Facade of an old house in Olhão with tall windows and decorative Art Nouveau-style doors, now home to a Domino's restaurant

East Algarve
ART ESCAPE

Algarve em Aquarela / Algarve in watercolor
November 4 – 8, 2025

Light & Layers: Capturing the Soul of the East Algarve

with Kelly Medford (US/IT) & Grażyna Ostrowska (DE/PT)

A 5-day plein air painting experience across five luminous towns of Portugal’s East Algarve.
This is not just a course – it’s a creative escape for those who love watercolor, fresh air, and discovery.

We’ll explore the shifting light, textures, and atmospheres of a new location each day — from Faro to Armona Island, and from Tavira to the salt flats of Vila Real de Santo António.

Faro – Olhão + Ilha da Armona – Tavira – Cacela Velha – Vila Real de Santo António

You’ll receive personal guidance from two professional artists during 3-hour morning sessions, with plenty of space for relaxed, optional afternoon painting. We move together by local train and ferry – easy, slow travel with a creative heart.

Get the full itinerary and course details — download here

🎨 East Algarve Art Escape — 4–8 November 2025
🚉 5 days, 5 places: painting en plein air as we travel
👥 Group size: 6–12 participants + 2 instructors
🖌️ Daily morning sessions (3h), optional guided afternoons
💶 Full workshop: 980€ (incl. all tuition, local travel & guidance)
🎒 Bring your own gear — a detailed packing list follows!

Excited to join us? Register here

Watercolor study of the twin market buildings (Mercados) of Olhão, with their red brick façades and waterfront location.

Above: Watercolor study of the twin market halls in Olhão, painted en plein air on a sunny morning. Capturing the rich red brick architecture, the shimmer of the waterfront, and the quiet rhythm of daily life, this piece reflects the unique light and layered textures of the East Algarve.

The journey takes us from the historic heart of Faro along the eastern coastline of the Algarve, passing through lively market towns, peaceful fishing villages, and striking coastal landscapes. As we move from place to place, we immerse ourselves in the light, rhythm, and atmosphere of the region — painting en plein air in each location. A central element of our route is the Ria Formosa, a protected natural park of tidal lagoons, barrier islands, and exceptional biodiversity — a constant, shifting presence that adds beauty and serenity to every day.

Photo taken from the old village walls of Cacela Velha, showing the Ria Formosa lagoon and barrier islands in the distance.

Photo of Largo da Sé in Faro, with the Faro Cathedral (Sé) and surrounding cobblestone square.

Watercolor painting of the Lanacosta restaurant on Ilha do Armona, showing its relaxed, beachside charm.

Hand-painted watercolor map showing the route of the East Algarve Art Escape through Faro, Olhão, Tavira, Cacelha Velha, and Vila Real de Santo António.

Our Route & Practical Info

Over the course of five days, we travel eastwards along the Algarve coast — from the historic center of Faro to Olhão, Tavira, Cacela Velha, and finally Vila Real de Santo António. Each location offers unique light, atmosphere, and architectural charm — all perfect for painting en plein air.

Accommodation is not included, allowing you to choose what best suits your budget and travel style. We’ll recommend well-located guesthouses in each town (max. 100€/night) and assist with booking tips if needed. All sites are reachable by train or short taxi ride.

We often enjoy lunch together as a group, especially after our morning painting sessions — a great moment to share impressions and relax. Dinners are flexible and up to you, but we’re happy to share suggestions for local favorites.

Photo of the Ponte Romana in Tavira, an arched stone bridge crossing the Rio Gilão with historic buildings in the background.

A street musician plays the violin on the Roman bridge in Tavira, with the calm waters of the Rio Gilão and whitewashed houses in the background.

Photo of a paint tube labeled “Cobalt Turquoise Light” by Winsor & Newton

Cobalt Turquoise Light – an indispensable color for capturing the luminous waters and skies of the East Algarve.

Art materials

Please bring your own plein-air watercolor kit (essentials!), including:

– A watercolor paint set (preferably tubes) & palette
– 2–3 brushes (round and flat)

A specific art supply list will be sent upon registration.

Please travel light — ideally with just a small backpack.
This workshop is a journey: we’ll be moving between locations and using local transport. The less you carry, the more relaxed and enjoyable your experience will be!

Your fellow painters and course hosts in this watercolor adventure.

KELLY MEDFORD

Hi, I’m Kelly Medford, an American living and working as a plein air painter in Italy since 2005. I have been painting and sketching out on the streets of Italy daily as my way of getting to know the country, its people, history, culture, and sights as well as enjoy my love of painting and drawing.

Artists and non-artists alike have been keeping sketchbook journals of their travels through Italy and Europe for centuries, and I am honored and excited to continue this long-standing tradition.

That is why in 2012 I started Sketching Rome Tours as a way to offer this experience to everyone.

More about me on my artist website: Kelly Medford

GRAŻYNA OSTROWSKA

I am the founder of Lighthouse Courses | Art & Adventure Algarve, a painter and visual artist born in Warsaw in 1972.

After earning my master’s degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, I worked for many years in Germany as an illustrator.

Since early 2025, I’ve been based in Faro, where the light, people, and poetic urban landscape inspire my work — Faces | Flowers | Faro in watercolor, acrylic and pastel. I explore contrasts of light and shadow to create sensory, atmospheric scenes.

A recent personal project, 30 Days of Faro, focused on painting on location throughout the winter months. Other portuguese adventures include artist residency “A Luz de Lisboa” and “Drawing for the Ocean”.