Where better to try your hand at painting in the open air, or as the French call it ‘En Plein Air Painting’ than at Figs on the Funcho, in the heart of the Algarve countryside on the banks of the River Funcho. Here you can develop your drawing and painting skills and let your creativity flow in serene, stunning surroundings.
What can you paint here?
Whether you want to write, draw or paint alone or take part in one of our art workshops or en plein air painting holidays, there’s plenty to draw and paint at Figs on the Funcho. Our idyllic riverside location is the perfect place to study the effect of the sun’s rays on the water and capture beautiful sunsets and sunrises. There’s an abundance of wildlife here, so you could be painting partridges, wild boar and deer one day and hares and bird life the next – we even have a resident heron who frequents the stretch of river past the villa.
From June to September wild lavender grows in abundance here, while from April onwards, the white, papery flowers of the Cistus or rock rose can be seen. You’ll also find Portugal’s national tree, the Cork Oak tree.
Artists landscape paintings
There’s no shortage of architecture to draw and paint either. Follow the well-signed walking route to the Chapel of Sant’Ana on the hill and take in the far-reaching, gorgeous views and fantastic landscape to paint, or drive 15 minutes to the historical town of Silves, with its Moorish castle, cathedral and Roman bridge with five perfectly formed arches spanning the River Arade.
What’s the Algarve weather like for outdoor painting?
The Algarve really is the perfect all-year round location for painting on location. It rarely rains, with clear blue skies and over 300 days of sunshine a year. For comfortable temperatures day and night, come to see us from April to May and September to October; it’s a great time for some plein air painting. Rainy season runs from the end of January to the end of April, but even then, there’s rarely a continuous downpour.
Why choose Figs on the Funcho for your plein air painting holiday?
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll love our unique, secluded riverside setting in the South of Portugal. With nothing but birdsong to distract you, your creative juices will flow and you’ll feel relaxed like never before. The River House is surrounded by nature, with breath-taking views of the river, countryside and hills. Painting on location gives you the opportunity to understand light and shadows as you revisit your chosen spot to familiarise yourself and anticipate how the light will change.
Plein air painting holiday location
You can choose to stay at the River House on one of our painting holidays, or just come for a peaceful break to clear your mind and inspire creativity. From solo travellers to couples and groups, everyone is welcome, even non-painters. You’ll find plenty of things to do, from soothing aromatherapy massages and wild swimming to energetic country walks, horse riding and even quad biking!
Painting outdoors means there are no distractions, so you can focus and enjoy the moment. It’s an opportunity to really engage your senses as you take in the sights, sounds and smells surrounding you. As well as painting holidays we offer a series of art workshops for those who are already in Portugal, where you can develop your skills and self-confidence with your artistic practice.
When you need a break from painting, it’s just a 25-minute drive to Falesia Beach, one of Europe’s best beaches. Enjoy lunch al fresco or stop off for some souvenir shopping in the pretty fishing village of Olhos de Agua.
Our Painting holidays and art workshops
Painting at a unique, secluded riverside setting in the South of Portugal
Our art workshops and painting holidays have been listed as one of the top 10 best art escapes in the world. We run a week-long series of art workshops in June and September which include plein air painting – four morning workshops and one full day option – as well as various retreats throughout the year.
If you’d prefer to spend six nights and seven days relaxing in the stunning surroundings of the River House, our painting holidays are the ideal place to release your creativity and hone your art skills. Morning art classes are led by an experienced, fully qualified art tutor and the holidays are open to all painting levels, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced artist looking to improve your landscape painting technique. We keep groups small, so there’s plenty of individual attention, and all art supplies are included, although you can bring along your favourite supplies, if you like. Our afternoons are spent walking, exploring the glorious surroundings for inspiration for your next class.
You’ll find more information about our painting holidays here.
If you want to work with an enthusiastic qualified art tutor in stunning, relaxed surroundings and combine your new-found creativity with eating delicious local cuisine and exploring the beautiful Algarve in Portugal, then please contact me to book your painting holiday in Europe
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 7976 660 526
Website: https://figsonthefuncho.com/discover/art-painting-holiday-europe
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