Painting in Portugal
Learn to translate the beauty of a place through abstract painting...
🌞 Discover the unique color palette of Portugal, local trees, fauna, and landscape.
🌞 Immerse in plein air painting at the sea side and country side.
🌞 Be inspired by Moorish castles and historical villages.
🌞 Incorporate cultural influence from patterns on Portuguese tile + pottery.
🌞 Be nurtured by Mediterranean cuisine and wine.
Unpack and unwind at this oasis of well-being in the middle of nature, culture, and art.
Meet Lael Har
Lael Har is a professional painter, full-time artist, art coach, and mother of two. Lael has a deep passion for both teaching and travel and is thrilled to share this exciting new art adventure with you.
Lael’s gallery walls showcase vivid landscapes inspired by her outdoor journeys, embodying her philosophy that the truest expression of landscape painting emerges from channeling one’s personal experience of a place onto the canvas.
Lael continues evolving her painting methods to develop a teaching style that nourishes the unique creative voice of each student.
Your time with Lael includes:
Each day of the workshop will feature dedicated art instruction, including lessons on photography, sketching, painting with acrylics, to creatively document your journey through art. This retreat is designed for all skill levels—no prior experience is required—just an openness to learning and a sense of adventure!
Lael will guide you in simplifying and abstracting what you observe, to create dynamic compositions and finished paintings. You’ll explore acrylic painting techniques and tools that encourage free self-expression while building confidence and refining your unique style. Additionally, during Art Salon Sessions, you’ll develop skills to discuss both your own work and the work of others in a positive and meaningful way.
By the end of this enriching experience, you’ll leave with a joyful heart and your own collection of original paintings inspired by your travels in Portugal.
Portugal Countryside Retreat - Figs on the Funcho
Nestled in the stunning landscape of the rural upper Algarve is Figs on the Funcho retreat river house. It offers a unique blend of eco-friendly luxury, cultural immersion, and creative experiences. Co-owned by Cheryl and Graham who provide an intimate and personalised experience for guests. See more
Innovation & Excellence Awards: Specialist Venue for 2024 - Portugal, and the LuxLife Hospitality Award: Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023 - Algarve. Additionally, featured in local newspapers, glossy magazines, and even made a TV appearance. see more
Tour Details:
Morning and afternoon will be spent in creative exploration, either in the studio or out on a day trip.
🌞 It might be a tour into Loulé, the picturesque village known for its local crafts. Pick up hand-made pottery, basketwork, tablecloths and goods made from local cork trees.
🌞 Portuguese Tile Painting: A hands-on activity that adds a cultural touch.
🌞 A tour to a sea side town for a delightful outing in the heart of the Algarve for a Plein Air excursion.
🌞 The historical town of Silves has one of the best-preserved Moorish castles in the country, restaurants and galleries.
🌞 Enjoy a culinary experience whether through local restaurants and cafes or the daily delicious meals prepared by our hosts.
🌞 There will be plenty of free time and down time to explore the garden and trail system full of native trees and plants, the pool, and hills surrounding the River House.
🌞 Guests may also book onsite massage or participate in optional yoga sessions or movement practice offered on the deck under the carob trees.
You will receive a more detailed itinerary for the week in your final information packet before your travel.
Exciting Cuisine
Figs on the Funcha has an open kitchen where our meals will be prepared by our host. All meals are vegetarian. Vegan and gluten free dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean Lifestyle Diet, drawing menu inspiration from Chef Yotam Ottolenghi - a nouveau interpretation of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and African flavors and dishes.
With this artistic enrichment retreat you will receive:
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workshop instruction
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6 nights double or single occupancy lodging
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all meals and snacks except for during travel or tours.
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all meals at Figs on the Funcho are vegetarian and can accommodate dietary restrictions.
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two day or more trips to location tour destinations
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transportation from Faro airport or from local train stop or local bus stop.
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local wine, port, and other liquor available for purchase.
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local olive oil and produce
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optional Yoga
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Provided are most of the art supplies you will need for the week.
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Before our trip you will receive itinerary, transport information, art supply list, and a short meeting to answer all questions.
What is not included:
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travel costs
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passport fees
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transfer to and from Lisbon airport
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meals during travel or tours.
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alcohol. wine, port, and other liquor available for purchase.
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massage or other treatments
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personal items such as laundry charges and other items not specifically mentioned as included.
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optional activities, if any
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additional nights lodging
Travel
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
Recommendations:
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fly into Lisbon or Faro a day or two before the retreat starts to recover from jet-lag. The retreat is scheduled to start mid-week, traveling Sunday/Monday/Tuesday maybe more affordable.
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Travel with a buddy.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE!!!
