# Plein Air Watercolor Landscape Retreat with Artist Matthew White in Spain Join artist Matthew White for an unforgettable watercolor retreat in Cabo de Gata. Wake to bright Andalusian light, then step into the natural park to paint rugged headlands and luminous coves. You will work en plein air each day with Matthew close by, turning what you see into confident landscapes. Daily classes, clear demonstrations, real time reviews, and personal guidance keep you moving, with tailored advice shaped to your goals.Between sessions, wander the historic streets of Almería and take in the sun worn textures of stone and plaster. Settle in the garden to sketch or stroll the low hills around San José for fresh viewpoints. The raw beauty of Cabo de Gata feeds your imagination with earthy color and expressive line. Share easy conversation over regional Spanish dishes and wine, then head home with a sketchbook full of work that carries your voice and the spirit of this coast. ## Details - **Dates:** September 21 - 28, 2026 - **Location:** Níjar, Almería, Spain - **Starting Price:** $5,050 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Plein Air Watercolor Landscape Retreat Join artist Matthew White for an enlightening watercolor retreat in Spain, centered in the sunlit landscapes of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Your mornings will start with fresh coastal air and a short walk to paint on site. You will work en plein air every day with Matthew at your side, learning to translate volcanic cliffs, bright coves, and desert flora into confident watercolor. Each day blends clear teaching with generous time at the easel. Expect classes, demonstrations, and thoughtful conversations that keep your momentum strong, plus individual feedback from Matt throughout the day. You will paint and sketch both on location and in the studio so you can test ideas outdoors and refine them indoors; just make sure to bring a plein air easel if you’d like to do more than sketch in a sketchbook while working outside!The retreat welcomes beginners and experienced painters alike. Matt adapts to your needs and walks you through the full on site process, from picking a strong viewpoint and setting up your kit to the final passages that pull a painting together. If you want to build plein air skills, refresh your process, or focus on beautiful landscape work, his steady guidance and personal teaching style keep you moving forward.You will have space to ask questions, show your work, and exchange feedback in real time. With in depth watercolor instruction and coaching tailored to your goals, progress comes quickly and feels sustainable. You will head home with a vibrant collection of paintings inspired by Almería and the coast of Cabo de Gata, plus a workflow you can keep using long after the week ends. With Matt’s guidance, thoughtful feedback, and a supportive group of 15 other artists, you will see clear growth and carry new confidence into your art.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Learn the proper use of valuesPaint light evocativelyLearn how to simplify your paintingsHow to take reference photosLearn how to scope out scenes that can be depicted in watercolorThe entire process of plein-air painting from beginning to end...and much more!Nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata Natural Park, your retreat venue is a peaceful oasis surrounded by the region's dramatic natural beauty. With its rustic charm, gardens brimming with native plants, and panoramic views of the rugged terrain, the finca offers endless sources of inspiration. Whether exploring its tranquil pathways or relaxing in the welcoming common areas, you’ll find the perfect setting to immerse yourself in your art and connect with your surroundings. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Almería Airport (LEI) and catch your 3:30 PM transfer to the retreat venue, a short 30-minute journey. Settle into your comfortable room, take some time to relax, and get ready to meet Matt, and your retreat group. Join an orientation tour to explore the bright studio, peaceful gardens, inviting terraces, and the refreshing pool. Over a fabulous welcoming dinner, enjoy a relaxed conversation about the week ahead while savoring local Spanish flavors and a glass of regional wine. ### Day 2: Art at the Finca Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the finca, taking in the soft morning light and garden views. Then meet with Matt and the group for a relaxed check-in to go over the plan for the day.The morning session will focus on watercolor foundations and how to use them in landscape painting. Beginners will get a clear, practical skill set to work with, while more experienced artists will see familiar tools in a new way. You will explore how to simplify a scene, break it down into shapes, build a strong value structure, and begin painting en plein air with confidence.After a light lunch in the garden and a cup of herbal tea, you will return to your paintings. Matt will lead a series of warm-up exercises to spark new ideas and loosen up your brushwork. Then watch as he demonstrates his on-location approach, working directly from the gardens and the surrounding Spanish countryside. Follow along, try new techniques, or observe the process up close. Ask questions in the moment and get one-to-one feedback as you go.The day winds down with free time for personal reflection or exploring the nearby countryside. Wrap it up with a three-course dinner, beautifully complemented by local wines and shared with your art group. ### Day 3: Trip to Almería & drinks at a special establishment Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast before setting off toward Almería, where stone walls hold stories and sea air sparks the senses.With Matt and your guide, walk through the historic center with your camera ready. Tiled facades, curved alleys, sun-faded shutters, and the rhythm of everyday life will fill your lens with color and form. Wander through Nicolás Salmerón Park beneath tall palms, then follow the port where light bounces off water. At the heart of the day stands the Alcazaba, a tenth-century citadel rising above the city and sea. Its gardens and carved archways offer sweeping views, textured stone, and sacred forms that echo through your artwork.Pause for a long, relaxed lunch at a local spot, where regional flavors and a glass of something cool will