Sea side composition
I did reply to a challenge posted on IWS Canada.ca for the Summer 2026 to paint a composition based on a beautiful photo reference posted on that website. I chose mine with a focal point on the buildings surrounded by palm trees on the opposite side of the bay, leaving the dark gray rocks in […]
Palacio de Velázquez – A Composition and Value Study
The inspiration Yet another landmark that was on my list to do during our recent trip to Madrid. This exhibition place was erected in Buen Retiro Park in central Madrid to showcase Spain’s industrial achievements in 1883. Its original designer and architect, Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, envisioned it as a neoclassical building on an iron frame, […]
The pillars of a good painting
The fundamental pillars of a painting are: Composition or the architecture of a painting Composition is how you organize shapes, lines, masses, and focal points to guide the viewer’s eye. Good composition answers: A strong composition can make an ordinary subject compelling. A weak composition cannot be rescued by beautiful brushwork. For your planned watercolour […]
Roman Aqueduct in Segovia
This ancient building was constructed at the order of the Roman Emperor Domitian (81AD – 96AD) and completed in 98 AD. Its purpose was to supply water to the old Segovia, which was regarded as strategically important for controlling the central part of the peninsula. This Roman Aqueduct is one of the few still standing. […]
Fuente de las Conchas in Madrid
Quarter sheet painting at Fuente de las Conchas Another landscape I preselected to see and experience during my trip to Madrid this June was the Campo del Moro, a park from the base of the Royal Palace to the west. I imagined how the alleys were walked by the Spanish Royalty many times in the […]