Sophie and her husband , Filipe, own a regenerative Farm in Portugal. They are both trained chefs, and now Live, work and teach cooking workshops.

They have expanded to hosting retreats and while Sophie was in Italy, the idea came up to work together on a Culinary and Art Retreat.

Fast forward 6 months later and we are launching this wonderful Retreat for September 2027 after chatting and saying “Yes” to a new friendship and adventure.

There are limited spots available, so don’t wait to book.

CLICK HERE to read all about what the week will look like.
It really does look very dreamy, I know so many people who would love to learn what Sophie and her husband will teach us all during the week.

We’ll visit a couple of local towns with our sketchbooks always in our bags. Any free time on the itinerary in the afternoon can be spent either with me painting and sketching, or, having time for yourself.

Do you LOVE food? But don’t consider yourself an artist? That’s ok, anyone can explore and play with colours, textures and mark making. You’ll surprise yourselves in how art and play can be an extremely relaxing pass-time.

Sophie has a wonderful Youtube Channel called The Farming Chefs, and if you didn’t know, I have one too. Click HERE

Do you have any questions?

I hope you’ll join us.

x

Char

Portugal not for you?

Here are a few other retreats I’m teaching at :

Italy Art Retreat in June 2026 -3 spots

Black Mountain Art Retreat in July 2026 - 2 spots

France Art Retreat in Sept-Oct 2026 - 2 Spots

Oaxaca January 2027 -2 early bird spots

Mexico City January 2027 - 1 early bird spot

I have some exciting news.

It’s been in the works for the past month and a half… and I haven’t been able to say anything about it, until now.

I have taught with Sktchy (portait school) for almost 10 years and Jordan Melnick, the owner, approached me to come and teach at a retreat in Black Mountain, NC. There are only 15 spots.

Take a look,

All the details are in the link below.

CLICK HERE

You can be of any skill level, and we have a guest artist , Tiffany S. DaVanzo joining us one day… so, If you love portraiture , nature and slow easy hikes, this is for you.

I’ll be creating another post soon, but wanted you to get the details before my LIVE Q & A this Saturday at 1pm Click here to join.

Don’t wait too long to reserve your spot!

X

Char

Hello Everyone,

I’m so excited to release my Art Retreat which will be at the Perigord Retreats in the Dordogne Region …

Join me for an incredible 10 days of painting, sketching and enjoying the French countryside of the Dordogne Region at Perigord Retreats .

FROM 30 September – 09 October 2026

EXCURSIONS (I can’t wait)

1 . Every day, we will visit the most beautiful locations to explore and paint. The Medieval villages date back a thousand years, the history and scenery is unbelievably remarkable.

2 . Depending on the season, we will visit poppy, lavender or sunflower fields, vineyards or landscapes. We will be there when the autumn/fall colours start creeping in to the landscape and the apples and grapes are in season..

FOOD (very important)

1. We will eat a range of regionally produced food and wine.

2. Perigord Retreats accommodate gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets.

3. Their menu is seasonal so ensure the best flavour in our meals!

4. All meals are prepared daily in-house by Katel and many ingredients are grown in our vegetable garden.

WHAT YOUR WEEK WILL LOOK LIKE (doesn’t it sound perfect!)

1. Breakfast Daily

2. Trips to local villages to paint, sketch and explore.

3. Lunch either out or back at the retreat

4. Daily painting Demos and workshops En Plein Air and/or in the Studio.

5. Home cooked dinner by Katel.

During your retreat, Harrison and Katel take care of everything from the moment you arrive at the train station until the moment they drop you off at the train station.

Perigord retreats are curated specifically and uniquely for each group to make sure that you get the most out of your 10 days here.

If you like flowers, history, landscapes, or architecture, we take you to the best spots.

DON’T wait! Sign up today!

CLICK HERE to read more about the details of the trip.

X

Char

Hello everyone,

YES… it’s true! I’m going to be teaching in Italy in 2026 in the wonderful region of Le Marche on the east coast of Italy. This is the same retreat I will be teaching at this October, but Italy is one of my favourite places on Earth, so I am happy to go back.

I spent a lot of my 20’s travelling back and forth from Spain to Italy, I learnt the language and can’t wait to speak it again.

When the lovely host of Hotel Leone in Montelparo asked if I wanted to come back, I immediately said yes! (insert me jumping up and down! - Whoohoo)

🌟I’m opening up registration a week early for you as a subscriber before I send it out into the Universe, as you have been so supportive over the years and what better way than to fill the week up in Italy with people I love and care for!

