OLHÃO
SKETCHWALK
Art Courses Algarve—Join Me for an Unique Creative Adventure!
Ideal for beginners—learn the basics of sketching while exploring Olhão’s most inspiring spots.
The first session takes place in June!
Check the booking calender here
After setting up the Faro experience, we decided to expand the offer and introduce this adventure in the picturesque city of Olhão. We crafted an Olhão Sketchwalk session to explore, sketch, and connect with this charming place in the Eastern Algarve.
And, why Olhão?
Once overlooked and often considered a bit rough around the edges, Olhão was long ignored by tourists who favored other parts of the Algarve. But in recent years, the town has undergone a quiet transformation—its authentic charm, working harbor, and raw beauty have drawn in curious travelers. Today, Olhão is on the rise, with a lively summer buzz and a growing reputation as one of the Algarve’s most intriguing and creative spots.
Left above: A beautiful entrance of a house in Olhão, painted in an intense shade of yellow. The door is adorned with traditional hand-shaped doorknobs, a cultural detail rich with symbolism and history. These ornamental knobs, often associated with protection and hospitality, are a common sight in the Algarve.
Above: the view of the narrow passage in the town, looking from side at the entrance of the nice “CháCháChá” restaurant.
Below: this sketchbook spread was created on-site in a quiet Largo do Gremio in Olhão.
What to Expect
The Olhão Sketchwalks are designed specifically for those new to sketching and eager to explore their artistic potential. This unique experience blends intuitive sketching techniques with a leisurely walk through Olhão’s most inspiring locations. You’ll not only discover the charm of the city but also learn how to capture those beautiful moments in your sketchbook—step by step, in a relaxed, supportive environment.
- Duration: full 3 hours (short pause included & depending on the group!)
- Start Times: 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM
- Group Size: Maximum of 6 participants for a personalized experience
Cost: €55 (all materials included!)
Special introductory June-price for the first edition—
available for a limited time only!
Everything is provided – just bring your curiousity!
Workshop Highlights
Each sketch walk is designed to engage your senses, spark your creativity, and introduce you to the techniques that make sketching on the go both enjoyable and rewarding.
Throughout the course, I’ll share few stories about Olhão’s rich history and the cultural influences that shaped it. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a sketchbook full of memories and a set of new skills you can use to capture the beauty of any place you visit.
Why Sketching Matters …
Sketching isn’t just about drawing; it’s about slowing down, observing the world deeply, and creating something uniquely yours, at best without judgement.
This is exactly what we’ll do together during the OLHÃO SKETCHWALKS.
Your Guide to Faro & Olhão Sketchwalks
I’m Grażyna Ostrowska, the guide and creator behind Lighthouse Courses and Faro & Olhão Sketchwalks.
Recently located in Faro, I immersed myself many times in the beauty of both places, and painted it en plein-air!
To find out more about my artistic practice, please visit the about page or my artistic website Grażyna Ostrowska | Artist.
While Faro & Olhão Sketchwalk is our current focus, other creative sessions are in the works! If you’re curious about upcoming events, feel free to reach out.
STAY CONNECTED!
Follow along on Instagram for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on the Faro Sketchwalks.
Newsletter
Sign up with your email address to receive our newsletter
Courses
Find us in the Algarve!
© 2025 Lighthouse Artcourses | Art & Adventure.
All rights reserved.
Last updated: May 2025
Your Guide to Olhão Sketchwalks
I’m Grażyna Ostrowska, the guide and creator behind Lighthouse Courses and Faro & Olhão Sketchwalks.
Based now in Faro, I have painted en plein-air on both locations frequently.
For a whole month, I painted a new piece of Faro every day—whether on location, en plein-air, or back in my studio in Cologne, using photo references. This project was all about exploring Faro’s vibrant colours, captivating shapes, and, most importantly, its magical LIGHT! The light here is unlike anywhere else, and it deeply influenced every piece I created. Sketching was my guide through this journey, helping me discover the perfect compositions and motifs that truly capture the essence of Faro’s glow.
The experience deepened my connection with the city and its surroundings, and it’s this intimate knowledge and emotional bond that I bring to every Faro Sketchwalk. On these walks, I’ll share my love for this city, showing you the beauty I’ve come to see through my eyes and my art.
For more about my artistic practice, you can read more on my about page!
