A Day Trip to Tossa de Mar
Plaza de los Pintores
At Plaza de los Pintores, also known as Plaza Conde de Barajas, you can see original handmade paintings by local artists. It’s a fun activity on a Sunday morning. One of my favorite themes to paint is Paisaje de la Luz.
I added a little video clip of the Plaza de los Pintores in the photo above so you can check it out.
Have a lovely Sunday.
Victoria
TIO PEPE Puerta del Sol Madrid, Spain
This photo was taken on New Year’s Day 2021.
This Plaza always has a lot of foot traffic. The only day I felt comfortable painting here was when most of Madrid was sleeping. You can see from the picture that the plaza is empty.
It was freezing cold; it really was. I had always wanted to paint the iconic TIO PEPE. I’m so glad I did. I am really happy with the result. I am keeping the watercolor for myself. However, I found a cute, useful way that I could share this image with others who are also fond of the TIO PEPE icon.
This cute zipper handbag comes in three sizes. It could be used as a change purse for men or women. It could also be used as a makeup bag to carry lipstick and keys. I just think it’s cute. It would make a nice gift for anyone who knows Madrid.
Here is a size reference. For more information about materials, sizes, and prices, you can click on this link.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria
La Plaza de los Pintores (The Painter’s Plaza) Madrid, Spain
Come to the Plaza de los Pintores. Here at Plaza Conde de Barajas, you can see original work by 35 artists.
We are here in the heart of Madrid every Sunday from 10am to 3 pm. Here are some of the watercolors I am bringing this Sunday, February 26th.
One of my themes is Paisaje de la Luz. Here is a watercolor of El Palacio de Cristal.
I also like Vintage objects and I pretty them up with flowers that I grow myself.
I have fun painting a Menina now and then.
The wild flowers grow like weeds in the summer. I paint them every year.
Epic literature is my favorite genre and a lot of my paintings are born from my favorite stories.
Poppies are my favorite flower because they are so vibrant and red. They grow out of the cracks in the summer.
Sometimes you can find me painting in Retiro Park, I also like painting in the city.
So, come see us at Plaza de los Pintores, also known as Plaza Conde de Barajas. We are there every Sunday from 10 to 3.
Thank you for reading my little story,
Victoria
La Fuente de Neptuno Paisaje de la Luz (Neptune Fountain Landscape of Light) Madrid, Spain.
I painted this watercolor of Neptune Fountain on-site, in Madrid, in the hot summer heat of August. Here is a picture of the outcome.
The day before starting this watercolor, I looked for a shady place with a view of Neptune Fountain. For me, making a painting requires standing or sitting in the same place for many hours. I need to be careful with the heat. If you have been to Madrid in the summer, you know exactly what I mean.
Looking around for the perfect spot, I found it next to the bus shelter. There was just enough shade for one person and that person was me. I had a view of Neptune Fountain with lots of trees in the background. The yellow flowers circling the pond add to the summery scene, all sunny and upbeat.
I wanted to finish the watercolor in the same day, but the light started to change so I left and came back the following day. Neptune Fountain was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) on July 25th, 2021. This world heritage collection is called Paisaje de la Luz (Landscape of Light). Painting Neptune Fountain was an awesome experience.
Thank you for reading my little story,
Victoria
Arco de los Cuchilleros
This watercolor depicts Arco de Cuchilleros. This very tall arch is a Madrilenian icon. Before I painted this interesting facade, I painted the same arch from the Plaza Mayor.
This is a view of the Arch from Plaza Mayor
This is how the painting turned out.
When I finished these two paintings, I showed them at the Plaza de los Pintores.
My Art Stand is located in the heart of Madrid.
This really nice guy, S, came by and chose Arco de Cuchilleros to add to his travel collection.
I was so happy to get a photo of the framed watercolor showing off in its new home with S. It looks so nice in a frame. 🙂
Thank you for supporting the Arts!
Victoria
Plein Air Painting at Campo del Moro in Madrid, Spain
If you are getting in touch with outdoor painting, Campo del Moro is a really nice place to paint in the winter.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Autumn Plein Air Painting in Madrid
The leaves on the trees are a light luminous green color in autumn. This light reaches out to infinity on the horizon. It’s pretty cold, but a coat, gloves, and hat will do the trick to be almost warm.
