Watercolor Painting: The Gibraltar lighthouse

A Turning Point in Style and Simplicity

This painting marked a significant step forward in the artistic style I had been seeking. The Gibraltar Lighthouse, located at Europa Point, is a motif I’ve revisited many times over the years—in watercolor, acrylic, and drawing.

On this occasion, I stumbled upon a beautiful photograph online. The composition and lighting were exactly what I had in mind, and thanks to the photographer’s permission, I could move forward confidently—knowing exactly the technique, color palette, and mood I wanted to convey.

The goal was to capture the peaceful stillness of an early morning by the sea. I focused on using cool tones, balanced by the striking red of the lighthouse. Similarly, I played with visual balance: the horizontal lines of the sea, rocks, and clouds are carefully contrasted with the vertical silhouette of the lighthouse, anchoring the composition.

Materials and Technical Details

Paper: Canson Heritage, 300g fine-grain paper.
Watercolor: Winsor & Newton watercolors.
Technique: Mainly «wet on wet» and «wet on dry»  
Format/Size: Portrait; 30 x 40 cm.
Completed: March 2021.

Final Notes / Artist’s Reflection

This piece reflects the direction I want my watercolor style to take—clean, atmospheric, and emotionally balanced. The Gibraltar Lighthouse is not just a familiar landmark, but a subject through which I continue to evolve artistically.

Further Exploration

🎨 Check out the rest of my watercolor painting collection
🖼️ Artists exhibited in Gibraltar

Have you ever returned to the same subject multiple times and found something new each time? Let me know your experience in the comments!

Deja un comentario

Welcome to my official website!
I’m Juan Anelo, a watercolor artist passionate about capturing light and color. Here you’ll find a selection of my works, insights into my creative process, and upcoming exhibitions.
Feel free to explore my portfolio and blog for the latest updates!

In my blog you’ll find the stories behind my artworks, insights into my creative process, and the techniques I use to bring light and color to life. I also share updates on my latest YouTube videos, exhibitions, and news related to my work. Whether you’re an artist, an art enthusiast, or just curious, I hope you find inspiration here!

Arches Atmosphere / Ambient Calm Atmosphere Canson Heritage City Perspective Coastal light Color Harmony Color palette Contemplation Da Vinci Dry brush / dry-on-dry Emotional Impact Escoda Facades / Fachadas Focal Point Gibraltar Hahnemühle Heat & Warmth Heavyweight Paper (≥ 300g) Landscape Format Light and shadow Lighthouses Memory & Nostalgia Mood Morning light Nature & Silence Old buildings People in Motion Portrait Format Red Kolinsky Sable San Fernando Schmincke Horadam Seascapes / Marinas Streets / Calles Strong contrast Strong Shadows Sunny Day Urban Haze Urban life Urban scenery Urban Sketch Urban Stories Wet-on-dry Wet-on-wet Winsor and Newton