Filter and Focus
Portugal, Alentejo
May 22-29, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
November 8-15, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
(click HERE to be added to the waitlist)
During this retreat with Terri Froelich and Susan Melrath, we aim to nourish all of you. Filter and Focus is the theme. Together, we will dive deep into your inspiration and choose the marks, colors and shapes that best express your unique message in order to create art that feels authentic and alive (insert full body shivers here!!!)
Join us in Alentejo Region of Southwest Portugal for 8 days (7 nights) for an experience that allows you to immerse yourself in how your art connects to you, the message you want to say, and how you want it to be said.
You will choose the elements of art that are most important to you and experience the freedom of turning up their focus, and dialing down or eliminating the rest. It is your art, your style, your way AMPLIFIED.
Two retreats are offered in Portugal in 2024 from May 22-29 or November 8-15, 2024.
A retreat to nourish all of you…
Nourish your art by diving deep into how your inspirations turn into confident choices in your art. Learn from coaches who see you, connect with you, laugh with you and walk beside you.
Nourish your heart by connecting with other artists who are at a similar stage in their journey and facing similar challenges.
Nourish your mind with growing self-confidence and ease with who you are and what you want to create.
Nourish your nervous system in the breathtaking beauty of the protected area of Costa Vicentina. Surrounded by nature, you will have lots of space and feel secluded and safe as if you are in your own private paradise.
Sink deeper with a massage in your own room by a visiting masseuse (an extra charge)
Nourish your body chilling at one of the outdoor lounge areas or soak in the sun by the pool enveloped by the tranquility of the forest. Can you hear the songs of birds and bells of sheep in the distance?
Nourish your belly with homemade meals from local produce and regional wine while watching sunsets in vibrant oranges and fiery reds. The flavors, like everything, seem so much more intense and unique here.
Nourish your community by relaxing, recharging, laughing, and learning together. Included in your retreat is a winery tour and tasting for us all to enjoy together.
What You Will Learn
Dive deep into how your inspirations can lead to freeing choices in your art.
Simplifying can be one of the most challenging things in art…there are so many possibilities!!
Aligning our choices with our personal message can be even harder, requiring the courage to make tough decisions.
This can feel especially intimidating for practicing artists who are already known for their work, depend on an income, or hear that critical voice telling them to stay the course.
Yet, it can be freeing and exhilarating and scary and powerful all at once if you let yourself go there.
That’s where we come in. WE WILL BE TAKING YOU THERE. You will be creating artwork that comes from a deeper place within you.
You are going to be excavating, and asking yourself, “Why do I paint what I paint? What is the meaning for me? How can this meaning be best expressed?”
This is the process of filtering.
You will be discovering the most inspired way that you can share what’s important to you.
You’ll determine which techniques, approaches, or colors should be amplified and which should be eliminated or toned down.
This is the process of focus.
During the course of the week we will tell you direct, love you deep, and wrap you in a cocoon of humor and fun while you get brave with who you are.
Our studio for the week is nestled in the woods surrounded by nature.
With 16 artists and two instructors, there will be plenty of one-on-one feedback so that your personal questions will be answered.
We will work on sturdy paper with acrylic paint. We will provide you with a list of supplies prior to the retreat.
This retreat is best for experienced painters and advanced beginners.
Accomodation & Costs
Double Occupancy / Single Bed / Private Bath
US$ 4,250
Single Occupancy / Queen Bed / Private Bath
US$ 4,850
What’s included
7 nights accomodation
All meals and snacks provided
Full use of retreat facilities including swimming pool and 24 hour gym
Morning and afternoon teaching sessions delivered by Susan and Terri
Winery tour and tasting
Massages are available for an extra charge at the retreat center
Note that images shown of rooms are for reference only and may not be the exact room you reserve
How it works
At the time of booking you pay a US$500 non-refundable deposit
For May 2024 retreat
The remaining balance is split into half.
