# Expressive Abstract Painting Retreat with Artist Pamela Caughey in Portugal Join artist Pamela Caughey for a focused art retreat in the peaceful countryside of southern Portugal. Each day will include practical instruction in abstract painting through demonstrations, hands-on studio time, and personalized mentoring. You will build a strong foundation in design and color theory, receive one-on-one feedback, and work toward a cohesive body of abstract paintings. Pam will tailor her guidance to your needs, helping you grow more confident in your process and creative decisions.Step outside the studio to connect with the landscape. Visit the historic town of Lagos and spend time sailing along the Algarve coast, where cliffs, sea caves, and plant life provide rich visual material. Use this time to sketch, gather reference images, and take in the colors and textures that will inform your work back in the studio.You’ll stay in a traditional Portuguese villa surrounded by gardens, with daily meals prepared on-site and plenty of space to focus on your art. Paint outdoors among trees and flowers, or take quiet time to reflect on your progress. By the end of the week, you will have created a collection of abstract pieces rooted in both your surroundings and your own creative path. ## Details - **Dates:** March 20 - 27, 2026 - **Location:** Lagos, Algarve, Portugal - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Expressive Abstract Painting Retreat Join artist Pamela Caughey for a focused and energizing art retreat on the sunlit southern coast of Portugal. Over the course of the week, you’ll build a strong foundation in abstract painting, explore new methods, and take creative risks that push your work forward. Pam will be teaching approaches to abstract expressionist painting, demonstrating various approaches and methods to create powerful compositions with strong design and personal color. While her demos will be using the cold wax and oil medium, you are welcome to work in acrylic or any other medium you would like to explore.Each day includes a mix of demonstrations, group discussions, hands-on studio work, and time for reflection. You’ll build a cohesive series of abstract paintings shaped by your experiences in Portugal—whether through color, rhythm, texture, or form.Pam will work closely with each artist throughout the retreat. You'll receive one-on-one mentoring and thoughtful critique tailored to your goals and experience level. She’ll help you identify what’s working, where to push further, and how to bring clarity to your personal style. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine a well-established practice, you’ll leave the week with real progress, a deeper understanding of your process, and a body of work that reflects your growth.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Exploring your style in abstract paintingWorking in a seriesUnderstanding the 7 foundational design elementsSeveral methods of contemporary abstract compositionGathering inspiration using photographs and sketchbooksUsing the beauty of the environment to inform your art...and many more.Every aspect of the retreat is thoughtfully designed to ignite your creativity. The vibrant colors of Portugal reflect its rich cultural heritage, and you'll immerse yourself in the beauty of the Algarve region with a visit to the charming town of Lagos. Here, you'll find inspiration in the golden sands, vivid architecture, and the endless blue of the ocean. Additionally, a sailing trip on a traditional boat will take you along the stunning coastline, revealing secluded beaches, hidden caves, and striking rock formations.You'll stay at a lovely Portuguese villa, gather inspiration from its blooming Italian garden, enjoy regional, chef-made cuisine every day, and connect with a community of 15 other artists. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Faro Airport and board the 3:00 PM transfer to your retreat with Pam. Once you’ve reached the peaceful countryside setting, settle into your comfortable room, take a moment to unwind, and ease into the rhythm of the week ahead. Later in the afternoon, join Pam for an informal tour of the grounds. Wander through the beautiful Portuguese gardens, visit the light-filled art studio, stroll along the shaded terraces, and take in the calm atmosphere around the pool. As the sun begins to set, gather for welcome drinks. Meet your fellow artists and share what brought you here. The evening ends with a relaxed dinner prepared by the on-site chef, paired with a glass of Portuguese wine, as conversations begin and inspiration starts to flow. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Start your day with a fresh breakfast, then meet the group over coffee for a relaxed morning check-in.Head to the bright studio for your first session with Pam. The day begins with a group conversation about your art, your goals, and what's getting in the way. You'll likely find others facing the same challenges. After the chat, Pam will guide you through a painting demo. Follow along on paper, or use panels if you prefer, and begin exploring your palette. This marks the start of your painting series for the week.Break for a light lunch, then return to the studio in the afternoon. Spend time outside in the gardens, taking in the bold colors of the flowers and the details of the old stone tower. Bring your ideas back to the studio and work them into your painting. Pam will be on hand for individual feedback as you continue to experiment with color and form.Later, take some time for yourself. Walk through the gardens, continue sketching outdoors, or simply rest. In the evening, gather again for a relaxed dinner cooked by the in-house chef, served with a glass of local Portuguese wine. ### Day 3: Sailing trip Begin the morning with a hearty breakfast and a slow coffee with the group as you ease into the day. Then head out for a refreshing start along Portugal’s Atlantic coast.At Lagos Marina, board a traditional Portuguese boat and sail along the shoreline. The boat weaves past dramatic cliffs, sea-carved grottos, and hidden beaches. The light shifts constantly on the water and rocks—ideal for sketching and taking reference photos. Use this time to observe the colors and forms, thinking back on the color studies you've been exploring with Pam.After returning to the venue, sit down to a simple lunch, then join Pam in the studio for an afternoon class focused on design and color. She’ll walk you through the seven basic elements of design and explain how they interact. You'll also review the core principles of color and begin applying them directly to your ongoing painting series. As you paint, patterns in your personal style will start to show. Pam will be available for individual guidance throughout the session.Later, wind down at your own pace. Walk through the gardens, rest by the pool, or keep sketching outdoors as the light softens. Come evening, gather with the group for a fresh dinner prepared on-site, and share stories from the day over a glass of local Portuguese wine. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Rise and shine to a refreshing breakfast, followed by a check-in over coffee with Pam and the first workshop of the day.In the studio, Pam begins with a demonstration focused on shape, value, and color, building on the design principles from the day before. You'll explore how simple shifts in shape and line can change a composition and how value adds depth and contrast to your palette. Work alongside Pam as you test new ideas and build on your growing series.After a laid-back lunch, return to the studio for the afternoon session. Pam will lead a focused talk on abstraction: what it is, how it works, and how to make it your own. As the conversation moves from technique to personal expression, you'll begin translating your own ideas and emotions into abstract forms. It's a direct, hands-on way to strengthen your voice and deepen your painting practice.In the late afternoon, take time to recharge. Wander the gardens, sketch outdoors, or sit by the pool with your thoughts. As the sun dips lower, gather for a satisfying dinner and share the day’s progress with your fellow artists. ### Day 5: Art trip to Lagos Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, easing into the rhythm of the retreat as you prepare for a visit to the historic coastal town of Lagos.After a short drive, arrive in a town layered with history. Greek, Roman, Phoenician, and Moorish influences are still visible in its winding streets and architecture. Walk at your own pace through the old town. Whether you sketch as you go or focus on capturing reference photos, the choice is yours. From azulejo-covered walls and weathered boats in the harbor to lemon trees, bougainvillea, and scattered wildflowers, there is no shortage of shapes and colors to take in.Back at the venue, enjoy a simple lunch before heading into the afternoon session with Pam. Bring your sketches, photos, or ideas from the morning into the studio or garden and continue developing your current series. Focus on shape, color, and composition by pulling from what caught your eye in Lagos, whether it was a sunlit wall, tangled vines, or the rhythm of the streets. Pam will be nearby to support your process as you fold these elements into your work.As the light softens, take time to yourself. Walk through the garden, sketch in the shade, or sit quietly by the pool. Later, gather for dinner, sharing food and conversation as you wind down from the day. ### Day 6: Art at the venue On the sixth day of your retreat in Portugal, begin with a hearty breakfast and a relaxed coffee check-in with the group.Spend the morning developing your paintings, drawing from the sketches and references gathered in Lagos. Continue your series with guidance from Pam. If you hit a challenge or need help pushing a piece further, she’ll be there with direct, personal feedback. At some point during the morning, Pam will sit down with you one-on-one to look more closely at your work and talk through your process.After lunch, return to the studio for a calm afternoon session. Use this time to step back and refine your pieces. Focus on building depth, tightening compositions, or testing new directions. Pam will be nearby to support you as you bring the work closer to completion.Later, take time to unwind in the gardens or walk to the nearby beach for some fresh air and quiet. As evening arrives, join the group for dinner and reflect on how far you’ve come. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Begin the final full day of the retreat with a wholesome breakfast before heading into the morning session. Use this time to finish your series, add final details, and bring everything you’ve learned with Pam into your work. She’ll be there for any last bits of feedback or one-on-one help as you wrap up your pieces.After lunch, settle in for a relaxed afternoon and take part in a group exhibition and feedback session. Everyone is welcome to share their work, but participation is not compulsory. The exhibition is a great way to get advice from Pam as well as from your peers. Most importantly, it's the perfect occasion to celebrate your achievements.As the retreat comes to a close, come together for a farewell dinner—a thoughtfully prepared meal shared with new friends. Raise a glass as you reflect on the creative journey of the past days, the connections you’ve made, and the artistic discoveries that will stay with you. With the evening breeze carrying the scent of the gardens, look ahead to the new ideas and projects waiting for you beyond this inspiring week in Portugal. ### Day 8: Departure Join Pam and your fellow artists for breakfast to share any last contact details, say your goodbyes, and get ready for your transfer to Faro Airport (FAO). Please note that check-out is at 10:00 AM. ## Instructors - **Pamela Caughey** - Artist and mentor ## Accommodation ### Portuguese Quinta ### Shared room in the cottage ### Shared standard ensuite room (female only) ### Shared superior room - garden view (female only) ### Shared superior room - sea view ### Single room in the cottage ### Single deluxe master suite - sea view ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/expressive-abstract-painting-retreat-artist-pamela-caughey-portugal](https://uptrek.com/retreat/expressive-abstract-painting-retreat-artist-pamela-caughey-portugal) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*