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.

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.

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

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.

Lunch included.

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. 

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience during the full day workshops.  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

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.

Re-useable water bottle.

Swimming costume to enjoy the pool and swimming shoes for wild swimming.

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).

Follow the Google map directions for those travelling by car.