your Guide for the Weekend
Meet Lina.
Nearly ten years ago, Lina West picked up a river rock on a walk and felt an unexpected pull to cover it with dots. That small, quiet moment changed everything.
What started as a hobby became a devotion. Lina spent years exploring mediums, testing tools, and developing techniques that did not exist yet, including designing her own custom dotting tools from scratch. Today she paints every single day, and she teaches others to do the same.
As a Certified Art Therapy Practitioner, Lina approaches dot art as more than a skill. She sees it as a way back to yourself, a practice that quiets the noise, grounds your emotions, and opens something up that daily life tends to close off.
She has guided students from complete beginner to confident creator, and she brings that same patient, encouraging presence into every room she teaches in. You will be supported. You will not be rushed. You will leave with more than you arrived with.
"Painting is my therapy, and I believe it can be yours too."
Certified Art Therapy Practitioner
What Students Say About Learning With Lina
In their own words.
These reviews are from Lina's online courses. The retreat brings this same teaching experience into an intimate, in-person setting.
Joining Lina's course was one of the best decisions I have made. Her soft voice and the therapeutic nature of dot art have been great for my anxiety. Her readiness to help with any questions makes learning so much easier and enjoyable.
Taking Lina's course has been an incredibly soothing and educational experience. Her ability to teach complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner is unmatched. The course has also been a wonderful tool for mental relaxation and well-being.
Learning dotting from you has been a game-changer for me. Your clear instructions and calming demeanor make the learning process a joy. This course has also been a great tool for stress relief. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a creative mental health boost.
I have tried many art courses, but yours, Lina, stands out for its ease of learning and therapeutic effect. Your calming voice and natural talent for making complex techniques seem simple have brought me invaluable mental wellness.
I have taken many and Lina is my favorite. There is invaluable information to learn. Take her class. It has helped me so much.
You have inspired me, guided me, and kept me going when I was too busy to try or start. Many thanks with love.
Your Four Days
The schedule, at a glance.
Welcome Evening
A relaxed kickoff to settle in, meet your fellow retreaters, and get your creative wheels turning. You will explore design ideas, choose your color palette, and practice before the weekend begins.
Day One of Creation
Begin your mandala with guided instruction, covering layout, first layers, and finding your rhythm. Includes a morning spread, full coffee bar, catered lunch, and afternoon French desserts.
Day Two of Creation
Go deeper. Add detail, flow, and your own signature. This is where it starts to feel like yours. Includes breakfast spread, catered lunch, French pastries, fancy drinks, and a closing sound bath experience. We finish with the group show-and-tell.
Optional Finish Session
Need a little more time? Drop back in to complete final details and add finishing touches. Included in your ticket at no extra charge. If you are traveling, you are also welcome to join starting Saturday.
Details at a Glance
Everything you need to know.
| Location | The Crafted Canvas 9906 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 |
| Dates | July 24 to 27, 2026 |
| Capacity | 14 guests, intentionally intimate |
| Experience | All welcome, complete beginner to advanced |
| Lodging | Not included, see options below |
| Traveling? | You are welcome to join starting Saturday |
| Payment | Full payment required to reserve your spot |
Your Investment
$475
Full weekend, all materials included
Covers all art supplies, coffee and tea service, breakfast spreads, catered lunches, French desserts, fancy drinks, sound bath, and gift bag. Lodging not included.
Reserve Your Spot NowPlanning Your Trip
Where to stay.
Lodging is not included in the retreat price, which is part of what keeps your investment significantly lower than comparable multi-day retreats. The good news is that Fair Oaks is easy to navigate with great options nearby.
Search for hotels in Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, or Rancho Cordova. All are within a short drive of the studio at 9906 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Airbnb and VRBO have great options in the area. If you are coming with a friend, booking a place together can make the whole weekend feel even more like a getaway.
Once you register, you will be connected with other attendees to coordinate travel details, share recommendations, and start getting to know your fellow retreaters before the weekend begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions?
We have answers.
Do I need any experience?
Not at all. This retreat is designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced dot artists. Lina and her team will meet you exactly where you are and guide you the entire way through.
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself and an open mind. All materials are provided, including paints, tools, the 16-inch birch wood round, and practice worksheets. Nothing extra required.
Is lodging included?
Lodging is not included, which is part of what keeps the investment accessible. See the "Where to Stay" section above for nearby options. If you are traveling, joining from Saturday is completely fine.
What if I do not finish my piece by Sunday?
That is exactly what Monday is for. The optional finish session on Monday evening from 4 to 7:30 PM is included in your ticket at no extra cost. It gives you dedicated time and support to complete your piece and add final details.
Will the studio be open to the public?
No. The Crafted Canvas will be closed to the public for the entire weekend, creating a private, uninterrupted environment just for retreat guests.
How many people will be there?
A maximum of 14 guests. This number is intentional. It ensures that everyone receives real, meaningful attention and support throughout the weekend.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please review the full policy at dotsbylina.com/refund-policy before booking.
This Is Your Sign
Four days. Fourteen people.
One weekend you will not forget.
You have been putting yourself last for long enough. This retreat was built to give you your time back.
Only 14 spots available. When they are gone, they are gone.
Questions before you commit? Reach out at lina@dotsbylina.com. Lina responds personally.