Spanish Vignettes

Just created this slide video for my Spain Vignettes photography 2011 and paintings 2011-2012 collection, brings back a lot of fond memories about the Spanish cities and towns. Starting with B is for Barca, Barbastro, G for Girona, A Ainsa, C Cadiz, Cordoba.. going on to Ronda with an unforgettable flamenco night, Montserrat, Morella, Valencia, and ending with Z for Zaragoza. Enjoy the spanish dance! 

Pink City

We had a lovely time by the city lake of Reykjavik called Tjomin (the pond).  The reflections of the Icelandic city buildings on the pristine ice make for a pretty picture, much like those little glass orb ornaments with a picturesque village picture in it complete with snow flakes a-falling.. :)

I especially love the church with the tall green tower spire that is unique to Icelandic churches. The structure makes a nice anchor to my lake reflections photograph as well as this acrylic art piece.  For the painting, the feel is decidedly whimsical as I gave the scene an intentional eliptic spin, reflective of our feelings on that idyllic afternoon stroll by the lake as we discovered to our delight the water has frozen over, courtesy of a cat walk on ice (literally), and later diving kamikaze ducks..  Yes we had fun, and serene peace.

Title: Pink City (A41)
Description: Warm landscape painting of Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, with the colorful architecture, church spire and sun set clouds reflecting on the city lake Tjornin.  Icelandic Series 2013.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 30 x 30cm.
SOLD. 

1 comment:
timi said... it's beautiful really really lovely. 

Reykjavik

Reykjavik - it took me a long time to learn how to spell the most northernmost capital of the world ;p But the landscapes of the Icelandic terrain are definitely unforgettable. 

This was a distant view of the city from Perlan hill where the wintry shrubs gave a perfect frame to the unique Icelandic architecture, spires and all, with the faraway mountains and sea bay completing the composition that reminded me of an impressionist painting.

This was the scene I most wanted to paint from the trip and it was with great joy that I finally put paint to canvas, meddling with the colours and shapes until I think I got it right.. enjoy!

Title: Reykjavik (A40)
Description: Colorful landscape painting of the Iceland capital, with the city view from Perlan hill. Icelandic Series 2013.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 30 x 30cm.
SOLD.

Solace

After a hiatus, I am finally back to painting with a change of scenery, literally :)  And lotsa inspiration from the surreal place called Iceland from my latest travels..

Where the elements strike stunningly close, where mother nature is omnipresent in its immense powers, and most of all, the fascinating Icelandic sun..  ever so close to earth, ever so bright, as if tempting one to touch its unseeable whiteness in the cold wintry air.

So it is that I started with painting the unforgettable Iceland sun. Which is strange as I rarely paint sunsets, a rather cliche subject to me.  But the Land of Fire and Ice changed my mind. And this may be the start of many more, in hopefully the start of a series that explores the feelings that this indelible abstract harsh lands in the cold volcanic north stirred in the artist in me..

Title: Solace (A39)
Description: A soulful piece depicting the unforgettable Icelandic sunset at the surreal wetlands of the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters in Mývatn, North Iceland. Icelandic Series 2013.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 30 x 30cm. 
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com 

3 comments:
sag said... Wonderful.... 
jeffrey said... This is really nice! Makes one feel optimistic just looking at it  
lu ky said... great! I like it! No wonder your talent here! 

Bell City & Uneven

Yes, bell city.  That was the impression that the southwestern port city of Cadiz gave me.  Maybe because one of the first and most exhilarating views that I had of the place is up from the windy Torre de Poniente where the distinctive tower bells of the Catedral de Cadiz overlook in various sizes over the panorama that is the glittering white Andulasian enclave of Cadiz lined by a blue Atlantic strip.

I feel compelled to paint the city in light and imbued these 2 pieces with the hues of the place.  There is no one single overwhelmingly stunning feature but the sum of Cadiz is a pleasant one and we loved the atmosphere and festivities, enjoying the architecture of the narrow streets, the parks, vistas, the laid-back ambience that can only come with a port city.  And it is this light feeling that sustained my paint strokes.    

Title: Bell City (O81)
Description: An interesting portrayal of Cadiz, a southwestern port city of Spain, inspired by tower bells at the Torre de Poniente of the Catedral de Cadiz.  Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Title: Uneven (O82)
Description: The buildings and architecture along the undulating narrow streets of the old town of Cadiz in southern Spain make for an interesting imagery study.   Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.
SOLD.

