Watercolour retreat in Tarifa
11 and 12 April 2026
Join my next art retreat in Tarifa. Over two days, I’ll share my passion and experience with watercolour, offering my best tips to help you improve your technique. We’ll explore everything from essential foundations to more advanced techniques, so you can progress quickly. No previous experience is needed, as the level will be adapted to each participant. My aim is to offer personalised guidance and make this retreat an enriching and inspiring experience.
Course Content
Live demonstrations.
Follow each stage of the process of creating a piece, from the initial pencil sketch through to building up layers and adding the final touches with precise details.
Essential materials and techniques.
Discover the best materials for painting with watercolour. Master basic techniques such as wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry. Learn to control and manage water and pigment, as well as drying times.
Figurative painting.
Observe your subject: where is the light coming from? Where do the shadows fall? What is its shape? Learn to draw and paint animals with attention to their anatomy, and create expressive pieces with a subtle abstract touch.
Creative technique.
Let yourself be guided by the flow of watercolour and its effects. Play with water, pigment and complementary materials to create experimental works such as galaxies, organic shapes and abstract compositions.
Personal development.
Throughout the retreat, you will connect with fellow artists and creative minds in a welcoming and inspiring environment. As the course progresses, you will see how your technique evolves and your personal style naturally takes shape.
Programme
Saturday 11 April
Morning session
9:30–9:45 Arrival at the Floating House
10:00 Group welcome and introductions
11:00 Watercolour theory introduction + live demonstration. Single-colour watercolour with a marine theme, working from a photograph.
13:30–15:00 Break for a light aperitif at the Floating House
Afternoon session
15:00 Colour-mixing (free technique): experiment with simple sketches while practising how to build your own colour palette.
16:30 Introduction to creative animal and human portraiture, learning how to paint expressive eyes and gaze.
19:00 Session ends
Sunday 12 April
9:30 Technique recap and finishing pieces. Create your own artistic composition, combining abstract or realistic figures with natural elements and watercolour effects. Let your brush flow to create a beautiful, expressive watercolour.
*Timings are approximate and may vary depending on the group’s pace and how we’re feeling on the day.
Location
Tarifa is a picturesque whitewashed Andalusian town in the province of Cádiz, shaped by the rich mix of cultures that have left their mark over the centuries. Set in a truly unique spot, Tarifa is the southernmost point of mainland Europe, just a few kilometres from Africa. It also sits where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s known for its beautiful historic centre with narrow streets and white façades, its endless sandy beaches, and its rich cultural heritage.
Tarifa is also celebrated for its excellent food, lively atmosphere and culture, and for being one of the world’s most popular destinations for kitesurfing. Eco-tourism plays an important role too, with activities such as whale and dolphin watching and birdwatching, offering a chance to enjoy nature at its very best.
The retreat will take place at White House (Tarifa), a cosy eco-friendly stay with incredible views over the Strait of Gibraltar, as well as a spacious garden, terraces and private parking — the perfect setting to paint and unwind.
You can arrive by car via an access track, and from the house a footpath leads straight into Tarifa town centre in around 10 minutes on foot.
Accommodation (optional)
Accommodation at White House is optional and places are limited. It must be booked directly through their website. Once your place on the retreat is confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code to use when booking your stay. Minimum stay: 2 nights.
If you’d rather stay elsewhere (or if White House is fully booked), there are plenty of other accommodation options nearby.
White House is especially committed to sustainability and is one of the few guesthouses in the area that runs on 100% renewable energy.
Price
The retreat costs €150 (accommodation not included) and includes all classes, all materials, coffee, tea and morning snacks, plus a light aperitif on Saturday at midday.
I strongly recommend booking accommodation well in advance, as Tarifa is a very popular destination, especially during the warmer months.
Cancellation policy
The workshop fee is non-refundable, regardless of the reason for cancellation or absence. However, you will receive a voucher for the amount paid, redeemable in my online shop for courses and products.
Don’t hesitate — it’s a chance to step away from everyday life, slow down, and immerse yourself in creativity in a truly beautiful place.
Some photos from my previous watercolour retreats at White House, Tarifa.