This grey rustic wood frame goes perfect with the pen and ink watercolor. I like the double matting also. The inner mat is a dark green similar to the gas lamp and the outer mat is an ocher color similar to the color of the rustic home. I really enjoyed making this painting. Thank you…
This grey rustic wood frame goes perfect with the pen and ink watercolor. I like the double matting also. The inner mat is a dark green similar to the gas lamp and the outer mat is an ocher color similar to the color of the rustic home.
I really enjoyed making this painting. Thank you for sending me the picture Paloma. It’s amazing how a frame dresses up a watercolor.
Thank you for reading my little story,
Victoria Olson Art
I usually cross this plaza in the morning when there are few people walking around in the center of Madrid. I like to learn a little about the architecture and stories behind what I paint. Today I learned that Plaza Mayor is a fine example of the grandure of 17th Century Baroque Spain. I also…
I usually cross this plaza in the morning when there are few people walking around in the center of Madrid. I like to learn a little about the architecture and stories behind what I paint. Today I learned that Plaza Mayor is a fine example of the grandure of 17th Century Baroque Spain. I also learned that the uniformity, arcades, and decorative elements like balconies and slate roofs define its Baroque character. There’s nothing like painting Madrid.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria Olson Art
It was a pretty cold day 1º C. Sketching open air in the winter is still a lot of fun even though it’s cold. To stay warm, I wear a lot of layers. You can always peel off the layers if it gets to warm. I had the pleasure of meeting S from Singapore. She…
It was a pretty cold day 1º C. Sketching open air in the winter is still a lot of fun even though it’s cold. To stay warm, I wear a lot of layers. You can always peel off the layers if it gets to warm.
I had the pleasure of meeting S from Singapore. She draws and paint really well. She was interested in sketching some architecture. We walked around and stopped here in front of this interesting staircase.
S hadn’t sketched any buildings on site, so our goal for the day was to learn how to capture a site on paper with a not too difficult focus on perspective.
S was sitting down and I was standing up so you can see the different view points when the two sketches are next to each other.
The sitting down view point is lovely! It has a lot of strength and personality. She made a beautiful sketch and had a lot of fun doing it too. I know I had a lot of fun because there’s nothing like sketching Madrid.
Thank you for reading my little story and Merry Christmas!
Victoria Olson Art ❤
You are an amazing artist, Victoria. I am so happy to know you and share your enthusiasm and artistic spirit.
Merry Christmas 💖💖
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Thank you Penelope. Merry Christmas to you too! I really enjoy painting outdoors and I think everyone would like it as much as I do. It’s good healthy fun!
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Hello everyone. The Crystal Palace is located in Retiro Park and it belongs to the Landscape of Light collection in Madrid. It was added to UNESCO world heritage siteI in July 2021. This beautiful palace is covered at the moment due to restoration on the metal structure. The Crystal Palace will re-open in 2027. I…
Hello everyone. The Crystal Palace is located in Retiro Park and it belongs to the Landscape of Light collection in Madrid. It was added to UNESCO world heritage siteI in July 2021.
This beautiful palace is covered at the moment due to restoration on the metal structure. The Crystal Palace will re-open in 2027.
I really miss painting the Crystal Palace. I know a lot of people miss it just like I do.
I will be taking this painting to the Plaza de los Pintores this Sunday. Hope to see you there. It is a fun thing to do on the weekend.
Thank you for reading my little story,
Victoria Olson Art
This is a tiny watercolor I made of Monument to Alfonso XII -Part of the Landscape of Light UNESCO collection in Madrid, Spain. This beautiful monument is located in Retiro Park. It is composed of a semicircle of two Ionic order colonnades with an equestrian statue of King Alfonso XII on top center. Alfonso XII…
This is a tiny watercolor I made of Monument to Alfonso XII -Part of the Landscape of Light UNESCO collection in Madrid, Spain.
This beautiful monument is located in Retiro Park. It is composed of a semicircle of two Ionic order colonnades with an equestrian statue of King Alfonso XII on top center.
