|
|
Painting holiday. Monsaraz. Portugal.
Sept 2025.
Join me in Portugal and let's create colourful memories together!
Perched atop a rugged hill, Monsaraz is a timeless gem in Portugal's Alentejo region, its history stretching back over 3,000 years. Enclosed by medieval walls, this village showcases a tapestry of narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and ancient stone arches, each echoing tales from the Bronze Age, Roman occupation, and Moorish influence. The imposing castle, a sentinel since the 13th century, offers panoramic views of the sprawling Alqueva Dam, reflecting the golden hues of sunset. Artisans' shops, charming cafes, and a serene atmosphere create a perfect haven for us to sketch in.
We'll explore the town, painting on location, and fill our sketchbooks with wonderful memories. I'll be teaching in a dedicated studio at Sofia in Monsaraz as well. We’ll have fun sketching and painting all sorts of subjects, and my aim is that by the end of the holiday you'll have the confidence to happily take your sketchbook everywhere with you.
It’s a small group only, which ensures you’ll receive personalised attention, with ample time dedicated to questions and one-on-one feedback. Our co-ordinator, 'Sofia in Monsaraz', will take care of all the logistics and details, so we can just concentrate on painting.
This painting holiday is not just about improving your technique, it’s about fostering a deeper connection with your art, telling a story and capturing your memories in a visual way, and all in the company of like-minded people. By the end of the retreat, you’ll have a your memories captured in watercolour sketches and an invigorated passion for painting.
This will be my first trip to Portugal, and I look forward to sharing the joy.
What's included?
- 4 days of watercolour tutition from me, with plein air painting and studio time
- Exploring and painting the treasures of Monsaraz
- A visit to a local rug factory & tile museum
- A wine tasting event
- 5 nights accommodation at the beautiful Hotel Villa Planície (breakfast included)
- 3 dinners, 4 lunches, transport to and from Lisbon Airport and local transport in the area.
The details...
When…
3 - 8 September 2025
Where…
Sofia in Monsaraz (click on the link to find out more about the location and accommodation)
Cost…
Shared Room: 2460€
Single Room: 2583€
Ready to join us?
Bookings are open! and the group size is small. Please drop me an email or a message on Facebook or Instagram.
Travel sketching is a passion of mine.
20 years ago, I packed a sketchbook along with my climbing gear on a trip to Spain and France and I filled it. Since then the sketching part of a trip has overtaken my climbing passion and I never go anywhere without a sketchbook.
I’ve been visiting Europe for about 6 months a year, almost every year, since 2007 and I have a massive stack of sketchbooks that are filled with priceless memories. There are watercolour sketches of villages, landscapes, flowers, food, and people in every sketchbook, along with little notes that bring me straight back to a place whenever I open a sketchbook. Sketching outside has immersed me in places, creating very vivid memories and has allowed me to meet so many local folks I would not have encountered otherwise.
I've been teaching people to paint in watercolours since 2017. I've run classes outside giving people the tools to learn to sketch plein air; studio based classes on painting birds, flowers, and landscapes; and classes on Zoom. Since June 2022 I've been guiding painting holidays annually in France and I can honestly say these trips are some of my favourite days of my year! I'm excited to guide one in Portugal next year.
Ask me for more details!
Drop me an email or a message on Facebook or Instagram.
|
