Inside My Studio: Painting Impressionist Art in Málaga, Spain

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 that inspired Picasso, who was born just a few streets from where my studio is located.

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 Oil and Acrylic

I work primarily in oil and acrylic, sometimes combining both in a single piece. Oils give me the richest colours and the most flexibility — I can blend, scrape, and rework areas over days or even weeks. Acrylics dry faster, which is perfect for building up layers quickly or for works where I want crisper edges.

The choice of medium often depends on the subject. Seascapes benefit from the slow-drying nature of oils, allowing me to capture the fluid motion of water. Still life compositions sometimes work better in acrylics, where I want sharp 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 scene you'd love to see on canvas. Prices start from €500 for small works, with delivery in 6–13 weeks. Get in touch for a free quote.