Where Light, Stone, and Celebration Meet

A tribute to community, tradition, and the dignity of ordinary life

About the Painting Process

This painting is part of a new collection I’m preparing—one that pays tribute to the lives of our parents and grandparents. A generation that rebuilt the world after war and hardship, not through grand gestures, but through tireless work, family, and a strong sense of community.

As I looked through old black-and-white photographs, I was captivated by an image showing the Palm Sunday celebration in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona. The photo depicted a lively yet solemn morning: children waving palm leaves, mothers holding infants, neighbors gathered under the towering Gothic façade.

But beyond the moment itself, it was the light that drew me in—the early sun cutting across the plaza, sculpting the stonework in shadow and gold. I immediately knew I wanted to transform that frozen black-and-white moment into a watercolor scene bursting with warmth, light, and subtle emotion.

Of course, I modified the original: removing some figures, simplifying others, reworking the composition for clarity and rhythm. I added flying doves to connect the diagonal beams of light across the image—enhancing the sense of movement and sacred celebration. And most importantly, I crafted a unique color palette to match the atmosphere I envisioned.

Materials and Technical Details

📐 Size: 76 × 56 cm
🔲 Format: Portrait
📄 Paper: Hahnemühle, 600g, cold press (fine grain)
🎨 Watercolors: Schmincke Horadam and Daniel Smith
🖌️ Brushes: Escoda Reserva, natural Kolinsky hair
📅 Date: June 2025
🎨 Palette:
Dominated by violet and mauve tones, shifting into warm cobalt and ultramarine blues, contrasted with golden ochres and burnt sienna hues.

1. Composition and Structure

The scene unfolds from a shadowed corner, inviting the viewer to observe from within the shade. This choice of viewpoint subtly turns the observer into a silent participant. The composition leads us from the anonymous backs of nearby figures toward the glowing cathedral façade, with the stairs and central arch serving as focal anchors.

Figures are dispersed in natural clusters, evoking real motion and conversation. Children, women, elders—they’re not posed but caught in action, immersed in a moment. The doves, palm leaves, and interplay of shadows build dynamic diagonals that animate the entire surface.

2. Light and Narrative

Morning light enters the square from the upper right, cascading down the Gothic stone with a diffused brilliance. That light becomes more than illumination—it becomes storytelling. It marks a sacred hour, heightens emotion, and sets a visual tempo.

The contrast between glowing sun and cool shadow gives rhythm to the scene, hinting at something both festive and reverent.

3. Color and Atmosphere

To capture the early 20th-century mood, I deliberately chose a nostalgic palette—muted yet warm. Violet and mauve shadows blend with delicate sunlit blues. Ochres and siennas enrich the scene with a golden memory of Barcelona mornings.

Beyond realism, the colors are emotionally charged—designed to conjure the passage of time, faded photographs, and the shared warmth of family traditions.

4. Detail and Texture

This may be one of the most technically complex pieces I’ve created to date. With so many figures, stone details, and lighting nuances, the balance between sharpness and softness became key. I used wet-on-wet washes for background atmosphere and layered techniques (wet-on-dry and dry brush) in the shadow areas to reinforce depth.

Despite the complexity, the process flowed surprisingly smoothly. Every step aligned with the original vision I had for this painting—which, as any artist knows, is a rare and satisfying outcome.

5. Narrative and Symbolism

This piece speaks to tradition, memory, and generational continuity. It’s not a painting of a cathedral—it’s a painting of people: of how they lived, celebrated, and passed down values through shared rituals. The doves become more than decorative—they symbolize both peace and motion, tying heaven and earth, celebration and silence.

Final Thoughts

This is, without doubt, one of the most ambitious watercolors I’ve completed. Its size, detail, and emotional weight made it a true labor of love. But from start to finish, it unfolded exactly as I hoped—no struggle, no compromise. That rare alignment between vision and execution makes this painting feel special.

It’s a tribute not only to a moment in Barcelona’s past, but to the broader beauty of everyday life across generations.

You can explore the rest of my watercolor collection by clicking the link below.
🔗 [View Portfolio]