In The Making
Paint Boldly. Grow with Support.
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Retreats
The Algarve Experience in Portugal
What to Expect
The best way to understand Portugal is through an artist's eye, watching how the coastal light shifts across the landscape in real time. Over the week, our primary focus is simply doing a lot of watercolor painting. Taking our paints to at least three different beaches allows us to study how the water, sky, and rugged rock formations interact with each other. Moving between multiple varied locations keeps our studies fresh and helps us see the subtle differences in the region.
Our teaching approach focuses on down-to-earth, practical feedback tailored to where you are in your watercolor journey. Working on location forces you to make quick decisions, embrace the unpredictability of fluid paint, and build confidence in your mark-making. There are no rigid formulas or pretension here. Instead, you get dedicated time to experiment, make mistakes, and untangle the puzzle of plein air painting in a supportive setting.
Beyond the paint, this retreat is built around personal connection and shared effort. You will spend your week alongside a group of fellow artists who genuinely support your growth, building friendships over shared meals and conversations after a full day of creating. You leave with a thick portfolio of fresh watercolor studies, a deeper trust in your artistic vision, and a meaningful connection to Portugal's landscape and community.
Portugal, April 2027
A week to paint, connect with others, and live creatively. No prior painting experience required.
Sunlight, sea air, and watercolor in a villa on the Algarve coast. A full week of painting, yoga, shared meals, and creative momentum.
Future Retreats
Experience creating art around the world, and grow the artist within yourself.
Whether we’re painting by the sea in Portugal, an urban center in Bogota, or sketching in a sunlit village in France, each retreat is rooted in the same promise: a focus on creativity, artistic curiosity, thoughtful teaching, and a creative space that honors both voice and growth.
Join the waitlist for future retreat announcements.
Workshops and Classes
I would love to have you attend my in-person workshops and classes when you can!
Periodically I release online content, some of it is live, where you can be part of an active, supportive community. Others are pre-recorded, so you can learn and make art on your own time.
All of my teaching centers on how to see the world like an artist. No matter your skill level or experience, we are all capable of creating wonderful art. My classes meet you where you are and help you grow and move forward.
Because I am a life long learner, my passion for art shows through in every class I teach.
Meet The Artist
Lee Schauer
Lee Schauer is a working artist and dedicated teacher whose practice is rooted in observation, expression, and emotional intelligence. Her work blends watercolor, drawing, and mixed media. In the classroom or in the field, Lee listens, teaches with intention, and encourages students to slow down, notice more, and let their art reflect who they truly are.
Teaching Values
Lee leads with the belief that creativity is not a performance, but a practice. Whether you’re brand new to watercolor or returning to art after years away, Lee’s spaces are designed to feel welcoming and supportive. Her teaching emphasizes growth over perfection, process over product, and self-trust over self-judgment. Students leave her classes with stronger skills, as well as a renewed trust in their own artistic voice.
Contact Me
Whether you’re curious about an upcoming retreat, considering a class, have specific questions, or are in search of an artistic community, I’d love to hear from you.