FARO in
winter light
Faro in winter light: a full day of drawing, observing, watercolor painting and creative exploration – in the historic heart of the capital of Algarve.
Spend a day exploring Faro through drawing and watercolour studies, inspired by the clear winter light that illuminates the city’s historic streets, façades and quiet corners. From the atmospheric lanes of the Cidade Velha to the creative setting of a historic gallery, we follow the light, observe its changing qualities and collect impressions along the way.
This special Lighthouse experience combines an outdoor sketchwalk, on-location drawing and watercolour studies, an afternoon of studio work and an informal presentation of the artworks created during the day.
Whether you are an experienced artist or simply curious to explore your creativity, you are welcome!
At the heart of Faro’s Vila-Adentro, the Sé Cathedral has watched over the old town for centuries. First built in the 13th century, it has been reshaped by fires, earthquakes and successive architectural changes — a place where the city’s many layers of history meet.
The Experience
Walk, observe, collect
11:00–13:30 | Sketchwalk through Cidade Velha
We begin by exploring the historic heart of Faro on foot. Looking closely at the architecture, street details, colours, textures and changing winter light, we collect visual impressions and ideas to take into the studio.
Through quick sketches, notes and observation, we develop our own ways of seeing the city.
Lunch together
13:30–15:00 | Lunch break
We take a relaxed break for lunch at a nearby café or restaurant. Lunch is not included in the event price.
Make in the studio
15:00–18:00 | Drawing & Watercolour
Back at Arco do Zéca, we develop the impressions gathered during the morning into individual artworks.
The afternoon is dedicated to drawing and watercolour, with room for experimentation and personal interpretation. All art materials are provided. You will have guidance throughout the process, whether you are new to these techniques or already have some experience.
A little showing
18:30–20:00 | Informal presentation at the gallery
We end the day by displaying the work created during the workshop in the gallery. Participants are welcome to invite friends and family to join us for this informal celebration of the day’s creativity.
Practical information
- Date: Tuesday, 22 December 2026
- Time: 11:00–18:00 (plus the show afterwards)
- Meeting point: Arco do Zéca, Cidade Velha, Faro
- Price: €150 per person
- Group size: Maximum 6 participants
- Materials: All drawing and watercolour materials included
- Lunch: Not included
- Experience level: Beginners and more experienced participants welcome
The setting: Arco do Zéca
The workshop takes place at new art space in Faro’s Ciadade Velha: Galeria Arco do Zéca, in the house where Zéca Afonso lived during the 1960s.
Located at the crossing of Rua do Trem and Rua Prof. Norberto da Silva: the distinctive setting of the gallery provides an intimate space for the afternoon studio session and the final presentation.
Your Guide in the Experience FARO IN WINTER LIGHT
I’m Grażyna Ostrowska, the guide and creator of Lighthouse Art & Adventure Algarve, Faro in Winter Light, Faro Sketchwalk, Algarve em Aguarela, Watercolor Weekends, and Art Escapes.
My connection with Faro grew through Fio de Luz – A Luz do Algarve, a body of work that recently emerged from my walks through the city, its surroundings and other corners of Algarve.
Observing the changing light, architectural details, colours and textures, I collected impressions through on-location sketches and watercolour studies before developing them into large-scale paintings in my studio.
The resulting collection became my first solo exhibition in the Algarve, presented at the Galerie Arco do Zéca — the very gallery where we will spend the afternoon of Faro in Winter Light. The exhibition brought together large canvases shaped by my close observation of Faro, its atmosphere and its distinctive light.