Alfonso XII was King of Spain from 1874 to 1885. He was the son of Queen Isabella II. His reign was known as the Restauration, a very interesting read.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria Olson Art
This is a tiny line and wash watercolor of little cupid sitting on a rock at the rose garden in Madrid, Spain. When you go to Retiro Park, don’t forget to go to the Rosaleda. In the Rosaleda, you will see two beautiful fountains with mythological figures on top of a rock within a cup-shaped…
This is a tiny line and wash watercolor of little cupid sitting on a rock at the rose garden in Madrid, Spain. When you go to Retiro Park, don’t forget to go to the Rosaleda. In the Rosaleda, you will see two beautiful fountains with mythological figures on top of a rock within a cup-shaped column, the cupid fountain and the faun fountain. I love to be there in morning when it is all quiet. You can hear the water fall from the dish into the pond below.
Thank you for reading my little story. Enjoy your day,
Victoria Olson Art
Every year pretty yellow flowers show up as if out of nowhere. We take good care of the plants on the terrace since they count on us to water them. Every year the same thing happens. I wake up and walk out on the terrace and there they are, these beautiful little sunny, upbeat, happy…
Every year pretty yellow flowers show up as if out of nowhere. We take good care of the plants on the terrace since they count on us to water them. Every year the same thing happens. I wake up and walk out on the terrace and there they are, these beautiful little sunny, upbeat, happy looking flowers.
I didn’t want to cut them, but I did it anyway. I put them in one of my favorite glass pichers and painted them. The flowers didn’t turn out exactly how I wanted but that’s the beauty of watercolor, it doesn’t have to.
Here are a few pictures of part of the process of the watercolor.
Thank you for reading my story and have a great day,
Victoria Olson Art
Arco de los Cuchilleros (The knifemakers’ arch) is an architectural icon in Madrid, Spain. The high arch over the stone staircase is very dramatic looking so visitors come from all over to see it. The arch and staircase came about from the necesity of solving a huge elevation difference between the street below and the…
Arco de los Cuchilleros (The knifemakers’ arch) is an architectural icon in Madrid, Spain. The high arch over the stone staircase is very dramatic looking so visitors come from all over to see it. The arch and staircase came about from the necesity of solving a huge elevation difference between the street below and the plaza above. Arco de los Cuchilleros is one of ten enterances to the Plaza Mayor and the most beautiful.
It’s fun sitting at the restaurant on the right side of the stairs as the evening rolls in.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria Olson Art
Calle del Codo (Elbow street) is an alley in the heart of Madrid dating back to midieval times. Swordfighting took place in this dark alley during the Golden Age. This narrow, elbow shaped alley is a side street off Plaza de la Villa which is one of the best conserved midieval Plazas in Madrid. This…
Calle del Codo (Elbow street) is an alley in the heart of Madrid dating back to midieval times. Swordfighting took place in this dark alley during the Golden Age. This narrow, elbow shaped alley is a side street off Plaza de la Villa which is one of the best conserved midieval Plazas in Madrid.
This watercolor will be hanging in my art stand at Plaza del Conde de Barajas, aka, Plaza de los Pintores (The Painter’s Plaza).
Hope to see you there one day. Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria Olson Art
Jose sent me a picture of the still life of three of my favorite bottles with February branch flowers. This white frame works well with the white almond blossoms and pulls out the lights from the painting. Thanks again for sharing the photo with me. Victoria
Jose sent me a picture of the still life of three of my favorite bottles with February branch flowers. This white frame works well with the white almond blossoms and pulls out the lights from the painting. Thanks again for sharing the photo with me.
Victoria
This beautiful street called Calle Gómez de Mora is named after the architect Juan Gómez de Mora who was active in the 17th century, a period in history known as Spain’s Golden Age. One day I was taking a few pictures so I could capture the light I wanted for a painting and right as…
This beautiful street called Calle Gómez de Mora is named after the architect Juan Gómez de Mora who was active in the 17th century, a period in history known as Spain’s Golden Age.
