Porto: Watercolour Painting Class & Studio Session with Hugo

Summary

Paint Porto’s soul in watercolour with Hugo in his Sé studio

You’ll sit with local artist Hugo in his cozy Porto studio near Sé Cathedral, learning watercolour techniques at your own pace. Paint city views with step-by-step help (and all supplies included), listen to stories about Porto life, and leave with your own artwork—plus maybe some paint on your hands too.

What’s the experience like?

You know that faint echo of footsteps on old stone? That’s the first thing I noticed as I squeezed down the narrow street to Lago Artes, somewhere between Sé Cathedral and the river. The walls were close, painted in that faded yellow you see everywhere in Porto, and I could smell coffee drifting from a window above. When I found Hugo’s studio—honestly, it felt more like stepping into someone’s living room than an art class. Silvia waved me in with paint on her hands and a grin like we’d met before.

We started slow. Hugo set out thick watercolour paper (it felt almost soft under my fingers) and explained how to mix the paints—he uses Winsor & Newton, which apparently matters if you want your blues to look like Porto’s sky after rain. He didn’t rush us; he just showed us how he sees the city: domes, rooftops, that old bridge stretching across the Douro. At one point he laughed when I tried to pronounce “Ribeira” properly—definitely butchered it—and then he told us about growing up here, sketching these same streets as a kid. There was music playing quietly somewhere behind the easels, something Portuguese and gentle.

I lost track of time painting those rooftops—the light kept shifting through the window, making everything warmer or cooler by the minute. Someone spilled a bit of ochre on their sleeve and nobody minded; Hugo just shrugged and said it was “part of the process.” We all compared our attempts at shadows along the bridge. I still think about how peaceful it felt there, even though outside you could hear distant tram bells and church bells fighting for attention.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Watercolour painting class in Porto

• Arrive at Lago Artes studio
• Receive step-by-step watercolour guidance
• Create artwork of Porto landscape
• Learn or develop painting skills
• Take home your finished artwork

Top questions

Where is the watercolor class held in Porto?

The class takes place at Lago Artes studio gallery near Sé Cathedral in Porto’s historic center.

Are all painting materials provided?

Yes, all watercolor materials including 300gsm paper, brushes, and Winsor & Newton paints are included.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, Hugo guides everyone step by step so no experience is needed.

How do I get to the studio?

The studio is about a 5-minute walk from São Bento Tube station on a typical narrow street near Sé Cathedral.

Can children join the class?

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult participant during the session.

Is lunch or food included?

No meals are included; only art materials and instruction are provided during the session.

Are private group bookings possible?

Larger or private groups can enquire directly via [e-mail] for availability.

Is there insurance for participants?

Yes, all guests have liability insurance during their time in the studio.

What’s included

Your session includes entry to Hugo do Lago’s indoor gallery-studio near Sé Cathedral, all watercolor supplies (quality paper, brushes, Winsor & Newton paints), personal guidance from Hugo throughout your painting process, plus liability insurance while you’re there—so you can just focus on painting Porto without worry.