I like the benches on this path. You can’t see them because my body is blocking them, but that’s alright because you can see them in the watercolor below.
I have to laugh because I remember telling myself to paint the benches off to the side, not in the middle. I guess the benches wanted to be in the middle of the paper regardless.
I think the element of surprise is what I like about art making.
Thank you for reading my little story,
Victoria
Plein Air Painting in Madrid
An early cold morning is a good time to paint in the park.
I went to the plaza de Marmol because I was there the day before. The previous day, this beautiful little plaza was full of bright red geraniums. When I got there the next day, the gardeners had pulled all the flowers and I had a completely different scene to paint.
Although I was really looking forward to painting this fountain with red flowers, I decided that the Retiro Park gardeners would be fun to paint. While I was painting, it started drizzling more and more. I hurriedly finished the watercolor with pen and ink and decided I would come back another day.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria
XVIII Certamen Nacional de Pintura Rápida de El Capricho en Otoño 2022
Capricho park in Madrid is a gorgeous historic park. I signed up for this fast-painting competition because I like to paint in the parks here in Madrid and this one is fabulous.
I set up in front of a fountain. Painting fountains are my favorite subject matter in the park. I like to hear the water trickling and try to capture the look of it as it falls. The water sparkles and glitters as it falls and this is what I like. Here is a picture of the fountain. It’s a simple, yet beautiful fountain.
The photograph doesn’t even come close to the stunning variety of green colors.
The painting competition was from 9 to 2. Usually, I can never finish a painting in such a short time. I tried really hard to finish this time or a least to make it look finished. Below is a photo of my painting.
I turned in the painting on time and although I didn’t win any prizes, I am happy to say that my painting was selected for the exhibition.
I was number 40.
Here it is hanging on the wall at Cultural Center Gloria Fuertes in Madrid. It will be hanging there until the 25th of November 2022.
Here is a little clip so you can see the ambiance of the Capricho Park Fast Painting Competition.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Plaza Conde de Barajas, Madrid de los Austrias, Spain
Today was especially fun. I was able to get a photo with N in front of the same street where it was painted. Thank you for supporting the Arts N.
Here is a closer picture of the line and wash watercolor.
I painted this in the spring after the unusually big snowfall we had and during the pandemic.
There was hardly anyone outside, another rarity for the happening city of Madrid. There’s nothing like painting Madrid.
Thank you for reading my little story, Victoria
Thank you for supporting the Arts Penelope.
It is so fun to see a painting I made in 1986 on your wall. Thank you for framing it and sending me a picture. I like the way you put it in a similar environment and with the Nivea cream to boot.
Thank you for Supporting the Arts Danielle
-El Estanque del Parque del Retiro – Paisaje de Luz
People Practice at Puerta del Sol, In Madrid
For me, remembering everything about the human figure isn’t like riding a bicycle. I felt a bit of ‘people in perspective rustiness’, so I picked up an Andrew Loomis book and started to study ‘Figure Drawing For All It’s Worth’. Yup, that’s the name of the book. If I could go back in time and tell my younger self what to study to improve my art skills, I would tell myself to study the book I just mentioned by Andrew Loomis. I recently discovered it and I am going to share a little drawing I made of the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain.
Thank you for reading my little story, Victoria.
La Gran Via from the Rooftop of Callao 2021
This is one of my favorite small watercolors. It is my favorite because I had a fun time while I was drawing and painting it. It was right after the crazy snowfall we had here in Madrid. It was freezing cold outside and hardly anyone was outside because of the Pandemic. I was sitting in a cafe on the rooftop of Callao with my one and only art student who was brave enough to go out once a week and paint Madrid with me. I think this kept us sane in an insane time of confinement and uncertainty. I remember our conversation that day as if it were yesterday. That is what is so special about painting the moment. Watercolor is like a long photograph and you remember everything.
