A Glimpse Into the Creative Process Behind Each Painting
There's something magical about painting in Málaga. The light here on Spain's Costa del Sol has a quality that's hard to describe — warm, golden, and constantly shifting throughout the day. It's the same light Picasso grew up with: he was born here, in Málaga.
For me, this light isn't just inspiration — it's an essential part of how I work. The way it falls across my canvases as I paint influences my colour choices, my brushwork, and the overall mood of each piece.
The Morning Ritual
My painting day begins early. I find the morning hours, when the light is fresh and clear, are when I do my most focused work. I'll review whatever piece is on my easel, look at it with fresh eyes, and plan the day's work. Sometimes I know exactly what needs to be done; other times, the painting tells me where it wants to go.
Working in Acrylic
I paint in acrylic on canvas. Acrylics dry quickly, which lets me build up layers of colour and texture and keep the brushwork fresh and loose — essential for impressionist painting. They also hold their colour beautifully over time.
How I use them depends on the subject. In seascapes I work with loose, sweeping strokes to capture the fluid motion of water. In still life compositions I look for sharper contrasts between objects.
Finding Subjects
Living on the Mediterranean coast means endless inspiration. I paint seascapes from beaches I visit regularly, cityscapes from the streets of Málaga and nearby towns, and still life arrangements from markets overflowing with local produce.
I also paint from my travels — the lush landscapes of Bali, the vibrant energy of tropical locations, the quiet charm of European villages. These memories find their way onto canvas months or even years after the trip.
From Sketch to Finished Painting
Every painting starts with observation and often a quick sketch or photograph. For larger works, I'll do a small study first to work out the composition and colour palette. Then comes the underpainting — a thin layer that establishes the basic forms and values.
From there, I build up layers, working from background to foreground, dark to light. Impressionist technique means I focus on capturing light and atmosphere rather than precise photographic detail. Up close, you see bold brushstrokes; step back, and the image comes alive.
The Finishing Touches
Knowing when a painting is finished is an art in itself. There's always the temptation to add one more brushstroke, but over-working destroys the freshness that makes impressionist painting sing. I've learned to trust my instincts and step away when the energy feels right.
Want to see the results? Explore the original paintings collection or browse canvas prints to bring a piece of Mediterranean light into your home.
Want a Custom Piece?
Love the art you see here? Rocío also accepts custom commissions — a personalised painting based on your photos, ideas, or a place you'd love to see on canvas. Prices start from €400 for small works, painted in 3–8 weeks after you approve the preview, plus shipping. Get a free quote.