One day I was taking a few pictures so I could capture the light I wanted for a painting and right as I was looking through the view finder, the Unidad de Caballería de la Policía Municipal de Madrid (Madrid Mounted Police Squadron) popped into sight. What an opportune moment! This painting is all about the morning light and the two police on horseback.
I will be taking this little painting to Plaza tomorrow. Thank you for reading my little story.
Hope to see you there one day, Victoria
Hello everyone. This little watercolor represents the rooftops of Madrid from the Hat. The rooftops are really fun to paint. They remind me of some of the animated movies I saw as a child. The first image is as true as I could get to the original watercolor and the second image is to reference…
Hello everyone. This little watercolor represents the rooftops of Madrid from the Hat. The rooftops are really fun to paint. They remind me of some of the animated movies I saw as a child.
The first image is as true as I could get to the original watercolor and the second image is to reference how small it is.
If you would like to purchase this handpainted watercolor, you can find the link by clicking on the first image.
Thank you and have a great day,
Victoria
This street is kind of special for me since I see this street all the time. I love the way the light moves on this street. There is a moment when the building casts a shadow on this street and it is so picturesque. I can’t help but paint it often in all the techniques…
This street is kind of special for me since I see this street all the time. I love the way the light moves on this street. There is a moment when the building casts a shadow on this street and it is so picturesque. I can’t help but paint it often in all the techniques I like to use.
I will be taking this watercolor to Plaza de los Pintores this Sunday, April 13th. Come by and see us one day; there are over 30 painters there every Sunday.
Thank you for reading my little story. Have a great day,
Victoria Olson Art
This is a miniature oil painting of the Fountain of the Nymphs at Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain
This little studio oil painting on a wood panel depicts The Fountain of the Nymphs. It is located at Retiro Park, in Madrid, Spain. This is a quiet little part of the park. Although this is a studio painting, I have painted this fountain many times in person. The last time I painted it there wasn’t any water falling from the dish and no water in the pond. I hope that next time I go, that there will be water falling from the top dish into the pond. I am looking forward to painting it in person again soon.
Thank you for reading my little story. I will be taking this painting to Plaza Conde de Barajas, aka, Plaza de los Pintores, on Sunday morning of March 30th 2025.
Thank you for reading my little story and have a great day.
When I start a painting, I use a level to let me know that my board is straight and my lines won’t be crooked. Working around the paper without putting too much emphasis in any given part will keep the painting balanced and not become to heavy in any area. Knowing when to stop is…
When I start a painting, I use a level to let me know that my board is straight and my lines won’t be crooked.
Working around the paper without putting too much emphasis in any given part will keep the painting balanced and not become to heavy in any area.
Knowing when to stop is a must. Although part of the learning process is to push a painting to its limit sometimes destroying it the process.
The most important thing for me is to have fun painting what I like the most.
Thank you for reading my little story about the art making process. Have a lovely day, Victoria.
This is a small oil painting of Calle Gómez de Mora in Madrid de los Austrias. This is one of the side streets off of Plaza Conde de Barajas. I enjoy painting these colorful buildings with the red toldos, dainty wrought iron balconies and gas lamps. This is a narrow quiet street in the center…
This is a small oil painting of Calle Gómez de Mora in Madrid de los Austrias. This is one of the side streets off of Plaza Conde de Barajas. I enjoy painting these colorful buildings with the red toldos, dainty wrought iron balconies and gas lamps. This is a narrow quiet street in the center of busy Madrid and right around the corner from Plaza Mayor. When you come to Madrid, take a walk around this beautiful, breath taking area of Madrid.
Have a good day,
Victoria
This is a small painting of Arco de los Cuchilleros (The Knifemaker’s Arch). It is an iconic building in Madrid. The arch is incredibly high. The stone stairway leads you to the Plaza Mayor which is on a much higher level. The unusually tall arch and the stone stairway solved this level problem. It was…
This is a small painting of Arco de los Cuchilleros (The Knifemaker’s Arch). It is an iconic building in Madrid. The arch is incredibly high. The stone stairway leads you to the Plaza Mayor which is on a much higher level. The unusually tall arch and the stone stairway solved this level problem.
