# Creative Joy Art Retreat with Artist Kelly Rae Roberts in Portugal Join artist Kelly Rae Roberts for a transformative art retreat on the sun-kissed coast of Algarve, Portugal. This journey is a call to awaken your creative spirit, nurture your soul, and forge deep connections with like-minded artists. Under the guidance of your instructor, you'll explore the boundless possibilities within you in a nurturing environment.Whether you're drawn to mixed media, the spontaneity of acrylics, or the introspection of journaling, this retreat is a chance to create to your heart's content. Let yourself be mesmerized by Portugal's coastline, explore a historic town, and set sail across the ocean in a traditional boat. Recharge and relax at Quinta Bonita, an estate of unparalleled charm, where every day brings new inspiration and every moment is an opportunity to grow. ## Details - **Dates:** April 1 - 8, 2025 - **Location:** Lagos, Algarve, Portugal - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Creative Joy Art Retreat Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime art adventure with Kelly Rae Roberts on the sunny coast of Algarve, in southern Portugal. This retreat is an invitation to listen to your inner creative voice, nourish your soul, and form lifelong bonds with a supportive community of artists. You'll find yourself among fellow kindred spirits, an intimate circle of artists sharing, encouraging, and rejoicing in each other's journey. With the azure ocean as your backdrop, let Kelly Rae gently guide you to artistic freedom, playful joy, and childlike curiosity.During your daily art sessions, Kelly Rae will introduce you to an array of techniques: from mixed media and layering to collage, acrylic painting, and intuitive mark-making. Her style of nurturing, gentle, no-mistakes teaching will help you explore the artistic possibilities within you. Listen closely to the wishes of your heart, and express them by creating inspiring mantras. If you've ever felt a connection to art or the mere tug of an urge to express yourself, this retreat has something for you. All levels are welcome, as the focus is the journey, not the destination!In addition to exploring your inner creative universe, you'll venture outside of your gorgeous retreat venue, Quinta Bonita, during two inspiring art trips (featuring a creative wonder scavenger hunt). Set sail like the explorers of old on a traditional Portuguese boat in search of hidden grottoes, secret beaches, and stunning rock formations. You'll also discover the history of Lagos, a charming coastal town celebrated for its urban culture and unique architecture.Your art classes will take place indoors, in a large, air-conditioned art studio that benefits from plenty of natural light, or outside, in the fairytale-like gardens of your venue.Some of the topics Kelly Rae will cover include:Creative mindfulnessSilencing the noise and tuning into what calls youEmbracing imperfectionCultivating wonder and curiosityTrusting your urgesMark languageStone paintingArt journalingMantra explorationExperimenting with mixed media and collageStamping, stenciling, layering...and many more.You'll enjoy exclusive use of your retreat venue, Quinta Bonita. This majestic country estate features a vast Italian garden with blooming flowers, fountains, and statues. Enjoy the best dishes that Portuguese cuisine offers with chef-prepared meals every day, relax by the pool, and let your gorgeous surroundings inspire you.Please be aware that the trips involve plenty of walking on uneven terrain and all rooms are accessible via stairs. This retreat is not suitable for participants with limited mobility. ### Day 1: Arrival Land at Faro Airport in time to catch the 3:00 PM transfer to Quinta Bonita, your venue. Settle in your comfortable room, freshen up, then join Kelly Rae Roberts and your fellow artists for an orientation tour. Discover the sprawling gardens, the art studio, the breezy terraces and the pool. Come evening, celebrate your arrival with a delicious chef-made dinner, perfectly paired with a glass of Portuguese wine. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Awaken to the glow of a new day and a heartwarming breakfast, setting the stage for a day bursting with creativity. Join Kelly Rae and your fellow artists for a morning journaling session, which will become a daily ritual. Set your intentions and connect with your muse, paving the way for a journey of self-discovery. During the morning class with Kelly Rae, you'll delve into writing exercises designed to uncover your personal mantras, embracing the power of your inner voice.After a nourishing lunch, dive into the vibrant world of mixed media during the afternoon class. With watercolor paper as your canvas, you're encouraged to experiment, collage, and doodle, playing with a variety of mixed media materials. This will be the first step into crafting your creative journal.As the day ends, come together for a sumptuous three-course dinner, a moment to bond, share stories, and reflect on the day's experiences, all while savoring a glass of exquisite Portuguese wine. ### Day 3: Art at the venue Begin your day with a breakfast that delights every sense, then take a moment to reconnect with your heart, body, and spirit with another journaling session.Step outside to join Kelly Rae for an art workshop. Under the bright blue sky, continue your mixed media exploration from the day before. Allow your intuition to guide your hand, and truly envision what your art piece asks of you. Is it more freedom, or perhaps more thoughtfulness? As you continue doodling, let your tranquil surroundings inspire you.The afternoon features a hands-on workshop, focused on acrylic paint. Set your brush aside and embrace the joy of painting with your hands, experimenting with smudgies, drippies, stamping, collage, spray paint, and stencils. It's time to layer your journal pages with a kaleidoscope of media, making