"March winds and April showers Bring forth May flowers." This age-old, rhyming proverb first appeared in writing during the 19th century and this year in the Algarve it is particularly true. Artist Tom Compton has recorded some of the most attractive and unspoiled places massed with an unparalleled variety of late spring flowers.
His most recent paintings filled with details of the natural world are on display at Galeria Côrte-Real in Paderne where he has spent time as artist in residence.
Working in oil his images capture fields of drifting poppies alongside flowering blooms of French lavender, Love in a mist, Field marigolds and clover. “I look for strong sunlight and wait for blustery winds,” he says. “Like nowhere else that I have visited, in the Algarve so many different species can be found growing side by side.”
His paintings are of special interest to people who admire the Algarve’s wildest places and the profusion of flowers that can be seen this year. Working almost exclusively ‘en plein-air’ his impressions of reality and quality of light are exceptional aspects of each scene.
The collection of Tom’s paintings at Côrte-Real can be seen alongside the work of more than 30 other artists and skilled artisans. Complimentary Portuguese wines are offered to visitors at weekends.
The gallery is signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne.
Open: Thursday to Sunday, 11am until 5pm
T: 912 737 762
Words by Carolyn Kain