I have a little clip of the moment when I finished the painting. You can see it if you click here.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria
Mediterranean Wildflowers in Red Vintage Bottle
The Mediterranean wildflowers that I painted in this red vintage bottle show up in the spring, and add little dashes of color around my neighborhood. Every year I try to get them to grow on my terrace. Sometimes I succeed. This year, I got the little violet flowers, a few poppies, and little white daisies to grow in a pot on my terrace. I got this red vintage bottle at a second-hand store in San Diego. I love to paint it over and over again with the pretty flowers I find in Madrid.
I just finished this painting today; it’s still wet. When the colors dry and settle down. I will varnish it and take another picture. Thank you for reading my little story. Enjoy the colorful flowers around you too.
Victoria
Watercolors of Madrid
When: June 5th from 10am to 3pm
Where: Plaza del Conde de Barajas, Madrid
What: Watercolors of Madrid
Who: Victoria Olson
I have a little stand at the Plaza de Los Pintores in the heart of Madrid.
Here are some of the Paintings I will be showing of Madrid.
I will have these watercolors at my stand in June. I invite you to come by and see me.
In April and May, there are a lot of flowers that I love to Paint. I am going to share a few of the Spring watercolors that I painted. They are on exhibition at the Plaza de los Pintores in the heart of Madrid.
I named this painting Red Roses in a Glass Herb Liquor Bottle. I like this glass bottle because it has smooth edges and it is transparent. The roses are from my terrace. I have had this rose bush for many years. I take such good care of it so I can paint the beautiful red roses.
These flowers just showed up on my terrace one day. I didn’t plant them, but one day to my surprise a bunch of irises bloomed. I painted them as soon as I found the time.
Sometimes I use flowers as an excuse to paint my favorite bottles. I still remember the day I laid eyes on this beautiful blue bottle. It was in my grandma and grandpa’s liquor cabinet. I asked if I could have it and I’ve been painting it ever since.
This one is called Iris in Red Vintage Whisky Bottle. I have had this bottle for years. It has a deep red color that looks so pretty in the light. I don’t have this one anymore. A nice couple came to the plaza and got it for themselves.
I got this vintage coffee pot at a street fair. When I got it, I could imagine red roses, almond blossoms, red poppies, and all kinds of colorful flowers inside. When those irises popped up on my terrace, they went right into this old gooseneck coffee pot.
I went on to make a few more watercolors. Here my sapphire bottle is with a depression pink flower-shaped ashtray with a few scattered seashells. I like to put them in front of the window to let the light go through them.
In this watercolor I had a coral tea rose in the blue gin bottle and red roses in the clear liquor de hierba bottle. I love to paint these beautiful bottles with different backgrounds and the flowers I have on my terrace.
This ceramic vase is a Talavera vase. My grandmother rescued it and glued it back together. I am so glad because this is my favorite vase. I put a branch of roses inside and painted them.
Here is another one of my favorite vases. I like to paint the facets on the crystal. I painted a lot of roses because there are a lot of roses on the terrace.
Here is another one of my favorite vases in the watercolor behind me. My watercolor found a new home with this nice couple. You can find me at my stand at the Plaza de los Pintores located in Madrid at Plaza Conde de Barajas. I am there every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. Come by and see me when you are in Madrid.
What? The Plaza de los Pintores (An Outdoor Art Market) When? Every Sunday from 10am to 3pm Where? Plaza Conde de Barajas – In Madrid.
Hope to see you there:), Victoria Olson
PS I will be there tomorrow.
Travesía del Nuncio March 2021
Painting outdoors is a lot of fun. I get up early and go to the spot I want to paint.
This is medieval Madrid and it is a very popular spot.
This is an iconic place in Madrid that you don’t want to miss when you are here.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Painting the Crystal Palace of Madrid, Plein Air -Landscape of Light – World Heritage Autumn 2021
I started the pencil drawing on the 18th of September 2021.
I returned the next day on the 19th of September and added a little color in the sky.
I returned again September 26th. It had been raining in between sessions and the landscape became more beautiful.
September 28th
October 7th
I finished on October 14th. Here is my presentation of the painting. I have already put it in my virtual Art Gallery.
It was a lot of fun painting the Crystal Palace. I met a lot of nice people.
