In The Making
A Watercolor Retreat in Southern Portugal
Paint Boldly. Grow with Support. Join Us in Portugal.
April 11 - 17, 2027 · The Algarve, Portugal
Over the years, I have watched wonderful things happen when people step away from their daily routines to paint. You rebuild your confidence, your curiosity wakes up again as you focus on your work, and everything simply begins to loosen up and come naturally.
I chose the Algarve for this retreat because the beauty of the coast encourages you to slow down. Surrounded by golden rock formations and clear light beneath the blue sky, the sound of the ocean grounds you, and the fresh salt air helps you breathe a little deeper, allowing you to focus on the small details and listen to your own creative voice.
Our home base for the week is a beautiful southern villa. Between our studio and outdoor painting sessions, the amazing crew we’ve assembled will take great care of us. They’ll prepare delicious meals that bring everyone together, giving us time to share stories and perspectives around the dinner table, allowing us to relax and enjoy the community of creative people who want to make work that feels true to themselves.
Aside from Studio session, where we will learn techniques and explore coastal Portugal colors, we will bring our watercolors to at least three different beaches. Setting up on the sand allows us to study how the horizon divides the view and how light creates dramatic shadow across the rock formations. Working outdoors helps us capture the shifting sky and the changing colors of the Atlantic on paper. This week is not about proving anything. It is a chance to paint without pressure, find your rhythm again, and enjoy the experience. I will be right there beside you as we learn, paint, and share this time together.
– Lee
Why I Created This Retreat
I created this retreat to build a space where creative and kind people could gather without any pretense. Making art can often feel like a solitary pursuit, so bringing a thoughtful group together changes everything. Sharing delicious meals around the table gives us room to connect and build lasting friendships. Beyond the painting sessions, this week is an invitation to learn more about yourself and see how your creative vision naturally fits into your broader life. Being surrounded by supportive community helps you discover your own ideas and return home with a clearer sense of purpose.
About the Retreat
A week to paint, connect, and recharge for women. No prior painting experience required.
Whether you are returning to art after years away or looking for new momentum in your practice, this space offers a safe environment to build your skills.
We will spend seven days together at a private villa featuring both individual and shared room options. Your stay includes delicious meals prepared daily with fresh Portuguese ingredients by Sarah, our fabulous Michelin star chef.
Guidance comes from artist and watercolor instructor Lee Schauer, whose approach blends foundational technique with personalized support. Our conversations will touch on the mental hurdles of making art, including self-doubt and perfectionism, allowing us to work through those obstacles together. We will also explore how artists see and interpret the world in real time while painting.
Your daily itinerary blends studio time with distinct local excursions. You will paint a coastal castle, explore traditional Portuguese tile painting alongside a local artist, and take a boat tour through the Benagil caves (which will get you some priceless reference photos).
Alongside your painting sessions, each day leaves room to rest, wander, swim, or unwind in the hot tub. You can also join morning and evening sessions led by Dani, our exceptionally wonderful movement therapist, using simple breath work and grounding exercises to keep your nervous system relaxed throughout the week.
Early Bird Pricing (through October 15, 2026)
A $500 non-refundable deposit holds your place.
Limited to 16 guests. Minimum of 10 participants required for the retreat to run. If the retreat does not meet the minimum, all deposits will be refunded in full. A waitlist will be available once full.
What Each Day Looks Like
Your daily schedule is designed to balance focused instruction with ample time for rest and exploration.
Mornings begin with gentle movement and grounding practice followed by breakfast at the villa. From there, your days head straight into excursions exploring local villages and coastal areas, including a hands-on tile painting workshop one morning, alongside plein air painting sessions, boat tours of caves, and visits to iconic sites.
Afternoons bring dedicated time for continued painting, wandering local spots, and enjoying lunch independently or together, followed by a return to the villa later in the day to rest, swim, create more art, or soak in the hot tub.
Evenings wind down with a group dinner at the villa, followed by evening wellness, open studio time, reflection, or relaxed conversations.
This retreat is open to all levels. Whether you’re just getting started or deepening an existing practice, there’s room for you here.
Meet Your Instructor
Lee Schauer - Artist, Teacher, Guide
I believe creativity is always within reach, and that making art should feel like something you get to do, not something you have to get right.
As a painter and teacher for over 40 years, I’ve supported thousands of students in finding both skill and ease in their creative process. My classes are structured but relaxed, rooted in watercolor technique, and guided by respect for each person’s voice and pace.
This retreat isn’t about pushing hard or making perfect work. It’s about giving yourself the time, tools, and support to keep going. We want you to show up for your art with curiosity, confidence, and a little more joy.
I’ll be there throughout the week offering instruction and encouragement. You’ll be learning real skills, but you’ll also be making space for yourself and your work in a way that’s both grounded and generous.
Whether you’re just getting started, returning after time away, or looking for new momentum in your practice, you’ll be met where you are and supported fully.
If you’ve been wanting time to paint, to learn, and to connect with others who feel the same, I’d love to share this week in Portugal with you.
– Lee
Lee painting on the beach, capturing the growing storm
Meet the Team
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Lily Friedrich
Retreat Coordinator & Guest Experience
Lily brings a background in boutique hospitality and people-centered service. Her supportive presence and attention to detail help create a welcoming, easeful environment so you can focus on art, connection, and rest. She’s here to make sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly and your experience feels cared for from start to finish. -
Dani Koeck
Movement & Wellness Facilitator
Dani is a licensed dance/movement therapist with a Master’s degree from Columbia College Chicago and certification in Laban Movement Analysis. With over a decade of experience in the wellness field, she offers supportive, accessible movement sessions to help you feel more grounded, present, and connected in your body. Her morning and evening practices are gentle, inclusive, and designed to complement the creative process. -
Sarah Jordon
Chef in Residence
Sarah Jordan is an award-winning, self-taught chef known for her bold style, natural culinary instincts, and signature use of savory elements. A Dublin native and veteran of acclaimed Chicago kitchens like Blackbird and BOKA, she brings a wealth of high-level experience to our retreat. Sarah will draw on vibrant local Portuguese ingredients to craft thoughtful, nourishing meals designed to fuel your creative process and keep you feeling fully restored and cared for throughout your stay.
Contact us
Interested in our retreat? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!