Corner Building

The last of my 3 Cordoba paintings, this one is a contemplative piece of a corner building that spoke to me amidst a mysterious bustling of festive activity one day in the southern spanish city.. 

It was a balmy evening and bevies and bevies of lovely Spanish ladies kept appearing, in vintage cars, horse carriages or by foot, all decked to the hilt.  Are they going to a huge fancy dress party in some grand palace?  We wondered.  So we followed.  In merriment and excitement, infected by the joyous air even though we don't speak the language.  

From the buildings to the streets, from the streets to the bridge, from the bridge to a long party crowd train, and finally to a large clearing..  It turned out to be a weeklong festival and public holiday at that, and there's a carnival going on :)  That's all.

Yet isn't this what life is about?  A celebration.  In this age of endless global economic woes and frequent natural calamities, may we learn from the Spaniards.  Treasure the moments with friends and families, treasure the caveats of peace.  Carpe diem, come what may :)

Title: Corner Building (O80)
Description: A corner building speaks to the artist in Cordoba, witness to the life and celebrations in the southern city of Spain. Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.

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

Juxtaposition

After doing a sweet impressionist painting on Girona, I had to do something a little subversive on the spanish enclave.  I am not sure why, it's just an emotional outlet for me.  So Juxtaposition was created.

The buildings and structures are from the Girona jewish quarter but placed in a surreal swathe of matisse-influenced, almost carnival, colours.  Girona wasn't always picturesque postcard pretty.  The city is said to have undergone 25 sieges and been captured 7 times.  

Therein lies the contradiction and strangely, also the aura behind the ancient architectural pieces of this historic place.  Saccharine yet tumultuous, present quietude versus an agitated past, every pretty remnant tells a story or does it hide a secret? That is the essence of this piece.

Title: Juxtaposition (O77)
Description: A surreal take on Girona's historic jewish quarter, with buildings and structures placed in a swathe of matisse-influenced, almost carnival, colors.  Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.
SOLD.

B is for Barbastro

Barbastro, a little place that we passed by en route to the Spanish Pyrenees, was quiet and run down in some parts.  But the buildings and architecture hint at a rich history of times gone by when it must have been a lustrious place.  The ancient walls and passageways must have seen many a battle from its Celtic origins, then Roman times when it got its name, to Islamic conquest as part of the Visigoth kingdom, then the Christians, reconquering by the Moors, and finally the Reconquest again when it became a bishopric seat..

I especially love this building and its narrow archway, full of antique elegance and magnetic character, like an enticing gateway to the tumultuous dreams of its glorious past, which is the essence of this surreal piece.

Title: Barbastro (O75)
Description: A surreal piece inspired by Barbastro, a city with a tumultuous past from the Celts, Romans, to the Christians, Moors, and subsequent reconquests.  Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 92 x 46 x 4cm. 
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com 

Spanish Dancers

I missed seeing the Spanish flamenco dancers 13 years ago when I first visited Spain.  Twas a funny tale on its own as my backpacking mate and I searched high and low for this out of the way bar famed for flamenco according to our 'gospel' guidebooks without knowing that it also means singing only.  So we happily downed a couple when we found the elusive hideout and waited all night only to learn that we are already hearing the flamenco ;p

Well this time round to Spain, I made sure we also see the flamenco.. And what a sight!  Words cannot quite describe our enthralment at the whole performance together with the vibrant singing (cante) and guitar playing (toque).  The swirls, the stances, the atmosphere, the energy, all combine for a pulsating staccato act of rich drama and passion electrifying to the senses, and that must also epitomise the Spaniards.

My rendition is quieter and more abstract but no less passionate, seeking to explore the femininity and sensuous personality of the art form through line, shape and colour.

Title: Spanish Dancers I, II (SOLD); Spanish Dancer I, II (A34-37)
Description: A series of 4 little paintings inspired by the Spanish flamenco dance, exploring the femininity of the art form through line, shape and colour. Spain Vignettes 2012.
Medium: Acrylic on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: Each 30x 30cm.


2 comments (Spanish Dancers I): 
sagarika sen said... 
really really nice 
stella marie capao said.. 
love the color

A is for Ainsa

I thought I was done with painting Spain but a re-visit this year traversing the aragon pyrenees to the south rekindled the passion, and so it was that I started with the most memorable place that embellishes itself into my mind, and heart, forever.. Ainsa.

