The Spanish Courtyard

The quintessential Spanish Courtyard.. which we got an 'overdose' of at Cordoba, a gregarious city that positively overdoes itself when it comes to patio contests every spring, with the central patio of homes - an architectural feature in fashion since the days of the Romans to combat the hot climate and continued by the Moors - being decorated to manic hilt with loads and loads of overhanging pots of blossoms and plants.

The overflowing embellishments do attract attention, notably the touristy type, but what truly intrigues me is the fascinating courtyard structure itself which, like a stage, seems to beckon with mysterious drama abound, perhaps a secret rendezvous, and evokes imagination of luxurious times gone past where pleasure, or decadence, might have lain.  I half expect a court jester to jump out any minute.  

So this dark piece was created, drawing inspiration from a cordoba patio with mezquita-influenced archways, sans the distracting flora. 

Title: The Spanish Courtyard (O79)
Description:  A surreal evocative piece of the quintessential Spanish courtyard, inspired by the central patios of homes in Cordoba in southern Spain. Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm