Santos Retablos 1936

Maude Valle painted this 'Santos Retablos' with watercolor. I love how the colors create a kind of glow, like the image is lit from within. You can almost see her hand moving, dipping the brush in water, mixing the colors on the palette. I imagine Valle carefully building up the image, layer by layer, each stroke contributing to the overall sense of reverence. The paint is thin, almost translucent, which gives the image a delicate, ethereal quality. The way she renders the figure with such softness and vulnerability really speaks to me. It's like she's inviting us into a moment of quiet contemplation. That red against the dark green of the cloak… It’s really beautiful! It's a timeless image, rooted in tradition but also deeply personal. It reminds me that painting is a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas and inspirations across time.