A Serendipitous Subject and a Shift in Style

This watercolor painting wasn’t planned — it came about unexpectedly after I stumbled upon a photograph that captivated me with its striking color palette. I had been immersed in painting urban scenes lately, and perhaps I was unconsciously seeking something different. The photo of the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, located off the coast of Ireland, offered just that change of rhythm.

What drew me in was the bold contrast between the cool blues of the sky and sea, and the warm hues of the lighthouse and boat. I made only a few minor adjustments to the original photo, focusing primarily on achieving a visual balance between warm and cool tones, and between the horizontal flow of the ocean and the strong verticality of the lighthouse.

This piece is relatively simple in composition, yet it left me with a sense of satisfaction. Even if I expected a different result, I enjoyed the freshness of working with a new motif.

Materials and Technical Details

Paper: Canson Heritage, 300g fine-grain paper.
Watercolor: Schmincke Horadam watercolors.
Technique: Mainly «wet on dry» and «dry on dry» Format: Portrait 
Format/Size: Landscape; 30 x 40 cm.
Completed: February 2023.

Preliminary Sketch and Color Study

Before diving into the final painting, I created a quick sketch and explored a simplified color palette. I aimed to limit the tones while preserving the freshness and contrast that first attracted me to the subject.

Final Notes / Artist’s Reflection

Sometimes the best pieces emerge when you’re not actively searching for them. This painting was a break from my usual urban work, and it reminded me of the creative freedom that comes from allowing space for spontaneity. The process also helped me reset and appreciate simplicity again — both in subject and composition.

Further Exploration

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

To know more about this lighthouse. https://www.greatlighthouses.com/lighthouses/fastnet-rock/

Did this painting inspire you? Feel free to leave a comment below or share it with someone who loves lighthouses and watercolor art.