While the Portugal’s sun-drenched southern shores are too often associated with their vibrant summer shades of ocean blue and golden beaches, autumn undeniably reveals a different yet equally stunning palette, particularly in the inland and rural areas where deciduous trees and vineyards thrive and the beauty of the season truly shines. Fortunately, many artists have captured the breathtaking autumn colours of the Algarve in their works as well.
Elizabeth Mayston, an Algarve artist who draws inspiration from her Euro-South African roots, brings what she describes as a “gift of essence” to her multimedia portfolio. At the heart of her work is a commitment to authenticity and truth, which is evident in every piece she creates – be it through painting, photography, ceramics, textile design or home decor.
You’ve recently moved to Monchique, nestled in the Serra de Monchique mountains, a town that offers a very different environment from what you experienced in Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest city. How has this impacted your artistic style?
This new natural setting has brought a profound sense of clarity and depth to my paintings. It draws my focus to finer details and invites a new perspective, one shaped through the element of touch, allowing me to create a three-dimensional presence around the focal object.
At the same time, it offers a new form of expression: one rooted in the art of letting go, allowing for a balance of flexibility and flow. The colours inspired by my surroundings, combined with the vibrant blue sky and the raw authenticity of the Portuguese landscape, infuse my work with a richness that feels both luxurious and deeply genuine.
Could you share something about your path to becoming an artist?
It was never about becoming an artist; I was born one. Everything I’ve done in life has been shaped through the lens of my own artistic vision. I’ve always followed my own path, doing what comes naturally to me. From bookkeeping to real estate, furniture restorations and textiles, décor, ceramics, photography, marketing, owning my own gallery, even hiking. Every step has been part of my creative journey.
Do you have a favourite season?
Every season has a place in my life. I have no favourites; each one brings its own unique beauty and valuable experiences. I welcome every season with a fresh perspective and an open heart.
Describe, in a nutshell, the structure of your day.
Every day is different; I live day by day. My mornings usually begin with a healthy breakfast, often including fresh fruits from the garden, followed by a walk with my dog. After that, I take time for a few chores or respond to emails.
On painting days, I retreat into my studio and fully immerse myself in the creative process, switching off from the world until the light fades into darkness.
On other days, I focus on staying active and connected, socialising and networking regularly. I practice yoga, take part in team sports, spend time gardening, and enjoy quiet moments at the beach. I also love walking with my dog in nature or along the coast. Nature is my playground and the wellspring of my inspiration.
The life of an artist isn’t just about painting; it’s also about connecting with others, building relationships, and staying engaged with the world around me. In many ways, people are my muse; through them, I gain a deeper understanding of myself.
Do you have a personal philosophy or message you hope viewers take away when they engage with your nature paintings?
Each of my paintings carries a story, one that resonates differently with each viewer. It holds the power to bring meaning to someone’s life, to stir emotion, and to create a sense of connection. Every painting uplifts a space with joy, offers a feeling of belonging, and invites the presence of nature into one’s home. Each piece is more than just art, it’s an experience waiting to be felt.
For someone just starting their artistic journey, what is one crucial bit of advice you’d offer?
I would rather say my artistic journey has always been with me since I was a little girl: drawing, painting, sewing, crafting, acting, dancing and so on. Over the years, I’ve expressed my creativity in many forms, including through a career in real estate. During that time, photography became my creative outlet. I discovered a sense of artistry in guiding people through listings, shaping the story of a dream home or lifestyle, and staying fully present in the process. It marked a meaningful new chapter in my artistic path. One important truth I have learned along the way: staying present in the journey allows creativity to reveal itself, because it exists in everything we do. It’s simply a shift in mindset, waiting to happen. That is where the essence of creativity lives.
Which artist, past or present, would you choose to share a tea break with, and what makes them your pick?
If I could choose any artist to share a tea break with, it would be my grandfather, PJ Mayston. An eccentric traveller, painter, builder, philosopher, poet and master of yoga, he was a man of many layers, one I wish I’d had time to know.
The last time I saw him, I was just three years old, but his legacy has stayed with me ever since. I first felt his presence when I came across his easels, oil paints and a few of his paintings. The one which stood out most was a beautiful portrait of my grandmother.
As a true Englishman from Penzance, he would make a simple cup of tea feel like the most meaningful part of the day. There were many similarities between us, so much so that words were never needed. We simply understood each other.
What current projects are you working on, and what’s next for you artistically? Are there any new directions or explorations you are eager to explore in this European environment?
My current work delves into an inward journey, a deep exploration of self-reflection. One of the greatest challenges has been mastering self-portraits, particularly as I experiment with new techniques and integrate them with elements of nature. In these works, I see myself not separate from, but part of the natural world. To me, nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a mirror and a pathway to healing. This evolution is ongoing. When it comes to new directions and explorations, I follow what feels right in the moment, what resonates, what challenges me, and what brings me joy to the process of painting. It’s a continuous unfolding, a journey of learning, as I gently immerse myself in European waters.
What were the main factors in your decision to take this 7,300-mile journey and relocate to Portugal?
The reason I came to Europe was rooted in a long-held dream and a deep sense of belonging. I’ve always felt connected to this part of the world. Hence, the Euro-South African blend that defines me.
I had always felt the pull to return to the origin of my ancestors, but it was my children’s initiative to take the first step abroad that became the catalyst for change. That’s when I knew it was time to make the move. Ultimately, it was my parents who led me to Portugal, having settled in Monchique 24 years ago.
Looking at your experience in the new country, what stands out as the most challenging aspect and, on the flip side, the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect of moving to Portugal was, without a doubt, communication. Language has never been one of my strongest attributes, so it took several years to develop an ear for Portuguese, but now, I can confidently say I’m getting there. On the flip side, one of the greatest lessons this move has offered me is the art of patience. It’s taught me to take a step back, to see life from a new perspective, and to feel more rooted in the present moment. Perhaps the most rewarding of all has been making the move and recognising just how far I’ve come.
Do you have a message for the readers of Tomorrow magazine?
I simply trust that this article resonates with the readers of Tomorrow and that my paintings speak to you, bringing a sense of serenity, joy and connection. Art has its own language, one that flows through the soul of the artist and reaches those open to receiving it.