carry you into the afternoon. Then return to the city streets or the fortress walls to take more reference photos or sketch on the spot. Wind down with a drink at a café loved for its charm, where conversations drift between tables and the light turns golden. Sit, draw, and capture the tilt of a chair, the shape of a shadow, and the unique gestures of nature.Return to the finca as evening settles across the hills. A warm, chef-prepared dinner will be waiting. As the sky darkens, gather with your art group to share reflections, surrounded by the calm presence of the Spanish countryside. ### Day 4: Art at the Finca Indulge in a delicious breakfast before gathering for the morning check-in over coffee, a cherished moment to exchange insights with your fellow artists.In the morning session, you’ll return to the paintings you began the day before. Matt will guide you through the next steps with demonstrations and practical insights. As you build on your sketches, you’ll see them begin to shift into finished watercolor pieces. If anything feels unclear or you reach a block, Matt will offer direct help and suggestions to keep your momentum going.After a light lunch and a warm cup of the finca’s herbal tea, you’ll head back outside for the afternoon session. This time, you’ll explore the gardens and surrounding countryside to find new viewpoints for your landscape studies. The Spanish terrain around Cabo de Gata is full of raw beauty. From dry hills and distant sea to native plants and wide skies, the land offers subjects that will challenge and inspire your watercolor practice.Take time to unwind in your own way. Walk through the fields, relax by the pool, or return to the studio if you feel like continuing your work.The day will conclude with a delightful dinner prepared by the chef, perfectly paired with a glass of wine. ### Day 5: Trip to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park Kick off the morning with a hearty breakfast before setting out into the raw beauty of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This protected UNESCO Geopark stretches across volcanic hills and dry plains shaped by wind and time.Walk narrow paths lined with jagged rock and tough coastal plants. Pause to watch how shadows shift across the stone and how the land holds its stillness. Take photos, sketch quick studies, or take in the view with your senses open. The route will carry you to San José, a small whitewashed town by the sea, and the striking formations at the Reef of the Sirens. Matt will share his criteria for picking the perfect spot, and together, you'll set up shop. The theme of the day will be "capturing the light," and Matthew will guide everyone in working through the plein air painting process from start to finish.Stop for a nourishing lunch at a traditional Andalusian restaurant before returning to the finca for the afternoon session. Join Matt for a relaxed watercolor class where you will review the reference photos and sketches gathered earlier. Choose a few scenes that stand out, then begin developing them into finished pieces with Matt’s guidance. Work with shape, color, and light to capture the energy of the coast and the mood of the places you’ve walked.When the day winds down, return to the finca for a warm dinner prepared by the chef, served with a glass of local wine and the soft air of the Spanish evening. ### Day 6: Art at the Finca Ease into the morning with a nourishing breakfast as the finca warms in the sun. Then wander through the grounds and follow whatever pulls your attention: a streak of shadow across a wall, cracked stone beneath your feet, or the colors shifting in the garden. Find a spot and begin a plein air study. Matt will move around the grounds, offering ideas and guidance whenever needed.Enjoy lunch outdoors with the group, then return to the studio or keep working outside.In the afternoon class, you’ll shift your focus to reference photos gathered during the trips. Matt will demonstrate how to create a value study using grayscale or a monochromatic palette. You’ll build up a series of washes from light to dark, paying close attention to contrast, depth, and the way shadow shapes space. These studies will strengthen your final paintings and give you a better sense of balance and movement.After class, take time for yourself. Rest by the pool, sit in the shade with your art, or wander farther into the landscape. Use the quiet to absorb the day and reflect on your progress.As the sun drops behind the hills, gather at the finca for a warm, chef-prepared dinner and a glass of local Spanish wine. Share your work, your stories, and the ease of evening with fellow artists around the table. ### Day 7: Art at the Finca The final full day opens with a refreshing breakfast at the finca, the morning alive with conversation, coffee, and the excitement of finishing what you’ve started. Join Matt and the group for one last check-in and share your ideas.The morning session focuses on bringing your work to its final stage. Choose pieces that still have something to say, revisit early sketches, or polish the paintings that feel nearly complete. Matt will offer guidance as needed, helping you make strong decisions and wrap up with clarity and purpose.After a relaxed lunch, return to the studio for a celebratory group session. Share what you’ve created, listen to the stories behind the work, and offer support as others do the same. The space fills with color and connection, a gallery of moments captured in paint. This is a time to reflect, laugh, and see how far you’ve come.As the sun fades over the hills, gather for a final dinner at the finca. The chef will prepare a special meal paired with local Spanish wine. Raise a glass to the landscapes, the conversations, and the creative fire that made it all come together. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a light breakfast, bid farewell to Matt and your art group, and board the 10:00 AM transfer to Almería Airport (LEI). You'll reach your destination at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - **Matthew White** - Artist / Instructor ## Accommodation ### Spanish countryside estate ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/plein-air-watercolor-landscape-retreat-artist-matthew-white-spain](https://uptrek.com/retreat/plein-air-watercolor-landscape-retreat-artist-matthew-white-spain) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*