Mixed Media Art - Workshop

About this mixed media art workshop in the Algarve

Join our mixed media art workshop in the Algarve for five inspiring days of guided painting and drawing (18 hours of tuition), led by three experienced art tutors. You’ll develop skills, build confidence, and explore a range of materials in a calm riverside setting with wide countryside and river views. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced painter, you’ll leave with practical techniques and finished work you’ll feel proud of.

Along the way, you’ll experiment with colour, texture, mark-making, and layering. To help you get the most from the week, we keep groups supportive and hands-on, so you can ask questions, try new approaches, and make steady progress.

Can’t make every session?

If you’d like to attend but can’t join all six workshops, you can still take part. Simply use one of the discount codes below at checkout.

Mixed media workshop discount codes

• 5WORKSHOPSESSIONS – book five workshops
• 4WORKSHOPSESSIONS – book four workshops
• 3WORKSHOPSESSIONS – book three workshops
• 2WORKSHOPSESSIONS – book two workshops
• 1WORKSHOPSESSION – book one workshop

If you’re joining all six, simply leave the code blank and proceed with the full booking.

Workshop schedule

Below is the planned outline for the week. While we keep the themes consistent, we may adjust timing or tutor order if circumstances require it.

Sunday: Animals in pastels (one session) – Tracy-Jane

If animal drawings have ever felt “nearly there,” this session will help. You’ll learn clear, step-by-step techniques to create believable fur and feathers, so your subjects look soft, lively, and full of character—from tiny mice to majestic elephants.

Monday: When colour runs riot (one session) – Tracy-Jane

Next, you’ll dive into bold colour and expressive mark-making. You’ll explore how colour shifts mood and meaning, and you’ll experiment with mixed water soluble media and Brusho to create vibrant, energetic work. Bring curiosity and a willingness to play.

Tuesday: Charcoal and graphite (one session) – Rita

On Tuesday, you’ll slow down and sharpen your tonal skills. You’ll focus on texture, shading, and observation while drawing trees and shells. This session is ideal if you want stronger structure and more confident value control.

Wednesday: Ink and mixed media (one session) – Rita

Midweek, you’ll combine ink with coloured pencils, and watercolour paints to bring birds and butterflies to life. You’ll explore pattern, layering, and fine detail, while keeping your work fresh and expressive.

Thursday: From shore to horizon (two sessions) – Samantha

Finally, you’ll enjoy two acrylic painting workshops. In the morning, you’ll paint a seascape using primary colours plus black and white, focusing on movement, contrast, and atmosphere. In the afternoon, you’ll switch to a landscape and translate light, texture, and depth into your own finished piece. As a result, you’ll gain techniques you can reuse in future paintings.

For inspiration on local landscapes and coastal colours during your stay, you may enjoy exploring the Algarve region guide on
Visit Portugal.

Please note: the schedule may change due to tutor availability or other practical considerations.

Shared Lunch

All workshop days include materials and a shared lunch, except for Wednesday, when lunch is not included as the residential group heads out for lunch that day.