# Portrait Painting Retreat with Artist Chris Fornataro in Portugal Join artist Chris Fornataro for an unforgettable portrait painting retreat, taking place on the sunny coast of southern Portugal. Designed for artists of all levels, this weeklong art journey will introduce you to the world of portraits, guided by Chris every step of the way.Through Chris' demonstrations, exercises, and tailored feedback, you'll form a solid foundation of portrait painting skills. You'll learn to tackle your subject in an easy-to-understand, accessible way, while creating a beautiful collection of expressive portraits.Paint using both reference photos and a live model, while diving into drawing fundamentals, values, shapes, proportions, skin tone mixing, individual features, alla prima painting, and much more.Outside the studio, explore Portuguese culture through two amazing art trips. Visit the historic town of Lagos and sail along the Algarve coast, where cliffs, grottoes, and the azure sea will breathe new life into your work. Sketch on location and gather reference photos that will shape your work throughout the week.Stay in a traditional Portuguese villa surrounded by gardens, with meals prepared on-site each day. Paint outdoors under trees and among vibrant flowers, or within the spacious, dedicated art studio. Discover your true artistic self alongside a supportive group of 16 artists! ## Details - **Dates:** November 2 - 9, 2026 - **Location:** Lagos, Algarve, Portugal - **Starting Price:** $4,750 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Portrait Foundations Art Retreat Join a transformative portrait retreat with artist Chris Fornataro, taking place on the southern coast of Portugal. Explore Chris' accessible and comprehensive method of portrait painting in oils (acrylics are also welcome). While portraiture is difficult to approach for many artists, your instructor will guide you through the entire process, step-by-step; by the end of the week, you'll be able to paint wonderful portraits, either from life or using reference photos.Across 8 days, you'll take part in daily workshops led by Chris, featuring insightful demonstrations, plenty of practice time, and one-on-one feedback from your favorite artist. You'll start with fundamental skills, such as drawing, understanding proportions, simplifying a portrait into basic shapes, or using values correctly to more in-depth techniques about individual features of the face or avoiding muddy colors. You'll mostly paint using reference photos, but you'll also try out painting from a live model throughout a whole day of classes. Painting from a live model will help you capture realistic form and movement.Chris' expressive portraiture style will help you improve your abilities, even if you're at the beginning of your portraiture journey. The course is open to all levels of experience, but it's recommended that you have some familiarity with Chris' art and his teaching approach in order to fully benefit from the retreat. You'll learn to paint loosely without getting bogged down into details, and by the end of the retreat, you'll have your very own collection of wonderful portraits.Topics covered in your classes include:Drawing fundamentals, simplifying a reference photoProportions, basic shapes, representing planesBlocking in featuresMapping out the value areas of your subjectThe interaction between shape, form, and valueIsolating and matching skin tones, using your colors efficientlyPainting loosely and expressivelyAlla prima painting, painting from a live model, and painting using reference photosTips and tricks for portraying individual features...and many more.Every aspect of the retreat is thoughtfully designed to inspire your creativity. The vibrant colors of Portugal reflect its rich cultural heritage, and you'll immerse yourself in the beauty of the Algarve region with a visit to the charming town of Lagos. Here, you'll find inspiration in the golden sands, vivid architecture, and the endless blue of the ocean. Additionally, a sailing trip on a traditional boat will take you along the stunning coastline, revealing secluded beaches, hidden caves, and striking rock formations.You'll stay at a lovely Portuguese villa, gather inspiration from its blooming Italian garden, enjoy regional, chef-made cuisine every day, and connect with a community of 16 other artists. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Faro Airport and board the 3:00 PM transfer to your retreat with Chris Fornataro. Once you’ve reached the villa, settle into your comfortable room, and take a moment to unwind. Later in the afternoon, join Chris and the group for an orientation tour of the grounds. Wander through the beautiful gardens, visit the light-filled art studio, stroll along the shaded terraces, and take in the calm atmosphere around the pool. As the sun begins to set, gather for a relaxed dinner prepared by the chef, paired with a glass of wine. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Start your morning with a nourishing breakfast and a cup of coffee shared with Chris and your art group.During the very first class of the retreat, Chris will go over the schedule for the week, telling you more about what you can expect from the workshops. Take this opportunity to set some personal goals. Then, Chris will introduce you to your materials and tools, followed by a few basic drawing demonstrations.Take a break with a relaxed lunch, then return to the studio for an afternoon practice session. Keep working on your drawing skills; drawing is often the hardest part about portrait painting, but Chris will guide you through the process, step-by-step. Using a reference photo, start by identifying the most important shapes and planes, and learn how to simplify the photo. This exercise will help you develop your observational skills.Later, rest in the garden or carry on painting at your own pace. As evening falls, gather for a delicious shared dinner, and enjoy a glass of local wine. ### Day 3: Sailing trip Begin with a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee shared with Chris and the group. After you’ve had your fill, gear up for the first trip of the retreat: an exciting sailing adventure across the Atlantic coast.Step onto a traditional Portuguese boat from the Lagos Marina, then set sail across the rolling waves. Spend the morning