Fountain by the Prado

Drawing a structure like this is an amazing task, for a tiny bit less or too much can alter the balance, and the eye never lies. I drew and painted it freehand, then had to adjust...and adjust....and maybe still will adjust some more, nevertheless, there was a joy in the process, for I was in Madrid again.
July 5 - reposted with some adjustments.

Retiro Park Rose Garden

Fountains are everywhere in Europe, and there is a certain magical feel to them. So I designed an angle and feel of the rose garden in Madrid, and painted it outside by my little fountain at home. A friend of me painted beside me - a wonderful splash of colour and symbolism that demonstrates her free spirit- she is 12 . At that moment, everything felt playful!

Pavos Real

In Madrid, we visited the peacocks in the Retiro Park. They are such magnificent birds, strutting around free in a beautiful setting. Of course I wanted to paint them - purely whimsical. And since I had phthalo blue on the palette......must admit that it was very satisfying!

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Sorolla often uses a lot of colours for water, and yet has a softness to the scene. I set out to attempt something in that vein, but my scene turned out much stronger - being after all big old Lake Ontario - and of course, using thalo blue might have something to do with it! We were in Niagara on the Lake on a warm day and the water actually had a teal tint to it. Nevertheless, I am pleased with the results.

Lupins

It has been nearly a month since I last painted, so the lupins in the garden were my starting point today. They reminded me of the colours that Sorolla often favoured, and yet it is his strokes that are so magical. Onward, forward......

Spain museum trip

Just returned from a trip to Barcelona and Madrid with my daughters. My prime motivation was the big Joaquin Sorolla exhibit at the Prado in Madrid, but I also saw the Picasso museum, Antoni Gaudi's church and park, the rest of the Prado, and Sorolla's house which is now a museum. It was a phenomenal experience and very motivating. On Sunday, at least one hundred artists of all levels were painting around the Prado. Later an exhibit was held for the public. More later....