My biggest goal during this residency has been to focus on the transition to painting en plein air, in preparation for further travels starting in October. Given that I am now known as a landscape painter, I have often felt proportionally inexperienced in plein air painting compared to my contemporaries. In truth, I avoided it for quite some time, and this was mainly due to feeling uncomfortable on-site. When I did paint, I found the results disappointing, depleting any enthusiasm to try again.
The logistical side of this ‘uncomfortableness’ was solved when I built my own palette box and painting carrier in the summer. This fixed a number of problems. Now, I could carry all my materials in one bag, freely adjust the angle of the palette box each session and carry my – now lightweight –kit for a reasonable amount of time.
After our first week in Spain, I had already discovered so much. I realised that one of the major reasons I didn’t like painting outdoors was simple, I didn’t feel good enough. When you hide away in a studio, no one watches your process or comments on how you do things. When you’re in public spaces, people are friendly and keen for a chat! Once I got used to people stopping to watch and make conversation, I realised this didn’t matter. The only one worried about the painting process was me. Who’d have known?
Finally, I realised that time was all I needed to paint en plein air comfortably. Time to get used to my equipment, time to notice the speed of which the light changes in a setting, and time to practice getting the key elements ‘set in stone’ on the painting. Time was the most valuable gift given to me on this residency. I was given the freedom I needed to paint, paint and paint again, not worrying about the outcome but enjoying the process of practice.
Working with an entirely new landscape has been invigorating. I have loved the rolling hills, the infinite views and of course, the beautiful Spanish sunshine. The Autumn light has given me plenty of hours to explore and I have been spoilt for choice in the idyllic location of Arenas de San Pedro. We have also been blessed with some gorgeous September weather, and it has been so special exploring these narrow streets and (trying!) to interact with the locals. I was definitely noticed wandering around with my easel, and by the end of the trip, locals would come and say hello and tell me where they last saw me set up – ‘yesterday under the bridge, today by the fountain’…
Moving forward, I now have the confidence in painting plein air while on our big adventure. I have seen my practice evolving right in front of me, which has been hugely rewarding. I would like to give my greatest thanks to Rob Poynton who facilitated this trip and allowed me to stay at his flat during the residency. Without Rob and his family, this trip wouldn’t have been possible, and I feel my work has come a long way as a result of my stay. Thank you, Rob, for the opportunity, I have had the most amazing time.
To the reader, I hope you enjoy this catalogue of paintings I have produced while in this beautiful place. They are certainly different to the paintings you might know me for, but I am truly excited about where my work is going. Please keep an eye out for future newsletters as I will be sharing more of my paintings as we explore the world. Our first stop is India, and I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me!
Very best,
2. The Bell Tower, 2023 Oil on paper
22.9 x 30.5 cm
3. Embalse del Río Cuevas, 2023 Oil on paper
22.9 x 30.5 cm
4. Under the Bridge, 2023
Oil on paper
30.5 x 22.9 cm
5. The Skies near El Arenal, 2023
Oil on board
21 x 26 cm
6. Morning Sun through the Pine Trees, 2023
Oil on board
21 x 26 cm
7. Up in the Clouds, 2023 Oil on paper
22.9 x 30.5 cm
8. The Mountains South of El Arenal, 2023 Oil on board 21 x 26 cm
9. ¡Esa es la Casa de Mi Madre!, 2023
Oil on paper
30.5 x 22.9 cm
10. Calle de los Hornos, 2023 Oil on board 21 x 26 cm
22.9
11. The Corner of Catedral de Ávila, 2023 Oil on paper
x 14.1 cm
12. Palm Tree by the Castle, 2023 Oil on paper
22.9 x 13.3 cm
13. Pine Trees near El Arenal, 2023 Oil on board
26 x 21 cm
14. The Hills from Cuevas del Valle, 2023
Oil on board 26 x 21 cm
15. Sierra de Gredos in the Morning Sun - Study, 2023
Oil on paper
22.9 x 30.5 cm
16. Gredos Sunrise Study I, 2023 Oil on paper
10.4 x 13.3 cm
18. Gredos Sunrise Study III, 2023 Oil on paper
10.3 x 14.1 cm
17. Gredos Sunrise Study II, 2023
Oil on paper
9.1 x 13 cm
19. Gredos Sunrise Study IV, 2023
Oil on paper
9.5 x 13.1 cm
When will these paintings be available?
All paintings are available to purchase upon receipt of this catalogue. Please email me to enquire hannah@buchananmail.co.uk
Can I get my painting framed?
All sizes and prices currently exclude framing. If you would like to purchase a framed painting, please specify this in your enquiry. If framing is required, paintings will be framed in a bespoke, natural grain frame with a white wash. Frame examples will be sent upon request.
Why are some paintings more detailed than others?
Some paintings are made as stand-alone pieces, whilst others are made much faster in order to capture the quickly changing light. These studies may be used as a reference for future paintings.
Are these all the paintings you made during your residency?
No, these are all the finished paintings. I do have a few more I have been working on, but these are far from finished! I will be releasing all the works with other travel paintings, in early 2024.
Why are the prices so different?
I price my work based on the materials used and the time it takes for me to complete the work. As these have all been painted en plein air, most have been finished in less time than a studio piece, hence the change in pricing.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.