"An Algarve Sketchbook" - Sketching Retreat in Olhao, Portugal - October 31st - November 6th 2026

"An Algarve Sketchbook” - Sketching Retreat in Olhao, Portugal - October 31st - November 6th 2026 

REGISTRATION TICKET JUST £10!

Come sketching with me in lovely Olhao this October 2026!

Based in the wonderful waterside town of Olhao, I am delighted to announce  that I'll be running another "Algarve Sketchbook'" holiday.

Come sketching with me in lovely Olhao, Portugal this October 31st 2026!

Something to look forward to...

I am really delighted to announce another “Algarve Sketchbook” holiday this coming October 2026, hosted again by the fabulous Guest Mar guesthouse in the heart of Olhao’s Old Town.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE HERE FOR JUST£10, refundable once booking is received by email to info@juliesajous.com

Read on for more details....

Let’s go to Olhao!

Just 20 minutes form Faro, Olhao is a fishing town in the Eastern Algarve and sits on the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park.

The seaside town is full of character, with bright white “cubist” houses everywhere inspired by Moroccan architecture. Artists have been calling

Olhao home since the start of the 20th century and you can see why; there is so much to draw here, so much light and colour.

Beaches and Islands!

In front of the town are miles of beautiful lagoons edged with dunes and white sandy beaches. A trip to the islands on one of the small ferries that chug back and forth is and adventure in itself. Nearby is the attractive town of Fuseta with a gorgeous safe swimming beach and waterside fish restaurants...then the magical town of Tavira and beyond, Vila Real de Santo Antonio. All within easy reach by train.

 

Where we’ll stay ...

Hosted by the wonderful team at Guest Mar, you’ll feel at home right from the start. We’ll begin each day with a delicious breakfast ahead of a short lesson before we head out sketching together.

Guest Mar is an elegant town house, restored to its former glory by owner Joao. Each nautical-themed room has its own “crew” name and unique character.




There are rooms on the ground and middle floors and one on the terrace.a place with far-reaching views over the Cubist skyline we will use for our sketching.

The staff at Guest Mar are super-friendly and have a vast knowledge of their home town and beyond. They’ll really look after us!

Take a look at Guest Mar here:

https://guestmar.pt/en/

Please be aware that the house is traditionally laid out (tall and narrow), with some steep stairs to the middle and top floors, so it could be tricky to manage if you have any mobility issues. Olhao also has many uneven cobblestones and narrow pavements - fine if you bring sensible footwear!

Please ask if you want any advice.

How we’ll spend our days...

Whatever your level of experience, I’ll offer you tips and tricks ahead of our sketching outings to give you confidence and help you develop your own unique style.

Then there will be free time in the afternoons to explore the town, sit and relax, shop or just enjoy the beaches and some swimming if the sun shines on us (which it should!)

Each day we’ll meet for a short early evening session; a painting “aperitif”. Then you’ll be free to head out for dinner or just settle in and cook in the well equipped kitchen at Guest Mar.

There is a fantastic market nearby which will stun you with its selection of fruit, veg, meat and of course eat every best fish!

There are also plenty of local and inexpensive restaurants to choose from, as well as busy bars looking out over the water.

What will the course cover?

Whatever your level of experience. I’ll offer teaching with easy tips and techniques to give you the confidence to get sketching. Complete beginners are most welcome!

I will teach you the basics of sketching. For example:

*How to see the world around you and choose your subject matter.
 

*Using a pen and watercolour (pen and wash).

*Mixing colour.


*De-mystifying perspective and drawing buildings. 

*Looking at figures in the landscape. 

*How to work fast and loose. 

*Capturing the sea with simplicity.

*Adding to sketches - and much more!

The Autumn dates are set for:

Arrival Saturday 31st 2026

Departure Friday November 6th (6 nights)
Tuition consists of four mornings’ lessons from 9.30-1, one free day, plus an evening “Art Apero” session on each of the five days.

Teaching days are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday .

Wednesday is the “free” day followed by the usual late afternoon “Art Apero” session where we get together to enjoy a drink with some painting and plenty of chat! (You are welcome to come along with me on that day for some exploring on the Islands or a trip to a town nearby).

Included is a basic sketching kit to get you started. All you need to bring with you is a fountain pen and waterproof ink (more info at time of booking).

Please let me know if I can answer any questions. This holiday is aimed at all levels of artistic experience.

Meanwhile you can see more about my drawing style on Instagram

@julie_sajous_artist

What it costs....  


 The cost for all tuition including the basic sketching kit, pre-trip Zoom meetings and nine online recorded “prep” lessons is £450.

This includes 4 structured morning teaching/sketching sessions, sketchbook, paints and other materials, a welcome drink plus 5 daily early evening catch-up “Art Apero” sessions with wine and nibbles.

This price enables you to meet your fellow sketchers through two Zoom meeting before we go as well as the nine-part “Elements: An Introduction to Sketching” course (a recorded set of easy-to-follow lessons to introduce you to my teaching style when you book.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE HERE FOR JUST £10, refundable once booking is received by email

Payment is in two parts (more details and terms on application) with the first being a £100 non-refundable deposit. This is required at the time of booking, the balance being payable approx one month before the Course starts. Please note......

You will have to arrange and pay for you own accommodation at Guest Mar, travel to Olhao, transfers and all other meals apart from breakfast .
Rooms at Guest Mar are very comfortable and reasonable in cost, ranging from approx £55 to £80 per night including breakfast. (That’s from approx. £330 for the whole stay). The rooms all have double beds and there is one room with a double and a single. You simply have to book with Guest Mar directly.

This includes not only a wonderful and very substantial breakfast but also tea, coffee, biscuits and home-made cake throughout the day.

Contact them at ... geral@guestmar.pt

Flights from Gatwick to Faro take about 2hrs 50mins. The 20 minute taxi ride from Faro to Olhao is roughly £20.

Tempted....?


RESERVE YOUR PLACE HERE FOR JUST £10,

This is refundable once booking is received and confirmed by email.

So...book the course first. Email Julie Sajous at

info@juliesajous.com

Then....reserve the room of your choice at Guest Mar by contacting the team directly by email quoting “Algarve Sketchbook with Julie” at geral@guestmar.pt

After that arrange the flight to suit you.

We look forward to seeing you in Olhao.

In the meantime copy and paste the link below for a little YouTube clip to give you the idea! https://youtu.be/AxDSQLMHngc?si=9jYJQRPMVIwj0e3R

All the best, Julie

“What a great arty trip! Very fulsome tuition pitched to each of our abilities. I learned so much. So much to see and sketch in Olhao. Guest Mar was perfect for our group on every level. The whole experience was a joy...I loved it!” - Gilly

"Friendly, conducive, positive, lovely accommodation, all you could want" - Alan

"Julie's teaching really helps to build skill and confidence" - Elaine