Watercolor art of a stormy day in Europa Point, Gibraltar.

Painting Atmosphere Over Perfection

This watercolor was a commissioned piece, based on a striking photo of a stormy day in Europa Point, Gibraltar. At first glance, the reference image was visually stunning — but a beautiful photo doesn’t always make for a great painting.

When choosing a subject, I usually look for:

• Contrasts of light and shadow
• Color harmony and opposition
• A mix of lines and shapes
• Perspective and depth
• And above all, a detail that captures my attention

This photo had none of those things… except one: atmosphere.

That sense of wind, water, and sky colliding. That quiet tension before a wave breaks. The challenge was to capture the storm, not just the scene. Watercolor is a perfect medium for this — the transparency, the fluidity, and how it lends itself to portraying sea spray, foam, and shifting skies.

In the end, I was surprisingly satisfied with the result. This piece reminded me that not every painting needs all the elements we expect — sometimes, it’s about capturing a feeling.

Materials and Technical Details

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

Final Notes / Artist’s Reflection

his painting pushed me to rethink my usual artistic criteria, and I’m glad it did. It’s a reminder that art isn’t always about control — sometimes it’s about letting the paint, and the emotion, lead the way.

Further Exploration

To check out the rest of my watercolor art collection, click on this link. https://juananelo.wordpress.com/porfolio/

Artists exhibited in Gibraltar. https://www.culture.gi/art-galleries/

Have you ever worked on a creative project that didn’t meet your usual expectations — but still surprised you? Share your experience below or send this post to someone who enjoys expressive art.