As a watercolour painter the motifs offered by Madrid proved both challenging and exciting whilst in contrast the ancient charm of Toledo proved everything I imagined it would be; I had great times tackling both these subjects.
During my one week visit in early June 2009, paintings numbered 3, 4 and 5 were done "on the spot". Also included in this looser style are some of the working sketches I have made in this style, an endearing quality of the watercolour medium.
The remainder were more "considered" pictures painted in the studio on my return and in fact work continues right up to leaving for the conference.
I look forward to meeting you in the Exhibition area at the forthcoming Madrid conference where my work will be on display for you to enjoy and perhaps buy.
Finally I wish to thank the IBA for the honour of having painting No. 6 (Plaza Mayor) chosen for the Conference Programme Cover design.
See you in Madrid, do say "hello" even if I seem pre-occupied with my paint box.
~Eric Underwood
Left to right
- Toledo 13cm x 10cm (postcard size)
- Madrid - view from Plaza Cibeles - working sketch 18 x 12cm
- Madrid - Buen Retiro Park boating lake (21 x 15cm)
- Toledo - Medieval Capital of Spain (21 x 15cm)
- Madrid - "Metropolis" (21 x 15cm)
- Plaza Mayor with Statue of Phillip III (28 x 35cm)
- Plaza Oriente y Real Palacio (35 x 28cm)
- Towards the Plaza Mayor (35 x 28cm)
- Rio Tajo y Alcazaba Toledo (35 x 28cm)
- Plaza de Cibeles (35 x 28cm)
- Statue of Cibeles (35 x 28cm)
- Plaza de Cibeles working sketch (18 x 12cm)
- Calle de Cuchilleros - quick sketch (21 x 15cm)
- Phillip III stature Plaza Mayor (35 x 28cm)
- Cafe on the way to the Real Palacio (21 x 15cm)
- Boating Lake and Memorial Buen Retiro Park (37 x 30cm)
- Puente Alcantara Toledo (35cm x 28cm)
- “Taking a Break in the Plaza Mayor” (25 x 20cm)