The Crystal Palace was granted World Heritage on the 25th of July 2021.
Thank you for reading my little story,
Victoria
My Painting Adventure 2020-2021 in Madrid, Spain
As I said before, I was stopped in my tracks in March 2020, unable to finish this painting of Plaza Conde de Barajas. I decided to leave it unfinished.
I started painting again in August of 2020 and continued all through 2021.
I’d like to thank everybody for taking these pictures and sending them to me.
As you can see in the photos, there were not a lot of people out and about. It was weird to see Madrid so empty.
I returned to Plaza Conde de Barajas to make a watercolor in the spring of 2021.
This story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my student who was with me in almost every outdoor painting adventure rain or shine. It was a lot of fun!
I am sharing a 3 minute video of some of my watercolors during this strange period and I invite you to see it here.
Thank you for reading my little painting story.
Plein Air Watercolor Painting of Monumento a Los Héroes de Cascorro in El Rastro November 4th Madrid, Spain
Today was a sunny day with some big clouds and a bit chilly. I really enjoy painting the monuments in Madrid.
The history behind them is really interesting.
The bronze statue represents Eloy Gonzolo and it was created by Aniceto Marinas. It was placed here in the Rastro in 1902.
While I was painting there was a couple having breakfast at an outdoor terrace. This is a typical scene here in Madrid, so I just had to include it in the painting.
I love painting couples.
The gaslamps are all over Madrid and remind me of a long ago time when they lit the streets with a warm light at night.
I like to take a photo of my watercolors outside to show the true colors. My hand also serves as a size reference. I have a little clip of the watercolor on site. Click here to see it. If you would like more information about this watercolor you can contact me here.
Thank you for reading about my little art adventure, Victoria
A Plein Air Painting and a Studio Painting of Arco de Cuchilleros in Madrid, Spain in the Winter of 2020
It was a bit cold when I painted this, but it was fun anyway.
There are a bunch of good restaurants down those stairs. People come from all around to eat good food here.
This is what the watercolor looked like when I finished.
This is what the watercolor looks like outside against the brick wall. My hand serves as a reference of size.
This is a studio painting of the other side of Arco de Cuchilleros. When you go downstairs, this is what the outside of the building looks like. This building is iconic.
I like to take photos of my paintings outside to see the true colors. Thank you for reading about my little painting adventures.
If you would like more information about this painting, you can contact me by clicking here.
Paseo de las Estatuas in the Retiro Park became World Heritage on July 25th 2021.
I just added this watercolor to my Art Shop. You can see it there if you click here.
Retiro Park here in Madrid, Spain really is beautiful and special. Little did I know, a year after painting this watercolor, Paseo de las Estatuas would be granted world heritage status by UNESCO.
I took this picture on a cloudy day. I find that cloudy days are good to take photos of my artwork. I can capture the true colors with my camera. My hand also serves as a size reference.
Thank you for looking at my artwork. Have a lovely day, Victoria
Plaza del Parterre August 2020 Madrid, Spain World Heritage Art
I made this watercolor of Plaza del Parterre in the early morning of August 2020. I got to my painting spot at 7:30 in the morning. The morning light was glorious. We had been confined in our houses the whole spring. In the month of August we were ‘allowed’ to go out if we were working. I considered myself to be working because I was painting with my student.
It was still somewhat dark outside because it was early morning.
A starling came by to visit a few times during the morning.
Here it is in natural daylight.
The Plein Air watercolor served me to make this studio painting later.
I am so happy to say Plaza del Parterre was granted World Heritage status July 25th, 2021 by UNESCO. The Spanish collection is called Paisaje de la Luz, in English it’s Landscape of Light.
Thank you for reading my little story. Enjoy your day, Victoria
Autumn Morning Watercolors in Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain 2020
Almost a year has gone by since I painted this watercolor in Retiro park. I made quite a few watercolors of the autumn of 2020.
This other watercolor is one that I made in December. The autumn colors are still there. In the photo below, I had just finished the watercolor.
The different shades of green and ocher are amazingly beautiful. Retiro Park is a painter’s paradise. I have a short video of the watercolor below. Click here to see it.
