Painting Workshop in Portugal
April 11–18, 2026
When I look back on the way each of my painting workshops has come to be, there’s often a bit of serendipity involved. My new workshop in Portugal is a case in point. I visited Portugal in 1987 and was enthralled by its beautiful coastline (especially the Algarve), the charm of its rustic villages, the incredible food, the friendly locals, and the exciting energy of its capitol city, Lisbon. For many years I’ve wanted to return to that beautiful country, but life got in the way, as it sometimes does. Last year in Ireland, a student in my painting workshop mentioned that she had recently retired to Portugal with her husband. When I told her I’d love to organize a painting workshop there, she knew the perfect spot—the gorgeous Quinta da Conceição Historic Country Retreat. And now I’m very excited to offer my newest workshop location.
+ pricing
$4,200 Private Accommodation / $1,200 Non-painting partner
This includes:
- Seven nights accommodation, with ensuite bathroom
- Three meals a day (including wine with dinner)
- All art materials
- Full use of painting studio and other estate facilities
- Painting instruction, lectures, demos, and critiques
What isn’t included:
- Airfare
- Taxi to and from airport
Payment Schedule:
- $500 nonrefundable deposit to hold your place, due no later than January 7, 2025
- 50% due 30 days after signing up (less deposit)
- Full payment (remaining balance) due 60 days after signing up
Cancellation:
- After February 1st, 50% refund
- After March 1st, no refund
Travel insurance is recommended in case something happens either before the workshop or while you're in Europe. I use Allianz, which is not very expensive and offers great coverage.
For remaining balance, call me at (828) 774-8431 or email dpskinner@earthlink.net
+ location
This historic estate was built in the early 1700s by a wealthy Dutch merchant, who set his home on a hilltop overlooking more than 150 acres of beautiful gardens, forests, olive groves, and golden fields. During the workshop, the wisteria bushes should be in full bloom, which you can enjoy while strolling through the expansive garden. You can also enjoy a swim in the solar-heated saltwater pool. This week we have the entire estate to ourselves.
If you’d like to tour the area either before or after the workshop, you can visit the nearby historic and cultural attractions of Lisbon and Sintra, and the charming towns of Azeitao, Sesimbra, Palmela, and Setubal, all known for wonderful food and wine. The amazing coastline and beaches of Arrabida natural park are also close.
+ studio and art supplies
Our spacious studio is set in a modern building with a wall of glass doors facing the rustic landscape that surrounds the estate. Each painter has access to a full range of professional-grade acrylic paints, canvas panels, brushes, palettes, latex gloves, buckets, and their own easel, table, and chair. Since we mostly focus on landscape imagery, it’s helpful to have an iPad or other tablet so that you can take photographs of the area to then use as source material for your paintings. I also provide photographs of the area for inspiration.
+ food and lodging
As with all my workshops, food and sharing meals is an important part of the workshop and how we build community. We will eat a delicious array of Portuguese dishes, all produced with fresh, local ingredients, and drink local wines. Each day includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a mid-afternoon snack. There are vegetarian options for those who want them. Cocktails are not included but can be purchased.
Bedrooms at the estate are light and airy and decorated with tasteful antiques. Rooms are single or double occupancy and have either a shower or bathtub; you can request your preference.
+ logistics and itinerary
If you arrive in Lisbon and are not renting a car, Quinta da Conceição is approximately 30 minutes south of the Lisbon airport by taxi and should cost you around $50 to $75. While you certainly aren’t required to have a rental car, Portugal has so much to see that renting a car and sightseeing before or after the workshop is not a bad idea.
The workshop’s first day is focused on everyone settling into their rooms, exploring the estate, and later gathering for our first dinner together. If the weather is warm, you might also enjoy a swim in the beautiful saltwater pool to refresh after your journey.
The rest of the week, each day starts with a delicious breakfast followed by a stroll down to the studio around 9:30 a.m. Studio time will begin with a daily discussion and painting demonstration by me, followed by one-on-one instruction with each student for the rest of the day. We will break for lunch around 1 p.m. for an hour then continue painting in the studio until 5 p.m. On some evenings, we may head to the coast for a pre-dinner cocktail and a nice stroll on the beach.
At the end of our final day of painting, we will have a group feedback session.
+ what to pack
April is a wonderful time to visit Portugal, with mild, springlike temperatures ranging from 60–70°F during the day. The nights can be a bit cooler, so bringing a few layers is a good idea in addition to a light raincoat or umbrella in case it rains. Make sure to check the weather as the date approaches.
I’m assuming everyone has phones for taking pictures. Bringing a tablet to display any photographs you’d like to paint is certainly helpful, though not required. While traveling I usually just use my Verizon international plan, but there are other options available depending on what phone you have. Also, I’ll create a WhatsApp Portugal group for communicating with everyone before the trip and while in Portugal, so make sure to install that app on your phone.
As mentioned earlier, all art supplies are provided, but you should feel free to bring favorite brushes and any paints you’d rather work with. Bring Irish plug adaptors if you want to charge any of your devices.