Portugal Painting with Yoga September 2025 – Mixed Media and Yoga

Mix Media Painting Holiday Schedule

The Mix Media Painting Holiday schedule offers a diverse blend of techniques, mediums, and inspiration, designed to suit all skill levels and artistic interests.

Sunday: Animals in Pastels (Half Day) – Tracy-Jane

Have you ever tried drawing animals but felt something was missing? Perhaps you’ve struggled to make a furry coat look lifelike or feathers appear soft and light. This session is all about tips and tricks to transform simple shapes into various animal species. You’ll learn techniques to bring fur and feathers to life, whether it’s a tiny mouse or a majestic elephant. Let’s make your animals leap off the page!

Monday: When Colour Runs Riot (Half Day) – Tracy-Jane

Dive into a day of vibrant colours and bold imagery inspired by an array of sources. This workshop invites you to unleash your creativity and explore how colour affects mood and emotion. Experiment  with watercolours and brusho while creating powerful and vibrant art. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to play with colour!

Tuesday: Charcoal and Graphite (Half Day) – Rita

Explore the beauty of simplicity with charcoal and graphite as you capture the intricate details of trees and shells. This session focuses on texture and shading, helping you refine your skills in tonal drawing.

Wednesday: Ink and Mixed Media (Half Day) – Rita

Immerse yourself in the world of ink and mixed media as you bring birds and butterflies to life. Using coloured pencils, inks, and other materials, this session is perfect for exploring vibrant patterns and delicate details inspired by nature.

Thursday: From Shore to Horizon (Full Day) – Samantha

Immerse yourself in the joy of acrylic painting with this full-day workshop led by Samantha. Begin your morning capturing the vibrant hues and dynamic movement of a stunning seascape using primary colours, black, and white. In the afternoon, shift your focus to the tranquility of a landscape, using acrylics to translate light, colour, and texture into your own masterpiece. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore two distinct scenes, providing inspiration and techniques to enhance your artistic journey, all while enjoying the serenity of painting in nature.

*Please note, the schedule is subject to change based on circumstances or availability.

Yoga Schedule

We offer three yoga sessions during the week, where in the midst of nature you will deepen your connection with the environment, fostering inner peace and mindfulness. Amidst the tranquil beauty of Figs on the Funcho, you’ll find the perfect space to relax, improve your well-being, and quiet your mind.

You will feel relaxed, confident and inspired to take on new artistic challenges.

Free Time

When you’re not creating beautiful art pieces with paint or pencil, take advantage of the serene surroundings and enjoy a variety of activities. Stroll along tranquil riverside paths, unwind by the infinity pool, explore the picturesque countryside, or bask in the beauty of breathtaking sunsets and starlit night skies. You can also visit the seaside or immerse yourself in history by discovering the nearby Moorish castle.

If you’d like to explore more of the Algarve, we’re happy to arrange transport to your chosen destinations. In the past, groups have enjoyed a leisurely lunch at a charming seaside town (Tuesday) and spent an afternoon exploring a town of interest (Wednesday), making the most of their artistic retreat.

About your tutors

Tracy-Jane Pooler – Artist bio

Tracy-Jane Pooler holds a BA Hons degree in Fine Art as Social Practice from Wolverhampton University, followed by teaching qualifications in further education. Her journey into art education was inspired by her own experience of being diagnosed with dyslexia. The encouragement and support she received during this time motivated her to become an art tutor, with a passion for helping adult students overcome their learning challenges.

Originally from Shropshire, Tracy-Jane now resides in Portugal’s Algarve, surrounded by breathtaking scenery that influences her vibrant and colourful work. Rooted in realism, her art often captures the life and energy of her surroundings, blending expressive elements with a strong foundation in technique.

Tracy-Jane’s love for teaching shines through in her tutorials and demonstrations. She is the creator of “Pick up a Paintbrush”, a step-by-step lesson series that was featured quarterly in the Algarve Artist magazine. Her teaching approach is approachable and inclusive, welcoming students of all ages and skill levels.

