The Algarve: Where Nature meets Art

The Algarve: Where Nature meets Art

Inspired by the beautiful terrain, dramatic seascapes and flora and fauna of the Algarve, creativity seems to thrive in the calming and inspirational environment of nature. As Cicero said: “Art is born of the observation and investigation of nature”. And, as a result, the local art scene is flourishing.

The Municipio do Lagos curates many art events throughout the year and, from September 5th to October 26th, it’s bringing art to the streets with the annual ARTURb Urban Art Project. This encompasses art residencies, exhibitions, murals, conferences and workshops, featuring artists from Portugal, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands this year. A Community Session in mid September introduces the German artist Eric Ve, selected to lead a project to create a large-scale mural in Odiáxere. Residents and business owners in the Lagos area can donate their own wall to these yearly mural projects. The website features a street art map as well as images from ARTURb dating back to 2011: https://www.cm-lagos.pt/municipio/noticias/12790-projeto-dearte-urbana-arturb-volta-a-lagos-de-5-de-setembro-a-26-de-outubro

Mural Magic

As well as this municipal momentum, there’s an entire sub-culture of artists throughout the area, quietly but flamboyantly creating their masterpieces. Throughout the Algarve and beyond, South African artist Samantha van der Westhuizen brightens up businesses and homes with her colourful wall art and murals. One of her recent installations is at the new rooftop restaurant and bar Villa Branca in Luz where the cute courtyard is emblazoned with her signature ‘Trompe-l'œil’ style windows and bougainvillea.

Specialising in Education at university, Samantha changed tack when she moved to Portugal around five years ago. Focusing on acrylic painting with brush and palette knife, she produces paintings, murals, and live wedding portraits. And, she uses her Eduction degree in her work as an art instructor. “Each division allows me to fulfill a different creative outlet, while experiencing a forever changing working environment,” she says. And it has taken her on travels throughout Portugal, Madeira, Spain and Germany.

Her ideas come through the process of creation, rather than working to a pre-planned idea. Starting with primary colours and black and white, she curates a colour palette stirred by emotion. “The reward of growing and expanding my artistic skills creates a sense of accomplishment and allows me to produce something that is visually appealing,” she says. “I find painting extremely inspiring in itself. For me, it’s a practical reminder that I can create with my own two hands.” See her work at: samanthavanderwesthuizen.art. And find her on Facebook at Samantha van der Westhuizen and Instagram at: svdwtintinter. Her work will be on display at Art Expo Algarve, in Portimão Sept 27-29.

Off the Wall One of Samantha’s protégées is Sharon Hurst, a Luz artist, working mainly in charcoal. “I’m also using acrylic from Borneo,” she says. “Typically, my style in art is all things animal. Eyes are the most important to me - if I can get the eyes the rest follows.” Her artistry dates back to childhood but she stopped drawing due to career commitments and only reignited her passion for painting during the pandemic. It was actually painting by numbers that got her started and this was reinforced by classes. “I did some online classes with artists such as Sarah Stokes (watercolour and charcoal) and Jean Haines, a watercolour artist,” she recalls. “My first lesson in the Algarve was with Sandra Croft who taught me how to use watercolour paints. Then Annie Daenens who taught my daughter at Vale Verde school many years ago - I go there most Fridays. Samantha Van Der Westhuizen is a fantastic acrylic artist who I also go to in Praia da Luz.” Recently, Sharon has taken her art off the wall, transferring it to 100 % organic cotton tote bags, both practical and stylish for shopping.

Aluminium Allure

A graduate from Chelsea School of Art, Dave King has morphed his career as an art and photographer teacher in the UK, to an artist in Portugal. From his Burgau home-based studio since 2021, Dave has been steering away from traditional rectangular or square frames, customizing different-shaped canvases, often on aluminium. “I would describe what I do as a mix of Cubism and Still Life,” he says. “I start by drawing in a geometric graphics program first on my iPad. I then use another piece of software to collage elements into the geometry. And then I create the piece in oil.” Interweaving Algarve scenery, Portuguese pottery, wine, fish and produce into his whimsical work, he expresses his passion for the local environment and his new lifestyle. He currently has an exhibition of his work at Marlo Life Outside furniture store in Meia Praia, Lagos. His work has also been featured at BoaBoa, Belmar Hotel and Spa, The Armazem Gallery and Moldopoli in Lagos, Quinta da Tor in Loulé, Republica 14 in Olhão, and the Espectro Gallery, Arco Iris, Alcantarilha.

