Art Retreat in Portugal
Discover the beauty of Portugal through art, culture, nature, & cuisine. Immerse yourself in a transformative art holiday that inspires creativity, adventure, and meaningful connections.
Painting in Portugal
Learn to translate the beauty of a place through abstract painting...
🌞 Discover the unique color palette of Portugal, paint local trees, fauna, and landscape.
🌞 Immerse in plein air painting at the sea side.
🌞 Be inspired by Moorish castles and historical villages.
🌞 Incorporate cultural influence from patterns on Portuguese tile, pottery, and basket weaving.
🌞 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.
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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.
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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, and exploring other mediums to creatively document your journey through art. This workshop 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
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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.
🌞 A tour to the sea side town of Olhos de Agua, 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 full of native trees and plants, the pool, and hills surrounding the River House. There are walks and trails close to Figs on the Funcho.
🌞 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
The River House 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 North African flavors and dishes, and chef Ixta Belfrage - menu inspiration from Brazil, Italy, and Mexico.
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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Before our trip you will receive itinerary, transport information, art supply list, and a short inperson 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 art supplies, gifts, 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
Accommodations:
This beautiful 5-bedroom villa accommodates up to10 guests. see more​
​All Prices include art instruction.
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Shared Bedroom (two persons in a room):​
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Large shared full bathroom: $2,100 per person
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En-suite bathroom: $2,500 per person
Private bedroom (one person in a room):
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Large shared full bathroom: $2,500​
There’s a mid-week bathroom and towel change, and the shared upstairs bathroom is cleaned daily. Swimming pool towels and blow dryers are provided, and we offer an honesty bar for non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.​
Travel
Traveling options:
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Fly from Denver to Faro (with a connecting flight) 14 - 16 hours. $1,400 - $2,000 (round trip)
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Fly from Denver to Lisbon plus a connection on TAP airlines to Faro
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​Flight cost $1,000 - $1500 (round trip)
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Fly from Lisbon to Faro on TAP airlines $75 - $150 (round trip).
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Fly from Denver to Lisbon: 10-15 hours. Taxi to Oriente Station (bus terminal) 8 minutes. Ride the bus 2:45 hours to Sao Bartolomeu de Messines (village).
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Flight cost $1,000 - $1500 (round trip)
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Taxi at the airport €8 - €10
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Bus Company: rede-expressos €10 - €20
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A one time transport to Figs on the Fancho will be arranged for the group. Faro airport 3:00pm | Sao Bartolomeu de Messines Bus stop 3:00pm
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If you arrive at another time: Taxi from Faro Airport 40 minutes €60- 70. Taxi from Sao Bartolomeu de Messines, 5 minutes €7
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Check-in at Figs on the Fancho on April 30th is from 10am - 10pm
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Check-out on May 6th is until 3:00pm
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New in 2025. US citizens will need authorisation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter Europe.LINK HERE​
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
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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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European currency is euros. It is about €1 = $1 (subject to change)
​Have some euros for taxi or little things most transactions are with a credit card. But just in case, bring a debit card for money exchange.​​
Julie Wardwell
“Lael is an excellent art teacher. Her main concern is about each and every student in class. She has a gentle and positive style of teaching. She answers all questions and has high regard for each person. She has a wealth of knowledge about art and shares freely with everyone.
I Highly recommend her as an art coach."
Marlaina Faye
"I have been painting with Lael for several years now. I look forward to every class I take with her. I am always impressed with how Lael inspires everyone while creating a non judgmental atmosphere. Her painting techniques are exciting and I would definitely recommend"
Catherine Brown
"I wish all instructors were as inspiring as Lael. She is able to take anyone with an interest in painting and help them find the artist within. As a teacher, all of her critiques are positive, instructive and encouraging. You can't help by finding yourself enjoying the painting process."