It was recently repainted and looks gorgeous! When you come visit Madrid, this is a must see. If you come on a Sunday, Plaza Conde de Barajas also known as Plaza de los Pintores is right around the corner. I plan on taking this painting there on the 9th of March, so hope to see you there. Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria Olson Art
Hello Everyone, February is one of my favorite times of year since it announces the coming of warmer weather here in Madrid. Painting these flowers is also one of my favorite themes since the colors are so soft. I like to paint them in a pickle jar so I can see the branches through the…
Hello Everyone,
February is one of my favorite times of year since it announces the coming of warmer weather here in Madrid. Painting these flowers is also one of my favorite themes since the colors are so soft. I like to paint them in a pickle jar so I can see the branches through the water. This painting will be at my little art stand at Plaza Conde de Barajas tomorrow. Hope to see you there one day.
Thank you for reading my little story,
VictoriaOlsonArt
This is a small oil painting on a wood panel of Plaza de la Paja, in English, “Straw Sqaure”. In the 16th Century this was an important market where hay and straw were sold. It is one of the oldest and most charming areas in Madrid known for its narrow and winding streets, characteristic of…
This is a small oil painting on a wood panel of Plaza de la Paja, in English, “Straw Sqaure”. In the 16th Century this was an important market where hay and straw were sold. It is one of the oldest and most charming areas in Madrid known for its narrow and winding streets, characteristic of midieval times. El Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona is also located inside this square which is one of the secrets of Madrid since this information is not very well known.
I will be showing this painting and other paintings from the area of Madrid de los Austrias at Plaza del Conde de Barajas, also known as, Plaza de los Pintores. We (30 painters) are there every Sunday from 10 to 3 pm. Hope to see you there one day. Thank you for reading my little story,
Victoria
Hello everyone. This is a small painting of the iconic Metrópolis Building here in Madrid, located on the Gran Via and was inaugurated in January 1911. I enjoyed observing all the details while painting it. Thank you for reading my little story. Victoria
Hello everyone. This is a small painting of the iconic Metrópolis Building here in Madrid, located on the Gran Via and was inaugurated in January 1911. I enjoyed observing all the details while painting it.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria
This is a small painting of Monumento a Alfonso Xll in Madrid, Spain.
Hello Everyone.
This is a small painting of Monumento a Alfonso XII. El Estanque Grande del Retiro is one of my favorite scenes to paint. I love the way the beautiful structure is mirrored in the lake. This place has such good vibes of people having a good time. Rowing on the artificial lake in Retiro Park is a must when visiting Madrid.
I will be showing this painting at Plaza del Conde de Barajas, aka, Plaza de los Pintores on Sunday. Hope to see you there one day. Thank you for reading my little story.
Regards, Victoria
Calle Gómez de Mora is a side street off Plaza del Conde de Barajas; its name, in remembrance of King Philipe III’s architect Juan Gómez de Mora. On Sundays, Madrid is bustling with people on all sides of Plaza del Conde de Barajas; yet, the plaza is calm and quiet as if nobody knows it’s…
Calle Gómez de Mora is a side street off Plaza del Conde de Barajas; its name, in remembrance of King Philipe III’s architect Juan Gómez de Mora.
On Sundays, Madrid is bustling with people on all sides of Plaza del Conde de Barajas; yet, the plaza is calm and quiet as if nobody knows it’s there.
This is my latest painting of Calle de Gómez de Mora. I took a picture of it early this morning on the ground at Plaza de los Pintores, aka, Plaza Conde de Barajas.
Thank you for reading my little story,
Victoria
Tossa de Mar
I first saw this little beach in 2019 thanks to a close friend who took me there. I was inspired by the intense blue-green color of the water and light blue sky with all those colorful unbrellas on the beach and the people just enjoying themselves. Girona is an amazing place to visit. I can’t wait to go back again.
Thanks for reading my little story and have a lovely day.