Luz Landscapes

A lengthy home renovation project has prevented a Luz-based artist from producing new work recently but he plans to restart this October. With the restoration nearing completion, Ken Fader is looking forward to being back at the easel soon. “I hope to capture the feeling of traditional Portugal with scenes of cork and olive harvests, donkeys grazing near old farm houses, etc,” he says.

A former maxillofacial surgeon, he swapped his scalpel for a palette knife to help alleviate the stress of his worklife, turning art into a form of relaxation. Featured in galleries and private residences in the US, his work has included sculptures, pastels and palette-knife paintings. With a penchant for pastoral scenes of landscapes, small villages, nature and everyday life, he favours bold colours and texture.

Partnering with the Jane Goodall Institute after meeting the environmentalist in 2014, 100 percent of his sales since then have gone to help support her foundation. “I intend to continue donating all proceeds either to JG foundation or a local charity,” he says. Previous collections include French, Spanish and Italian backdrops. Now living in such a beautiful area of Portugal, Luz locals are eagerly anticipating Ken’s new Algarvian-inspired works of art.

Creative Comforts

To appreciate art in comfort, head to Belo Cantinho in Lagos (https://belocantinho.pt/) - an art gallery, complete with coffee and Portuguese pastries, brunch and lunch. Expect art-themed dishes such as salads made with the rich flavours of Herdade Bonanza's organic produce, their beautiful colors reminiscent of famous artists including Henri Matisse, David Hockney and Vincent van Gogh.

Featuring collections from Bonanza Art Gallery, the eclectic experience is a celebration of culture, creativity and gastronomy. Since opening in May this year, there’s been a monthly agenda of events, including live music, painting workshops and wine tasting.

Collectives

For a comprehensive directory of local artists in the Algarve Society of Artists, contacts, exhibitions, art tours, galleries, and classes, Dave King recommends checking out https:// algarveart.wordpress.com/. There’s also more info on Facebook under Algarve Society of Artists. And the Art Hive Gallery in Albufeira showcases many local artists and artisans. Established in 2006, the AAN - Algarve Artists Network (https://algarveartistsnetwork.com/) - links Portuguese artists and others living in the Algarve from different countries. An AAN member, Claire Lloyd-Bown has recently helped found LiLAC (Living in Lagos Artists Collective) at the Laco Business Hub in Chinicato, launched on September 14. Claire is a UKborn artist whose practice encompasses various media including mixed media, digital tools, and textile design. Her previous roles include Director of Education at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London and Deputy Director of Newlyn Art Gallery. Now based in the Algarve, Claire’s work continues to integrate themes of artistic exploration, education, and environmental sustainability.

Established by a group of five women artists, the LiLACs are spearheading an education workshop program as well as artistic commissions and collaborations. Their new studio is a space for both established and emerging artists to develop their work and engage with the local community. “The collective will offer a diverse range of workshops, including painting, drawing, life-drawing with a model, and sessions focusing on personal creativity and inner expression,” says Claire. Plans are also in place for artist networking events and the potential establishment of a creative entrepreneurs club.

One of her fellow LiLacs is Beata Palach, an eco-artist and educator from Poland who focuses on the connection between humans and nature in her work. As she says: “When I paint, I let myself be guided by colours, spots of light and spontaneous gestures. I touch nature and look up at the limitless cosmos.” Through her art and her teaching, she emphasizes sustainable creativity, using eco-friendly and up-cycled materials. “I express love for wildlife and comment on human impact on Earth,” she adds. Since relocating to Lagos, Beata’s work has been influenced by the Algarve’s landscape, reflecting her commitment to environmental issues.

Alex Plummer has a background in communications and peace and conflict resolution. She employs visual storytelling techniques such as graphic recording and visual scribing to address global issues like social justice and equality. Her project, My Doodle Body, explores themes of self-expression and sustainability through line drawings.

Mallika Gardiner is a Singaporean artist with a blend of Eastern and Western artistic influences. Her paintings, which explore themes of motherhood, flowers, and landscapes, draw from her diverse cultural experiences and observations. Mallika’s work reflects the universal connections shared across different cultures.

Jung-Ah / Joanne James is a Korean artist whose work incorporates oil, acrylic, and wood to express personal memories and nostalgic themes. Joanne’s art is informed by her experiences living in various countries, including a significant period in the Algarve, and reflects a blend of personal and cultural influences.The opening of LiLAC marks a notable advancement in Lagos’s art scene, providing a collaborative space for artistic growth and community engagement.

Check out local art channels for updates.