About this trip

Embrace the wisdom of a renowned poet: “Live in the sunshine, swim the ocean, drink the wild air.” 

Join us for a 5-day painting workshop featuring panoramic countryside views. 

This week, close to nature and your soul, offers new emotions and friendships. With a brush in hand, immerse yourself in the art world under the expert guidance of tutor Catarina Olefir. 

Suitable for beginner levels, the experience guarantees relaxation, confidence-building, and artistic inspiration. Painting partners are warmly invited to share in this creative journey.

Your painting experience

Discover the spirited nature of watercolour with Kate. Master your brushstrokes akin to a conductor’s baton, techniques to capture enchanting effects, and delve into tonal relationships. 

We’ll explore the grisaille technique, portraying the world’s beauty in a single color. If it feels like a lot, fret not. The theory will seamlessly equip you with skills, ensuring you approach your next painting with confidence in a relaxed manner.

About your tutor

Self-taught, Kate Olefir gleaned insights from renowned watercolour masters worldwide. From Joseph Zbukvic, she mastered capturing atmosphere and mood. Inspired by Alvaro Castagnet, she learned swift decision-making and simplification for maximum impact. Michael Solovyev’s influence guided her in mixing magical colours and painting with a loose style. Now, generously, she shares these acquired knowledge and skills with you.

Kate has instructed students hailing from Canada, Australia, the USA, and Europe. As of 2024, her painted works are set to be exhibited in exhibitions spanning Spain, Italy, the USA, and Portugal.

Painting holiday schedule

Day 1: Exploring Watercolour Beauty (Half Day)

Dive into the expressive world of watercolour, mastering brushwork and exploring tonal relationships. Discover watercolour abstraction, exploring its flow influenced by technique and mood. Gain plenty of skills, setting you on your next painting with confidence.

Day 2: Playing with Colours (Full Day)

Explore the emotional impact of colours, inspired by Monet, Sargent, and van Gogh. Immerse yourself in nature, experimenting with various shades of green.

Lunch included.

Day 3: From Sketch to Masterpiece on Plein-Air (Full Day)

Paint outdoors, drawing inspiration from Figs on the Funcho. Learn location selection, dealing with time constraints, changing sunlight, and unpredictable wind. Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian lunch under mature carob trees.

Lunch Included.

Day 4:  No workshops

Art tutor reviews – Kate Olefir

“Did you know that for painting a whole artwork enough to have only 3 colors???? Me not, before the lessons with Kate. She is really kind, talented and patient teacher, during our lessons I opened for myself the world of watercolour and every lesson we explore more and more new and interesting techniques and secret effects” – Elsa

“I came from Germany to take lessons with Kate and very happy about my decision! Because during several days Kate touched me the basics of drawing, I discovered perspective and tonal values, before I even didn’t know this words. But the most interesting was to work with watercolor😊 I painted my first artwork already on my first lesson! I had the best teacher!!! If you come in Portugal and love painting, contact wonderful Kate Olefir:))” – Eva

“I felt your love for watercolor during my painting lessons this month in Alvor. Thank you for your patience, I learned so much. I’m glad to meet you and I hope to see you again at my next trip to Portugal next winter. I wish you happiness and success.” – Silas