The first half is due 30 days from the date of booking.
The remaining balance is due 30 days after that (60 days from the date of booking).
For Nov 2024 retreat
The remaining balance is split into half.
The first half is due 30 days from the date of booking.
The remaining balance is due on June 28, 2024.
BONUS for all artists who book on the day of the live call.
If your retreat is booked today (the day of the live call), you will receive personalized feedback from Susan on a painting you submit. Use this opportunity to ask the one question that can unlock the way forward. If you are clever with the question you ask, the answer may impact your other paintings as well. HINT…don’t ask “is this finished?” !!!
You will receive the link to submit your painting and question after the first half of your balance is paid. In return, Susan will provide an answer and feedback in the form of a short video sent to you via email.
FAQ
Where is the workshop located and what airport do I fly into?
The workshop is located in the protected area of Costa Vicentina, in the Alentejo Region of Southwest Portugal ~ ideally situated among the countryside and the beach. The retreat centre is a 2hr drive from the south of Lisbon, Portela airport . Buses also run frequently from Lisbon to central Cercal do Alentejo and the retreat centre is a short 15min walk from there. Once you have registered, we will send you options for transportation services from the airport to the retreat center. Each attendee will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the retreat center.
What kind of clothes should I pack?
The most important thing to pack is your painting clothes! Comfortable walking or hiking shoes would be helpful as you will be surrounded by nature. The average high/low temperature in May is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-26 Celsius) and in November is between 48 -63 degrees Farenheit (9-17 Celsius). Most of the time will be spent painting, eating, connecting and relaxing at the venue with a possible optional excursion nearby. It’s just a 15 minute drive to countless beautiful beaches, including some great surf spots. You might want to bring a change of clothes for dinner but it's completely optional - and casual. Some will return after dinner to continue painting! Don’t forget your swimming suit so you can enjoy the beautiful swimming pool!
What is covered by the retreat fee?
Accommodations for 7 nights, painting instruction with Susan and Terri (morning and afternoon sessions each day), meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), a winery tour and tasting, 24 hour gym - and some fun and laughs!
What is not covered by the retreat fee?
Airfare, travel insurance (required), transportation to and from the venue, supplies, alcoholic beverages, tips for staff, art supplies, travel before or after the workshop and/or any personal purchases made.
What method of payment is accepted for the retreat?
We accept credit card (Visa & Mastercard). If you prefer an alternative payment method, please reach out to us at info@artfuelstudio.com. All payments are billed in US Dollars.
Is there a deposit required and what is the payment plan for the workshop?
Yes, to reserve your spot for the retreat, we require a US$ 500 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance will be billed as follows:
For May 2024 retreat
The remaining balance is split into half
The first half is due 30 days from the date of booking
The remaining balance is due 30 days after that (60 days from the date of booking)
For Nov 2024 retreat
The remaining balance is split into half
The first half is due 30 days from the date of booking
The remaining balance is due on June 28, 2024
What if I have to cancel?
Your US$ 500 deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel after additional payments have been made, we are happy to refund the amount paid (less your deposit), if a replacement person takes your spot and has paid in full - (we’ll be keeping a waitlist).
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance and proof of purchase is required for all workshops. Please do your research to determine if you should purchase standard travel insurance or if CFAR travel insurance (cancel for any reason) is better for you.
Is there accommodations made for dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and other common food sensitivities. We will send a questionnaire prior to the workshop asking for your requests at that time so the venue is prepared.
What accommodations are offered?
This retreat offers single and double room - all on a first come, first basis. All reservations must be completed through this website.
What supplies are provided and what do I need to bring?
We will send a complete list of supplies you will need to bring 60 days prior to the retreat start date. Here are the basics…
Acrylic Paint (this workshop is taught in acrylics only)
Smaller nylon brushes flats and rounds
Terms and Conditions
To view the ARTfuel Studio Retreats Terms & Conditions, please click HERE.