Alhambra, Granda, Spain

Today Spain announced that the Alhambra is opening to tourists again after being closed for a long time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That is good news for them, and for tourists in the area, I hope everyone enjoys and stays safe. This is a kind of open air museum/historical site once built by the Moors who ruled southern Spain for some time in antiquity. I spent most of the day there in 1998 in the midst of my European backpacking trip. This scene was backlit, I must have liked the way the door frame made a picture frame, and how the grass was growing on top. 5 x 7" cold press, watercolour, 1998

Getting into the main complex, I found this scene in a tight courtyard with a reflecting pond and a duck. It was nerve racking because many tourists were walking around and I had to sit in my little camping chair in a corner while the security guard looked on. I didn't want to make a mess but I remember there being a little watercolour paint on the pristine white wall behind me when I left. Don't worry, it washes off! 5 x 7" hot press, watercolour, 1998

In the last painting I did on location here I found a nice view of the mountains and some of the structures. I even squeezed in some of the houses in the distance with remarkable detailing. As I look back I am impressed with how many earth tones I could get with what was a very limited palette. I also forgot how many kinds of papers I used on the trip. Before leaving I cut about 100 pieces of cold press, hot press, and this one, which is cold press but the denser grade. I actually ran out shortly after this location and had to buy some in Spain which was difficult. The paper I bought in Spain has since yellowed considerably it was probably 100 years old already.
5.5 x 9" cold press (300lbs), watercolour, 1998
 
These were not the only paintings I did here, two other I posted already, a Moorish door frame, and the curved amphitheater. There is one more of snow capped mountains in the distance but it is temporarily lost in my box of paintings.