A Personal Paradise at the Edge of Time

We all have a place we hold close—a place that soothes us just by thinking of it, filled with memories and peace. For me, that place is the beach of my hometown, San Fernando. Tucked inside a protected natural park and surrounded by salt marshes, it’s a quiet, hard-to-reach beach. Walk far enough and you may find yourself alone with nothing but the wind and the local seabirds. Keep walking all the way to La Punta del Boquerón, and you’ll come upon this tower—a silent sentinel overlooking turquoise waters and shifting dunes.

This structure, known as Castillo de Sancti Petri, dates back to the 17th century, but its roots go much deeper. It is believed to stand where the ancient Temple of Melqart once rose, a sacred site linked to Phoenician times and over 3,000 years of history. Until recently, this beach was a restricted military zone, which may explain why it’s still so unknown to outsiders. But for those of us who grew up among these dunes, it remains a privilege—and a treasure.

It was only a matter of time before I tried to honor this place through watercolor. My goal was to capture the calm, the clarity, and that powerful sense of solitude that defines it. I wanted the sky to feel open and endless, the wind to move through the grasses, and silence to echo across the dunes. I chose a very limited palette and focused on simplicity, seeking to recreate the atmosphere more than the detail. I’m sure I’ll return to this subject again—but for a first attempt, I feel it carries the essence.

Materials and Technical Details

🎨 Medium: Schmincke Horadam watercolors
📄 Paper: Hahnemühle hot-pressed, satin finish (300g)
📐 Size: 30 x 40 cm
📅 Date: February 2024
🔲 Format: Landscape
🎨 Palette: Very limited and subdued palette, aiming for atmospheric clarity and tonal harmony

Final Notes / Artist’s Reflection

Some paintings go beyond the visual—they become a way to return. This one feels like that. It connects with something deeper: childhood, silence, history, and that sacred sensation of being truly alone in nature. I know I’ll revisit this location, both in life and on paper, but this piece stands as my first tribute to a timeless place I call home.

Further Exploration

🌊 More coastal and seascape watercolor paintings
🏛️ Read about the Temple of Melqart and Sancti Petri

Do you have a special place that feels like your personal paradise? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
🖼️ Stay tuned for more watercolors inspired by the places that shaped me.