Since moving to the Algarve in Portugal I’ve expanded my passion for urban sketching people, to include sketching buildings — especially local street scenes in Tavira.
My Process
My paintings are a simplified interpretation of scenes that capture my imagination and inspire me to create. I often take photos at severe angles so the edges of the buildings have a warped perspective. I think this approach is much more interesting than an eye-level straight-on vantage point. Each piece of art is sketched with a fountain pen in ink, and completed with professional grade watercolour.
My Tavira Watercolours by Location
Although I may paint the same scene multiple times, each time there are subtle differences that make each painting a unique work of art. No two are ever exactly the same.
Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, Tavira
The Parish Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, is Tavira’s main church. It was built in the 13th century, when the city of Tavira was conquered from the Moors by the Order of Santiago (~1242), by D. Paio Peres Correia, to replace the Arab mosque which stood here. [Source: Wikipedia]
Igreja de Santiago, Tavira
The Church of Santiago, dedicated to Saint James the Great, was donated by D. Afonso III to the Bishop of Silves in 1270, and belonged to the Military Order of Santiago de Espada. The church is considered the starting point of the eastern route of the Portuguese Way of St. James. [Source: Wikipedia]
Igreja de San Francisco, Tavira
Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco. The Church of São Francisco is located in the former parish of Santiago, in Tavira. Also known as the Convent of São Francisco, its origins date back to 1272 and was created by King D. Diniz. It’s a Gothic and Baroque style church with two domes. [Source: Wikipedia]
Restaurants and Businesses
I love to travel, and rather than coming back from destinations with trinkets and souvenirs that will end up shoved in a drawer or cupboard, I like to buy artwork by local artists to bring back home. Much more pleasing to the eye, and a visual reminder of my travels. This is why I like creating artwork with small-scale dimensions—to make it easy to transport, and also make it affordable to own a unique, one-of-a-kind, piece of art painted by a local artist.
Tavira and the surrounding towns and villages in the Algarve have inspired my artwork. I hope my artwork and the way I’ve captured it’s buildings and people, inspire you to adorn your walls with memories of Portugal.
