ALGARVE IN
WATERCOLOUR
BARCAS DE OLHÃO |
BOATS OF OLHÃO
Experience the Algarve through sketching, painting and discovery. This three-day creative weekend combines relaxed studio sessions with inspiring outdoor sketching, inviting you to slow down, observe and capture the unique atmosphere of Olhão and the Armona island in watercolour.
Edition 1:
Friday, 25 September | 15.00-18.00 | half-day
Saturday, 26 September | 10.00-18.00 | full day
Sunday, 27 September | 10.00-14.00 | half-day
Edition 2:
Friday, 2 October | 15.00-18.00 | half-day
Saturday, 3 October | 10.00-18.00 | full day
Sunday, 4 October | 10.00-14.00 | half-day
Based in the beautiful, light-filled space of Pinta Roxa studio in downtown Olhão, we’ll begin on Friday afternoon by getting to know the essential materials, exploring simple watercolour techniques and making our first sketches inspired by the iconic Barcas de Olhão. No previous experience is required—we’ll guide you step by step in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
On Saturday, our sketchbooks travel with us. We’ll take the ferry to the peaceful island of Armona, where we’ll spend half of the day creating quick studies of shapes, colours, light and rhythm of the Ria Formosa. After lunch together, we’ll return to the studio to develop our plein-air sketches into expressive watercolour paintings with individual guidance.
On Sunday morning, we’ll complete our journey outdoors at Olhão Marina, capturing the traditional fishing boats and shimmering reflections in the calm harbour before bringing the weekend to a close.
Above: watercolour study of the boats resting at the coast in Burgau, Algarve
While this particular scene is from the west coast of the Algarve, in the village of Burgau, these kinds of small fishing boats can be found all along the region — including right here in Olhão. They’re a typical sight on the Algarvian shoreline and make a fantastic subject for watercolor: their sun-faded colors, weathered textures, and quiet presence on the water are ideal for exploring light, shape, and atmosphere with the brush. During the course, we’ll be working with similar local scenes — the kind we can study just by stepping right outside the studio space 😉
🕒 3 days: Friday afternoon until Sunday noon
👩🏻🎨👨🏻🎨 5 places only — small group, focused learning
💶 185€ including ferry ticket Olhão-Armona-Olhão
and HQ watercolor artist-grade paper & sketchbook.
We provide field easels & foldable chairs (island trip)
More than a painting course, Algarve in Watercolour is a creative immersion into one of Portugal’s most authentic coastal towns. It combines art, adventure and meaningful travel, making it an ideal experience for complete beginners as well as anyone wishing to deepen their observation skills and enjoy the Algarve at a slower, more mindful pace.
Please note: Algarve in Watercolour is an experience of movement, observation and discovery. We will explore Olhão and Ilha da Armona on foot with our sketchbooks, so participants should feel comfortable walking between locations and spending time outdoors.
I’ll guide you step by step through the core watercolor techniques and compositional thinking. With practice and patience, you’ll discover how satisfying and expressive watercolor can be.
I’ll also teach you to love working with a big brush and using bold, confident strokes — so your paintings stay fresh, expressive, and not overworked!
Longing to go deeper into watercolor while exploring the Algarve?
Slow travel, golden light, creative flow — join our WEST ALGARVE ART ESCAPE | Barlavento em Aguarela
with Eugen Chisnicean – October 11th – 17th, 2026.
Past watercolour painting adventures
Over the past years, I’ve led several watercolor painting courses where I shared the foundations of working with this expressive medium — from creating strong contrasts and building dynamic compositions, to mixing colors with confidence and keeping details to a minimum. The goal has always been to achieve a clear yet loose result that captures the essence of a motif in a fresh and captivating way.
Curious about how these sessions have looked in the past? Here you’ll find an overview of previous courses and impressions: past courses.
STAY CONNECTED!
Follow along on Instagram for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on the Faro Sketchwalks.
