From Taubate

*

A view of Taubate from concrete Jesus, oil on card, 12;6 x 10.4cm  - available

From Taubate, a city that sprawls somewhat shapelessly across a valley. It has little of distinction, but in a way that makes it likeable, lending it a fairly laid-back atmosphere.

They have placed the usual ubiquitous Jesus overlooking the city. His head, usefully, has an arial transmitter sticking out of it: I painted from just below him.

*

This concludes the paintings done during my big July trip. I think the next big trip will be to Chile and Argentina.

*

São José dos Campos: Burle Marx Municipal Park with the Olivo Gomes residence

Burle Marx Municipal Park with the Olivo Gomes Residence: oil on card, 11 x 9.5 cm  SOLD

This beautiful park is well worth visiting, along with the Gomes Residence, in what is otherwise a somewhat undistinguished city (though it does contain a huge number of funny little small businesses on the way from the centre from the bus station): diminutive diners and tiny shops painted in bright colours where they repair clothes or rennovate car tyres.

I fear this side of Brasil will one day completely dissappear, as it virtually has in the UK, replaced by identikit shopping malls and chain stores.

Many thanks to Larry for taking me here.

Day: Guarulhos Airport

Day: Guarulhos Airport, oil on card, 9.3 x 12 cm- discarded

The final painting from my Easter trip to the Vale do Paraiba.

A portrait of Larissa

*

A portrait of Larissa, oil on card, 8.6 x 11.5 cm  - available

A portrait of my charming architect friend in her room in Taubate.

The sort of portraiture that interests me is that which uses, Dutch style, the rooms inhabited by a person as an extended attribute (though my friend is less gloomy and more lively than my depiction might imply): I like portraits by Hammershoi, Whistler and Vermeer.

Tremembe

*

Tremembe, oil on card, 11 x 8.5 cm    - available

Tremembe is a little town near Taubate. I liked it very much- it has a tranquil atmosphere and some grand old buildings.

Railway lines in Pindamonhangaba

*

Railway lines in Pindamonhangaba, oil on card, 11 x 9 cm  SOLD

A little Sisley-ish picture of this pleasant little town- part of my Vale de Paraiba trip.

It has good baroque-style church, but the name of the town itself alone is sufficient reason to visit- though after a week of practicing I am still unable to say it.

*

Taubate: nocturne

Taubate: nocturne, oil on card, 8.6 x 7.5 cm discarded

Another from Taubate: the wet paint "bled" a little when transported, but I think this perhaps helps the effect.

A view near Campos do Jordão

A view near Campos do Jordão, oil on card, 9.8 x 7cm  SOLD

Campos do Jordão itself is an unpleasant, snobbish place, but the surrounding hills are very pretty.

A parade of Shops, Taubate

A parade of Shops, Taubate, oil on card, 12 x 9 cm

The second of a run from a trip to Sao Paolo state: this one was painted in Taubate, a smallish city (in Brazillian terms), with a somewhat care-worn atmosphere.

Night, Guarulhos Airport

Night, Guarulhos Airport, oil on card, 11.4 x 8.5 cm - discarded

The first of a run of paintings from my Easter trip to the Vale do Paraíba, which I shall post later this week.

I had a four hour wait for a bus at Guarulhos airport- a hateful place. But it is always soothing to paint.