Paraty Art Experience: 3-Hour Painting Class in the Historic Centre
Discover your creative voice inside a working atelier in one of Brazil's most storied colonial towns.
This Paraty painting class offers a structured, hands-on introduction to visual art guided by Maria Cruz Urquijo, a professional artist and sculptor with over 25 years of active practice. The session takes place inside her private atelier, located in the heart of Paraty's protected Historic Centre. The setting itself — colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, Atlantic Forest light — becomes part of the creative experience.
Maria Cruz Urquijo has built her artistic career across painting and sculpture, and her atelier reflects that dual commitment. Visitors encounter original works, materials in active use, and an instructor who speaks about art from lived professional experience rather than theory alone.
The class is structured to accommodate complete beginners as well as those with some prior exposure to visual arts. Exercises are gentle, progressive, and designed to build confidence with mark-making before moving into paint. A coffee break mid-session creates space for conversation about the creative process.
Experience Highlights
Paint inside a working atelier run by an artist with 25-plus years of professional experience in painting and sculpture.
The atelier is situated in Paraty's UNESCO-recognized Historic Centre, placing you inside one of Brazil's best-preserved colonial urban environments.
Begin with sketching exercises using fingers or pencils — no prior art experience is required to participate fully.
Choose your own format and materials before starting your painting, giving the session a personal and creative direction.
A coffee break mid-session allows for relaxed discussion about the creative process with the artist herself.
Leave with a finished painting — a tangible, handmade keepsake created entirely by you during the class.
How the Class Unfolds
The session opens with a brief introduction to visual art concepts. Participants practice sketching using their fingers or pencils, supported by a conversation about the nature of creativity and the artistic process.
Each participant selects their preferred format and painting materials. With guidance from Maria Cruz, you move from sketch to canvas and begin building your composition at your own pace.
The class pauses for a coffee break. This relaxed interval is used to discuss what you have produced so far and to talk about artistic decisions, techniques, and next steps with the instructor.
Return to your work and add finishing details to complete the painting. The session closes with a finished piece that participants take home as a personal souvenir of their time in Paraty.
What Is Included
Included
- 3-hour guided painting class with professional artist Maria Cruz Urquijo
- All painting materials and supplies
- Sketching exercises and introduction to art concepts
- Coffee break during the session
- Finished painting to take home
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional food or beverages beyond the coffee break
- Framing or packaging of finished artwork
Important Information
Reserve Your Place in the Atelier
Spots in this small-group painting class are limited. Book in advance to secure your session with artist Maria Cruz Urquijo in the heart of Paraty's Historic Centre.
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