Art Holiday - Portugal

Enjoy Sun - Batik, SunPrinting, Drawing and Birdwatching

Dates for next years art holiday are

 4th - 11th May 2024 

Join me for an exclusive Art Holiday retreat in the picturesque landscapes of Portugal. This one-of-a-kind Art Holiday experience combines creative exploration with the breathtaking beauty of Portugal's natural surroundings. During our Art Holiday, you'll immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Cyanotype, an ancient photographic technique that harnesses the power of sunlight to craft stunning designs on various surfaces, including paper, fabric for lampshades, and clothing. In addition to our Cyanotype workshops, we will explore the ancient Indonesian art of Batik. We'll indulge in multiple drawing sessions amidst the lush gardens of Quinta, offering an idyllic backdrop for your artistic inspiration. This tranquil setting provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing you to embrace a relaxing holiday atmosphere with opportunities for nature exploration and refreshing wild swims. Our Art Holiday promises a genuinely unique and beautiful experience, which you can witness through the captivating images below and the heartfelt testimonials from our previous delighted guests.

" I was blown away by the birdwatching, sitting in a hide in a vast cork valley watching dozens of european bee eaters feeding is an experience I will never forget, thank you. Frank is a wealth of bird and wildlife knowledge."

Situated in the Southern foothills of Portugal, the Quinta Do Barranco Da Estrada is a small, intimate holiday retreat for peace and relaxation, it boasts a mix of traditional hospitality, international home-cooked cuisine and a friendly atmosphere with excellent service.

 

Owners Daniela and Frank McClintock (Frank is an expert in photography and Birding) have created this beautiful venue over the last 30 years, it is now 90% solar powered with as low a carbon footprint as is possible. The carefully planted terraced gardens attract a huge number of birds, butterflies and insects. (but no Mosquitoes!)

 

The Quinta has 8 en-suite rooms, a family suite and a honeymoon suite. Each room has a stunning view of the gardens and the reservoir, Europe's cleanest fresh water swimming lake. With plenty of space  around you and a total absence of man-made noise, and artificial lights so perfect for star gazing- it's no wonder they call it Paradise in Portugal.

"Thank you for organising such a perfect week, it's been absolutely wonderful and will be remembered as a very special time - and thanks for your patience and kindness, much love Ruth "

"The holiday was absolutely wonderful and I would highly recommend it....not just for artists and wildlife lovers but for anyone simply seeking some quiet time to themselves"

"I would like to congratulate and thank you for organising such a successful trip to Portugal last week. It was both relaxing and an industrious week seeing and learning new art techniques. Everyone was made to feel very welcome whatever their skill level in both activities and I really enjoyed myself.  Thank you for all of your hard work!"

"Excellent and I really enjoyed the provision of delicious home-cooked Gluten Free food"

 "it was very peaceful and took me time to unwind. The food and rooms were lovely and Daniela (host) could not have been sweeter. It was very restful and I often think about it!"

 "........batik and kayaking in an idyllic spot"

I am very excited to be running this Art Holiday again in the Spring, May 4th -11th May - 2024 

 To book your place on this bespoke  Art Holiday please contact me for more information.

Per person £1650 with an en suite room                Couples/friends sharing a  room - £2625

Partners not doing the art course  £1190

Places limited to max 8 guests. Price includes Faro airport transfers *(1 transfers provided- so book your flights with this in mind), full board including freshly prepared meals, all tuition and materials for batik and cyanotype including fans, bags, lampshade fabrics and a cotton garment to cyanotype. Flights and extra birding activities not included.

Also there will be a surcharge for a transfer if you are travelling outside the transfer times (between 11-2pm)

Cheaper transfers by train to Santa Clara, however the trains are few and far between. Please contact me before booking any flights. 07843 685028.

 

 


"Brilliant holiday full of colour and sunshine; good humour and support. The birds behaved and appeared on cue; Frank was amazing with his knowledge of birds, expeditions, photography and quiet enthusiasm. We even made 'friends' with his very own parrot. Marie-Therese was well prepared and full of initiative and support for our art sessions making possible whatever we were trying to achieve. I love my finished pieces and feel inspired to do more. Holiday gave good value for money. I'd go again!"  Diana

Further Reading / Viewing

The following sites are available for more detailed information about the Quinta http://www.paradise-in-portugal.com and http://www.birdinginportugal.com. A selection of videos are also available below.