Oporto - Painting my Travels

One year ago, I went on a wonderful trip to Portugal with a great friend. The experience started long before we boarded the plane - our nights spent researching things to do, planning the trip and imagining what it would be were such a great buildup to it. 

 It was great to discover a new country together and it had so much to offer. There was Lisbon, the lively and colourful capital with its amazing Fado music, the old streets of Alfama and its delicious food. 

Alfama (Lisbon), Portugal

Of course we adored Sintra, an amazing fairytale-like city not too far from Lisbon. The village at the bottom of the hill was just magical, and then we got to enjoy a refreshing hike up the mountain to get to the Moors Castle and the Pena Palace. I had never seen any place like it before and the views were breathtaking, a reminder that nature is a true masterpiece.

Sintra, Portugal

And then of course there was Porto, a gorgeous city right by the Douro river where we enjoyed the local port wine, many walks spent admiring the architecture and local artisan stores... One evening we crossed the Luís I Bridge to get to Vila Nova de Gaia, where we admired a gorgeous view of Porto and the Douro river while the sun set. 

Porto, Portugal

The view was breathtaking and there was just something about how the sky looked that night and brought out the beauty of the city that inspired me to paint that landscape. That moment led to my painting "Oporto" which to me will always be a reminder of this amazing travel experience. I definitely look forward to finding more inspiration while traveling and getting others to share my experiences through my art.

Oporto, 16'' x 20'' (2014), Oil on canvas

This painting is currently part of a group exhibit at the Saint-Lazare library. The exhibit has a lot of amazing work by so much local talent and it was inspiring to be among them and discover their work.