It was in 1998 when I first visited Spain. Since then, no other
travel destination has compared to my two favorite Spanish cities,
Barcelona and Sevilla.
It made sense that 17 years later, I would want to spend my 40th
birthday returning to beautiful España this past February! And she didn’t disappoint…
More so than my first visit, I really connected with my
Spanish-influenced heritage. Maybe that’s why I love it so
much -- it reminded me of growing up in a Filipino home. The cuisine – empanadas, arroz caldo, chicharron, pastillas de leche – looked and tasted very familiar. The Spanish colonial
buildings are reminiscent of some of the homes I remember in old-town Manila. There is so much to be inspired by in Spain, from Picasso's paintings, to Gaudi's awe-inspiring designs, to the islamic architectural influence in Andalucia. I could literally stand on any
street corner and find something interesting to draw. Here are a few of
my favorite sketches from the trip!
La Sagrada Familia - Nativity Facade
La Sagrada Familia - Passion Facade
Barcelona Pavilion designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Basilica at the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) - Royal Alcazar of Seville
Patio de las Muñecas (Courtyard of the Dolls) - Royal Alcazar of Seville
3-min sketch on the left and 10-min sketches on the right
Here's a timelapse of the 3-min sketch (above) - Alley in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona:
Alan, your sketches are beautiful! My boyfriend and I also just got back from a trip to Spain, including a visit to Royal Alcazar of Seville. By any chance, do you have an online shop where you sell your sketches? I would love to purchase one, if available of course, please let me know. Thank you.
Fantastic, Allan! These bring back fond memories of when I was in Barcelona in 2013. Your sketch of the Sagrada Familia is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tina!
DeleteAllan,
ReplyDeleteThese are great! And such a great use of color. Your Seville sketches actually remind me of the Alhambra in Granada.
Thanks Gail! It was hard to leave, but I'm also glad to be back home. I think I'll be able to make it to the Burke next week!
DeleteAlan, your sketches are beautiful! My boyfriend and I also just got back from a trip to Spain, including a visit to Royal Alcazar of Seville. By any chance, do you have an online shop where you sell your sketches? I would love to purchase one, if available of course, please let me know. Thank you.
ReplyDelete