It’s a small and intimate retreat with only 10 spots available unless you and a friend would like to share a room, but realistically I don’t think there will be more than 13/14 people.

As written in the description of the retreat, we’ll spend a whole week together at this gorgeous Boutique Hotel . Our days will be filled with going on 3/4 excursions to neighbouring villages and towns in the mornings to paint and draw al Fresco/al Plein air.

We’ll have a lovely lunch and come back to the hotel to work of our images from our sketchbooks and camera rolls. The Art studio is open to us 24/7 so if you feel like painting at 4 am in the morning- there’s not reason you can’t. I’ll be running Workshops and demos throughout the week in the studio.

It’s an all inclusive , 3 meals a day (other than one lunch), wine with Lunch and Dinner.

Yes, the hotel has a pool! The painting is of the hotel…and its absolutely stunning.

🌟Please note … flights are not included.

🌟Don’t hesitate to sign up! Click HERE to sign up today !

If you would like more information with regard to pricing if you’re bringing a non participating partner, or if you wish to share a room with an artist friend, please email : info@hotelleone.it

Arrivadeci tutti!

X

Char

🌟We’re going to Mexico, actually I’m taking you back to Oaxaca with our travel host @trovatrip

🌟Bring a friend, come on an adventure!!

🌟There are only a few spots remaining.

🌟This was our group from this past February - some of these lovelies you may recognize. Thanks our guide Roxanna in the middle!

🌟I loved it so much when I went with a group this year back in February … that I want to take you all back!!

The colours of Oaxaca

🌟We’ll fill a sketchbook up with colourful sketches and paintings of the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban and Mitla , textile and candle making workshop - streets filled with colour and painted murals. We’ll take a cooking class and eat a traditional meal at a family run restaurant.

🌟You don’t have to be an artist , you can just come and enjoy the adventure with us.

🌟If you love art, food, photography, culture and traditions then Oaxaca is for you!!

🌟click HERE and HERE is you want to see some of the Art which inspired us last time.

🌟Want to check out the full itinerary? Click HERE

🌟 there is an early bird discount for one more person! Click HERE

🌟I am only bringing 12 of you with me… I don’t want a BIG group.

🌟 The above prices do not include Airfare and or some meals. (Please go to link above to read more about it)

🌟You only have to put a deposit of 25% down to save your spot. Please go to the page and read through everything before you book.

🌟On all the excursions and tours we have a guide with us, plus I speak enough Spanish to get by.

🌸I’m so excited! Join me in February 2026!!

🌟Please note flights are not included in the price.

🌟US residents have the opportunity to pay instalments with affirm.

I’d love if you came with me… please message me with any questions.

X

Char

YES… it’s true! I’m going to be teaching in Italy AGAIN in the wonderful region of Le Marche on the east coast of Italy. This is something which everyone would love, and Italy is one of my favourite places on Earth.

So, when I was contacted by the lovely host of Hotel Leone in Montelparo, I immediately said yes to another week!

Click HERE for more information about the week we’ll spend together.

I’m opening up registration for you all here, It’s a small intimate retreat with limited spots available (there are only 4 remaining) and you and a friend can share a room. Keeping the group small and cozy, where we can paint and sketch all week together either outdoors , on location or in the studio.

As written in the description, we’ll spend a whole week together at this gorgeous Boutique Hotel and go on 4 excursions to neighbouring villages and towns in the mornings to paint and draw en plein air. We’ll have a lovely lunch and come back to the hotel to work of our images from our sketchbooks and camera rolls. The Art studio is open to us 24/7 so if you feel like painting at 4 am in the morning- there’s no reason you can’t.

It’s an all inclusive , 3 meals a day (other than one lunch), wine with Lunch and Dinner. The food was divine… absolutely 5 stars!

You’ll even get to try your hand at making Pasta!

Please note … flights are not included, and neither is Insurance.

If you would like more information with regards to pricing if you’re bringing a non participating partner, or if you wish to share a room with an artist friend, please email : info@hotelleone.it

Don’t want to miss out on this opportunity? Fast track and use the direct registration form HERE .

I’m offering a call or Zoom if this is new to you and you’d like some questions answered. Or email me directly at blueshineart@gmail.com so we can chat.

X

Char

Please feel free to share this with friends who love to travel and paint!

Don’t want to miss out on other exciting happenings? sign up below…

x

Char