Art in the Algarve

Art In the Algarve is a family run painting holiday provider. They are in their 5th year of running comfortable, well thought out and excellent value for money painting holidays for artists of all abilities.

All mediums  are covered with the most popular being watercolour, oil and acrylic.

“How pleased I am to have joined Georgia’s group;  it has been a tremendous week and Art Algarve has proved itself once again.  Excellent art, food and company.”

The majority of AITA’s tutors come from the UK, however recently they have branched out to friends both down under in Australia and across the pond in North America.

This year Art In The Algarve have 2 teachers returning from Australia as part of their European tour, bringing with them artists who are looking to share the enjoyment the teachers had last year.

They have also just opened up to the American college  market and have Broadreach bringing students as part of their March break field trip in Europe.

“We all enjoyed our week in the Algarve as I am sure you realised.  Thanks to you and your staff, running the course was a pleasure.  I was very pleased with what everyone achieved.”

A major part of the company’s success is due to the many returning tutors including Roger Dellar, Grahame Booth, Doreen Hunt, Paul Riley and Dawn Oliver. With the success of their courses and their growing reputation they have some new and exciting tutors booked for 2014 and 2015 . These include Bettina Schroeder, David Webb, Caroline James, Janet Weight Reed, Tessa Pearson and Lisa Steincke.

All of AITA’s tutors teach in their own home towns, some teach adult education and others private courses but the one thing all of them have in common is the desire to teach, inspire, and of course have fun, after all it is a holiday!

Olhao is an exceptionally quirky town. It is the last working fishing town on the Eastern Algarve. The School is in the old town which has a maze of cobbled streets with beautiful crumbling buildings painted in vivid pinks, yellows, and greens. The marinas offer beautiful seascapes as well as the opportunity to paint fishermen mending their nets and boats. The sunsets are sensational.
Many painters have relocated to Olhao as it has such a wealth of subject matter, as well as having a slight bohemian feeling to it, one can relax, paint, and enjoy some sunshine. A 20 min boat or ferry ride from the harbour are 3 spectacular islands. You won’t find sun loungers on these beaches, just the odd fishing boat, a little restaurant and miles of open space.

Art In The Algarve organises weekly trips to the Island of Culatra or Armona by private boat. Nuno the boat owner not only knows the best restaurants to go to, but, as a Marine Biologist,  has a great interest in everything that surrounds the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.

“What a fantastic week we all had with you at Art in the Algarve.   Thank you so very much for all your friendship and hospitality – they all enjoyed having drinks in your house on Sunday evening with your friends.    All so very encouraging.   Also of course huge thank you’s to Margharida and Joanna for all their hard work – such super girls.   The food was absolutely delicious without exception and could have done with another week’s worth !   Wine also went down very very well as no doubt you realised.   What a boozy lot – I am sure that we drank more than most.   The trip to Culatra was really great fun and we all fell in love with Nuno of course and Bollie his dog. “

The Art School was created back in 2007 when David (with his daughter Camilla) purchased a crumbling ruin. They have transformed this space into a magnificent 8 double or twin bedroom house with a swimming pool on the roof and an exceptionally large studio on the ground floor. Their house next door is the other accommodation with 4 double or twin  bedrooms. It also has the first swimming pool in Olhao!.

Art In The Algarve is quite unique as everything is on-site. Portuguese meals are cooked in the school by Margarida and Joanna the house keeper spoils the guests with healthy breakfasts before the working day starts.

When you look at the outside of both the School House and The Pool House you would have no idea that behind the doors you will find little courtyards, terraces, swimming pools, studios, en-suite bedrooms, and most of all space to paint!

Click here to visit the Art in the Algarve website