I like to take a photo of the paintings in the daylight to see the true colors.
Taking a photo with my hand also serves as a size reference. Thank you for reading my little story.
Have a lovely day,
Victoria
Thank you for Supporting the Arts Boca Raton FL – United States! Monument to Alfonso XII became World Heritage on July 25th 2021
When you purchase a print from me, I can buy more paint, more brushes and it boosts my morale 🙂 Thanks again, Victoria
Palacio de Cibeles Madrid, Spain
We had a really cold winter in Madrid in 2020, so this is one of the interiors that I painted to get out of the cold.
There wasn’t anybody in the building except for the workers and us two that were painting. All the comfy sofas had been taken out.
The usual people who hang out in this building were not here because there was nothing to see, nothing to do and nowhere to sit.
This is what this beautiful building looks like on the outside. Thank you for reading my little story.
Victoria
Thank you for supporting the Arts
These are early February branch flowers. They are the first to bloom in Madrid after our cold winter. Shortly after painting this small painting, we were all confined to our homes during the entire spring.
Thank you for reading my little story.
Painting Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park of Madrid, Spain
I have a lot of fun painting the Crystal Palace. I paint it often. In July it was granted World Heritage status. I am really happy about that.
This is a small format. Small format is great because I can finish in one session.
Here is my set up. I got this picture thanks to someone who sent me the picture. Thank you Javier!
I try to paint in the shade, since I am standing in the same spot for three or four hours. It’s either shade or wear a hat. I brushed off a few spiders from my shoulder that were dropping down from the shady tree.
Thank you for reading my little story,
Victoria
A Painting of Fountain of the Fallen Angel – Landscape of Light – World Heritage in Madrid
This painting is called Fuente del Ángel Caído. I painted it on site in August, a verrrrry hot month here in Madrid, haha.
Here you can see the statue in the background. I also have a short clip here if you click on ‘clip‘.
This unique statue, created by Ricardo Bellver is incredibly beautiful. It represents the moment that Lucifer falls from heaven as described by John Milton in the first pages of his epic, Paradise Lost. The statue has been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in July 2021.
Here is a shot of the painting on site, when I finished. If you come to Madrid, don’t forget to visit the Glorieta del Ángel Caído. Thank you for reading my short story. Enjoy your day, Victoria
El Palacio de Cristal del Buen Retiro en Madrid, España
Pinto en el Parque del Buen Retiro a menudo. Uno de mis edificios favoritos es el Palacio de Cristal. Lo he pintado muchas veces porque se ve diferente durante todo el año. El Palacio de Cristal fue declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO el 25 de Julio 2021. Volví a pintar este hermoso Palacio de Cristal en Agosto de 2021.
Mientras estaba pintando, alguien me dijo que se vería hermoso si lo dejaba los cantos sin terminar. De hecho, dos personas me dijeron eso el mismo día.
La selección del Parque del Buen Retiro y el Paseo del Prado, patrimonio de la humanidad, se llama Paisaje de la Luz, por lo que el borde blanco que se deja sin pintar sirve como un halo de luz. Es muy apropiado y una buena idea para la serie que estoy pintando con el mismo nombre. Estoy feliz de haberlas escuchado.
Palacio de Cristal, el primer cuadro de la serie, Paisaje de la Luz, está en muy buenas manos.
Ya está en la pared junto a una gran obra de arte. Hoy mi cuadro tiene casa. Gracias por apoyar las artes.
Y ya tiene marco blanco con paspartú. Me encanta! Victoria
Retiro Park World Heritage
The Crystal Palace here in Retiro Park has been granted status of world heritage in July 2021.
This is the first of a series of paintings that I plan on making of Paisaje de la Luz. In English, Landscape of Light. Here is a little clip of the painting and the Landscape.
As I was painting, someone I had just met that day gave me the perfect name for my series and named it ‘Landscape of Light’. Nice idea Carmen, Thanks.
I got up really early this morning to continue with my series of paintings. Monument to Alfonso XII has also been granted the status of world heritage. It is not surprising at all; the monument is so magnificent. Here is a little clip of the painting with the monument.