exploring hidden grottoes, secret beaches, and stunning rock formations that dot the shoreline. Remember to snap a few photos of the gorgeous seascapes you’ll encounter. Experiment with the composition of your photos or sketch right on the boat if you don't mind the wobble. Enjoy the breeze in your hair and go for a dip in the ocean if the weather's favorable.After returning to the venue, pause for a delicious lunch. You'll then regroup in the studio for the next step in your portrait journey.Building on the previous day's shape and form techniques, you'll move on to integrating values into your drawing. Chris will help you break your photo into flat value shapes and guide you through representing them on your canvas. The exercise will help you understand the relationship between shape, value, and form, and how all of this interacts with light. Should you need an extra hand, Chris will be available for some one-to-one time with you.The day ends with some spare time, wrapped up with another mouthwatering dinner prepared by the private chef. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Begin the day with a refreshing breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee. After the morning check-in, head into the studio for a new class.Today you'll tackle painting from life with the help of a model. While painting from reference photos is an invaluable skill, alla prima live painting should be approached differently, and Chris will show you his method of doing so. Applying what you've learned so far, practice getting shapes and proportions correctly while minding the edges created by the light. Work at your own pace, asking your instructor for advice whenever necessary.After a relaxed lunch, the afternoon session will focus on depicting skin tones and mixing color. Chris will demonstrate how to isolate and match skin tones, how to identify different values and color zones of the face, and how to mix and match your paint appropriately.In the late afternoon, stretch out by the pool, take a walk through the garden, or continue painting on your own. As the sunlight fades, gather for a shared dinner and share creative insights with your fellow artists. ### Day 5: Art trip to Lagos Start your day with a relaxed breakfast and refreshing coffee alongside Chris, pack a few light supplies, and embark on the second trip of the retreat.Take the short drive through the sunlit countryside and arrive in Lagos, a town full of stories held in tiled walls, fishing boats, and weathered stone. Wander at your own pace. Stop to sketch or snap photos of doorways, patterns, shadows, or scenes that catch your attention. Explore angles, light, and patterns as you discover the colorful history of Lagos. Make sure to stop by the marina for a delicious coffee, accompanied by the endless rows of swaying boats.Return to the venue for lunch, then regroup in the studio. The suite of techniques at your disposal will help you move on to the next step: quick, loose portrait sketches. Learn more about controlling the density of your paint, creating soft and hard edges, and how to work from thin to thick. The goal is to paint expressively, focusing less on individual details and features, and bringing form, shape, and value to the forefront.Later, stroll through the garden, stretch out by the pool, or chat with your fellow artists. As day turns to night, gather again for a shared dinner and a delicious glass of wine. ### Day 6: Art at the venue Kick off the day with a delicious breakfast and coffee alongside Chris and prepare your materials for another creative day.You'll spend this whole day getting into specific details about the features of the face. Start with a workshop on the eyes. Chris will explain more about the shape of the eye, how to represent the form using values, and about how light interacts with the light. Likewise, you'll also learn more about the planes of the nose and how to block it in correctly.After a light lunch, return to the studio. This crash course on facial features ends with a workshop about the mouth; this is one of the hardest features to get right, and Chris will walk you through correctly depicting its shape. Spend the rest of the workshop practicing what you've just learned by starting a new portrait or further developing your previous ones.Later, cool down with a dip in the pool or stroll through the gardens to reflect on your progress. The day wraps up with a nourishing dinner, shared with your art group and washed down with a glass of wine. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Ease into the final full day with a satisfying breakfast and a delicious coffee, then return to the studio for a final morning session.Take this chance to add the final touches to your portraits. Chris will be available for any last-minute questions, guiding your process and giving you invaluable pointers for the next steps in your creative journey. You may also start a new portrait altogether if you're feeling ambitious, putting the invaluable new skills you've learned to good use!After a peaceful midday break, get ready for a truly special event. Gather together for a mini-exhibition and closing circle. While participation is not obligatory, this is an excellent opportunity to give and receive constructive feedback from your peers and, most importantly, celebrate how far you've come!The retreat wraps up with a special farewell dinner, carefully prepared by the chef. Share insights, laugh, and reminisce on the wonderful adventure you've experienced with your art group. ### Day 8: Departure Join Chris and your fellow artists for breakfast to share any last contact details and get ready for your transfer to Faro Airport (FAO). Please note that check-out is at 10:00 AM. ## Instructors - **Chris Fornataro** - Artist, educator ## Accommodation ### Portuguese Quinta ### Shared room in the cottage ### Shared standard ensuite room (female only) ### Shared superior room - garden view ### Shared superior room - sea view ### Shared deluxe room - sea view (female only) ### Single room in the cottage ### Single deluxe master suite - sea view ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/portrait-painting-retreat-artist-chris-fornataro-portugal](https://uptrek.com/retreat/portrait-painting-retreat-artist-chris-fornataro-portugal) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*