For the Sketch you will need: sketch pad and a couple of pencils, we recommend 2B and 3B pencils.

If possible try and take a photograph of the scene as well as sketching it, that way when you come to painting in the studio you can refer to both. Use a soft pencil (3B) to cover shaded areas quickly.

Don’t be afraid to take your sketch pad out and record what you can see. You will find that some sketches are a piece of artwork in their own right. Sketches are a great reference source to complete work at home or in the studio

If turning your sketch into a watercolour then we would recommend watercolour paper, brushes and a selection of colours. Top tip – use plenty of water when mixing watercolour washes

If turning your sketch into an oil version then we recommend canvas, brushes and oil paints in a selection of colours.
Top tip – use both thick and thing paint when oil painting

Each course that we run at Art In The Algarve students get ample opportunity to sketch outside and then transform their sketches into paintings in our large studios
we also hold an exhibition at the end of each course to showcase the work that students have done throughout the week.
For a list of dates and prices or courses please see our website

If you have never picked up a paint brush and the idea somewhat intimidates you then you are not alone. Below are some tips and frequently asked questions which might help you make the leap from an idea or inspiration into a beautiful painting. Of course we have several courses for complete beginners, all you need to decide is what time of year you would like to go on holiday!

The first common question that often comes up is: What kind of paint should I use? Well, the answer is not simple. The most common types of paints and courses that we run are watercolour, oil, acrylic and a mixture of mediums. So which one is right for you depends a little on your personality and a lot on your taste. If you like things to be done quickly then a fast drying paint like acrylic would probably suit you more. If you like the look of mixing your paints with water to get the desired affect then watercolour is more suited to you. Take a look at our teachers page and you can see some of the work that they have created, this will help you in making your decision as to which medium suits you.

So you have made your decision on what medium you want to paint in, next comes the daunting task of picking your paints. What brand is the best brand to use? Well there are several brands to choose from, and all of them range in budget. Obviously you need to go with a brand that is suited to your budgetary needs and therefore my advice would be to go to a good shop and ask for some help. I think that it is important to get a good quality paint as you do not want to compromise with the colour. It is best to try a few different brands and see which suits you best. Look for consistency, smell and how much pigment is in the paint.
There is a very good shop in Olhao which sells majority of brands at a reasonable price.

Now you have picked your brands it is time to look at What colours should I get? When painting in acrylics, watercolours, or oils and you want to mix the colours together then look at getting at least two reds, two yellows, and a white. Ideally you need two of each primary colours one warm (reds, oranges, yellows,) and one cool (blues greens and purples) With all these colours you will gain a large range of different colours when mixing them. If you are unsure about mixing colours, test some first to see what works, or alternatively you can learn about colour theory. If you don’t want to mix all your colours then it is advised that you also get an earthy brown colour (sienna or burnt umber) a golden earth brown and a green.

Now comes the decision of how many brushes should I buy? Much like a writer who sticks to the same fountain pen, or someone who picks up pencils, biro’s and pens to scrawl down their thoughts, the number of brushes is entirely up to you. If you are painting with oils then you can have a different brush for each colour as the paint won’t dry very quickly. Many people prefer to just use one brush and clean it regularly. It is best to try this out when you are on a course, and your teacher will help you  make the right decision.

I hope that you find this info useful, please take a look at our dates & prices page and our Art Courses page which gives you an example of different courses running along with a sample itinerary to look at.

afternoon in the studio

“The town has everything an artist could want – old crumbling buildings with magnificent wooden doors and windows, cobbled streets full of charm, a large fish and fruit market, a fine white church, a harbour full of colourful fishing boats, and islands in a lagoon which are reminiscent of the caribbean. Plus of course, lots of sunshine and warm weather. I’ve now returned with a number of oil and watercolour paintings from the trip, and with loads of photos to work from in future. The colours, buildings, fishing boats and coastal waters have been a great inspiration.We were accommodated in a very plush and quirky house with it’s own studio where paintings could be finished in comfort. And every lunchtime and evening we were wined and dined in one of the many restaurants edging the harbour, often being served the local speciality fish dishes.”

Andy has two more painting holidays scheduled for 2010 in April (10th -17th) and September (18th-25th) why not join his fun laid back approach to a fabulous painting holiday. You can read some of Andy’s testimonials from our testimonial page.