I’m not finished yet, so I’ll be going back tomorrow.
Ozzy, thank you for this cute clip!
Enjoy the summer everyone,
Victoria
Vintage Gooseneck Coffee Pot with Branch Blossoms
I picked up this gooseneck coffee pot at a design fair here in Madrid and this is the first time it appears in one of my paintings.
Here is a picture of the watercolor when I finished. I like to take a picture of it outdoors to see the colors in the light. I always put my hand in the picture as a size reference.
Now my friend has it hanging on her wall. She sent this picture to me. It looks great in that white frame. This is the perfect comfy corner.
Thank you for reading my little story and supporting the Arts.
Have a lovely day,
Victoria
Colorful Branch Flowers in Pickle Jar Watercolor
These branch flowers came and went so quickly as they usually do. I try not to miss the occasion of painting these flowers because they are very lively and fun to paint.
Thank you for supporting the Arts!
This frame works very well with the watercolor. It is simple and elegant at the same time.
And the Lovers Danced to La Orquesta Atipica Del Retrio with the Sound of the Newly Trickling Waterfall of the Artichoke Fountain in the Retiro Park One Early June Afternoon.
I was so stoked to see water falling from the fountain dishes in the first week of June. They had been off for a full year and counting as well as the drinking fountains that are all over Madrid.
I was lucky enough to hear the Orquesta Atipica Del Retrio while I was painting the Artichoke Fountain. It was a lot of fun to paint them too.
This young couple started dancing to the tune of the band and it was so sweet. It only lasted a few moments until they were off to something else.
Here is a little Video of the ambience with the quint playing at the Retiro Park. Click on the photo above or Click here.
Here is a size reference photograph of the line and wash called “A Beautiful Day in June 2021” in full sunlight.
It was such of a beautiful day in June; I painted this line and wash too. The artificial lake with the blue row boats is called Lago Estanque. The monument that you can see in the background with the equestrian statue is called Monumento a Alfonso XII.
Here is a size reference photograph of the line and wash called “El Estanque en Junio 2021” in full sunlight.
It was a really special day here in the Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain. Thank you for reading my little story, enjoy the sunny weather.
Victoria
February Almond Branch Flowers 2021
I woke up early, went for a walk, and came back with some Almond branches.
These flowers are really fun to paint because I love to look at them. The petals brighten up everthing around them.
I like painting this crystal vase too; it is in a lot of my paintings.
Here is the watercolor still on the drawing board with the model.
Here is the watercolor outside on a sunny day, in full shade to see the true colors.
Thank you for checking out my post. I have a few more spring paintings coming up. Enjoy your day, Victoria.
Memorial Day Monday May 31st 2021
Remembering those who have died in military service for the United States.
Thank you for Supporting the Arts! These house portraits were a lot of fun to make and I love to paint almond trees.
The painting above is a pen & ink with a watercolor wash and the painting below is pure watercolor.
Here a a picture of the watercolor in my hands to show a size reference and the true colors.
Have a lovely day,
Victoria
Line and Wash at the Retiro Park
There was a big blue sky over the Retiro Park and long shadows on the ground. It is really hard to see the beautiful Nymph fountain because the usual glittering water spilling off the dishes is just not happening.
I made two line and wash paintings. They are a lot of fun to do and the time goes by so quickly.
It’s nice to have two.
I like to take a photo of the watercolor with the model.
I can’t wait until the fountains are turned on again. At least there is water in the pond, so that is nice.
Click here to see a short clip.
Thank you for reading my little story, enjoy the pleasant weather,
Victoria
Early Branch Blossoms Watercolor Painting
I like painting flowering branches in watercolor because watercolor is a medium that allows me to paint quickly enough to try to capture the feeling.
These are the branch blossoms that bloom in February here in Madrid. The first three flowers I see after the cold winter are almond blossoms, Japanese quince and yellow retama.
Here is a closer view of the Japanese quince and yellow retama in pickle jar half filled with water.
These three early bloomers grow on twisting branches reaching out in every direction, so that’s why I like to put them in a pickle jar. I want to be able to paint the submerged flowers on the branches.
