Sitting in a prime position in Monchique’s main square is the Velochique Café. In my latest watercolor painting, I set out to depict the spirit of this cyclists’ haven, where you can simply drink coffee, eat a meal, or buy bicycle spare parts.
As I made studies for the painting, I was pleased to see that the houses and weathered buildings in the background could provide the context for the café, giving a sample of Monchique’s historic charm.
But of course, the subject of the painting is the Velochique Café, with its striped tables and distinctive black umbrella sun shades. The Portuguese pavement of Calçadas on the ground outside the café also add interest, (and which I always enjoy painting).
In the foreground, you can see the a typical day in the life of the Velochique Café unfolding. Figures of people sitting at tables, engaged in conversations, or looking at their phones gives life and vitality to the composition. Meanwhile, cyclists and their parked bicycles form a dynamic tableau, illustrating the café’s role as a gathering place for enthusiasts of two-wheeled adventures.
Through my painting, I hope to convey the essence of Velochique Café—a place of movement and activity for some, and stillness and relaxation for others, but above all, the cyclists haven that it is, celebrating some simple pleasures of everyday life.
The reason which lead to me making this painting was due to my housesitter, Sarah, whose husband being a keen cyclist, visited the café. Being an active networker, Sarah lost no time in introducing herself and suggesting to the café’s owner, Lee, that she knew an artist who could possibly do a couple of paintings which would be sold as prints at the café.
Velochique, watercolour on paper, 40 x 30cm….. €250
available as prints sized 22 x 16cm with a white border €27 per print
Paintings by Liz Allen 