Monument to Alfonso XII, Retiro Park, Madrid Spain
Hello everyone. This is a small line and wash watercolor of Monument to Alfonso XII. I really like this place. I’ve painted it many times in person. It’s a fun place to paint and always a positive experience. If you come to Madrid this is a great place to start. I’ll be taking this little watercolor to Plaza de los Pintores on Sunday.
Thanks for reading my little story,
Victoria
Calle de la Pasa, Madrid, Spain
“Quien no pasa por la calle de la Pasa, no se casa” (Whomever didn’t walk on Raisin Street will not be married). This is an old and true saying about this Madrilenian street. You had to walk on this street to get married since the building where everyone had to go to register for marriage was on this street. Thank you for reading my little story and have a nice day, Victoria
La Almudena, also known as Santa Maria de la Almudena also the Patron Saint of Madrid. La Almudena is celebrated on November 9th with the day off and a fun festival. This cathedral can be seen from many view points in Madrid. My favorite view is from Puente del Rey. Thank you for reading my…
La Almudena, also known as Santa Maria de la Almudena also the Patron Saint of Madrid. La Almudena is celebrated on November 9th with the day off and a fun festival. This cathedral can be seen from many view points in Madrid. My favorite view is from Puente del Rey.
Thank you for reading my little story and have a great day,
Victoria
Monument to Alfonso XII
Monumento a Alfonso XII is a fun artificial lake where you can get a row boat and row around awhile. I have painted this view point more that a few times. The most interesting time here was when a bunch of swimmers swam from one side to the other and back. I have never seen that compitition again.
Thank you for reading my little story and have a lovely day,
Victoria
El Palacio de Cristal, Landscape of light, Retiro park, Madrid, Spain.
I have many favorite places, especially the Crystal Palace, sitting in the middle of a small forest. If you didn’t know it was there, and you stumbled apon it, you would know the feeling of seeing the Crystal Palace for the first time by surprise- just breathtaking.
I made a watercolor of the Crystal Palace as I see it and remember it. I’m really happy it is on UNESCO’s list of world heritage, now protected.
Thank you for reading my little story and have an excellent day,
Victoria
Plaza de la Villa Madrid, Spain
Plaza de la Villa dates back to the 15th Century. It is a prime example of Madrid’s medieval architecture. It is one of the oldest and most well-preserved squares in Madrid.
La Fuente de Cupido in La Rosaleda, Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain
Fuente de Cupido, also known as Fuente de Amorcillo is located in La Rosaleda, Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain. This is a tiny watercolor. I love to paint these little paintings for visitors who come to Madrid and want to take a bit of Madrid home with them. This fountain was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO on July 25th of 2021 along with many other fountains and beautiful buildings in Retiro Park. Thank you for reading my little story.
El Palacio de Cristal, Retiro Park -In Madrid, Spain
Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid Spain (tiny watercolor)
I will be bringing this tiny pocket painting of Palacio de Cibeles with me to Plaza del Conde de Barajas, also known as Plaza de los Pintores. This is an amazingly beautiful building inside and out. I remember going there when it was the post office not so long ago. I enjoy visiting and painting it. Thank you for reading my little post.
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
Hope things are going well for you!
I get your emails, but cannot access the art.
Any suggestions?
Hope you are staying cool. It’s pretty hot for us in SD now.
Take care and a big hug!!
Penelope
Sent from Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef
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Pretty hot over here too. Enjoy the summer:)
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Hi Victoria
I just now was able to access. Thanks!
Penelope
Sent from Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef
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Thank you for letting me know Penelope.
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A quiet street in Madrid.
A quiet street in Madrid.
La Fuente del Faunito in Retiro Park
Fuente del Fauno is located in Retiro Park rose garden, La Rosaleda.
The soft color roses contrast with the cold stone sea monster motif.
Enjoy your evening,
Victoria
A friend of mine invited me to stay with her at her place in Catalonia. We visited her friend at Tossa and went swimming at Little Beach. The Mediterranean is known to be warm, but I didn’t know what that meant until I went into the water; it really was warm. We checked out the…
Victoria Olson Art - Watercolor, Egg Tempera & Oil 
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