With over nine years of experience in Prison Education, as well as work in Family Learning with parents and children as young as four, Tracy-Jane has honed her ability to connect with diverse learners. In the UK, she taught adult beginners and intermediates at Telford College of Art Technology, hosted private group sessions, ran art workshops, and organized art-focused day trips. Her extensive experience and passion for sharing her skills make her the ideal painting instructor for anyone looking to grow their artistic abilities.

You can explore more of Tracy-Jane’s work by visiting her profile at www.instagram.com/tjpart/

Samantha van der Westhuizen – Artist bio and statement

Born and raised in South Africa, Samantha van der Westhuizen earned a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase. Her professional journey took a creative turn six years ago when her family relocated to Portugal. Samantha has always been driven by a passion for creation, which shines through in her artistic pursuits.

While she enjoys the freedom and scale of working on large surfaces for her murals, Samantha remains deeply devoted to painting on canvas, where she can fully express her inspirations. She primarily works with acrylics, skilfully alternating between brush and palette knife to bring her visions to life.

For Samantha, art is an ongoing journey of growth, experimentation, and discovery. It’s about embracing mistakes, enjoying the process, and knowing that the joy she finds in creating will resonate with those who view her work. Painting provides her with a meditative and inspiring environment, allowing her to explore her creativity and refine her artistic skills. “The reward of growing and expanding my artistic abilities gives me a sense of accomplishment and allows me to produce something visually appealing. Painting itself is inspiring—it reminds me of what I can create with my own two hands,” she shares.

Art is woven into every facet of Samantha’s life—past, present, and future.

Artist statement

For Samantha, creating is all about the process. Her work is unplanned and organic, evolving naturally as she combines elements that resonate with her. Using only the three primary colours, along with black and white, Samantha customizes her colour palette as part of her creative journey. This deliberate approach adds depth and dimension to her work.

Her art is deeply emotional, inviting viewers to interpret a vibrant feast of colors and textures. Each piece reflects her personal experiences and emotions, leaving room for the audience’s imagination to complete the story.

Visit Samantha’s portfolio at www.samanthavanderwesthuizen.art to explore her work.

About Ana Rita Afonso – Your art tutor

From an early age, Ana Rita Afonso has been captivated by the wonders of nature, the depiction of wildlife, and the enchantment of colours. Born and raised in Silves, Algarve, her artistic journey began with a degree in Arts & Multimedia at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja. Her love for drawing and the natural world led her to pursue a course in scientific illustration, which ultimately guided her toward her true calling: teaching.

Ana Rita’s artistic endeavours are deeply rooted in the representation of nature, showcasing an unwavering devotion to detail, a commitment to realism, and an endless curiosity about the diverse forms and beings that inhabit the natural world. Her work reflects a harmonious blend of creativity and precision, capturing the beauty and complexity of life in all its forms.

Over the years, Ana Rita has collaborated with wildlife and environmental organizations, art schools, and libraries to conduct illustration workshops and scientific illustration classes. Her teaching and artistic practices aim to inspire others to appreciate the intricacies of nature through the lens of art.

“Art will always be an ally of Nature. Through art, we can portray a living being in its full essence—its colour, form, and drawing the observer’s attention to its importance as a biodiverse and unique entity within Nature,” Ana Rita explains.

Explore Ana Rita’s portfolio and discover her work at anafonsoilustration.wixsite.com/portfolio.

Venue

Figs on the Funcho, crowned by LuxLife’s Hospitality Award as “Algarve’s Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023“, offers breath-taking country views that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity 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 with Cheryl and Graham

Figs on the Funcho founders, Cheryl and Graham, whose inspiring journey and adventures in the Algarve are chronicled in Alyson Sheldrake’s book, “A New Life in the Algarve Portugal.”

Featured on ‘A New Life in the Sun’ and ‘Where Are They Now,’ this dynamic duo brings over 25 years of expertise in unveiling the Algarve’s top beaches, eateries, and villages for unforgettable experiences. Their story, intricately woven into the fabric of the Algarve, adds an extra layer of authenticity to your journey.

