Ghosts and Empanadas

Ghosts and Empanadas is painted in oils on linen canvas, and measures 24" x 60".

This was a scene I saw from the roof-top of a train as we were passing through Guamote, on our way to El Niez del Diablo (the Devil's Nose). My previous picture, "On My Mother's Back", was a study for this.


As street vendors busied themselves selling souvenirs, food and drink to the happy gringos, this couple - a poor indigenous boy on his young mother's back - wandered silently and mournfully through like ghosts, occasionally stopping with an outstretched hand in the hope of a little charity. It was a reminder of the grim reality that lay behind all the colourful trinkets and picture postcards spread before us.




This is the last of the Ecuador paintings, and for that reason I would like to dedicate it to my great friend, Eduardo, who first inspired my love for Latin America, and who has always been a source of support and encouragement over the years. Gracias, Mop!

Despite a recent trip to Chile and Colombia, I have decided that I must now find inspiration closer to home. Living so far away from South America means I do not have the necessary access to material I can paint and, as an outsider who has never lived there, I am worried that I am not in a position to comment too much about it anyway. Paint what you know. Consequently - and inspired by another very great friend of mine, Nico - London, my home, will be next subject.

Asking Price: £1,750