Watercolour Painting in the Algarve, from Basics to Mastery

Highlights

  • Tailored art tuition from Catarina (Kate) Olefir
  • Stunning accommodation with meals and airport transfers included
  • Outdoor terraces & infinity pool overlooking the river to relax and inspire
  • Learn Master watercolour and grisaille techniques
  • Discover hidden gems as you visit local villages and paint en plein air
From £896 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Discover the gorgeous Algarve on this 8 day painting holiday with Caterina Olefir, stay in a stunning riverside villa with amazing views, lovely gardens and elegant interior and learn new painting techniques or improve your skills.

Nestled in the countryside,  your art retreat offers cosy accommodation, exquisite meals, and breathtaking views. This escape into nature promises to stir new emotions and forge friendships. Under the guidance of Catarina Olefir, regardless of your skill leve...Read All

Arrival Day

When you arrive at the river house enjoy a welcome drink on the terrace and  take time to settle in before enjoying a group welcome dinner.

Accommodation

Stay in an exceptional villa, lovingly known as ‘the river house’. Surrounded by countryside on a river-bend with an infinity pool to relax in and soak up the atmosphere. The villa boasts spectacular sunsets, sunrises and walking trails all around, and the town of Silves is just a 15 minute drive away.

The villa fea...Read All

Exploring the beauty of watercolour

Dive into the expressive world of watercolour today. Discover its rebellious nature as you master brushwork akin to a conductor’s baton, capture moments for unique effects, uncover how the flow of watercolour is influenced not just by technique but also by mood. Dive into the expressive realm, where the colours you choose convey more than a resume. Don’t be overwhelmed—our relaxed theory approach ensures you gain plenty of skills, setting you on your next painting with confidenc...Read All

Playing with Colours

Embark on a creative day delving into the emotional impact of different colours. Immerse yourself in the surrounding nature, exploring myriad shades of green. Learn the art of composition inspired by Monet, the technique of depicting white on paper like Sargent, and the playful manipulation of object shapes a la van Gogh.

Accommodation

Meals...Read All

En plein air -from sketch to masterpiece

Spend the entire day painting outdoors, drawing inspiration from the breath-taking surroundings of Figs on the Funcho. Learn how to choose the best location and what to paint, even with time constraints, changing sunlight, and unpredictable wind. I’ll share tips to make the process comfortable, drawing from my experience.

After a morning session, enjoy a wholesome vegetarian lunch under the shade of mature carob trees. The afternoon allows you to apply your acquired knowledge at ...Read All

Free Day

Today you will have an optional trip to the historical town or coast. Please note the  trip is optional and the villa kitchen will be closed, however, if you prefer not to go out for the day, soup and sandwiches will be provided.

Accommodation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exploring Shadow Hues

Today you will observe how a tree’s shadow weaves an enchanting pattern on the road or an umbrella shelters cafe visitors in shade. you will be uncovering  the surprising colours shadows can hold—not just black or grey. Understand the concept of perspective and its role in creating the illusion of reality on paper. Paint a picture worthy of framing and share our collective impressions, a beautiful addition to your home.

Accommodation

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Unleash Your Creative Freedom

Enjoy your breakfast by the river before painting a picture with a plot that resonates with your heart, drawing on the knowledge gained throughout our watercolour journey. Your attentive teacher will guide, prompt, and address all your questions. After lunch, enjoy an exhibition of your works, ensuring each participant not only leaves with unforgettable emotions but also a small gift.

Accommodation: The river house

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Departure Day

After our final breakfast, we will pack up and say our goodbyes before returning home.

 

What's included

Included

  • Airport transfers to and from Faro Airport (at a specified time)
  • Welcome drinks
  • 7 nights accommodation in your choice of spacious comfortable room
  • Daily breakfast and delicious dinners, all lunches and wine with meals
  • Three full days and two half days of art tuition
  • All art materials are included during workshops. Please bring your own if you painting during your free time
  • Optional Yoga sessions - mindfulness and serenity -on Sunday , Monday and Wednesday
  • Mid-week room clean and towel change
  • Bath and swimming pool towels
  • Wifi
Your local host

Cheryl and Graham

Cheryl and Graham look forward to welcoming you to their wonderful riverside home in the Algarve.

Cheryl and Graham look forward to welcoming you to their wonderful riverside home in the Algarve.

Location

Stay in an exceptional villa tucked into the bend of a river in Portugal’s Algarve countryside, just 15 minutes from the town of Silves. Lovingly known as ‘the river house’, it will leave you feeling relaxed, inspired and very much at home. With terraces overlooking surrounding countryside, limitless walking trails and a starry night sky, there isn’t a more idyllic place to perfect your artistic skills.

Getting there

Please note that prices for the holidays do not include flights. We recommend using www.skyscanner.net to check flights.

Nearest airport:
Faro – 35 minutes away by car

Pre-booked transfers:

There is a complimentary transfer service from and to Faro airport offered by your hosts. On arrival day the  airport pick-up will be at 3pm for the group, if you wish to take this transfer please choose flights with this pick up time in mind.

Departure to Faro air

FAQs

Who is it suitable for?

- Suitable for all painting levels from beginners to advanced
- Minimum age 18 with no upper age limit
- non painters are also welcome

Do I need art supplies?

- you will need to bring art supplies if you wish to paint outside the tutor sessions

I'm travelling solo - can I join?

- Solo travellers are more than encouraged to join as you will meet others with similar interests in the group
- You will have your own private room

What time is check-in?

Check in is after 2pm and check out is after breakfast on day 8. if you are taking advantage of the complimentary transfer checkin will be around 4:30 pm and check out at around 9am.

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