# Painting Retreat with Artist Nick Alm in Portugal Join artist Nick Alm on a painting retreat in the stunning Algarve coast of Portugal. Explore a variety of techniques, materials, and topics and receive one-on-one tuition throughout the retreat. Stay at a stylish hideaway rented exclusively for the group, offering tranquil gardens, a swimming pool, and premium rooms with spacious bathrooms and private balconies and terraces. Find inspiration on the spectacular West Coast of the Algarve — go sailing on the Atlantic Ocean and discover the beautiful 2000-year-old town of Lagos. Enjoy delicious chef-made meals every day paired with select Portuguese wine. ## Details - **Dates:** April 27 - May 4, 2023 - **Location:** Lagos, Algarve, Portugal - **Starting Price:** $3,950 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Painting in the South of Portugal Join artist Nick Alm for a week of painting in the South of Portugal. Nick will perform live demonstrations in oil and offer one-on-one tuition throughout the retreat. Guests may paint in the medium of their choice: oils, acrylics, or watercolors.Nick will be focusing on a variety of techniques, materials, and topics, including:portraiturelandscapecontrol of the mediumlightdrawingcolorcompositioninterpreting what you see and making decisionsThe painting retreat is open to all levels. Whether you're a professional artist or a complete beginner, the tuition will be adapted to every individual participant. Some experience is, however, recommended.In addition to painting alongside Nick every day, you’ll also explore the beautiful region of Algarve, have relaxing afternoons to ask further questions, and share your experiences with fellow creatives over a glass of wine. ### Day 1: Arrival Get transferred from Faro Airport at 3:00 PM and arrive at Quinta Bonita. Settle in your luxury accommodation, meet Nick Alm and the rest of the guests, slow down and start enjoying the tranquil Portuguese way of life. Take some time to explore the exclusively rented property on a lovely orientation tour and discover the beautiful 2,5 acres of mature gardens, beautifully designed common spaces, terraces, and private pool at Quinta Bonita. Enjoy a non-alcoholic welcome drink and join Nick and the rest of the art group for a special welcome dinner where you can discuss the week ahead over a delicious meal prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of Portuguese wine. ### Day 2: Painting at the retreat venue Portrait/ FigureOn your first painting day, you will stay at Quinta Bonita, drawing and painting in the spacious, fantastically lit art studio. A professional art model will be available the entire day for art classes. Nick Alm will begin by introducing you to the art of portraiture and figure painting with a demonstration. He will explain the challenges of the setup and some techniques to employ. You can paint alongside him or just watch and ask questions.Take a short break to indulge in a delicious lunch served on the terrace and resume your art classes with Nick Alm in the afternoon. After class, you'll get some time to relax by the refreshing pool and join Nick and the art group for a splendid dinner paired with delicious Portuguese wine. ### Day 3: Art trip to Lagos Landscape paintingAfter an edifying morning art class with Nick Alm where you'll explore landscape painting, enjoy lunch and join Nick and the art group on a beautiful trip to the historic city of Lagos. Known for its walled old town, breathtaking cliffs, and Atlantic beaches, the town is sure to excite your senses and inspire you for your next painting session. A local tour guide will be leading the group on a walking tour of the 2000-year-old city center where you will discover the fascinating history of the region and sightsee the city's most impressive landmarks. Explore the old cobbled streets of Lagos with its town walls, fort, slave market, and beautiful churches. After the walking tour, you will have plenty of time to stop for impromptu sketchbook sessions, go shopping in the many charming boutique shops downtown, walk along the Avenida and across the footbridge for a coffee at the Marina, enjoy delicious local treats such as petiscos, and head to the beach. You are encouraged to enjoy your afternoon of exploration, take pictures, draw and sketch, and get inspired for your paintings. You will get transferred back to Quinta Bonita in time for a lovely dinner paired with local wine. ### Day 4: Painting in the garden Landscape/ FlowersAfter a delicious breakfast, join the art group in the gardens where you will set up your easel and explore the world around you through paint. Nick Alm will teach you how to look at the gardens and find your unique point of inspiration, and how to beautifully render your chosen subject matter on canvas. Alm will perform live demonstrations and give tips and individual feedback throughout. Take a break to enjoy a refreshing lunch, then resume your painting classes in the afternoon. Paint mesmerizing flower patterns and find a quiet and inspiring corner to sketch, guided by Nick Alm.End the day with a lovely chef-made dinner paired with delicious Portuguese wine. ### Day 5: Painting at the retreat venue Portrait/ Figure/ LandscapeBy now you will have attained a deeper understanding of painting plein air. You can choose to remain at the venue to continue your painting classes on the premises or explore the surrounding countryside, sketching and painting from the landscape. Nick Alm will be painting the figure at the venue as well as giving you personal advice and tuition. A professional art model will be available the entire day for art classes and self-study.Enjoy lunch at Quinta Bonita and take the rest of the day to relax, enjoy the gardens and the pool or continue working on your paintings. ### Day 6: Sailing art trip Landscape / SeascapeAfter a delicious breakfast, spend the morning on a traditional Portuguese sailing boat and see the striking grottos of the Algarve. Get inspired for your next painting by the exquisite Portuguese landscape and seascape. Your trip starts at the Lagos Marina where your traditional Portuguese sailing boat awaits you. Sail away on calm seas and enjoy the salty breeze in your hair and splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the view, take reference pictures and sketches, and plan your next paintings. Explore the stunning million-year-old rock formations dotting the coastline and go for a swim if you dare. Return to the retreat venue in time for a well-deserved lunch and resume your art classes with Nick Alm in the afternoon. End the day with a delicious dinner paired with Portuguese wine. ### Day 7: Painting at the retreat venue Portrait/ FigureSpend the day at the venue to continue your painting classes with artist Nick Alm. The professional art model will be present once again so you can add the most accurate details and finishing touches to your paintings. Admire each other's work and enjoy a scrumptious farewell dinner with the group. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast with Nick Alm and the art group and get ready for your transfer to Faro Airport. Check-out is at 10:00 AM. ## Instructors - **Nick Alm** - Painter ## Accommodation ### Quinta Bonita ### Shared room in Casa Bonita ### Shared standard room ### Shared room with garden view ### Shared superior room ### Shared room with seaview ### Single room in Casa Bonita ### Single room with seaview ### Master suite with seaview ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/painting-retreat-nick-alm-portugal](https://uptrek.com/retreat/painting-retreat-nick-alm-portugal) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*