Monday, April 12, 2010

Walled Castle in Galicia, Spring

Our first look at the Spanish countryside, and it's lovely.

9 comments:

Susan Roux said...

Ok. You sold me. I'll go!

You're colors are so alive.

Sarall said...

¡Precioso!

My favourite landscapes in Spain are from the north: lots of green, mountains and sea.

And the food is terrific!! :-9

Susan Abbott said...

Thanks for writing, Susan and Sara. Galicia is a surprise, not like I imagined Spain would be (based on Don Quixote and flamenco.) Such beautiful green countryside, small working farms, tiny ancient villages--and the pilgim's Camino passes through all of that. I'm really enjoying the chance to walk and paint here. Already planning another trip back. And yes, the food is good--especially the cheese, bread, sausage and wine!

Mojtaba abtahi said...

i love the mood of this painting ... the warm and cold colors... and the calmness of this scene ...

Anonymous said...

I agree...the scenery looks lovely and your interpretation is too! Especially like the colors and crisp light. Thank you. Kay

Susan Abbott said...

Thank you for your comments, Kay and Mojtaba! It was lovely being outside in warm sun and spring breeze doing this painting.

Anonymous said...

Susan, I notice you do a lot of square format paintings. Art teachers often speak of the golden mean in reference to good compositions in rectangular formats. Is there some similar tried and true guideline for square format? Thanks in advance, Kay

Susan Abbott said...

You don't see many square formats before the 20th century. I like the way the square calls attention to itself--I'm very aware of the composition within a square, while with a rectangular, I'm seeing more "subject and background". But i use both, depending on the composition. Beware of "tried and true guidelines"--teachers often love them, but they make for predictable paintings.

Anonymous said...

Thank you. I find myself really liking the square format too and want yo improve my composition skills overall, regardless of format. Anyway, your point about predictability is well taken. Thanks, Kay.