….a place to be YOU
I offer a different kind of experience, full of art and discovery, for those who….
- are travelling alone, or with a couple of friends
- would like a much more personal, flexible and freer experience, and lots of fun, too, tailored exactly to your needs, interests and level
- may want to combine art with exploring and discovering Portugal with personalised trips and tours and really get to know the ‘real’ Portugal (trips extra…..see full details on Trips and Outings).
- would like to book in for a shorter or longer time than most workshops with discounts for longer stays.
- don’t want to have to bring a mountain of supplies in their luggage
Other optional add on experiences, such as an afternoon’s tile painting in Porto, or an afternoon preparing your very own flavour of gin with wonderful aromatics at a distillery, or a gin flight, are just three of several additional optional experiences which you might like to do. Let me know if you are interested, I can supply detailed information, and make your reservation, as these often book up some time beforehand and transport will have to be worked out.
My Paint at the Pink Buddha Experience Portugal offers several different programmes or short courses so you can choose exactly the kind of retreat that you would like. Dates will depend on availability but if you let me know your preferred times, I will try and fit in with your plans, or give alternatives. Once you have booked, the studio is exclusively yours.
Please note that trips out do not count as studio days, as they are charged separately.
Booking and payment will be per day, with discounts for longer stays, so you are welcome to book into the studio for as many days or even weeks as you wish. You can see the charges at the foot of this page.
You can choose from a number of activities – you might like to choose one of my teaching experiences or courses listed below, you may like to be accompanied or taught particular skills, or you may just want to come and paint with me or alone. This is your choice entirely, and we can easily organise and personalise your retreat.
ART and CREATIVITY OPTIONS
I have a number of different programmes, numbered below, but there is absolutely no need to opt for one of these, especially if you already have experience. They are totally original, flexible and very adaptable to your interests, needs and level. The depth and amount that can be achieved will, of-course, depend on how many days you choose to paint, but much can be accomplished in a short time.
We can easily combine different programmes – using and making collage papers with abstract work, or with painting animals or a Buddha. You may have your own idea of what you would like to do, and I am always happy to talk about this with you before you come, so I can have time to prepare.
They are all geared to help you improve your technique, self-confidence, have fun and to quieten that inner critical voice in order to love your work and enjoy the experience! I will accompany you at all times as your teacher, mentor and, as you paint, quietly observe and advise.
Some of the programmes :-
1. First Steps………If you are a beginner, and would like to learn how to paint and about mixed media, I can teach you all you need to get going in a positive, encouraging way. You’ll learn about handling and applying paint, working in layers, colours admixing, other ways to make marks, a little about design and composition, and start to decide the style of art you feel drawn to. Especially for beginners.
2. Into the Abstract ……
Suitable for beginners and non beginners. Learning how to approach abstract painting as you would a journey, with curiosity, confidence and inspiration. How to build up your layers of paint by applying a fusion of intuition and good design and composition, and to find your individual style. We will look at the main elements of art and the principles of design like colour, light, shape, value, texture, pattern, contrast and explore them as your intuition also guides you.
3. Glow
Many people have asked me how I get my paintings to seem to ‘glow’ and shine out. This is achieved via a combination of paints, palettes and how to apply the paint in specific ways – plus our own individual interpretations, of course! I am very proud of this new course, now available at the Portugal studio and as an online self study course (here).
4. Painting Animals and Birds.…….I will demonstrate the techniques and methods I use to paint animals and birds, including the importance of composition, colour, technique, composition etc., and the gaze and stance of the animal. You will learn to combine achieving a good likeness with capturing the personality and perhaps even the soul of the animal, or use a more quirky pose, then painting the animal as YOU see them. You will also learn the importance of backgrounds, texture, simplification and how to add depth to your portrait.
5. Making and Using Collage – I make most of my own collage papers, both plain and patterned, from tissue paper, then incorporate them in a very special way into my paintings to achieve depth, contrast and, especially texture and pattern in a subtle, almost ‘secret’ way. This course follows the process from start to finish. It is great fun, and adds a very unique element to your work, and works especially well in both abstracts and semi-realistic paintings. This course combines really well with any of the other experiences, or you may like to choose a different starting point. It also makes a great warm up session for your first day, and provides you with collage possibilities for your paintings both here and at home, and for journalling and any other creative projects.
6. Painting a Buddha incorporating all the techniques I have developed over the years, and including my unique ways of making and using my own collage papers (as above). Then, choose your own subject for your own mixed media painting using your choice of techniques as I guide you step by step. This can also include elements from other courses such as mixed media and collage.