A little village in the Camino Aragones (see my Spain Camino series), Ainsa was once the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Sobarbe.  With a colourful tumultous history, the town saw in turn the imprints of the Celts, the Romans, the Muslims and finally, the Christians in the Reconquest of the Middle Ages. I fell in love with it at first sight, drawn to its beckoning mystique and sense of history, and knowing that I would paint it, I went about taking postcard pictures :)

Strangely this was a canvas that I had tried painting a city landscape that didn't quite work.  On impulse, I painted over it straight, and either the colours of the original canvas, or my strong emotions on reminiscing Ainsa, took over.  It was pure delirium to translate the aura of Ainsa on canvas.  And thus, the happy result where I discovered a colour tone that I have not used before but sets out the feel of the medieval architecture perfectly.

Title: Ainsa (O71)
Description: A is for Ainsa, a little village in the Camino Aragones, once the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Sobarbe and seeing the imprints in turn of the Celts, the Romans, the Muslims and the Christians in the Reconquest of the Middle Ages. I fell in love with it at first sight, drawn to its aura of mystique and history, and knew that I would paint it. Spain Vignettes 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 61cm.
SOLD.  

The Chef

It has been a long time since I painted a portrait. I am seldom tempted as the face has to have a lot of character for me to be inspired. But when I stepped into this quaint little tapas pub on my Spain Camino trip, the traditional character of the place immediately struck me, and even more so when I caught sight of the fiesty chef-cum-owner in a whirl of activity entirely in his element.. I knew I would paint him.

But first I had to get his picture executing his fine art.  It was no easy feat as he was aware and the movement simply heightened to a blur. I could only muster a couple of quick shots aimed at the overall pub setting so as not to be rude and hoped for the best.  Blessed was I to get one clear shot below of the dignified master in action, which incidentally my guide has sent the picture to him.

When it came to painting, my expressionist tendencies and colour instincts took over but the essence of the character - a fine artisan in his element - must come through. In fact an artist remarked that the pose reminded him of a portrait of a certain young Rembrandt.  Yes, indeed.  No wonder I was attracted to this interesting character; he had reminded me of a master artist.. and my own vocation :)

Title: The Chef (O67)
Description: Spain Camino series. Expressive rendition of a tapas chef in his element, in a cool tapas pub as full of character as its animated owner. Tis a memorable encounter in old Leon on the artist's sojourn on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrim route. 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 60cm.

 2 comments: 
su f tan said... 
Love the style of this painting! 
doreen said.. 
your style has become more free, great work!

Camino Art Journey

Just uploaded my 1st youtube video ever and it features the fotoart and paintings from my Camino de Santiago (aka Way of St James) trip created over the past year.  Must say it's a lot of work but fun experimenting with my new macbook to do this.  Enjoy!

The Bull, The Landmark & The Cowherd

Occasionally, I get into fauvist moods where I am inclined to push colour to the extreme to see how far I can go. And so it was with this experimental piece.

Maybe it was the subject matter - the bull - a beast so quintessentially a Spanish symbol that had me charging forth. Maybe it was the setting - the age-old Camino pilgrim path that has been threaded on endlessly since medieval times.

So like the emblematic lines of the Camino scallop shell signifying the various routes to Santiago, I too mapped out this work assiduously. I am still not sure if I am pleased with the result but the journey was a challenging and worthwhile one, as with the Camino sojourn.


Title: The Bull, The Landmark And The Cowherd (O64)
Description: Spain Camino series. A bold vibrant piece with strong fauve colours and mapping imagery, the work depicts an age-old rural scene of a cowherd passing at the famous landmark on the Camino de Santiago Compostela pilgrim route, near the village of Ferreiros, marking 100km or another 3-4 days to Santiago. 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 102 x 76cm.

Lonely Road

The lonely road beckons..
“Come”, whispers the lil' houses ahead, “ your dreams and wishes are just around the corner.” “Don't be afraid, we'd prop you up”, says the merry crossing. “Yes!” sinister sign gestures. “We're just a little shadow, we won't hurt you”, murmurs looming darkness.. And so lonely road goes. Because this is his existence, his destiny, to go on regardless. From beginning to end. Somewhere, somehow, it'd end eventually. Even if it feels like neverending, as it oft does, an illusion nevertheless. What is life but a path. What is freedom but a choice. Lonely road will just go on..


