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 capital 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. I’m very excited to offer my newest workshop location.
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$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, daily demos, and critiques
Afternoon guided tour of the surrounding area
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
50% due 30 days after signing up (less deposit)
Full payment (remaining balance) due 60 days after signing up
Cancellation:
After February 1, 50% refund
After March 1, no refund
Travel insurance is highly recommended. 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
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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 for our pleasure. There is an expansive garden for strolling, or you can 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 beautiful coastline and beaches of Arrábida Natural Park are also close.
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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 another tablet for taking photographs of the area to use as source material for your paintings. I also provide photographs of the area for inspiration.
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As with all my workshops, food and sharing meals is an important part of the workshop and how we build community. We enjoy 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 midafternoon 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.
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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 for settling into rooms, exploring the estate, and, later, gathering for our first dinner together. The rest of the week, each day starts with breakfast followed by a stroll down to the studio around 9:30 a.m. Studio time begins with my daily painting demonstration, followed by one-on-one instruction with each student for the rest of the day. We break for lunch around 1 p.m. , then continue painting in the studio until 5 p.m. On some evenings, we may head to the coast for a predinner cocktail and a stroll on the beach. At the end of our final day of painting, we have a group critique and review.
I set up a What’s App group for each workshop so make sure you have that app on your phone. It’s a great way to communicate as a group.
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April is a wonderful time to visit Portugal, with mild, springlike temperatures ranging from 60–70°F during the day. The nights are 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.
Bringing a tablet to display any photographs you’d like to paint is certainly helpful, though not required.
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.
Testimonials From Past workshops
“Just returned from a memorable week in Portugal with David Skinner. David’s tutelage was exceptional, conducting masterful demos followed by individualized instruction. Our stunning location in Portugal provided welcomed inspiration for painting landscapes and the gorgeous historic hotel with its gracious staff made our week truly indulgent. Delicious food at every meal and plenty of local wine added to the overall jovial atmosphere. David organized several outings to experience the historic beauty of our lovely location including visits to a historic castle, Arrabida Park, local wineries and a well-known tile studio. Our group represented every level of painting and David met our unique needs with keen insight to improve our skills and confidence. I traveled with comfort and assurance knowing David carefully planned every logistical step and kept track of us along our way. I highly recommend David’s workshops especially his newest offering in Portugal.”
“I have had the pleasure of experiencing workshops with David in Ireland, Italy, and, most recently, in Brittany, France. I honestly cannot say which location I like best. I am enchanted with all of them! David brings his years of mastery as an artist and teacher to these beautiful places and sets up a studio with painting supplies. All you need to do is pack a bag and show up! It doesn’t matter whether you are new to painting or have years of experience. David has an amazing way of working with students where they are, and he adjusts his teaching to help each student with their process and unique style.”
“I had the wonderful opportunity of taking a painting workshop with David Skinner. I was a bit apprehensive at the beginning as this was the first art workshop I’ve ever taken and the first time I’ve painted landscapes. I wasn’t sure if I’d feel incompetent or completely untalented. David took me from right where I was and was encouraging, supportive, and, overall, an outstanding teacher. I left with new techniques and ideas, and excitement about painting landscapes in varied ways, colors, and perspectives. I have a lot of practicing to do but would highly recommend his workshops and hope I get to take another one in the future. David, thanks for sharing your talent with someone who admires your work.”
“I found David’s workshop to be one of the best I’ve attended. His style of painting and teaching is relaxed yet professional and engaging. I really appreciated the one-on-one attention and ease in which he helped me apply some different techniques. His paintings are beautiful, and I feel like I now have tools to elevate my own style.”
“David has a masterful approach to leading workshops. I have been blessed to participate in two and have truly loved each experience. He is a wonderful artist with a very approachable teaching style, appropriate for both the beginner and more advanced painter. He spends time with each student, offering kind, encouraging, and helpful feedback. The trips are always well planned, in amazing locations with fantastic scenery for artistic inspiration and exploration. The food, off-site excursions, and friendships formed make each trip so special. I highly recommend participating in one of his workshops for an educational, enriching, and most memorable artistic adventure!”
Ready to join us in Portugal?
Or email David with questions at dskinner@earthlink.net. Make sure to check out our other workshops too: