LIGHT AND COLOR OF SPAIN 2027: The Art of Plein Air Watercolor

LIGHT AND COLOR OF SPAIN: The Art of Plein Air Watercolor

Coastal and Medieval Regions from Barcelona to Costa Brava

April 19 – 28, 2027

Your Last Opportunity to Paint the Costa Brava with Susan O’Neill!

Join award-winning artist and instructor Susan O’Neill for one final watercolor workshop through the breathtaking Costa Brava—a landscape where Mediterranean light, rugged coastlines, and timeless medieval villages have inspired artists for centuries.

Together we will paint on sunlit beaches, beneath ancient stone archways, along dramatic seaside cliffs, and within the narrow streets of beautifully preserved medieval towns. Each location has been carefully selected not only for its beauty but for the extraordinary opportunities it offers to explore light, color, atmosphere, and expressive watercolor painting.

This immersive workshop is designed for artists of all experience levels. Whether you are new to watercolor or an experienced painter seeking fresh inspiration, you’ll receive personalized instruction that will strengthen both your technical skills and your artistic vision.

More than simply learning to paint a place, you will learn to experience it—to observe the subtle shifts of Mediterranean light, simplify complex scenes, and create paintings that capture the spirit and atmosphere of Spain.

Please note: This experience is designed for intermediate to advanced painters with prior watercolor experience. To maintain the intimate nature of the workshop, each space is reserved for painting participants—no spouses, guests, or non-painting companions this time. Some painting locations involve rocky and uneven sloping terrain, so a reasonable amount of physical mobility is essential.

Highlights

🌅 Paint breathtaking Mediterranean seascapes glowing with extraordinary light.

🏰 Explore and paint enchanting medieval villages rich in history and character.

🎨 Daily plein air watercolor instruction with demonstrations and individualized guidance.

🎨 Strengthen your understanding of composition, color harmony, atmospheric perspective, and expressive brushwork.

🍷 Enjoy the warmth of Spanish culture, exceptional cuisine, and the camaraderie of traveling with fellow artists.

Workshop Includes

• Daily plein air watercolor instruction
• Individual critiques and demonstrations
• Carefully selected painting locations throughout the Costa Brava
• Guided visits to museums and historic medieval villages
• Accommodations
• Ground transportation throughout the workshop
• Select meals

Please note: Airfare and personal supplies are not included.

Dates: April 19 – 28, 2027

Reserve Your Spot with a Deposit Ticket

Enrollment is intentionally limited to create a supportive and personalized learning experience. If Spain has long been on your painting wish list, this is your opportunity.

This will be Susan O’Neill’s final Costa Brava workshop.

Reserve your place and experience one of Europe’s most inspiring painting destinations while creating memories—and paintings—that will last a lifetime.

By purchasing a Reserve-a-Spot Deposit Ticket, you’ll secure your place in the workshop and receive the full itinerary, trip details, and updates. This will give you time to review everything before completing your registration and final payment.

Note: Your Reserve-a-Spot Deposit Ticket is fully refundable through November 8, 2026.

About Susan O’Neill

Award-winning artist and Art League instructor Susan O’Neill has spent decades helping artists discover not only how to paint, but how to truly see. A graduate of the University of Michigan with advanced studies at the Rhode Island School of Design and Studio Incamminati, Susan combines strong classical foundations with an expressive, contemporary approach to watercolor. Her workshops emphasize observation, design, rhythm, light, and the poetry of watercolor, empowering students to develop both confidence and a personal artistic voice.

Known for her enthusiastic teaching style and individualized instruction, Susan creates an encouraging environment where artists of every level can grow, experiment, and be inspired.

Join Susan for this extraordinary journey through one of Spain’s most beautiful regions and experience the magic of painting where light, history, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Questions?

Email us at margaretc@theartleague.org or call 703-549-5450.