Title: Lonely Road (O62) 
Description: A surreal expressionist piece inspired by the artist's travels on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St James) pilgrim route. Spain Camino 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 60 x 50cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com 

Soulful

Buildings have souls, or so I believe.  How can they not when they are created by the imagination of humans who surely would have infused their emotions into their handiwork?  How can they not when they blend into the earth and root their existence with nature for time immemorial, oft longer than its creators?  How can they not when real living families dwell within their healing shelters and whisper untold secrets into the walls?  
And so it was that these beautiful dwellings spoke to me when I chanced upon them by the river in the lil' town of Samos, famed for its monastery on the Camino route. And I had to render it thus.

Title: Soulful (O60)
Description: An emotive expressionist work inspired by riverside houses sitting prettily in the lil' town of Samos on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrim route. Spain Camino 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 80 x 60cm. 
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Sanctuary

I am not sure why but visiting the Benedictine monastery of Samos was a surreal yet serene experience altogether that touched my heart. The sacred walls and architecture seem to emanate comfort and solace to all who go in, leaving all our troubles at the door and bestowing our souls with a stillness of heart that was to stay throughout my all-too-brief sojourn in this beautiful little village on the Camino route.

And strolling along the river with the sunset rays dawning on the monastery, I could not help but be taken to capture its beauty on film.. and then again on canvas when I got home..

Title: Sanctuary (O60)
Description: Inspired by the Benedictine monastery of Samos, a place that emanates serene calmness and meditative restfulness, offering much needed solace for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrim route. Spain Camino 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas. 
Dimensions: 91 x 61cm. 
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com


comment: 
shiri theis said... 
Beautiful colors! You really convey the calmness and serenity of this dreamy sanctuary. V/F

Bluesy

Another work inspired by the lyrical village of Villafranca del Bierzo on the Camino pilgrim journey.  We were here very briefly but the pretty architecture left an indelible impression -  not the stunning sort but with delicate poetism that grows on one. 

I was attracted to the light play on these buildings and intrigued by the plaque on the right, wondering if it was an ancient clock. But when it comes to painting, the composition lines inspired by the scene took over with colour to play a big part in the mood created which is central to me for this piece.  I always feel buildings have souls and wonder if they can speak, what would they say? A bluesy melancholic expression feels right here, at least to me.

Title: Bluesy (O55)
Description: Melancholy was the feeling given me by these lyrical buildings, not deeply sad but a poetic rendition of their souls. An expressionist work inspired by the village of Villafranca del Bierzo on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrim route. Spain Camino 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 60cm. 
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com 

Windows of the Heart

We were only here for a supplies refresh before we continued on our Camino pilgrim journey and to visit the churches in this once important medieval town. The churches were closed but the lyrical name - Villafranca del Bierzo - should have given us a hint of the delights we were to discover here. Beautiful nooks and corners, elegant balconies with flowing flora, unusual adornments and unique architecture..

Most of all, this house captured my heart at first sight. The different shapes and sizes of the windows and their seemingly haphazard placing intrigued me immensely. I wonder what the interior is like. Is each room also oddly sized? Who lives here? What are the stories behind each of them? Do they go to the church across whose long dome shadow falls on the walls? Like the passer-by, I can only stop to surmise in fascination.

Title: Windows of the Heart (O54)
Description: A window openeth; a window shuts. Every opening or closure tells a story which an observer can only wonder about. An expressionist work inspired by an unusual house in the village of Villafranca del Bierzo on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrim route. Spain Camino 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 76 x 60cm. 
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

Solitaire

After a particularly long hot day's hike on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James), we finally reached the village of Molinaseca. It wasn't just relief but a sense of pure discovery joy that greeted the tired pilgrims as we descended from the historic cobblestone Roman Bridge into the narrow main street of this wondrous place.

The quaint architecture and adornments seemed to lean over and speak to me, much like going into a city in ancient times, with the brick walls whispering sounds of pleasure and offering to share secrets from their glorious or perhaps decadent past, luring the visitor to uncover the mysterious charms of the place. Except that the merrymaking sounds were real, the freshness palpable, and the offer of cool respite from a hard day's journey very welcoming as we stepped into the fold of Molinaseca.

Too brief was the visit but I was determined to paint Molinaseca. So I have used a warm palette for the buildings and free colours for the objects, with everything coming alive in a reddish twilight setting to enscapulate the mysterious beckoning spirit of this magical gem of a village.

Title: Solitaire (O53)
Description: A work emoting the sense of wonder, the sense of marvel, the sense of possiblities.. as pilgrims descend into this magical gem of a village on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrim route called Molinaseca. Spain Camino 2011.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 91 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com

1 comment:
teri close said...
This is Bodegon in contemporary form. Beautiful work of art!