Since moving to the Algarve in Portugal I’ve expanded my passion for urban sketching people, to include sketching buildings — especially local street scenes including Tavira, Cabanas, Conceição, and Cacela Velha. 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.
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.
Tavira Churches (Igrejas de Tavira)
Igreja de Santiago, Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
28.5cm (w) x 20cm (h)
Igreja de Santiago, Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
28.5cm (w) x 20cm (h)
Back of the Hermitage of São Brás and the tables of Ti Maria Restaurant
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1) with white Matting (not pictured here)
28.5cm (w) x 20cm (h)
Pousada Convento (Convent Hotel) Tavira,
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
28.5cm (w) x 20cm (h)
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
28.5cm (w) x 20cm (h)
Igreja de Santiago, Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
12.5cm (w) x 23.5cm (h) , with double matting
Igreja de Santiago, Igreja de Santa Maria, and Camera Obscura, Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
14cm (w) x 9cm (h)
Igreja de Santiago, Igreja de Santa Maria, and Camera Obscura, Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
14cm (w) x 9cm (h)
Igreja de Santiago and Igreja de Santa Maria, Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
9cm (w) x 14cm (h)
Igreja de Santiago, Igreja de Santa Maria, and Camera Obscura, Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
14cm (w) x 9cm (h)
Igreja de San Francisco, Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
14cm (w) x 9cm (h)
Igreja de San Francisco, Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
9cm (w) x 14cm (h)
Tavira Street Scene
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
14cm (w) x 9cm (h)
Tavira Street Scene
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
14cm (w) x 9cm (h)
Cacela Velha
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, Cacela Velha
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
9cm (w) x 14cm (h)
Cabanas de Tavira
Cabanas Mercado, Cabanas de Tavira
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
9cm (w) x 14cm (h)
Conceição de Tavira
Tv. Júlio Parra, Conceição (just off Rua 25 de Abril)
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
9cm (w) x 14cm (h)
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Conceição
Original Ink and Watercolour (1/1)
14cm (w) x 9cm (h)
Tavira and the surrounding towns and villages in the Algarve have inspired my artwork and my creative spirit. Long may it continue…
I love your sketches, I will try the severe angle photography to see if I can get a more interesting slant on my ladies.
Thanks Annie … I much prefer painting buildings when there’s severe angles and perspectives involved. I think it makes a static scene more dynamic.
You have a distinctive style, how did you develop it?
Hello Maria … it has taken a while to develop a style that I’m comfortable and confident with! Just loads and loads of practice, and lots of rubbish sketches ..
I love your pictures – I’ve been bringing my children to this little part of the world for years and we have some lovely memories from cacelha velha and conceicao…
Thanks Catherine — I’m sure it’s changed a lot over the years, but we’re lucky that a lot of the charm of the East Algarve has been retained.
This highlights the beauty of capturing landscapes and local architecture through art. I liked how it reflects on Tavira, focusing on its charming streets, historic buildings, and scenic surroundings that make it an inspiring subject for sketching and painting. It also shows how ink and watercolour techniques can bring travel experiences to life, preserving memories in a creative and personal way.