Figs on the Funcho (5 rooms)
Nestled in the stunning landscape of the rural upper Algarve is Figs on the Funcho retreat river house. It offers a unique blend of eco-friendly luxury, delicious food made on site with dietary accommodation, and creative experiences. Co-owned by Cheryl and Graham who provide an intimate and personalised experience for guests. All instruction and meals will be at Figs on the Funcho.
Teal Room Ensuite
Teal Room for One Participant or a Couple
Spacious ground-floor room with a private en-suite bathroom. Double doors open onto the lawn and infinity pool, with panoramic countryside views. Includes a walk-in power shower, bath and pool towels, a hair dryer, fresh linens, and midweek bathroom cleaning.
$3,500
Orange Room Ensuite
The Orange Room — Option for One Participant or a Couple
This ground-floor large room features a beautiful private en-suite bathroom. Double doors open onto the Sunset Terrace, lawn, and infinity pool beyond. The bathroom includes a walk-in power shower with grab handles and double washbasins. Bath and pool towels, a hair dryer, weekly fresh linens and towels, and a midweek bathroom cleaning are provided.
$3,500
Purple Room
This private second-floor room for one person features a double bed and beautiful river views. It shares a spacious family bathroom with a walk-in power shower and double washbasins. The bathroom is cleaned daily, and bath towels, pool towels, a hair dryer, and weekly fresh linens and towels are provided.
$2,800
Green Room
This private second-floor room for one person features a double bed, blackout curtains, and a Juliet balcony overlooking the Funcho Dam, river, and surrounding countryside.
The room shares a spacious family bathroom with a walk-in power shower and double washbasins. The bathroom is cleaned daily. Bath and pool towels, a hair dryer, and weekly fresh linens and towels are provided.
$2,800
Zebra Room
This private second-floor room features a double bed, blackout curtains, and a Juliet balcony with panoramic views of the Funcho Dam, river, and surrounding countryside.
The room shares a spacious family bathroom with a walk-in power shower and double washbasins. The bathroom is cleaned daily. Bath and pool towels, a hair dryer, and weekly fresh linens and towels are provided.
$2,800
Figs on the Funcho
This beautiful 3-bedroom villa accommodates 3 to 6 guests.
All Prices include art instruction.
Casa dos Netos
A beautifully appointed three-bedroom villa in town, offering the comfort of private baths for every suite. Off-site guests are fully included in all meals, workshops, transportation, and activities.
The Garden Suite- Ensuite
Private Suite for One Participant or a Couple off-Site
A calming, rustic retreat decorated in soft, natural tones with charming garden views. This intimate suite features a comfortable double bed, generous built-in closets, and a bright, airy private bathroom. Ideal for a solo guest or couple seeking comfort, privacy, and tranquility.
$2,800
or $2,500 each (two participants)
The Azul Twin Retreat -
Ensuite
Warm brown and soft blue hues create a soothing atmosphere in this twin-bedroom overlooking the gardens. With two spacious single beds, large closets, and an elegant en-suite bathroom featuring a generous walk-in shower, it’s a beautifully comfortable space perfect for two guests travelling together.
$2,500 each (two participants)
The Algarve Room -
Ensuite
The Algarve Master Room
The largest bedroom in the house, this serene sanctuary sits at the back of the property, offering extra privacy and space to unwind. It features a plush double bed and a spacious bathroom adorned with authentic Portuguese tiles. Perfect for a solo guest or couple seeking a more expansive retreat.
Casa dos Netos
This beautiful 3-bedroom villa accommodates 3 to 6 guests.
All Prices include art instruction.
Jeanne M
May 22, 2026
“Lael chose an amazing spot to teach us how to see the world as artists. While I was the least experienced painter on this retreat I never felt like I didn’t belong. The setting was lovely, the accommodations really nice, the food was 5-star. Lael’s art instruction was very clear and helpful. We started with the foundation and built our way up. Highly recommend."
Teresa D
May 23, 2026
“The art retreat with Lael exceeded my expectations. The food and surroundings at Figs on the Funcho were wonderful. Our hosts, Cheryl and Graham, took care of everything so we could focus on painting. Lael created a wonderful balance of lessons, inspiration, and uninterrupted painting time—something that’s hard for me to get at home. I also couldn’t have asked for a more inspiring group of women to paint, laugh, and connect with. I had a wonderful time!”
Catherine B
May 15, 2025
"Our time at Figs on the Funcho was extraordinary! The hosts provided excellent accomodations, delicious food and interesting trips in the Algarve area. The painting teacher, Lael Har, inspired all of us daily to paint wonderful landscapes. Her encouragement could be seen as all of us grew as painters over the course of one week."