REVIEW · MALAGA
Paint your own Picasso
Book on Viator →Operated by El Retorno de Lilith · Bookable on Viator
Picasso in two hours sounds impossible. In this Malaga workshop, you’ll learn cubism basics, then create a Picasso-style painting in a real studio that’s also an art gallery. Afterward, it’s an easy setup for wandering Lagunillas for graffiti photos and a casual drink.
I like that the session is structured but still playful. You get a short intro to Picasso’s life and how he developed his ideas, then you’re guided step-by-step with real encouragement (names that came up often include Silvia, Javi, and Thomas). One thing to think about: street parking near the studio can be hard to find, so plan ahead.
In This Review
- Quick highlights
- What You Create: A Picasso-Style Cubism Portrait to Take Home
- Inside El Retorno de Lilith: A Studio Plus Art Gallery Mood
- The 2-Hour Flow: From Picasso Intro to Guided Brushwork
- English-Friendly Class, Small Group Help, and Real Personality
- Price and Value in Malaga: What $47.07 Buys You
- Best Time to Book: Before the Picasso Museum or After
- After the Workshop: Lagunillas Graffiti, Photos, and Bar Stops
- Practical Tips for a Smooth Session
- Who This Workshop Is For (and Who Might Skip It)
- Should You Book Paint Your Own Picasso in Malaga?
- FAQ
- How long is the Paint your own Picasso workshop?
- Where do I meet for the workshop?
- Is the workshop offered in English?
- How big is the group?
- Will I take something home?
- Is the studio also an art gallery?
- Can service animals attend?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Quick highlights

- A take-home Picasso-style painting made in Picasso’s birth city (Malaga)
- Small groups (up to 9 people), so you can actually get help as you paint
- Short Picasso intro before the brushwork, often with slide/video style explanations
- A patient, no-judgment teaching vibe, even for complete beginners
- A studio that feels calm and creative, plus an art-gallery atmosphere
- A perfect follow-up walk in Lagunillas for graffiti walls, photos, and bar hopping
What You Create: A Picasso-Style Cubism Portrait to Take Home

This is the kind of art activity that gives you something you can hold in your hands when you’re done. In about two hours, you’ll create your own Picasso-inspired work—many sessions focus on cubism and self-portrait-style compositions.
What makes that more than just a souvenir is the way the workshop is taught. People regularly mention that the instructor helps you understand the logic behind the style first, then you apply it. That means you’re not just copying a picture—you’re making decisions about shape, angles, and expression, with guidance along the way.
And the results seem to surprise beginners in a good way. Several comments highlight that the final painting looks better than expected, even for people with no art background. That’s a big deal in a city packed with museums: this one lets you participate, not just observe.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Malaga.
Inside El Retorno de Lilith: A Studio Plus Art Gallery Mood

The workshop takes place at El Retorno de Lilith, at Calle Cobertizo del Conde, 6, in Distrito Centro. The space is described as light-filled and tranquil, with a studio feel that doesn’t feel touristy or rushed. Since it’s also an art gallery, the vibe is more “working artist space” than “classroom.”
That matters because comfort changes how you learn. When the room feels calm, you’re more willing to experiment—especially with a style like cubism, which can feel strange at first. The feedback you’ll see emphasizes how encouraging the atmosphere is, with instructors giving room to play while still keeping the project on track.
You also get the benefit of being in the center of Malaga. The meeting point is near public transportation, so you’re not stuck solving logistics before you even start painting.
The 2-Hour Flow: From Picasso Intro to Guided Brushwork

Plan on roughly two hours, from start to finish, back at the same meeting point. The session is built in phases, and the reviews point to a clear rhythm:
First comes a quick Picasso-focused introduction. People describe slide presentations and even video-style explanations covering Picasso’s life, influences, and how he developed the techniques behind cubism. This is useful even if you’ve already seen the Picasso Museum, because it gives you a framework for what you’ll try with paint.
Then you move into the hands-on part. The workshop is multi-step, guided, and designed for different comfort levels. Some people describe it as very structured. Others mention they had a lot of freedom to create without judgment. Those two ideas can actually work together: you follow prompts and exercises, and then you make choices within them.
A detail I’d take seriously if you hate being pressured: the tone is repeatedly described as patient and encouraging. Even when someone is painting for the first time, the instructor keeps things friendly and focused, rather than judging how closely you match a model.
Finally, you finish with a completed painting you can take home. That ending is what turns the class from a fun hour into a memory you’ll still have in your apartment.
English-Friendly Class, Small Group Help, and Real Personality

This activity is offered in English, and it stays accessible for most people. The maximum group size is 9, which is a sweet spot for art classes. Big enough to feel social. Small enough that you’re not just standing off to the side hoping somebody notices your questions.
The instructor style seems to be a major reason people love it. Several comments mention humor, patience, and encouragement—especially with novices. One common theme is that the host helps you feel like you belong at the table, even if you’re retired, a parent with kids, or someone who just thought cubism sounded too hard.
If you’re traveling with family, this workshop also reads like it scales well. Comments include kids and multi-age groups, and the lesson design appears to work for different skill levels at the same time.
Price and Value in Malaga: What $47.07 Buys You

At about $47.07 per person for around two hours, this isn’t a bargain in the sense of being “cheap.” But it’s strong value when you look at what you get:
- A guided art session led by a local instructor
- A Picasso-focused mini lesson tied directly to what you paint
- A finished artwork you keep
- A small-group experience (up to 9) that feels personal
- A studio setting that’s calm and well equipped, not makeshift
In Malaga, you can spend a lot on museums, tours, and dining. This class is different: it’s interactive, it creates a physical takeaway, and it helps you connect the dots between Picasso the artist and Picasso the technique.
If you’re the type who likes doing one hands-on thing in a destination—rather than stacking days of sightseeing—this price-to-experience ratio feels fair. You’re paying for instruction and the chance to leave with something you made.
Best Time to Book: Before the Picasso Museum or After

If you’re planning a Picasso Museum visit, you have options. Some people recommend doing the workshop before the museum so the art makes more sense when you walk into the galleries. Others take it after, saying it helped them understand what they’d just seen.
Here’s my practical take: do it when it fits your energy. If you want the museum to feel more “clicky,” book this first. If you’ve already seen Picasso and want the techniques to make sense in your own hands, do it afterward.
Either way, the workshop is built around Picasso’s life, influences, and cubism thinking—so the timing mostly changes how you process the museum, not whether the class works.
After the Workshop: Lagunillas Graffiti, Photos, and Bar Stops

One of the best travel hacks in this experience is what comes right after class: a walk through Lagunillas. The neighborhood is known for graffiti-covered walls, which makes it perfect for photos while the creativity is still fresh.
You’ll also be near places to grab a drink afterward. The workshop itself is calm, so this follow-on stroll gives you a nice contrast: art on canvas first, then street art as atmosphere.
Keep the neighborhood walk in mind when you plan your day. Two hours painting goes fast. Give yourself time to wander without rushing, especially if you enjoy street textures and candid photo spots.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Session

A few real-world details can make this simpler:
Parking can be tricky. One of the few downsides mentioned is that street parking near the studio can be hard to find. If you’re driving, arrive early and don’t bank on easy curb spots.
Use public transport if you can. The meeting point is near public transportation, and that’s often the easiest way to keep your day stress-free in a central area.
Come ready to create, not to perform. The instructors emphasize freedom and no judgment. Still, you’ll get the best result if you’re willing to try the steps even when your first attempt looks awkward.
Bring your curiosity. The workshop isn’t just about the final painting. People repeatedly talk about the Picasso intro as part of the reward—learning why the style looks the way it does, then applying it.
Who This Workshop Is For (and Who Might Skip It)
This class is a great match if you:
- Want an easy, structured way to try cubism-style art without prior experience
- Like meeting local artists in small-group settings
- Want a tangible take-home souvenir that feels personal
- Enjoy guided creativity—especially when the instructor is patient and encouraging
It may not be the best fit if:
- You only want to watch art and don’t want to paint at all
- You get anxious when you’re asked to make choices with your hands in a shared studio space
The good news: the project is designed for most participants, and the teaching tone in the feedback leans supportive. It’s more “play with Picasso’s ideas” than “test your skill.”
Should You Book Paint Your Own Picasso in Malaga?
Yes—if you want one memorable, hands-on activity that connects you to Picasso beyond the museum ticket. The combination of a short Picasso intro, a guided cubism painting process, and an art-gallery studio atmosphere is exactly the kind of value that makes a trip feel complete.
Book it especially if:
- you’re a beginner and want structure plus encouragement
- you’d like a take-home artwork instead of another photo
- you’re doing Malaga’s Picasso content and want a deeper, practical understanding
If you hate parking worries, plan your arrival early or rely on public transport. Aside from that, this looks like a safe bet: a small-group class, friendly instruction, and a finished painting you’ll be happy to display.
FAQ
How long is the Paint your own Picasso workshop?
It runs for about 2 hours.
Where do I meet for the workshop?
You meet at El Retorno de Lilith, Calle Cobertizo del Conde, 6, Distrito Centro, 29013 Málaga, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is the workshop offered in English?
Yes, the workshop is offered in English.
How big is the group?
The maximum group size is 9 people.
Will I take something home?
Yes. You create your own Picasso-style artwork during the session and take it with you.
Is the studio also an art gallery?
Yes. The studio also functions as an art gallery.
Can service animals attend?
Yes, service animals are allowed.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t get a refund.

























