Painting Adventure Madrid!
A 3 day Plein Air Painting retreat in Madrid, Toledo and Segovia, with Madrid as the base. Monday 12th to Friday 16th October 2026
WHAT IS THIS?This is about getting together with lovely fellow painters to enjoy plein air painting together in amazing locations, and to enjoy good chats about art, Spain and more, over delicious meals, slow coffees and evening drinks and tapas.There is no tuition, but we will all learn a huge amount from seeing each others’ work, with no pressure to impress an instructor!
WHO IS ORGANISING THIS?This is organised by Ben Curtis, an avid plein air painter in oils and watercolour, who moved to Madrid from the UK in 1998. He has co-organised several events in and around Madrid in the past, and couldn't wait to host a plein air painting event.Having really enjoyed painting and chatting with other plein air artists on workshops, Ben wanted to organise something more informal (without tuition), not-for-profit, and focused on having a great time painting in beautiful places in Spain.Ben is the founder of Madrid Plein Air, a monthly plein air meet-up in the city.
WHO IS IT FOR?Plein Air Painters of all levels with experience of painting outdoors in Oil, Watercolour, Acrylic or Gouache, must bring all own supplies, easel etc (of course Madrid has great art shops too).
ACTIVITY LEVEL:Expect early-ish starts and to walk up to 10,000 steps a day some days - this trip is ideal for energetic people who love exploring and may often be accused of not being able to keep still (except when painting of course!)The idea is to paint a lot, with 2 to 4 hour sessions both morning and afternoon.
GROUP SIZE:Around 10 people
DATES AND ITINERARY:Monday 12th to Friday 16th October 2026Monday: 8pm Welcome get-together tapas in Central MadridTuesday: Painting in the best spots in Madrid, morning and afternoon, with ‘menu del dia’ lunch in a classic Madrid ‘de toda la vida - been there forever’ restaurant. Evening, tapas bar and drinks, energy revival!Wednesday: Trip to Toledo to paint amazing locations such as the town view painted by El Greco, the Puente de San Marin bridge painted by Singer Sargent and Sorolla. Menu del dia set lunch in a classic bar/restaurant. Evening, free to eat with members of the group or relax on one’s own.Thursday: Trip to Segovia to paint the stunning Plaza Mayor, the town view from outside a 12th century Templar Knights church, and other great locations. Menu del día set lunch in a classic bar/restaurant. Evening, farewell dinner together in Madrid.Friday: Departure, or free day in Madrid to paint, wander, visit museums etc.
WHAT IS AND ISN'T INCLUDED:“Painting Adventure Madrid” is a For-Fun-Project organised in the spirit of a micro plein air festival. It’s volunteer-run, and not-for-profit. With that in mind, the following are included and not-included.
INCLUDED - BEN WILL ORGANISE:- The best places to paint - Ben has great local painting knowledge and experience in Madrid, Toledo and Segovia.- Great places to eat and drink, with an emphasis on the places the locals eat and drink.- Guide you around all the locations- Organise transport to and from Toledo and Segovia (with public transport)- Offer lots of Spain and Spanish knowledge!- Make sure everything flows smoothly (Ben has lots of events-organising experience) while painting alongside you every day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED - AND MAKES THIS DIFFERENT:- Painting tuition is not included- Flights, travel to and from Madrid, not included and must be organised individually.- Travel Insurance: You must organise this yourself if you need it.- Accommodation is not included, suggestions will be given for central Madrid locations. All 4 nights will be spent in Madrid.- Food and drink costs: I’ll take us to great, classic places to eat and drink, everyone will pay for their meals in each of the bars/restaurants. Lunch set menus should be 15 to 20 euros. Dinners may cost 20 to 30 euros approximately per person.- Painting supplies - you must bring all your own supplies, plein air kit, pochard box, tripod, easel, painting surfaces, paint, brushes etc, including folding stool if you paint sitting down. If you need last minute supplies in Madrid, e.g. Odourless Mineral Spirits, you can get these on Monday afternoon in Madrid if you arrive in time, or let me know if I can help with this.
IS THIS IN ENGLISH OR SPANISH?:The focus is on painting, the common language in the group is English, but there should be plenty of opportunity to practice Spanish while here if you want to.
HOW DO WE GET TO SEGOVIA AND TOLEDO FROM MADRID?We will be based in Madrid (accommodation-wise) and on the days we travel to Segovia and Toledo will use public transport, either the AVE trains or bus services. This travel will be organised by Ben and included in the cost.
COST:120 Euros per person. Costs will cover organiser’s liability insurance and everyone's transport costs to and from Segovia and Toledo on public transport.
WANT TO JOIN US? HOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT:Spaces are very limited, to around 10 participants in total including Ben (and some of these are already spoken for!) To reserve your space, please fill in this Google Form here and I will get back to you as soon as possible:
GOT QUESTIONS?You can email me at:
ben
@
bencurtisart.com