the journal truly yours.As the day winds down, take a moment to yourself - whether it's a meditative stroll through the gardens or a peaceful moment by the pool. The evening culminates in a delightful three-course dinner, where conversations flow as freely as wine, offering a chance to deepen connections with your fellow artists. ### Day 4: Art trip to Lagos Greet the sun with another delightful breakfast, followed by a morning journaling session to prepare you for the adventure ahead. You'll visit the nearby town of Lagos, an incredibly beautiful coastal city. The history of Lagos spans centuries and multiple civilisations (the Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians and Moors, just to name a few), but it's the relaxed vibe and quirky buildings that make it a firm favorite with both tourists and locals. And, of course, let's not forget the pristine beaches.Wander Lagos' cobbled streets and take part in Kelly Rae's challenge for the day: a creative wonder scavenger hunt. Seek out elements that inspire you using Kelly Rae's prompts: perhaps you'll find your treasure among the white sailing ships dotting the marina, the blue azulejos decorating the buildings, or near the beaches embraced by azure waves. Whenever inspiration strikes, take out your journal and sketch, or snap some photos. When you need to take a break, relax with a drink from one of the cafes by the port.Return to Quinta Bonita for lunch. You may use the rest of the afternoon as you wish. Record your experiences in Lagos with more mixed media pieces in your journal, or simply chill out by the pool. The day wraps up with a well-deserved three-course dinner, courtesy of the private chef. ### Day 5: Art at the venue Nourish your spirit with tasty breakfast, then join Kelly Rae and your fellow artists for a group journaling session. Meditate on your experiences from your trip to Lagos, or write down your intentions for the next art class.Step outside into the lush gardens once more for your morning session. Today, you'll delve into discovering the symbols that speak to your soul. Kelly Rae will guide you in incorporating personal imagery into your art, whether it be a whimsical butterfly, a serene flower, or an enigmatic dragonfly, or perhaps you'll venture into the abstract. Embrace this process with an open heart, and remember there are no wrong choices here. Try to connect with your surroundings as well; perhaps your messenger is waiting for you among the blooming plants.After a refreshing lunch break, continue to infuse your artwork with personal symbols in the afternoon. Treat your creations with tenderness and listen to the whispers of your inner voice. With Kelly Rae's supportive guidance, play with collage and paint markers, expressing the boundless possibilities within you.In your free time, you can take a catnap in the gardens, relax, or visit one of the nearby beaches if you haven't had the time yet. The day ends with a chef-made dinner and Portuguese wine, paired together perfectly. ### Day 6: Sailing trip Kick off the day with a refreshing breakfast, and then get ready for an incredible sailing adventure! You'll set sail from Lagos on a beautiful traditional Portuguese boat, heading into the open sea. Like the Portuguese explorers of old, you'll discover the wonders of the Algarvian coastline from the water. What's more, you'll go on another creative wonder scavenger hunt. Be on the lookout for dramatic cliffs, hidden grottoes, and maybe even secret beaches—all perfect inspiration for your art journal. With the sea breeze in your hair and the sun on your face, let the ocean guide you and enjoy the ride.After your sea adventure, you'll head back to Quinta Bonita for a delicious lunch. The afternoon class will focus on your experiences: bring the beauty of what you've seen and felt into your journal. If you need extra help or a boost of inspiration, don't worry; Kelly Rae will be there to help with tips and encouragement.The rest of the day is for you to unwind—whether that's taking in the tranquility of Quinta Bonita's gardens, enjoying a leisurely walk, or just chatting with your fellow artists. Cap off this adventurous day with a fantastic dinner and some fine Portuguese wine. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Start your final day with a lovely breakfast, then get ready for the journaling session. In your morning class with Kelly Rae, add the last touches to your mantras. Let this artwork be a reflection of the wisdom and joy your heart needs right now. Treat it with gentleness, and you'll have finished a piece to be proud of for years to come.After lunch, complete your art journal, adding your experiences during the sailing trip, and any other elements you find important. This treasure will remind you of your adventure in Portugal and the personal and artistic growth you've achieved. Share your creation in a closing circle, celebrating your progress with Kelly Rae and your fellow artists within a supportive atmosphere.The day ends with a special farewell dinner, a chef-crafted three-course meal accompanied by wine. Cherish the connections you've made, letting the warmth and joy of this final celebration fuel your spirit. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a light breakfast, say your goodbyes to Kelly Rae and your art group, and board the 10:00 AM transfer to Faro Airport. You'll reach your destination at around 11:00 AM. ## Instructors - **Kelly Rae Roberts** - Artist, author, mentor ## Accommodation ### Quinta Bonita ### Shared triple room ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior room - garden view ### Shared superior room - sea view ### Single master suite - sea view ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/creative-joy-art-retreat-artist-kelly-rae-roberts-portugal](https://uptrek.com/retreat/creative-joy-art-retreat-artist-kelly-rae-roberts-portugal) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*