Art Holiday - Portugal
Enjoy Batik, Sun-Printing, Drawing and Birdwatching
New Dates for next years art holiday are
17th - 24rd May 2025 -Now Full
Why Portugal? Well I first came to Frank and Daniels's paradise in 2016 having met Frank earlier that year at The RSPB Birdfair at Rutland water. he was promoting Birding in Portugal and I was selling my bird themed batiks. He asked me if I'd like to run a course at his place, I knew it was something I'd like to explore so went to check it out, and since then I've been running art holidays. The Quinta is a truely unique eco boutique hotel, created and built by Frank and his friends over the past 35 years.
During the Art week with me you'll immerse yourself in the ancient art of batik on paper and fabric. We will also discover the facsinating photographic technique known as cyanotype, using the UV in sunlight to create designs on various surfaces, including paper, fabric for lampshades, and clothing. We will have a daily drawing practise aiming to fill an A5 sketch book (absolute beginners and those terrified of drawing are positively encouraged!) the sessions are, fun, stress free and playful - the aim is to learn new ways of mark making, through short timed exercises and working with different mediums. Our inspiration and playground will be the gardens of the Quinta. This tranquil setting provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, with common sounds being Golden Oriels, swallows and Nightingales. The Art Holiday promises a genuinely unique and beautiful experience, where friendships are made which continue. Below you will find heartfelt testimonials from previous delighted guests.
" I came with my wife, she did the art and I went out with Frank and Tony. I was blown away by the birdwatching, sitting in a hide in a vast cork valley watching dozens of European bee eaters feeding is an experience I will never forget, thank you. Frank is a wealth of bird and wildlife knowledge."
Situated in the Southern foothills of Portugal, the Quinta Do Barranco Da Estrada is a small, intimate holiday retreat for peace and relaxation, it boasts a mix of traditional hospitality, international home-cooked cuisine and a friendly atmosphere with excellent service.
Owners Daniela and Frank McClintock (Frank is an expert in photography and Birding) have created this beautiful venue over the last 35 years, it is now 90% solar powered with as low a carbon footprint as is possible. The carefully planted terraced gardens attract a huge number of birds, butterflies and insects. (With very few Mosquitoes!)
The Quinta has 8 en-suite rooms, a family suite and a honeymoon suite. Each room has a stunning view of the gardens and the reservoir, Europe's cleanest fresh water swimming lake. With plenty of space around you and a total absence of man-made noise, and artificial lights so perfect for star gazing- it's no wonder they call it Paradise in Portugal.
"Thank you for organising such a perfect week, it's been absolutely wonderful and will be remembered as a very special time - and thanks for your patience and kindness, much love Ruth "
"The holiday was absolutely wonderful and I would highly recommend it....not just for artists and wildlife lovers but for anyone simply seeking some quiet time to themselves"
"I would like to congratulate and thank you for organising such a successful trip to Portugal last week. It was both relaxing and an industrious week seeing and learning new art techniques. Everyone was made to feel very welcome whatever their skill level in both activities and I really enjoyed myself. Thank you for all of your hard work!"
"Excellent and I really enjoyed the provision of delicious home-cooked Gluten Free food"
"it was very peaceful and took me time to unwind. The food and rooms were lovely and Daniela (host) could not have been sweeter. It was very restful and I often think about it!"
"........art and kayaking in an idyllic spot"
I am very excited to be running this Art Holiday again in the Spring, May 17th-24rd 2025
I've managed to negotiate great prices with Frank and Daniela so this holiday will book up quickly, To book your place please contact me for a booking form.
Per person with an en suite room - £1680 Couples/friends sharing a room - £2685
Partners not doing the art course - £1190
Places limited to max 8 guests. Price includes Faro airport transfers *(1 transfers provided- so book your flights with this in mind), full board including freshly prepared meals, all tuition and materials for batik and cyanotype including fans, bags, lampshade fabrics and the preparation of any cotton garment you bring to cyanotype. Flights and extra birding activities are not included.
Also there will be a surcharge for a transfer if you are travelling outside the transfer times (this will vary depending on the most suitable flights)
There are cheaper transfers by train to Santa Clara, however the trains are few and far between. Please contact me before booking any flights. 07843 685028.
"Brilliant holiday full of colour and sunshine; good humour and support. The birds behaved and appeared on cue; Frank was amazing with his knowledge of birds, expeditions, photography and quiet enthusiasm. We even made 'friends' with his very own parrot. Marie-Therese was well prepared and full of initiative and support for our art sessions making possible whatever we were trying to achieve. I love my finished pieces and feel inspired to do more. Holiday gave good value for money. I'd go again!" Diana
Further Reading / Viewing
The following sites are available for more detailed information about the Quinta http://www.paradise-in-portugal.com and http://www.birdinginportugal.com. A selection of videos are also available below.