A destination art retreat in Casével, Portugal
for artists ready to deepen their understanding of composition and create stronger, more consistent work - happening August 15-22, 2026!
Why Composition?
Have you ever looked at your painting and felt like something was off—but couldn’t quite say what? There are parts you love, but it’s still not working.
A strong, underlying composition is the most critical and challenging part of creating successful artwork. Good composition is when all the parts work together.
If a painting's design is flawed, no amount of skillful brushwork, color, or detail can save it.
This is what our 2026 Composition Lab retreats are all about!
Are you ready to
Unlock the Power of Composition
The Composition Lab art retreat is designed to help you create stronger, more intentional work. We’ll dive into the principles of composition in a way that clicks—visually and emotionally—so that you can make confident, intentional choices—instead of hoping for magic.
Intuition isn’t guesswork, it’s grounded in knowledge.
This retreat is a creative laboratory—a place to experiment, refine, and elevate your painting practice through the lens of Design Principles. You’ll come away with practical tools, visual clarity, and a new way of seeing your work. Whether you're an intuitive abstract painter or a meticulous realist, your work lives or dies by its composition.
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This retreat is for you if…
You art feels inconsistent—some pieces work, others fall flat
You paint from intuition but second-guess your decisions
You’re stuck in familiar habits and ready to evolve
You want your work to feel more resolved
You want to build structure into your work without losing freedom
You want to learn to identify and fix “what’s not working” in a painting
You’re craving time, space, and community to focus on your art
Understanding composition isn’t about memorizing facts or learning formulas. It's about understanding why things work and then applying them. During our week together we’ll be your guides. Our morning exercises are guaranteed to strengthen your understanding of composition. Our afternoon painting prompts and one-on-one guidance will provide the experiential learning that sticks and applies to YOUR art.
What Past Participants Are Saying
Being a fledgling having only recently discovered the joy I find creating art, I was nervous to commit to an art retreat with experienced artists. I shouldn't have worried! The lessons were aimed at all abilities and hit the mark perfectly. The coaching we received was tailored to each individual and led people on their own journey of further discovery - certainly no cookie cutter feedback here! The encouragement from Susan and Terri and the rest of the beautiful participants was boundless and has given me a fire in my belly to really dig deep and make art that lights me up. I will be eternally grateful for the enriching experience, you nourished my soul and for that I thank you.
— Claire Clark
I learned so much in one week, and the time just flew by. Susan and Terri are outstanding teachers and provide one-on-one feedback to help each artist grow in their own practice.
— Sharon Paster
Susan Melrath and Terri Froelich
Meet Your Instructors
Together, Susan Melrath and Terri Froelich have led over 10 ARTfuel destination retreats, helping artists from around the world transform their work. Our teaching style blends deep art principles with practical application, always rooted in helping each artist expand their own voice—not imitate someone else’s.
We don’t teach formulas—we help you build the visual foundation your intuition needs to thrive.
This retreat is for those ready to explore deeper waters, not just swim in the shallow end.
This is the work we believe in.
And we’d love to guide you through it.
SUSAN MELRATH
Susan has been a painter for her entire adult life - working as a published illustrator for many years, and a studio artist for the last fifteen. As a teacher, she has helped thousands of artists find their way to making strong, authentic work. Her greatest love is helping painters understand how to organize the elements in their paintings to make them as strong and compelling as can be. Susan’s work can be seen at Art & Light Gallery in Greenville, SC and Museo Gallery in Langley, WA. www.susanmelrath.com
TERRI FROELICH
Terri is an abstract painter and photographer based in Sausalito, California. Her creative journey began behind the lens—after receiving her first SLR camera as a teenager—and expanded into painting in 2002. To this day, photography remains a daily practice: a way of collecting visual "nuggets"—shapes, compositions, and colors—that quietly inform and guide her intuitive process in the studio. She has taught destination art retreats and online courses, helping artists strengthen their skills and develop a more personal, powerful visual language. Her favorite way to teach? In small, intimate retreats where deep connection, meaningful conversation, and hands-on exploration unfold in inspiring places. She is currently represented by Julie Nester Gallery (Park City, UT), Slate Contemporary (Oakland, CA), Kennedy Contemporary (Newport Beach, CA), and Sloan Miyasato (San Francisco, CA). www.terrifroelich.com
What you’ll gain…
A deep understanding of composition that you can apply intuitively
Personalized feedback that moves your work forward—not just compliments
Work that feels more aligned and authentic
Tools to help you create with more confidence, clarity, and intention
Connection with a supportive circle of artists
A renewed sense of purpose in your painting
Together we’ll explore…
Compositional Templates
Rule of Thirds
Leading Lines
Proportion & Scale
Rule of Odds
Simplification
Aligning Elements
Focal Points
Managing Visual Noise
Grouping Values
Great paintings don’t happen by accident—they rest on a strong visual structure. Compositional templates are that structure: time-tested frameworks that guide the viewer’s eye, create balance, and give your work a sense of presence. At this retreat, you’ll learn to use these templates not as rigid rules, but as flexible tools—so your intuition is supported by a clear foundation. You’ll be able to diagnose what’s not working in a piece, break free from repetitive habits, and explore new directions with confidence. The result? Paintings that feel more resolved, more engaging, and unmistakably your own.
