Bougainvillea in Olhäo

I painted this while in the old town of Olhão, a charming corner of Portugal where narrow cobbled streets wind between whitewashed houses. Being there feels like stepping back in time. This particular bougainvillea was growing on the wall of a quiet side street, its vivid colours spilling over in a burst of life. Bougainvillea is a common sight in Olhão, but each one seems to have its own personality. This one, in all its vibrant glory, felt like the perfect expression of the town’s coastal charm and timeless character.

Oil on board, presented in a hand-made, hand-painted frame finished in Farrow & Ball No. 3 off-white, with a delicate gold-leaf inner edge that catches the light and enhances the work. Framed dimensions: 36 × 36 cm, depth 4.5 cm.