Córdoba

We stayed 5 days in Córdoba. Córdoba is famous für the Mezquita-Mosque which has been converted to a Cathedral. I loved the atmosphere in the great Mosque and tried to ignore the huge Cathedral which was built into the heart of it.

Córdoba is the town of patios and orange trees. I can imagine the smell and how beautiful it is in the blossom season. Flowers and plants are decorating every corner, green patios and orange trees everywhere. 

„Plaza de la Corredera“ was a good location for a serveza in the early evening,

and a Flamenco show is always a must for me in Andalusia, even if it’s a touristic show. Olé!

Algodonales 2019

My husband cannot imagine an October without being in Algodonales. He is a paraglider and this small town in Andalusia is famous for its good conditions for paragliding. The area is also famous for the large amount of vultures who live there. They even fly beside the paragliders - making this an unforgettable experience. I am happy to accompany him. During the day, while he is in the air, I have time for sketching.

Since it was the third time for me in „Algo“ (here are the previous posts from 2018 and 2016) it was a little bit like coming home. The long plaza with two rows of orange trees in front of the church is still the center of life. 

At any given time in the day there is a different activity there. 

Siesta time. The Plaza is empty

My favorite time is between 18:00 and 20:00, when the temperature cools off, and everybody shows up there. Small groups of men, couples and old people with their helpers are walking up and down the plaza. Kids are playing all over, while their parents are sitting on benches.

I loved the view from our window. Again and again I tried to catch the exceptional light. While looking at these sketches I still hear the sounds of cocks and chickens, which had whoken us up every day…

Every morning we had breakfast and every evening we had a meal with some of the pilots in one of the bars in the Plaza.

I was lucky this time. There was another non-gliding wife in our group and - unbelievably - she also liked sketching and had a sketchbook and pencils with her! So we spent the time together moving from one shaded spot to another, sketching in Algodonales and enjoying every minute of it.  

We also visited Ronda,

Zahara,

and Grazalema.

Next October is already booked :)

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!