Why We Keep It Small
This is not a crowd.
It’s a circle of trust.
We keep our retreats small and intimate on purpose—so every artist is seen, supported, and truly able to grow.
We’re not about big crowds.
This isn’t surface-level.
It’s deep, focused, and personal.
The Experience
Location: Casével, Portugal
Dates: August 15-22, 2026
Spots are available: 18 Total (12 single / 6 double - plus your own table for space to spread out and focus)
Instructors: 2 - Susan Melrath & Terri Froelich
This is for: Abstract and representational practicing painters (meaning you have taken an art class or workshop - you have held a brush and moved paint around!).
What’s Included…
Morning presentations, guided exercises & morning/afternoon sessions with Susan & Terri
Studio time + one-on-one support/feedback
All meals - made fresh daily sourced locally. *Please note that this retreat offers a Vegetarian menu only. (Wine and beer available for purchase.)
Spacious indoor painting studio with 24/7 access (and you get your own table!)
Phone photography class and inspirational walk with Terri that will help inform your work
Time for reflection, rest, and exploration
A supportive community of fellow artists
A yoga class
7 nights accommodation
Transportation assistance to/from the airport
This private, tranquil countryside will be your home for the week.
How it Works...
At the time of booking, you pay a US$500 non-refundable deposit.
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).
You can find more details in our FAQ below.
Spaces are limited - intentionally!
If you’re feeling the nudge—trust it.
Accommodations & Costs
Single Premium
Private room that features a queen bed and ensuite bathroom.
$5650
Double Premium
Room features 2 twin beds and an ensuite bath.
$4950
Single Standard
Private room features a queen bed and shared bath with one person.
$5250
Double Standard
Room features 2 twin beds and a shared bath.
$4750
* only 18 artists / 2 instructors *
Note that images shown of rooms are for reference only and may not be the exact room you reserve.
FAQ
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The workshop is located in Casével, Portugal.
Lisbon airport (LIS) is the closest to the venue (1 hour drive approximately). Once you have registered, we will send you options for transportation services from the Lisbon airport to the retreat center. The retreat center will assist in arranging transportation to and from the retreat from the Lisbon airport at the cost of the participant. This is only available on the first and last day of the retreat. -
This retreat accommodates 18 artists with two instructors: Terri Froelich and Susan Melrath.
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Accommodations for this retreat include single and double occupancy. Please read the room descriptions in the section above this FAQ. Accommodations are on a first come, first served basis and all reservations must be completed through this website.
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Accommodations for 7 nights, painting instruction with Susan and Terri (morning and afternoon sessions each day), meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), a special activity- and some fun and laughs!
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Airfare, travel insurance, transportation to/from retreat, alcoholic beverages, tips for staff, art supplies, travel before or after the retreat and/or any personal purchases made.
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We accept all major credit cards. If you prefer an alternative payment method, please reach out to us at info@artfuelstudio.com. All payments are billed in US Dollars.
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Yes, to reserve your spot for the retreat, we require a US$ 500 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance will be billed as follows:
· 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)
All retreat fees must be paid in full 90 days before the start of the retreat.
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Your US$ 500 deposit is non-refundable, non-transferable. If you need to cancel after additional payments have been made, we are happy to refund the amount paid (less your deposit), once the retreat is full and a replacement person takes your spot and has paid in full. We highly recommend purchasing CFAR insurance for this retreat - see details in the next section. Please review our terms & conditions below so that you fully understand our cancellation policy.
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Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended. When you sign up for the retreat, you will need to agree to our terms & conditions and that you fully understand our cancellation and refund policy. Certain insurances protect your investment.
If you opt to insure your trip, 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. No refunds will be issued until the retreat is sold out and a replacement is found for your spot. CFAR insurance protects your investment if you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Our retreats can often accommodate vegetarian, gluten free, lactose-free and other common food sensitivities. Please note that other specific diets (e.g. FODMAP, keto, vegan) cannot be accommodated We will send a questionnaire prior to the retreat asking for your requests so the venue is prepared. Please reach out to us if you have any specific food diets not listed above prior to signing up so we can confirm we can accommodate your request.
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Below is a short list of supplies needed, but you'll receive a full list in advance of the retreat.
Acrylic Paint (this workshop is taught in acrylics only)
Smaller nylon brushes flats and rounds
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Once you have paid your deposit, a receipt will be sent to your email immediately. A second email with more information about the retreat will arrive within 72 hours of booking. If you do not see these emails, please check your junk, spam, or promotions folders.
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To view the ARTfuel Studio Retreats Terms & Conditions, please click HERE.
The retreat is located in the peaceful Ribatejo countryside. Here are some of the remarkable places to visit close to the retreat venue for your pre/post travels!
We hope you will join us in Portugal for the Composition Lab!
