Castilian Landscape 

Jesús Meneses del Barco painted this "Castilian Landscape" using watercolor on paper. It’s a medium that lends itself to capturing the subtle gradations of light and atmosphere, and here, the artist uses it to evoke the rural Spanish landscape. Notice how the watery nature of watercolor allows for delicate washes of color, creating a sense of depth and distance? The muted tones and soft edges contribute to the tranquil mood, while the layering of washes builds up the forms of the haystacks and figures. The choice of watercolor speaks to a tradition of plein air painting, where artists venture outdoors to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. In this painting, Meneses del Barco invites us to appreciate the beauty of the everyday, and the simple dignity of rural life. The artwork highlights the amount of work involved in the production process, and the labor of the people who work the land. Ultimately, this artwork reminds us that art isn't just about grand gestures, it’s also about the careful observation of the world around us.