Enthusiastic about Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary cuisine, Cheryl and Graham derive inspiration not only from their favourite chefs like Ottolenghi, Belfrage, and Tamimi but also from the vibrant tapestry of the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. Their cooking style reflects bold flavours, a variety of spices, the use of fresh herbs, and a dedication to highlighting the inherent qualities of ingredients.

Welcome to a journey of discovery and flavour!

How to get here

We’ll pick you up at Faro airport at 3pm; if you’ve opted for a different route, we’ll warmly welcome you at the riverside villa from 3pm.

For those arriving by train, disembark at Messines-Alte train station and choose a quick 5-minute taxi ride to reach the villa. This is an excellent choice for those who prefer to avoid an internal flight and instead savour a scenic journey through the countryside.

If you’re flying into Faro airport, you have two options: either take the train to Messines-Alte and select a 5-minute taxi ride to the villa or opt for a 45-minute airport taxi transfer directly to the villa.

Follow the Google map directions for those travelling by car.

Non-participating partners welcome

There are several quiet areas on the property to enjoy and take advantage of the peaceful, tranquil, scenic surroundings. Enjoy bird watching, book a relaxing aromatherapy massage, enjoy stand up paddle boarding or kayaking or simply chill out by the infinity pool and soak up some much needed vitamin D.

The clearly signed walking route is ideal for exploring the countryside on your own.

There is so much to discover and enjoy in the Algarve that is within easy reach if you have a car.

“I went along to Figs on the Funcho as a non-painter with my painting partner. My time there was incredibly relaxing with stunning views across the river and countryside, with interesting walks and sunsets to die for.” – Clive

Email me if your partner would like to join.

What to bring

• Sun hat and suitable footwear (trainers) 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.
• 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.
• Clothing to keep you cosy while unwinding outside in the evening.
• Insect repellent.
• Plastic or cardboard postal tubes to take your rolled artwork home. Paper sizes provided will be no larger than an A3 size.
• Paints, brushes and paper if you plan to paint during your free-time.
• Apron.
• Appropriate attire for yoga is recommended. Yoga practitioners are welcome to utilise the provided mats and yoga equipment during the classes.

Check-in check-out

Check-in from 16h00. Guests are requested to arrive before 21h00; otherwise, arrival should be scheduled for the following morning.

Check-out will be after the 09h00 breakfast.

Weather in the Algarve

Arrival day

We’ll pick you up from the agreed-upon location or, if you’ve opted for a different route, we’ll warmly welcome you at the riverside villa. Take your time settling into your accommodation, surrounded by peace and tranquillity.

Join us for welcome drinks at 18h30 on the waterfront deck, offering a chance to meet your group and relish the sunset. Weather permitting, dinner will be served outdoors, featuring a wholesome meal thoughtfully prepared by your hosts, Graham and Cheryl. After dinner, savour a cheese platter with port beneath the carob trees.

Later, retreat to your beautiful rooms to unwind before the first full day of your Algarve experience holiday.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation is permissible up to 30 days before your scheduled arrival, entitling you to a refund of the total amount paid, minus a cancellation charge equivalent to the deposit. However, if you cancel within the 30 days preceding your arrival or fail to show up, the full reservation cost will be charged. Please refer to the Retreat Terms and Conditions – Figs On The Funcho for a detailed explanation of the terms, including the cancellation policy. Once the deposit is paid, it signifies the guest’s acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

What you can expect to see and do

Unspoiled Serenity: Experience a tranquil and peaceful setting away from crowded tourist areas.

Infinity Pool Bliss: Enjoy a riverside location with an infinity swimming pool, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the countryside and river.

Bird Watching Delight: Spot a variety of local birds from the comfort of a shaded seating area at Figs on the Funcho.

Starry Nights and Breathtaking Sunsets: Marvel at the beauty of starlit skies and create lasting memories with unforgettable sunsets.

Year-Round Enjoyment: Embrace our location all year round, featuring pleasant sunshine and warm temperatures, even during the winter months.

Relaxing Massages on Demand: Indulge in ultimate relaxation with the option to order on-demand, soothing massages during your stay.