7. Travel Journals…… an introduction to the wide variety of techniques and approaches, so you can develop your own style, gathering all sorts of ideas, themes and inspirations, using all the senses, which can then be recorded in your journal using sketching, colour, mixed media, photos and all sorts of items from your adventures, as well as written accounts.
I am an enthusiastic travel journaller, and have many journals from my world travels which I will share with you….I absolutely love these wonderful records of my trips…filled with sketches and paintings, photos, colours, memories of people and places. I relive my holidays every time I browse through them. You might wish to make a journal of your stay in Portugal, or a recent holiday.
8. Discovering your Style – techniques and ideas to discover your personal themes in painting or journalling to make your work sing, resonate and become uniquely and authentically yours. Especially for those who find it hard to generate new ideas, or feel blocked. We will look at working in a series and the importance of layering and developing your composition, and of digging deep into your memories and experiences and how to apply them expressively and authentically.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATION (not included)
A simple lunch will be provided at the studio with beverages. The recommended hotel has a restaurant for an evening meal – or you may be tempted to sample different restaurants and cafés in Penafiel.
If you are travelling alone, it may be possible, depending on the time of year, to offer very simple accommodation here at the studio. There are cooking facilities available and I will be nearby for help and company.
I recommend the Penafiel Park Hotel and Spa, about 8 km from the studio (transport can easily be arranged to and from) or you may choose to rent one of several Airbnbs or similar in the area (preferably within an 8 kilometre distance from the studio if you need transport, otherwise an additional charge for petrol will have to be added).
I can meet you at the airport (Porto airport) on arrival (see below), and take you back when you leave. I am happy to give the occasional lift to the supermarket etc, but I advise car rental if you plan to include some independent sightseeing or touring.
FASCINATING DAYS OR HALF DAYS DISCOVERING PORTUGAL
I usually like to have a video chat with anyone coming to the Pink Buddha, both to talk about the art they wish to do, where they would like to stay, and if they would like some trips, too. Here in the north of Portugal, we are not only just 30 minutes form the amazing city of Porto, but within reach of other historic and medieval towns, markets, fabulous scenery and the coast. Please take a look here to see some of the trips on offer, but I am happy to take you to other places within reasonable driving distance. The tours can always be organised on arrival, as long as you book in for the estimated number of days so that I am free, as they are dependant on the weather, individual interests and how much art you wish to achieve.
Trips do not count as a studio day as they are charged separately.
Please click here to find out more about transport, here to find out more about the locality, here for more about the studio, here to look at possible trips and outings, and here for my workshop policy.
PRICES
The price will vary somewhat, according to numbers and materials, but these figures will apply for bookings of up to 5 days. Bookings longer than 5 days will be subject to discount depending on the length of stay.
Paint at the Pink Buddha Art Experience with Linda (not including accommodation), including materials. Prices are given in US dollars, but all currencies are accepted, at the exchange rate on the day of booking.
- AIRPORT PICK UP and DROP OFF (or a main railway or coach station in Porto)
$60 each way
(per trip not per person. This includes gas, motorway tolls and airport parking)
2. STUDIO TIME
One person: $135 per day
Two people: $90 each per day
Three/Four people: $75 each per day
- Please note that PER DAY is usually from 9.30/10 am to 5.30 pm/6pm, or you may prefer half days.
- You may pay the full amount on booking, or pay 50% on booking and pay the remainder up to six weeks before arrival.
- Payment can be by Paypal or by international bank transfer at the exchange rate on the day of booking. Any payments in dollars, pounds etc. will be converted on payment into euros.
- You can book any trips at the time of booking the studio, OR on arrival, and the cost will be added accordingly. See here for details.
NB: Please note that the cost of stretched framed canvases larger than 40 cms (16″) is not included. Let me know before you arrive and I can get these ordered in for you, or we can get them after you arrive. I am happy to send the canvases to your home address after you leave at reasonable rates.
I am very happy to chat via email, Messenger or video chat to hear what you would like, and see if we can arrange this…the whole idea is to make the retreat EXACTLY the kind of art retreat you are seeking. Just email me at linda.janet.chaves@gmail.com or message me via Facebook via Pink Buddha Art or Linda Chaves or we can organise a Zoom call.
YOU WILL TRULY EXPERIENCE THE REAL PORTUGAL YOUR WAY !
THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF THE PINK BUDDHA EXPERIENCE!
Please email me with any questions, or to make a booking, at linda.janet.chaves@gmail.com or via FB Messenger or we can arrange a video chat if you wish.