Painting - Camino de Santiago - Onwards to Molinaseca

[Michael Mattalo]

My wife and I walked the St. James way this past spring from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela. The walk was, as expected of course, a life rewarding experience. We captured many of the beautiful sites and vistas we saw and experienced in 1,600+ photos and 50+ videos. These have become an excellent source of inspiration for my paintings. Here, I am sharing the first piece I created these past days. I am a self-taught starving artist that has only had time to paint 1-2 pieces a year. I am hoping to find more time to work on more paintings that capture our journey of the Camino. Buen Camino to all.

 

[kaixo]

Ah...your first painting...it is absolutely lovely!
I would be interested in seeing the foto alongside the painting and any story that may go along with it.
Keep creating and sharing.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Ah...your first painting...it is absolutely lovely!
I would be interested in seeing the foto alongside the painting and any story that may go along with it.
Keep creating and sharing.

Thank you for your kind words. I have attached both the reference photo as well as another version I painted in watercolor. I will continue to share paintings as I work through the stack of photos we have selected. My wife is keeping me very busy

The story behind this painting has significant meaning. The location for the scene is outside Foncebadon past the Cruz de Ferro and near Alto Altar. Upon arriving in Foncebadon the night prior, I received word that my elderly mother had just passed away back in Canada. My wife and I decided to continue on with our walk, but this now gave a strong purpose for the next morning's visit to the Cruz de Ferro and the climb to Alto Altar. I recall that morning was particularly rainy and gloomy but after that, the mist and clouds began to give way to light allowing the magnificent colours to line our pathway for the descent to Molinaseca. This may explain my use of the vibrant colours for this piece. Each image we captured along our walk has particular meaning and significance and this will continue to inspire my painting of the Camino - even as an amateur

Enjoy! Michael

 

[nycwalking]

Otherworldly beautiful!
Thanks for posting.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Lovely.
Thank you for sharing.

Wish you well,Peter.

 

[jayree]

Thank you for posting this painting and the history info. I really like your description of the Camino as "a life rewarding experience."

 

[Littlecita]

This is lovely! I also have a few paintings of the Camino as well. Wasn't sure if it was okay to share them here.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Love seeing and hearing such stories. Please post more.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

This is lovely! I also have a few paintings of the Camino as well. Wasn't sure if it was okay to share them here.

Yes, of course. Would love to see your paintings. Buen Camino!

 

[HedaP]

Thank you for posting your painting. I love the bright colours. Spring on the CF is in your face beautiful. I don’t think I took as many photos as you but goodness me I could have. I have to say walking from Foncebadon was my favourite day of walking and I don’t even do hills! I walked this year knowing my 96 mum was following my progress. We had a family plan for any contingency. It did not happen but I was prepared in case it did. I am sorry that you did not have the same outcome. My condolences to you and your family.

 

[cecelia]

Beautiful Michael! I love that part of the camino. Looking forward to seeing more of your paintings. I know other artists have shared paintings too on this forum. They're always wonderful to see.

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Michael - Catching up on recent Forum daily updates today I found your thread with the lovely painting of the path onwards (and downwards!) into Molineseca. It's so beautiful, as is your Carrion de los Condes poppies painting. Thank you for sharing your artwork.
Cheers - Jenny