A Personal Journey Behind the Steel and Shadows

This was my first painting in large format, which significantly influenced both the technique and level of finish. The motif came to me through a photograph I saw online, and it immediately stood out — it had everything I usually look for in a subject: strong contrasts of light and color, architectural rhythm, depth, and layers of background. Perhaps it lacked a human figure, something I often value to bring movement and life into a scene.

But beyond its composition, this painting carries deep emotional weight. During the time I was working on it, my father was hospitalized. I would share photos of the painting with him, and he would comment — offering suggestions, pointing out things he liked or disliked. After he passed away, I couldn’t continue. The piece stayed on my drawing table for months. Finishing it eventually became part of my healing process, a way to channel grief through the act of painting.

Materials and Technical Details

Paper: Arches 600 gr fine-grain paper.
Watercolor: Schmincke Horadam watercolors.
Technique: Mainly «wet on dry» and «dry on dry»  
Format/Size: Portrait; 58 x 76 cm.
Completed: July 2022.

Final Notes / Artist’s Reflection

Some works go beyond technique — they hold memories, conversations, and unfinished moments. Completing this piece was more than painting: it was a farewell, a tribute, and a form of therapy. Today, it stands not just as a view of Lisbon’s iconic bridge, but as a personal milestone in my life as an artist.

Further Exploration

🎨 Explore the rest of my watercolor collection
🌉 More about the Dom Luís I Bridge

Have you ever created something that helped you through a personal moment? I’d love to hear your thoughts — feel free to comment or share.