The blue curtains are in the background. I opened them up and the light came in illuminating the yellow retama.
Here is a picture of the watercolor in full shade. My hands serve as a size reference. Thank you for reading my little watercolor adventure report. Victoria
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day Everybody!
La Plaza de la Paja Madrid de los Austrias 2021
This is a watercolor of la Plaza de la Paja. (The Plaza of Straw). The name, Plaza of Straw, comes from the 15th Century, a time when straw was sold at the Plaza.
La Plaza de la Paja is located in an area known as Madrid de los Austrias, in the historic center, within the neighborhood of La Latina. It was an important market in the 13th and 14th Century. Nowadays, it is a great place to have a bite to eat or to just hang out.
Overlooking the Plaza, is Sacramento Church. Since 1980, it is the Military Cathedral of Spain known as Catedral de las Fuerzas Armadas.
These 19th Century constructions are either painted or covered with exposed brick. The narrow wrought iron balconies accentuate the buildings in this neighborhood so beautifully.
The antique gas street lamps that once lit the neighborhood with soft glowing lights are so picturesque.
Can you see a door on the back wall? This jewel is one of Madrid’s secrets.
Through this door, are the Gardens of the Prince of Anglona, one of the few examples of the noble gardens from the 18th Century of Madrid. If you are ever in Madrid, do not miss this hidden garden.
It was an overcast grey day, and the tree branches were still nude. Even so, anyday in Madrid is a good day to paint.
Here is the finished watercolor in the light of day, shown against the brick color so typical in many parts of Madrid.
Thank you for reading this little story about Madrid de los Austrias.
Fruit in Ceramic Bowl
When I go to the grocery, I pick the fruit not only to eat, but also to paint.
I selected this pear because it has a beautiful transition from yellow to red on one side.
I like to paint common objects because just like any other skill, you have to practice all the time. Use it or lose it.
If you like to paint and you want to keep improving, just paint things around you.
Los Bomberos en el Paseo de la Castellana
Firefighters have been on Paseo de la Castellana many times, putting out challengingly dangerous fires in the tall emblematic buildings on this main street in Madrid.
A decisive moment bound by time.
This red fire truck is so impressive.
Here is another truck coming into the scene on a side street.
This view in the background is Puerta de Europe, also known as Torres KIO. This is the Financial District of Madrid.
I like to hold the watercolor up in the sunlight to see the true colors. My hands serve as a size reference.
Thank you for taking the time to read my little story.
Victoria
A Few Wildflowers From the Field
I like to paint the things that are around me and these are typical Mediterranean wildflowers that grow in a field near my home in Madrid, Spain.
Spring Blossom Explosion Painting 2021
The Flowers in this painting are almond tree blossoms, Japanese scarlet quince and yellow broom retama in a pickle jar.
Every spring, I go out and get a few of these flowers to paint them in glass jars.
I really like the light refraction of the stems in the water.
This detail is the pickle jar reflected in the mirror with the beveled mirror edge with a few almond blossoms in the foreground.
I have blue curtains that I got in the Rastro. I like it that they show up in the mirror and complement the Japanese scarlet quince in the foreground.
Each little petal that fell off of the almond branch had a little reflection on the table.
The white almond blossom floating on the waterline in the pickle jar was my favorite detail in the still life.
Thank you for taking the time,
Victoria
Glasswork with Early February Almond Blossoms Watercolor
Spring flowers are blooming all around!
I took a few notes about the process. It’s really fun to paint with watercolors. I’m using 640 gsm.
I start out with a real model. Glass objects with flowers is my all time favorite thing to paint. I like color, a lot.
I work around the paper trying to give the same importance to everything in the foreground and the background.
When I finish, I carefully take the tape off and let it dry. Then I put the paper under a stack of books to flatten it. It looks so much nicer when it’s flattened.
I like to take a picture of the watercolor and the model together.
I also take a picture of the watercolor in natural light or in full shade to show the true colors.
These two watercolors go very well together.
Thank you for taking the time. Enjoy the spring,
Victoria
A watercolor of Cathedral Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena from the French Bridge
Victoria Olson Art - Watercolor, Egg Tempera & Oil 