Painting Holiday in Cádiz, Spain April 12 - 19, 2023
Oils with Cecilio Chaves
Our one week painting holiday in Spain takes place in the historic Andalusian city of Cádiz. The workshop is designed for all levels of painters, from pure beginners to the most experienced plein air artists. Instructor Cecilio Chaves'
workshops include demonstrations by the artist, individual instruction and critique, local lore, history, and an insider's introduction to Cádiz. We will be walking on old cobbled streets with easels and painting supplies -- participants should be comfortable with carrying their gear on uneven surfaces. Not recommended for people with limited mobility.



Taught in English
and Spanish
The workshop will be held throughout the city, seeking out the most appropriate places for light and color. Each student will receive personalized mentoring, whether they are beginners or accomplished painters, in order to enhance their creativity and bring out their own personality in their painting. Cádiz is a privileged place for landscape painting, its old narrow cobbled streets are perfect for the study of perspective and light. In addition, Cádiz's characteristic rooftops and famous lookout towers add to the uniqueness of its cityscape.
Students will have the opportunity to -- in addition to getting to know the city and its friendly, welcoming inhabitants -- acquire knowledge in terms of composition, texture, and materials while having fun painting without pressure and without the need to create "finished" works. Exercises are aimed at allowing students to acquire the most knowledge in a fun and enjoyable way. Cecilio, a Cádiz local, knows the city, its history and practically every corner -- and paints them with the love of the artist for the place he adores. After 25 years of professional painting he is also a beloved teacher, well respected and known for his generosity when it comes to teaching his students, who are delighted in all his workshops.
Typical Schedule
Subject to change depending on weather, desires of group, or other unforseen circumstances.
Wednesday
Arrival at hotel in Cádiz' historic center
Wednesday night
Welcome tapas and wine fiesta on roof top terrace
Daily schedule
9:00 - 9:45 am breakfast
10:00 am painting demo
10:30 - 1:00 pm plein air painting
1:00 - 2:30 pm lunch at local restaurant of your choosing (not included)
2:30 - 5:30 pm plein air painting
Optional museum and historical site visits, sherry tastings, etc.
5:30 - 8:30 pm Siesta/free time
8:30 pm Dinner at local restaurant of your choosing (not included)
Tuesday
9:00 - 9:45 am breakfast
10:00 - 1:00 pm finishing up paintings
1:00 - 2:30 pm lunch at local restaurant of your choosing (not included)
2:30 - 4:00 pm finishing up paintings and hanging in Cecilio's studio
4:00 - 6:00 pm siesta
6:00 - 8:00 pm wine & cheese reception vernissage in Cecilio's studio
8:30 pm gourmet Farewell Dinner
Wednesday
9:00 - 9:45 am breakfast
10 - 11 am Check out of accommodation and good-byes!


Painting Instructor Cecilio Chaves
Cecilio Chaves was born in Cadiz, a little town in the south of Spain. He studied art at the University of Seville, specializing in oil painting. He paints portraits and landscapes in various media: oil, acrylic, and watercolor. his speciality is the Urban Landscape. Light and shadows are particularly special in his pictures -- blues, grays, reds and yellows are mixed to create a unique ambiance. Cecilio has had many solo and group exhibitions in Spain, Germany, Finland, Sweden and South America. The recipient of many painting prizes, he has much experience as a teacher, at the University level, and in private workshops and masterclasses.
Holiday Director Kate Kilbourne
Since 2000, Kate Kilbourne has lived part of the year in San Francisco, California, and part of the year in Troo, France... until 2017 when her partner Robert bought a flat in Cadiz. Now Kate spends the early spring and late fall in Spain. She is fluent in French and is learning Spanish as fast as she can!

Historic renovated elegance in Cádiz at
El Armador Casa Palacio
Welcome to El Armador Casa Palacio, one of Cadiz's architectural gems, transformed from a noble 19th century palace into luxurious apartment suites. Typically Andalusian with its interior patio, fountain and vertical garden, the building is located in the city's historic center on Calle Ancha, a pedestrian street lined with cafes and boutiques.
We have reserved two comfortable 50 m2 apartment suites, each with one bedroom with a double bed, and another with two single beds which can be made up as two twins, or a double. Each apartment has a living room, kitchen and private bathroom.
The living room features a flat-screen TV, sofa and dining area. The kitchenette is fully equipped with integrated microwave/oven, fridge, washer/dryer, toaster, kettle, coffee maker Dulce Gusto and kitchenware.
Included in Holiday
-
6 days of instruction
-
7 nights lodging in El Armador Casa Palacio
-
Daily breakfast at cafe
-
Welcome tapas and wine fiesta Wednesday night
-
Local museums and historical site visits
-
wine & cheese vernissage Tuesday
-
Farewell 3 course gourmet dinner
Not Included
-
Air fare
-
Travel insurance
-
Medical insurance
-
Train fare
-
Painting Materials (we will provide paint thinner)
Cost
The cost for the 7 night holiday, inclusive of everything listed under "Included in Holiday", varies according to whether you prefer a single room or are planning to share a double. Accommodation is in the El Armador Casa Palacio.
Shared Room: 1300 euros
Per person
Single Room: 1650 euros
Per person
20% Discount
for non-painting participants