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

Join us for a 7-day painting retreat featuring accommodation, delectable cuisine, and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 4: Optional trip to the historical town or coast.   Please note: The trip is optional and the villa kitchen will be closed, however,  if a guest prefers not to go soup and sandwiches will be provided.

Day 5: Exploring Shadow Hues (Full Day)

Observe captivating shadow patterns and explore their surprising colours. Understand perspective for creating realistic illusions. Share impressions and frame-worthy paintings.

Day 6: Unleash Your Creative Freedom (Half Day)

Paint a heartfelt masterpiece, guided by acquired knowledge. Enjoy an exhibition of your works and receive a small gift, leaving with unforgettable emotions. 

Refer to the detailed itinerary for full session descriptions.

"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

Figs on the Funcho, crowned by LuxLife's Hospitality Award as "Algarve's Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023", offers breathtaking country views that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the tranquility 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.

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience during your stay on our watercolour painting and yoga retreat.  Cheryl and Graham, are not only enthusiastic cooks but also ardent fans of culinary maestros like Ottolenghi, Ixta Belfrage, Sami Tamimi and Jamie Oliver. 

Their passion for cooking is infused into every meal they prepare for their retreats, and it's evident in the glowing reviews from their satisfied guests. You can expect a delectable array of healthy, vegetarian dishes that not only nourish the body but also tantalize the taste buds. Each meal is a journey of flavours. 

You'll have the opportunity to savour new and exciting culinary creations that are as pleasing to the palate as they are to the eye.

What others have to say

✨ ✨ "I really enjoyed my stay at Figs on the Funcho. The venue was very attractive with walking trails to explore when we weren’t painting. I can’t say enough about the hosts and cooks Cheryl and Graham. They were very welcoming and caring. I ate every morsel of the deliciously prepared food.” -  Debra

✨ ✨ "The vegetarian meals a delicious revelation. I’ve ordered my first-ever veggie cookbook to continue the benefits of ‘Fig’s’ healthy delicious meals” – Judith

Artists bring your own paints, brushes and paper if you plan to paint during your free time. Plastic or cardboard postal tubes to take your rolled artwork home. Paper sizes provided will be no larger than an A3.

Walkers bring your binoculars, walking sticks (highly recommended for the Archaeological walk), good walking shoes, windbreaker, and waterproof jacket.

Sun hat, sun cream, and suitable footwear for walking to explore different paths and if you plan to visit the historical towns during free time, as the cobbled roads can be slippery.

Something warm to relax in at night.

Re-useable water bottle.

Swimming costume to enjoy the pool and swimming shoes for wild swimming or canoeing in the dam. I strongly advise wearing swimming shoes for all river activities.

Please Note:  Check water levels in advance for optimal water sport experiences during dry periods in the Algarve.

Appropriate attire for yoga is recommended for holidays including yoga. Yoga practitioners are welcome to utilize the provided mats and yoga equipment during the classes. 

“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.

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 and you are welcome to join the art group when they go out walking and exploring the countryside.

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

Expect warm and reliably dry sunny weather. During the day expect temperatures from 22°C (71.6 °F) -  24°C (75.2°F) and comfortable night temperatures to be from 12°C (53.6°F) -  17°C (62.6°F).

Check-in from 4:00 PM. Guests are requested to arrive before 9:00 PM; otherwise, arrival should be scheduled for the following morning.

Check-out will be after breakfast.

We’ll have one Faro airport pick-up at 3pm for the group.

Alternative options:

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.

The terms and conditions including the cancellation policy can be found here  Retreat Terms and Conditions - Figs On The Funcho

Once a guest has paid the deposit for the holiday or event then it is deemed that they have accepted these Terms and Conditions.