Original artwork description:

When I first arrived in Porto, I was struck not only by the architecture — which seems to dance and breathe — but by the soul of the city itself. Narrow streets, old houses with vibrant facades, the smell of coffee in the air, and the soft hum of conversations under street umbrellas. I knew I had to capture all of it on canvas.

This painting depicts a street corner I came across during a morning walk. At the center is an old, slightly crooked building — for me, it symbolizes the essence of Porto: imperfect, full of character, and incredibly alive. The warm reds and oranges of the facade reflect the warmth and hospitality I felt throughout the city.

I intentionally distorted the perspective — the streets and buildings lean and press against one another, creating a sense of movement and energy. This isn’t a mistake, but a way to convey how the city feels rather than how it strictly looks. In Porto, the streets almost talk to each other, and the windows seem to watch every passerby like eyes full of memory.

In the lower right corner, you’ll find a small café — a place where locals gather. People chat, drink coffee, laugh. That simple scene speaks of everyday joy, of the quiet happiness found in community and presence.

The sky is painted in expressive strokes, from soft blues to intense shades — a reflection of the ever-changing weather and the emotional rhythm of life in Porto.

To me, Porto is more than a city. It’s a state of being. With this work, I’ve tried to capture its pulse, its breath, its music.

— N. Svarist

Materials used:

Oil paints.

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