Oil Painting Workshop in Spain, May 21-28, 2022
Teacher Brian Murphy
Painting Workshops.
When quality matters!
When quality matters!
Painting Tours-Teacher-Brian Murphy-Spain
Brian Murphy, Oil Painting Workshop, Spain May 21-28, 2022
Workshop Description
Come join Brian Murphy for a week long painting adventure in the magnificent Costa Brava, Spain.
Learn to loosen up your technique and create Light Filled paintings while also learning how to paint with a Limited Palette. Brian has led numerous painting trips to France, Italy and Ireland and this workshop will continue the tradition of painting and experiencing the natural beauty and culture of this beautiful part of the world.
Spend each day discovering the wonderful light the Costa Brava landscape and seascapes provide while learning how to capture that light on your canvas.
There will be daily critiques and discussions about your paintings and Brian will spend part of each day “one on one” with you as you paint the magnificent views. Plein air painting is the best way to advance your skills and your painting ability will quickly grow each day. Daily excursions will be an adventure in painting and also in discovering the wonderful and unique culture this region of Spain has to offer. 
“I hope you will be able to join us for this wonderful trip and discover how rewarding and fun painting abroad can be. The camaraderie and connection you make with your fellow participants and the experiences you have while discovering the Spanish culture, food and wine will stay with you for a lifetime. I look forward to having the opportunity to pass along my love and knowledge of “plein air” painting and sharing this adventure with you!” – Brian
Day 1: Arrival at the Costa Brava
We will pick you up at a specific hotel downtown Barcelona and drive you to our hotel located in one of the most exclusive beaches on the Costa Brava. Upon your arrival at our hotel by the sea, take time to settle in or start enjoying the wonderful white-washed and preserved fisherman village on the beach.
Enjoy the beach in front of the hotel, walk along the pristine seashore, take in the sun from the terrace or have a drink in the Mediterranean breeze.
Before dinner, we will take an easy walk along the shore that offers breathtaking vistas along the way.
In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a delicious dinner.
Days 2-3: Painting One of the Most Beautiful Villages on the Costa Brava
This “little fishing village” is a hidden gem among all other villages along the Northern Costa Brava. This village is made up of endless rocks, cliffs and extremely beautiful beaches.
The parish church lies in the center of the village and is surrounded by numerous small, windy alleys, which lead down to the beach and give this village its picturesque charm.
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Day 4: Flowers, Coves and Sea Views at the Botanical Garden
Ten minutes up the road, lies The Jardi Botanic de Cap Roig. It is considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the Mediterranean.
The most characteristic plant species in the Mediterranean region mix with trees and plants from other continents are a must see and a must paint…
High above the bay, the garden offers stunning views towards the ocean.
In 1927, a Russian Colonel and his English wife began building a castle and a magnificent park. The garden runs down in terraces from the castle to the sea. These ornamental and extremely beautiful gardens contain over 1000 species of plants and flowers from all over the world.
Day 5: Pals, a Unique Preserved Medieval Village
As you walk through the narrow village streets, next to the city walls, towers and churches, you will feel as though you have walked into a new time altogether.
The stone archways, cobblestone streets and wrought balconies adorned with flowers create a welcoming feel in this Romanesque village.
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Day 6: The Surrealistic World of Salvador Dali
For those interested we will go to see the largest surrealistic object in the world created by Dalí, the Dalí Theatre-Museu in the town of Figueres, his birthplace.
We will step inside the surreal world of Salvador Dalí and find a museum like none other. Dalí wanted visitors to see his massive collection as a ‘whole’ work and therefore refused to have his works placed in chronological or subject order.
Inside is a world of fantasy mixed with architecture, paintings and sculptures. It’s a complete surrealistic experience.
Day 7: Painting in the Village
For the last day, we will stay in the village by-the-sea. They are endless vignettes to paint:
cliffs and rocks, boats on the beach, white-washed houses or a magnificent fortress on the beach right in front of the hotel. We will finish our workshop by a “Show and Tell” or ‘Critique” while sipping some sangria before going to the restaurant for our farewell dinner.
Day 8: Departure
It is time to say Hasta Luego!!
After our last breakfast, we will drive you back to Barcelona (either the airport or downtown). We will get to Barcelona around noon so make sure your flight is not before 3pm.
Peaceful Hotel in the Heart of Costa Brava
We have chosen this friendly and peaceful hotel located in the heart of the Costa Brava. Come and let yourself be carried away by emotions!
The hotel sits on bluffs overlooking the coves of a hidden preserved beach of the Costa Brava.
Besides magnificent views, the hotel grounds boast a shaded terrace and beautifully wooded gardens.
The village’s narrowing streets and picturesque fishermen’s cottages form an idyllic backdrop to the stunning Mediterranean coast.
Some rooms have a balcony with sea view (very few available so book early). Enjoy exceptional views of the white fishing village and the blue sea in a comfortable, intimate and relaxed atmosphere. You can even paint from your balcony, the blue water or the village below.
All rooms have TV, satellite, hairdryer, safety deposit box and wifi.
Dates & Rates
Dates: May 23-30, 2021 Oil Painting Workshop with Brian – Max: 12 Participants
Rates: $3,590 for a double occupancy standard room
+ $550 for single standard room
or
+ $900 for a room with breathtaking sea view (The $900 is for the room so if you are sharing a room, the supplement is $450 per person)
Non Painters (sharing a room with a painter) are welcome to join. They will get a $400 discount. They will go on excursions with the group and share the meals included in the package.
Includes
- Pick-up at 1:30pm at a specific hotel downtown Barcelona to go to the Costa Brava
- Drop-off either at the pick-up hotel in Barcelona around 11am or at the the airport around noon
- A welcome reception
- All nights at the hotel on the Costa Brava
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners (including drinks and wine)
- All art classes
- Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
- Transportation every day in a comfortable van
- The use of folding chairs
- A personal chauffeur/tour leader throughout the week
Excludes
- Flights to and from Barcelona
- 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Painting supplies (we provide folding chairs)
- Tour leader(s) tipping
How to book
To Make Your Reservation for a French Escapade Tour please follow the steps below and review our Cancellation Policy:
1
Check Availability
Send us an e-mail to check availability. Include the dates of the workshop you are interested in (not just the destination since we do have several workshops at the same location) and the number of people you will be reserving a spot for.
2
Submit Registration Form and Send $600 Deposit
After receiving confirmation of availability, complete and submit the Reservation Form and send your $600 deposit
3 methods of payment:
- pay by check, (if you live in Canada, it needs to be a money order), payable to French Escapade LLC, 2389 Blackpool Place, San Leandro, CA 94577
- pay by wire transfer (let us know and we will provide you with our account number)
- pay by credit card using www.paypal.com (3.5% convenience fees applies)
3
Receive Confirmation
We will send you a written confirmation of your reservation along with an information package for your trip (info about pick up and drop off, recommended insurance, name of a travel agent, what to bring, etc…). Do not make any travel arrangement before we tell you that the trip has a guaranteed departure.
4
Submit Remaining Balance
Your remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Make sure to review below our cancelation policy in case you need to cancel the trip.
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel the trip: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| More than 90 days before departure | The $600 deposit is forfeited (however $500 can be transferred-only one time-to another trip with a departure date within 2 years of cancelation date) |
| 61-90 days before departure | 50% of total cost forfeited |
| 31-60 days before departure | 75% of total cost forfeited |
| 0-30 days before departure | 100% of total cost forfeited |
| If French Escapade cancels | You get a full refund |