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.
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.
Autumn Leaves in the Retiro Park
I think the element of surprise is what I like about art making.
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.
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.
Mediterranean Wildflowers in Red Vintage Bottle 2022
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.
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.
Monumento to Alfonso XIIArco de los CuchillerosMonumento al Angel CaidoLa Gran ViaEl Templo de DobodFuente de NeptunoAtocha Stationla AlmudenaTravesia de los NunciosPlaza de CascorroAt my stand at Plaza de los Pintores
I will have these watercolors at my stand in June. I invite you to come by and see me.
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.
Irises in Pickle Jar April 21st, 2022
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.
Plaza de los Pintores
What? The Plaza de los Pintores (An Outdoor Art Market) When? Every Sunday from 10am to 3pm Where? Plaza Conde de Barajas – In Madrid.
Victoria Olson Art - Watercolor, Egg Tempera & Oil 