A Watercolour Painting Voyage in Portugal: From Basics to Mastery
10.05.2024 - 17.05.2024
Algarve
| 
Kate Olefir
watercolour
990 EUR
Embrace the wisdom of a renowned poet: "Live in the sunshine, swim the ocean, drink the wild air." Join us for a 7-day painting retreat featuring accommodation, delectable cuisine, and panoramic countryside views. This week, close to nature and your soul, offers new emotions and friendships. With a brush in hand, immerse yourself in the art world under the expert guidance of tutor Catarina Olefir. Suitable for all levels, the experience guarantees relaxation, confidence-building, and artistic inspiration. Painting partners are warmly invited to share in this creative journey.
Your painting experience
Discover the spirited nature of watercolour with Kate. Master your brushstrokes akin to a conductor's baton, techniques to capture enchanting effects, and delve into tonal relationships.
We'll explore the grisaille technique, portraying the world's beauty in a single color. If it feels like a lot, fret not. The theory will seamlessly equip you with skills, ensuring you approach your next painting with confidence in a relaxed manner.
About your tutor
Self-taught, Kate Olefir gleaned insights from renowned watercolour masters worldwide. From Joseph Zbukvic, she mastered capturing atmosphere and mood. Inspired by Alvaro Castagnet, she learned swift decision-making and simplification for maximum impact. Michael Solovyev's influence guided her in mixing magical colours and painting with a loose style. Now, generously, she shares these acquired knowledge and skills with you.
Kate has taught students from Canada, Australia, the USA, and Europe. As of 2024, her painting pieces are to be displayed in exhibitions across Spain, Italy, the USA, and Portugal.
Painting holiday schedule
Day 1: Exploring Watercolour Beauty (Half Day)
Dive into the expressive world of watercolour, mastering brushwork and exploring tonal relationships. Discover watercolour abstraction, exploring its flow influenced by technique and mood. Gain plenty of skills, setting you on your next painting with confidence.
Day 2: Playing with Colours (Full Day)
Explore the emotional impact of colours, inspired by Monet, Sargent, and van Gogh. Immerse yourself in nature, experimenting with various shades of green.
Day 3: From Sketch to Masterpiece on Plein-Air (Full Day)
Paint outdoors, drawing inspiration from Figs on the Funcho. Learn location selection, dealing with time constraints, changing sunlight, and unpredictable wind. Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian lunch under mature carob trees.
Day 4: Free day
Day 5: Exploring Shadow Hues (Full Day)
Observe captivating shadow patterns and explore their surprising colours. Understand perspective for creating realistic illusions. Share impressions and frame-worthy paintings.
Day 6: Unleash Your Creative Freedom (Half Day)
Paint a heartfelt masterpiece, guided by acquired knowledge. Enjoy an exhibition of your works and receive a small gift, leaving with unforgettable emotions.
Refer to the detailed itinerary for full session descriptions.
The venue
Figs on the Funcho, crowned by LuxLife's Hospitality Award as "Algarve's Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023", offers breathtaking country views that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings, let the stunning landscapes inspire you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Our home-from-home, The River House, is the perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking modern comfort, privacy, and peace. This renovated 100-year-old farmhouse riverside property boasts an infinity swimming pool, 5 large bedrooms, and can accommodate up to 10 people with the option of single or double beds.
In addition to the villa, The River House also offers the option of staying in our two luxurious safari tents in the garden with stunning river views. Each tent can accommodate up to 2 guests, providing a unique and immersive nature experience. So, whether you choose to stay in the villa or one of our safari tents, you're sure to have an unforgettable and restorative getaway.
Culinary delights
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience during your stay on our watercolour painting and yoga retreat. Cheryl and Graham, are not only enthusiastic cooks but also ardent fans of culinary maestros like Ottolenghi, Ixta Belfrage, Sami Tamimi and Jamie Oliver.
Their passion for cooking is infused into every meal they prepare for their retreats, and it's evident in the glowing reviews from their satisfied guests. You can expect a delectable array of healthy, vegetarian dishes that not only nourish the body but also tantalize the taste buds. Each meal is a journey of flavors.
You'll have the opportunity to savoure new and exciting culinary creations that are as pleasing to the palate as they are to the eye.
What to bring
- Your own paints, brushes and paper if you plan to paint during your free-time
- Your swimming costume to enjoy the pool and watersports on the dam. The water levels may differ depending on the time of the year and drought conditions, check if you planning any water activities.
- Something warm to relax in at night.
- Sun hat and suitable footwear for walking to explore different paths and also if you plan to visit the historical town nearby, during free time, as the cobbled roads can be slippery
- Plastic or cardboard postal tubes to take your rolled artwork home. Paper sizes provided will be no larger than an A3
- Appropriate attire for yoga is recommended. Yoga practitioners are welcome to utilize the provided mats and yoga equipment during the classes.
