Watercolor on paper | Breaking wave on Las Canteras beach | 18 × 26 cm | unframed

Azure Rhythms: Take the First Wave at Las Canteras Beach, Gran Canaria

Description of the painting

Immerse yourself in the captivating dance of the Atlantic Ocean, vividly brought to life in this expressive watercolor of Las Canteras Beach.
"The blue rhythms of the Atlantic Ocean“ is an original watercolor painted by Kristiina Roots shortly after arriving at Las Canteras beach in Gran Canaria.

This seascape captures the powerful movement of a breaking wave, characterized by free and lively brushwork and expressive use of color. The ocean is bubbling with life – deep blues and greens mingle and foam, while the sky is illuminated by soft shades of yellow and purple, suggesting the quiet peace of dawn or dusk.

Las Canteras is known for its natural reef and surf-friendly waters and is a beloved beach in Las Palmas. This work reflects both the physical beauty of the place and its cultural significance for local artists. The painting offers a moment when nature and the observer are in direct contact.

The artist's story

My accommodation was on Calle Pelayo, just a few steps from Las Canteras beach. This long stretch of beach really appealed to me – I walked and ran there several times a day. I watched how the light, the wind and the mood changed at different times of the day and day.

Every beach I've been to has its own character - the colors of the water, the pattern of the waves, and the atmosphere. Las Canteras beach was full of Spanish people, which gave it a special local feel.

I walked along the coastline and came to a rocky area, which was the perfect place to watch the waves. There I started sketching the movement of the water mass with a marker. This resulted in my first watercolor in Las Palmas.

As an observer, I noticed that there was a repetitive rhythm in the waves – this allowed me to paint them vividly, drawing on visual memory. Alongside shapes and lines, the choice of colours is crucial for me – every place in the world has its own colour. This is how this small but powerful work was born.

Work details

Painting ID:

PA-1-Azure RhythmsTaketheFirstWaveatLasCanterasBeachGranCanaria

Title:

Azure Rhythms: Take the First Wave at Las Canteras Beach, Gran Canaria

Artist:

Kristiina Roots

Date Painted:

April 2024

Dimensions:

18 x 26 cm

Medium:

Watercolor on paper

Visual Description

The painting shows a large central wave cresting and breaking with expressive white and turquoise foam. The ocean flows from deep blues to lighter, turbulent greens in the foreground. The sky glows with muted yellow, gray, and purple tones, hinting at dawn or dusk. The work emphasizes the sea's vastness and movement.

Technique & Style

The artist uses loose, expressive watercolor washes and wet-on-wet techniques, creating a vibrant, atmospheric impression. Gestural brushwork captures the energy of the waves. The immediate, spontaneous quality reflects a moment of direct observation.

About Las Canteras

Las Canteras is a beloved urban beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, known for its natural reef and local vibe. It's ideal for both surfing and peaceful swims. The area is rich with artistic inspiration due to its dramatic light, volcanic origins, and diverse coastal beauty.

Keywords

Las Canteras Beach, Gran Canaria, watercolor painting, ocean waves, seascape, coastal art, Spanish islands, Atlantic Ocean, impressionistic art, expressive brushwork, natural light, sea foam, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, travel art, visual art.