Plein Air in Madeira
October 4 – 18, 2025
Deposit:
$500.00 – $1,000.00
Embark on an artistic journey to Madeira, Portugal, where watercolor dreams come alive! Join Eric for an immersive 14-night Plein Air Workshop that transforms the way you see color, light, and landscape. Nestled in the heart of Funchal at the charming Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, you’ll discover the soul of this Portuguese island through your paintbrush.
Imagine capturing Madeira’s dramatic cliffs, azure waters, and vibrant landscapes while receiving expert guidance from a Gold Medal-winning watercolor master. This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime artistic adventure that blends professional instruction with the magic of travel. Enjoy painting field trips, group dinners, a sunset dolphin cruise, and the warmth of local hospitality.
Whether you’re a seasoned painter or an aspiring artist, this October 4-18, 2025 workshop promises to inspire, challenge, and renew your creative spirit. Limited spots available—your masterpiece awaits in Madeira!
Scroll down for more details or download the brochure pdf here
Please click here to view our Cancellation Policy.
Deposit: $500 per person
October 4 -18th, 2025
- Satisfaction Guaranteed
- No Hassle Refunds
- Secure Payments
Description
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL
WATERCOLOR PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP
October 4 – 18, 2025
Madeira, a Portuguese island treasure, is more than dramatic cliffs and azure waters. This subtropical paradise pulses with maritime history, innovative winemaking, and artistic spirit. Funchal, the island’s capital, blends colonial charm with contemporary creativity, offering artists an inspiring canvas of color, light, and tradition.When the paintbrush rests, Madeira invites exploration of terraced vineyards, historic levada trails, and vibrant markets. From warm local hospitality to breathtaking vistas shifting between verdant mountains and sparkling ocean, this island promises a transformative experience that captures the soul of a truly remarkable destination.
What’s included?
* 14 nights of lodging, including breakfast buffet
* 8 days of Plein Air Workshop instruction
* Five group dinners including a traditional Madeiran dinner experience
* Painting field trips
* Magic Dolphin sunset cruise
* Staff assistance throughout workshop
* Free time to explore!
LODGING IN FUNCHAL MADEIRA
The Castanheiro Boutique Hotel offers a remarkable journey through Funchal’s history, spanning three centuries within five carefully restored historic buildings. Located in the city’s heart, this four-star hotel beautifully blends architectural preservation with modern design. Featuring 81 unique rooms that showcase period pieces and antiques, the hotel provides a lap pool with panoramic Bay of Funchal views, just steps away from the city’s vibrant shops, museums, and restaurants.
Available Room Packages
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Painter Shared Room Options
Companion Non-Painter
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FAQs About The Workshop
What´s the closest airport?
How do we get to the hotel upon arrival?
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel is only about 20 minutes from the Madeira airport. Reserve a taxi through the hotel or pick one up at the airport.
What should I bring?
You will need to bring your own brushes, pencils, paper, palette, paints, portable easel and stool. For the complete list, click here.
Also, watch the Plein Air packing video on YouTube. It is quite entertaining. We filmed this in Venice and we think the church bells got stuck on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK1zNvRkeNc
Is there a lot of walking?
We will be doing some walking. You will be carrying your own equipment. Please pack only what you can carry.
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of your trip and workshop.
What to Expect & Additional Questions
How do I sign up for the class?
You can pay a deposit directly on our website or call the gallery for assistance. Once you register for this class & pay the deposit amount, please go back to the main ‘Workshops’ page and complete the registration form for this trip.
There are two options:
- You can click ‘online registration’ in which you can fill out the form right there on your computer and submit it directly to us.
- You can click on the ‘printable registration form’ in which you have the following options:
- Complete the online registration form on your computer & print it, or
- You can download the printable registration form & hand write the info, then you mail the form to:
Wiegardt Studio Gallery
PO BOX 1114
Ocean Park, WA 98640
We will need the completed form in order to send you an invoice for the balance owing on the trip.
What materials do I need?
Once you register for this class, please click on this link to view a materials list so you can ensure you have everything you need before the class begins.
Where can I get the materials I need?
All materials recommended by Eric can be purchased at the gallery or on our website. If you need a specific item not listed on the website (for example, a large sheet of arches rough watercolor paper), please email gallery@ericwiegardt.com to make those arrangements; we will accommodate your requests to the best of our ability.
When should I plan to Arrive?
October 4th, 2025.
What is the difference between a Standard Room and a Junior Suite?
- Size: The Standard Room is 20 square meters, while the Junior Suite is 30 square meters.
- Layout: The Junior Suite features a living area adjacent to the bedroom, providing more space and flexibility.
How do I get from the Airport to the Hotel?
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel is only about 20 minutes from the Madeira airport. Reserve a taxi through the hotel or pick one up at the airport.
What is scheduled for the day after arrival?
Painting close to the hotel.
When does the workshop instruction actually begin?
October 6th.
Are there days on the trip when there are not planned activities?
October 8th, 11th, 12th and 15th.
What day does instruction end?
October 17th.
When should I book a return flight?
October 18th.
What is the full workshop schedule?
- 10/4: Arrive and Group Dinner
- 10/5: Reception 7pm
- 10/6: Paint Local
- 10/7: Painting Field Trip Group Dinner 7pm
- 10/8: Off
- 10/9: Painting Field Trip
- 10/10: Paint Local and Group Dinner 7pm
- 10/11 & 10/12: Off
- 10/13: Paint Local and Group Dinner 7pm
- 10/14: Painting Field Trip
- 10/15: Off
- 10/16: Paint Local and Sunset Cruise
- 10/17: Paint Local and Group Dinner 7pm
How do I get from the hotel back to airport?
Taxi can be arranged at the hotel.
What food is included?
Five Group Dinners including one traditional Madeiran dinner, Welcome Reception, and a daily breakfast buffet is included.
Does the hotel have a restaurant or are there any within walking distance?
Hotel has two restaurants and many more within easy walking distance.
What type of Power Outlets are available?
Madeira utilizes type F sockets and a different voltage than US outlets. you need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type F on Madeira. Even though many electrical items have dual voltage, you may not need a voltage converter. Be extra careful as certain devices can be sensitive to the difference in frequency.
What currency is used?
Euros are the currency of Madeira, please plan accordingly.
Any special items I should bring?
A sunhat may be helpful. Dress is casual with the option of dress as desired.
What is the contact information for the hotel?
Website: https://www.castanheiroboutiquehotel.com/
Address:Rua do Castanheiro nº 31,
Phone: + 351 291 200 100 (National landline call)
Email: info@castanheiroboutiquehotel.com
Cancellations & Refunds
For cancellations prior to March 1, 2025, all money will be refunded minus the $50 non-refundable fee. For cancellations between March 1, 2025 to June 1, 2025, all money will be refunded minus the $500 administration fee. After June 1, 2025, cancellations must be in writing; no money will be returned to the applicant unless that individual’s space can be resold. If the space is resold, all monies will be refunded minus the $500 administration fee. No refund will be given to an applicant who does not participate or complete the workshop or field activities.
Eric Wiegardt reserves the right to cancel for any reason. All payments will be reimbursed to the participants immediately upon cancellation.
Additional information
| Deposit | Painter $500 Deposit, Painter & Companion $1000 Deposit |
|---|---|
| Room Choice | Standard Single Room, Standard Shared Room, Shared Junior Suite |
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