Artistic Escapes

Join Stephanie Tao-Hsuan Chang’s artistic excursions across the globe.

Whether you’re a fearless beginner or professional artist, embrace a unique opportunity to deepen your artistry in unforgettable settings.

Our Next Adventure:

Lisbon, Portugal

Embark on an inspiring artistic journey with our plein air painting travel workshop in Lisbon, Portugal. Nestled along the Atlantic coast, Lisbon’s winding cobblestone streets, vibrant tiled facades, medieval castles, and picturesque waterfronts provide the perfect backdrop for artists of all skill levels to capture their charm through paint. Throughout this immersive workshop, you’ll explore the city’s iconic neighborhoods, from the colorful Alfama district to the scenic vistas of Sintra, all while honing your plein-air painting techniques under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Whether you’re seeking to refine your skills, ignite your creativity, or enjoy the camaraderie of fellow artists, this workshop promises a unique blend of art, culture, and inspiration in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.

Join us in Lisbon

This workshop focuses on capturing the essence of landscapes using participants’ preferred medium, whether through drawing, watercolor exploration, or oil painting. Students will learn to channel their inspiration to create compelling landscapes, cityscapes, and architectural elements, including medieval towers, churches, streets, and more.

The course will introduce watercolor techniques and delve into oil painting, using tools such as brushes, palette knives, and Catalyst wedges to explore value, color, light patterns, edges, and perspective. Participants will develop their interpretation of the landscape through these techniques.

The workshop offers daily painting demonstrations by artist Stephanie Chang, personalized feedback, inspiring painting excursions to nearby towns, and engaging class critiques, providing an immersive artistic experience.

Tentative
DAY 1
▪ Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal.
▪ Meet at our hotel.
▪ Orientation / Welcome
▪ Aperitivo & Dinner
DAY 2, 3
▪ Painting instruction in Lisbon.
Possible area of exploration: Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Alfama, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte - západ slunce, and Lisbon Cathedral…etc.
Day 4
▪ Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
▪ Painting instruction in Lisbon.
DAY 5
Day Trip to Sintra
National Palace of Pena
DAY 6
▪ Painting seascape
DAY 7
▪ Painting instruction in Lisbon
▪ “Show and Tell” get-together.
▪ Optional Farewell dinner
DAY 8
▪ Depart
Note: Activities in the itinerary may be substituted for alternative experiences, should the need arise.
    ▪    8 days, 7 nights accommodation, private room with ensuite bathroom.
    ▪    7 Breakfast Buffet
    ▪    Welcome refreshments
    ▪    Welcome Dinner hosted by the instructor in a local restaurant
    ▪    1 Lunch
    ▪    Daily painting, demonstrations & critiques
    ▪    Transportation to Sintra and Costa da Caparica (or a similar beach)
    ▪    Entry Fee to Calouste Gulbenkian Art Museum
    ▪    Access to a private Whatsapp group with instructor and the other retreat participants before and during the workshop
    ▪    1 college credit through Montserrat College of Art (if interested in receive college credit, please contact Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning department: email ce@montserrat.edu, phone 978.921.4242 x1152)
- Single Occupancy: $3,300
- Double Occupancy: $2,850
- Non-Participating Companion: $1,400
✨ Special Offer: Refer a Friend & Save! ✨
Bring a friend, and you’ll each receive $250 OFF!
• Airfare
• Travel Insurance
• Lunch and dinner
• Art Materials
• Any other expenses guests may incur on their own
– Every day will include a morning painting session. There will always be time later in the day for you to explore the area on your own.
– The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions.
– Please wear sun protection and comfortable shoes during classes. Students may need to walk up to 25 minutes to our painting/drawing sites.
– Please pack water and snacks with you on our painting outings.
– Please pack water and snacks with you on our painting outings.
– Please note that some days we will walk to charming historic neighborhoods of Lisbon. Due to its topography, the city of Lisbon sits on a kind of hill, giving it a rugged relief and unique panoramic views. Given the nature of the cobbled streets and slopes in some area, if you have heavy luggage, you may find it challenging to walk.
– All bookings for college credit are to be made through Montserrat College of Art. ContactContinuing Education & Lifelong Learning department: email ce@montserrat.edu, phone 978.921.4242 x1152
A special mini-lecture by my dear friend, architect Paul D. Spreiregen, on Lisbon’s urban design and architectural beauty.