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Fernando Boavida

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2024-2025

This painting is a tribute to Moliceiro boats, an enduring symbol of Aveiro’s maritime heritage, in Portugal, known for their elegant, elongated shape, and vibrant, hand-painted decorations. Originally, they were used for harvesting moliço—a type of aquatic vegetation once used as fertilizer - but now they are mainly used for tourism, offering visitors scenic rides through Aveiro's canals. “Moliceiro”, oil on canvas, 70 cm x 50 cm.

A contemporary homage to Velázquez’s "Las Meninas", this painting portrays three young girls as modern-day companions. With a focus on warmth, realism, and emotional connection, the work reinterprets a classical theme through the lens of present-day childhood and friendship. “Las Meninas”, oil on canvas, 50 cm x 60 cm.

Here's another of my 'findings' in Tavira. Last summer, on one of my walks in Tavira, I came across this portal. Naturally, I immediately thought of using this as the main theme of one of my paintings. Here's the result: 'Portal in Tavira', oil on canvas, 60 cm x 50 cm.

Here's yet another of my palette knife abstract paintings, inspired by the current season: "Spring", oil on cardboard, 10.5 cm x 13.5 cm. Do not forget to squint your eyes and stretch your imagination so you can see a beautiful Spring landscape.

William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" remains the most famous symbol of passion and tragic love. My recent painting of the series on famous love pairs is devoted to them: "Juliet and Romeo", oil on canvas, 70 cm x 50 cm.

Quick studies are excellent for letting go your imagination and exploring all kinds of approaches to painting without being afraid of making mistakes. Sometimes the result is surprising and quite pleasant, like in this painting I recently did: "Beach path", oil on paper, 21 cm x 28 cm.

Last summer (2024), on one of my walks around Tavira, I was struck by an old but very well preserved house. The open gate invited people to enter, but at the same time imposed a limit on those who were curious enough to do so. A bougainvillea merged with the wall and intertwined with the iron of the gate, bringing the scene to life. ‘At the gate’, oil on canvas, 70 cm x 50 cm.

In addition to complex paintings, I also like doing quick studies, not only because they loosen up my painting style, but also because I have lots of fun doing them. Here's one more: "Mediterranean coast", oil on paper, 13 cm x 18 cm.

Julius Caesar and Cleopatra’s relationship was both political and romantic, significantly influencing both Roman and Egyptian history. In this painting, I just tried to simply depict them as a man and a woman because, all things considered, relationships always boil down to just that: "Cleopatra and Julius Caesar", oil on canvas, 70 cm x 50 cm.

The Alentejo coast is always rich in dreamy beaches and fantastic landscapes, invoking peace and serenity. “Costa alentejana”, oil on canvas, 30 cm x 40 cm.

Some people struggle very hard to find motives for their paintings but, sometimes, the best motives are all around you. It is only a question of looking at them with 'painter eyes'. This is the case of this painting of mine, for which I used a motive that I see almost everyday on the way to my workplace: "Park in Coimbra", oil on canvas, 35 cm x 27 cm.

"The conversion of St. Paul", oil on canvas, 70 cm x 50 cm. The painting depicts the moment when, during a trip to Damascus to persecute Christians, Saul of Tarsus has a miraculous vision of Jesus Christ. Saul is momentarily blinded by the brilliant light, while he hears Jesus ask him “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”. This moment transformed his life and led to his conversion and baptism as Paul of Tarsus. In the painting, the sword represents the Christian light and spirit, and alludes to his own martyrdom.

Symbols of peace, wisdom, and resilience, deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture and history, olive trees can live for thousands of years, with some ancient specimens still bearing fruit, linking us to civilizations long vanished. They withstand harsh climates and poor soils, thriving where many other plants cannot. Olive oil, often called "liquid gold," has been prized since antiquity. When visiting Penamacor’s castle, I came accross this olive tree, and I was struck by how it drew the light towards it. I knew then that I would do this painting: “Olive tree in Penamacor’s castle”, oil on canvas, 35 cm x 45 cm.

Alvor, once a picturesque fishing village in the Algarve, is a captivating blend of traditional charm and natural beauty, offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The village is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, making it a favourite destination for summer holidays. "Dunes at Alvor", oil on paper, 13 cm x 15 cm.

Nothing like a good beach to cheer you up, and no beach is like Malhao beach, in Alentejo. This is one of the best beaches I've been to, although with lousy access. Here's a small study I recently did, using as reference a photo I took the last time I went there: "Malhao beach, in Alentejo", oil on paper, 13 cm x 18 cm.

Here's another painting of Vila Nova de Milfontes, a picturesque coastal village in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Situated at the mouth of the Mira river, Vila Nova de Milfontes is known for its beaches, rugged cliffs and natural beauty. “Vila Nova de Milfontes - View from the south bank”, oil on canvas, 30 cm x 40 cm.

I sometimes spend my summer vacations in Vila Nova de Milfontes, a picturesque coastal village in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Situated at the mouth of the Mira river, Vila Nova de Milfontes is known for its beaches, rugged cliffs and natural beauty. “Vila Nova de Milfontes - View from the north bank”, oil on canvas, 30 cm x 40 cm.

Continuing my series on sacred art, here's another version of a modern look on the Holy Family. How would Mary, Joseph, and Jesus look if they were familiar with cameras and family photos? Certainly, they would like to show they were a happy family, wouldn't they? This painting was a commission of my mother-in-law, to celebrate her 90th anniversary, on December 13th, 2024. "Holy Family II", oil on canvas, 50 cm x 40 cm.

There's no greater happiness than that of children. They simply play with each other and enjoy the moment, a pure joy untethered by possessions, hopes, or worries—just the magic of being together. "Happiness", oil on canvas, 50 cm x 40 cm.

St. Francis of Assisi is known for his love of animals and nature (no, ecology was not born with Greta Thunberg). One of the most famous miracles attributed to him is the taming of the Wolf of Gubbio, which inspired my new painting: "St. Francis of Assisi", oil on canvas, 60 cm x 50 cm.

The love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro is Portugal's most poignant, real-life tale of passion and tragedy. Inês, a lady-in-waiting, and Pedro, the crown prince, fell deeply in love, but their romance was forbidden due to political reasons. "Pedro and Inês", oil on canvas, 70 cm x 50 cm. In my opinion, this is one of my best paintings ever.

King D. Dinis of Portugal was the founder of the University of Coimbra, in 1290. He was married to Queen Elizabeth of Portugal (Elisabeth of Aragon), who is the patron saint of the city of Coimbra. "King D. Dinis and Queen Elisabeth", oil on canvas, 70 cm x 50 cm.

While I paint, next to my palette I always have a piece of cardboard where I wipe my palette knives. Recently, I tried to wipe the palette knife in such a way that the end result would be an appealing abstract painting. Here's the result: "Blue sky", oil on cardboard, 10.4 cm x 13.8 cm. Next time I'll do an abstract painting in my cleaning rag. Maybe it will be accepted as an extraordinary work of art in a contemporary art show!

Cacela Velha, located in the Algarve, is a charming coastal village known for its rich history, whitewashed houses, and stunning views over the Ria Formosa lagoon. Here's a small study having Cacela Velha as main theme: "Cacela Velha", oil on canvas, 27 cm x 35 cm. I really love doing small paintings like this!

© 2024 by Fernando Boavida. Proudly created with Wix.com

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