Watercolour Adventure in Olhão
Between Land
and Lagoon
Five intensive days of watercolour painting with Daniel López Villacañas in the harbour town of Olhão.
Five days. Full immersion. Paint on the table, sun on the skin, colour in the air.
Together we’ll explore the East Algarve through watercolour – in the studio and en plein air – discovering islands, places and hidden corners where every location becomes part of the creative process.
Guest artist Daniel López invites us to look beyond the obvious, finding atmosphere and character in subjects that many people would simply walk past.
You can find out more about Daniel and his work here: Daniel López Villacañas homepage.
This is much more than a painting course. It is an artist-led experience of the East Algarve, where painting and exploration go hand in hand. We will spend time on ferries, on quiet islands, in cafés and along the Ria Formosa, allowing each place to shape the way we draw and paint. Because walking, cycling and short ferry crossings are an integral part of the experience, participants should feel comfortable spending some time exploring on foot.
During the week we’ll sketch and paint on Armona, Culatra and Farol, cycle to Praia dos Cavacos, spend time in Faro Cidade Velha and discover several other carefully chosen locations and sensory experiences that reveal the Algarve beyond the obvious.
Watch a short film from our May 2026 Olhão Watercolour Intensive with guest artist Daniel López — five inspiring days of shared creativity, fresh perspectives and the joy of discovering the East Algarve through painting.a
Mastery of watercolour technique: Daniel’s atmospheric interpretation of an everyday café scene in Olhão — a place our group often returned to during the May 2026 Lighthouse experience.
Practical Info
Price: 850€
Painting sessions: 10:00–13:00 each morning
Afternoons: We’ll explore the East Algarve together through carefully chosen local experiences. You’re welcome to continue painting, sketching or simply enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.
Location: An art space in the heart of Olhão, East Algarve
Group size: Maximum 6 participants
Included: High-quality watercolour paper, boards, masking tape, water containers, field easels and folding chairs.
The experience will begin with a Welcome Dinner on the evening before Day 1. On the final day, we’ll prepare and hang our work, share lunch together, take time for a longer group reflection, and finish with an Open Studio Afternoon. Participants are welcome to exhibit and sell their paintings if they wish — a fitting and memorable way to conclude the week.
Painting in our art space downtown Olhão, part of the wonderful Pinta Roxa – right opposite the famous Mercados
Observing light & sketchbook studies on Ilha do Farol, during the “Olhão em Aguarela” course in May 2026.
Mercados de Olhão
Built in 1912–1916 on the waterfront, the iconic red-brick market halls were designed by the architect João de Moura Coutinho. Today they remain one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Algarve and the vibrant heart of Olhão’s daily life.
Sunset over Olhão
From above, Olhão reveals its distinctive skyline of white, flat-roofed houses — a legacy of North African influence that gives the town its quiet reputation as the “cubist town” of the Algarve, glowing softly in the evening light.
Daniel López – Watercolour Works & Workshop Moments
Daniel Lopez with his workshop participants
Through my art, I strive to reveal the hidden beauty in everyday scenes, celebrating the interplay of history, time, and transformation.
Join me on this journey of discovery, where every brushstroke tells a story, and every drop of rain leaves its mark.
Daniel López
STAY CONNECTED!
Follow along on Instagram for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on the Faro Sketchwalks.
