Color and Light
Plein Air Workshop - Portugal 2021
Dates and Pricing:
14th July - 21nd July 2021
£925 ($1245 USD or 1585 CAD, estimate 11/2019)
Location: Olhão, Algarve Portugal (proundouced oll-yow)
About Olhao
Olhão is historically protected and picturesque fishing port in the Algarve. Marina has fishing boats, a pleasant promenade with cool gardens and tile-fronted town houses with wrought-iron balconies. In the historical part you can find baroque churches and two markets along the waterfront supplying seafood straight from the port, and a colourful array of locally grown fruit and vegetables, where you can capture local street life or just pick an intimate corner to paint.
Our school Art in the Algarve, is beautifully restored, with Roman brickwork, retaining historic vaulted ceilings and other authentic features, whilst studio and courtyard areas that are flooded with natural light. School space is designed to offer peace and comfort while also inspiring creativity and learning. There are 3 swimming pools, wifi internet connection, and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Resident chef Margarida prepares daily delicious buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine.
The beaches in Olhao are located on two islands Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona. Both islands belong to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, which is a protected area with a unique ecosystem, featuring swamps, lagoons and sand dunes. These sandbank islands provide some of the most peaceful beaches in the Algarve.
Workshop description
Focus of this course will be on sketching and painting outdoor landscapes in oil paint and soft pastels, en plein air style. We will paint mostly on location in mornings and afternoons, along with couple of sessions in our beautiful studio. I will show my materials and set up, demonstrate how to start with a basic sketch, simplifying complex scenes, how I design my compositions, mixing the ‘right” colors, how to see and interpret light and atmosphere. Soft pastels will be my main medium, but I will also use oil paint for variety.
Our studio is gorgeous, illuminated with indirect light, equipped with portable easels, stools, umbrellas and rolling carts that can also be used outdoors if you need them.
Most locations will be walking distance with at least one mid week boat trip to one of the islands. Additional trips to nearby towns is also possible depending on the group interest.
This workshop is aimed at artists of all levels. Each participant will get my daily personal feedback, individual demos and full support to make you feel comfortable and inspired to paint more.
Additional
All bookings are done through Camilla Gray at Art in the Algarve and paid in Great Britain Pounds. Once you book she will then contact you about registration and payment.
Included
- Private accommodation w/ ensuite bathroom
- Workshop tuition
- Ferry trip to one of the islands
- All meals with half a bottle of wine at lunch and dinner
Not included:
- Art supplies
- Air travel