When I started this painting project, I decided to choose a scenery from Spain. This painting takes you to Villafamés, a village located in the northern part of the Valencia region, in the province of Castellón. A picturesque village located on a hill and with narrow streets lined with reddish-brown stone houses. In the past, many Valencian artists had their summer residence in Villafamés, a slightly cooler climate as it is located in the mountains than by the sea where it is very humid. Villafamés has also been named the most beautiful village in Spain so it is worth a visit if you have not been there. There is even an art museum to visit for those interested in art. It is soothing to wander along the narrow zigzag streets through the old town up to the castle at the top. When you get to the highest point, you have a fantastic view over the fields and on the horizon you can see a glimpse of the sea. The entrances to the red stone houses are adorned with beautiful plants in terracotta pots. Huge magenta-coloured bougainvillea is growing over roofs and sometimes covering a major part of the facades. Anyone who has visited Spain as a tourist has probably been fascinated by the impressive bougainvillea here, while these flowers in the north are only found as smaller houseplants. The narrow street that I chose to interpret is lined with terracotta pots and a small black cat has sought coolness in the shade. Some facades are built entirely with the characteristic rust-red stones, while others are white, with reddish-brown stones built just around windows and doors. At the end of the downhill slope, a few cars are parked as most streets are so narrow, so it is better to explore the village by foot.
A work of art with many details.
This time I wanted to paint an artwork with lots of details. You know a picture that you can look at time after time and constantly find new things that you did not notice at first glance. My wish is that my interpretation became as authentic as possible and that I managed to capture the charm that exists in this mountain village. It would be interesting to know what you think. Feel free to write here or email me to info@brittasart.com if you fancy sending me a comment. The painting can be found in the gallery under the category Mediterranean Sea.
