Our Artists Residencies are designed for artists looking for inspiration in unique and captivating environments. In them, tranquility and landscaping prevail, inviting reflection and serving as inspiration for creators. They are also close enough to important and attractive cities to be able to visit them comfortably. These oases are located in or near urban centers. They have all the comforts and facilities so you only have to worry about the most important thing: creating. You can choose if you prefer to enjoy your residency alone or accompanied by other artists. Our residencies are open to painters and sculptors.
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Check all the accepted artists here: https://www.thealmenaracollection.com/page/46339/accepted-artists
The most important thing I got from the time was space to think and do some vital planning for my next phase of painting. the house is situated in peaceful greenery and the weather was idyllic. Long walks in the evening, breakfast on the terrace, trips to Cadiz, Gibraltar, and a Mountain Village gave me inspiration and wonder.
The house was lovely and had everything we needed. David and his family gave us a wonderful welcome with an evening to see some flamenco and eat tapas.
The Almenera collection has the Artists at its heart and their generosity and support is so welcome and so needed in the art world.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to stay at the Almenara residencies. Every time I think about it, I long for those long days of painting and enjoying the sunset on the veranda, and for the laughter and discussions about art in the evening. These memories will stay with me forever!
Spending a month in Montoro, Spain, overlooking a stunning cityscape, was an unforgettable experience. The blend of immersing myself in the rich culture and dedicating a month exclusively to my artistic research through plein-air painting was invaluable. David and his family warmly welcomed me, treating me like one of their own. They frequently checked in, showed us around the town, and graciously invited us to lunch.
Montoro is a picturesque town, intimate and surrounded by endless olive groves, with countless nooks to explore. Additionally, it is just a short bus ride to the larger city of Córdoba, where I spent time exploring Islamic, Christian, and Roman sites. I left the residency with a substantial collection of paintings and a deepened appreciation for Spanish food, culture, dance, and way of life.”
Cameron Copley-Heissig (Germany):
"My experience at the residency was truly remarkable. It provided the ideal environment for me to further develop my artistic skills and explore new ideas. The space was a wellspring of inspiration, and sharing it with fellow artist Samuel Hoskins was an added bonus. We exchanged ideas and shared experiences, enriching our time there.
One of my primary goals was to immerse myself in the local culture, and with the invaluable assistance of the incredibly friendly David Gutierrez, who organizes the residencies, I was able to achieve just that. David and his family welcomed us warmly, treating us like their own Family and giving us an authentic glimpse into the southern Spanish way of life. From stunning architecture and delicious food to traditional music and other cultural elements, we experienced it all.
The residency's location in the charming village of Montoro was perfect. We had the freedom to paint within the village, explore the countryside, or take a bus to larger cities like Cordoba, gathering inspiration and beautiful references from each place. The typical streets and alleys decorated with Arabic ornaments in Cordoba were particularly delightful to paint.
What I liked the most was the warmth and friendliness of the people in Montoro and Cordoba. Despite language barriers, they were always open, helpful, and eager to share their culture. This sense of community made my time at the Almenara Collection residency an unforgettable experience."
Eleinne Basa (US):
The accommodation was nestled in a very tranquil part of Sotogrande with amazing views. The villa was very comfortable with a spacious outdoor dining area, pool and en-suite bedrooms. All the rooms were peppered with a collection of beautiful paintings and objects which added to the ambience. The overall setting was magical and acted as a perfect retreat to relax and focus.
The location was a short drive away from Sotogrande marina with plenty of eating options and close to Guadiaro for grocery shopping, parks, bars and restaurants.
It was also near the coast with Estepona and Gibraltar and the bigger cities of Cadiz, Seville and Malaga all reachable within the region.
The local people were warm and friendly, and David and his family were kind, gracious and most welcoming. I will cherish the memories from my residency forever.
I’m incredibly grateful for my month in residence in Montoro, Spain, where I had the privilege of painting alongside Patricia McMahon Rice, the other artist in residence. The apartment’s beautiful natural light made it an ideal space to work, and the town itself—with its historic architecture, winding cobblestone streets, welcoming locals, and vibrant Andalusian culture—provided endless inspiration for my landscape series. Many thanks to David, Agustina, and their family for being such gracious hosts. This residency has been an experience I’ll always treasure.
I had the privilege of spending a month at the AlmenaraResidency in the peaceful town of Montoro, Spain, and it was an experience that deeply enriched both my personal and artistic journey. As a portrait artist, I typically focus on the human figure, but during my time at Almenara, I had the opportunity to branch out, exploring landscape painting and still life alongside my portrait work. The time and space to experiment without the usual pressures of daily life allowed me to grow in unexpected ways.
On a personal level, the residency provided a quiet, restorative environment during a time of loss. I was grieving the death of my older sister, and the serenity of Montoro — with its breathtaking vistas of the town, the Guadaquivir River, and the surrounding olive groves — offered me much-needed space to reflect and process my emotions. Each day, I woke up to the sight of the town bathed in the soft light of dawn and then watched as it glowed under the setting sun, framed by distant hills. The beauty of the landscape was a true balm for my spirit, and I’ll forever be grateful for the peacefulness it provided during such a challenging time.
Our host, David, played an instrumental role in making our experience so special. He welcomed us into his family and made us feel not only comfortable but truly at home. David’s kindness and generosity extended far beyond what I could have expected — he invited us to explore the local culture and way of life, which gave us a deeper connection to the region. We had the chance to visit the historic town of Úbeda, which further immersed us in the beauty and history of Spain. David’s hospitality and warmth truly enhanced the entire experience.
In addition to the stunning setting and cultural immersion, I was fortunate to be paired with Canadian artist Robyn Asquini. Robyn and I spent our days painting side by side, exchanging ideas, providing feedback, and encouraging each other. The creative camaraderie was invaluable, and I walked away from this residency not only with new artistic skills but also with a lasting friendship.
A highlight of our time at Almenara was the opportunity to attend the Almenara Competition Gala in Córdoba, where we met talented artists from around the world. The chance to see their work in person, as well as participate in a private tour and lunch the following day, was a memorable and inspiring experience. The connections made at the gala, along with the shared experiences of the residency, will remain with me for years to come.
Lastly, I must mention the local produce that our host provided — baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables that became the subjects of several of my still life paintings. It was a perfect reflection of the abundance and beauty of the region, and painting those simple, everyday objects was a reminder of how art can be found in even the most ordinary things.
The Almenara Residency gave me the rare gift of time to pause, reflect, and create. It allowed me to develop as an artist, explore new subjects, and recharge my spirit. It was a truly transformative experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any artist looking for inspiration, personal growth, and a deep connection to both their craft and the world around them.
