Jerez, Sevilla, Cadiz

Before and after we went to Algodonales, we visited three cities in Andalusia: Jerez de la Frontera, Sevilla and Cadiz.

In Jerez we stayed only two days. 

We didn't really have a plan, but something happened wherever we went. As we arrived to the main Plaza, two weddings took place. As we sat down and watched the audience clapping and shouting „guapa, guapa“, we realized that chairs were set up in rows all over the plaza. We saw some old excited ladies hurrying to get a seat in these rows and this is when we realized that this had nothing to do with the weddings.

Later in the evening, a big concert was scheduled on that plaza by a well known spanish music group of older men. 

The next morning, on Saturday, I really wanted to sketch the plaza itself. There was nobody there. I was sitting on a bench in the shade, and slowly started to draw the houses to deal with the perspective and to get a good composition. 

Suddenly a very elegantly dressed society of people streamed out of the church - another wedding! They looked fabulous. The plaza in front of me was filled with men in smokings, women with big and colorful hats, beautiful dresses and high heals.

Sevilla was the town with the big attractions. Plaza de España, the gigantic semicircle.

It is a colorful, lively and playful city. 

Many big churches, cupolas on flashy houses, beautiful ceramic walls and many balconies.

We spent the last days of our holidays in Cadiz.

We loved walking in the narrow streets and the beautiful green plazas, while the sea approaches the city from all sides.

And of course we also visited a flamenco show - olé! 

 

 

 

Rhythm, Light & Colour in Cádiz

Rhythm, Light & Colour was the name of the workshop from "Pushing your Sketching Boundaries" held by Isabel Carmona, Celia Burgos and Swasky. Although I just came from three weeks of holidays I decided to join it. The workshop was about exploring the city and its people during the week of carnival. The carnival in Cadiz famously transforms the city to an open-air theatre with its singing men group (chirigotas) which are performing on big stages and in narrow streets.

We were 18 men and women, young and old, from different countries. We were divided in three groups and each group had two workshops with each tutor. It was a great combination. Working was different with each one of them but "rhythm, light & colour" held the sessions together.

As Celia lives in Cai Cai (Cadiz, Oldtown) we had the great opportunity to spend some hours on her rooftop terrace and sketch the amazing view. 

A day later Isabel took us even higher on the Torre Tavira, where we worked on capturing the impressive panorama in different exercises. 

With Swasky we explored the central market of Cadiz, which is a meeting point for locals and tourists alike - especially during lunchtime. 

Usually all of us spent the lunch breaks and the evenings together in some bars or restaurants, sharing our sketchbooks and sketching of course.

 

My personal highlight was the big carnival procession on saturday. We stood with our sketchbooks among all people experiencing this special atmosphere. On each wagon was a group of (mostly) men, dressed in special costumes singing these beautiful songs (chirigotas). I was really touched.

I had a great time and enjoyed every minute. These five intensive days were just about sketching in very good company
lead by 3 wonderful tutors.

Natalie captured me...

Isabel is keeping an eye on us :)

Sherry, fried fish and a sketch book

holding and showing our sketch!