La Fuente de Neptuno Paisaje de la Luz (Neptune Fountain Landscape of Light) Madrid, Spain.

Posted on January 17, 2023 by victoria A. Olson

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

Posted on December 26, 2022 by victoria A. Olson

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

Autumn Plein Air Painting in Madrid

Posted on December 14, 2022 by victoria A. Olson

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

La Gran Via from the Rooftop of Callao 2021

Posted on July 3, 2022 by victoria A. Olson

Pen and Ink with watercolor wash from the Rooftop of Callao winter of 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

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.

Posted on May 14, 2022 by victoria A. Olson

Rosas Rojas en Botella de Hierba Buena 10 de Mayo 2022

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.

Sapphire Bombay Gin Bottle with Red Roses and Sea Shells May 13th, 2022

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.

Iris en Botella de Whisky Vintage Abril 16 2022

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.

Irises with Yellow Daisies in Gooseneck Coffee Pot April 20th 2022

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.

Red Roses with Bottles and Vintage Pink Flower Shape Depression Gass Ashtray May 13th, 2022

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.

Red Roses in Blue Gin Bottle May 13th 2022

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.

Rosas en Anfora de Talavera de la Reina Abril 29 2022

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.

Rosas en Jarron de Cristal Abril 28 2022

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.

At my Stand at the Plaza de los Pintores

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

Posted on December 20, 2021 by victoria A. Olson

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.

My Painting Adventure 2020-2021 in Madrid, Spain

Posted on November 15, 2021 by victoria A. Olson

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.

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!

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

Posted on November 4, 2021 by victoria A. Olson

Plaza de Cascorro Watercolor November 4th, 2021 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.

Eloy Gonzolo, alias Cascorro November 4th 2021 Madrid, Spain

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

Posted on November 1, 2021 by victoria A. Olson

Plaza Mayor Arco de Cuchilleros Winter of 2020

It was a bit cold when I painted this, but it was fun anyway.

plaza_mayor_arco_de_cuchilleros_winter_of_2020_madrid_spain

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.

Autumn Morning Watercolors in Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain 2020

Posted on October 22, 2021 by victoria A. Olson

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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