Echoes of the Atlantic: Reefs and Waves near El Confital

Watercolor on paper | 18 x 26 cm | 2024 | Unframed |Majestic beauty of the Atlantic shores

Witness the raw and majestic beauty of the Atlantic Ocean as it crashes against the reefs.

This powerful watercolor, with a view looking out from Las Canteras beach towards El Confital, depicts the dramatic interplay of ocean and hidden reefs.

The scene centers on white foamy water as a wave crashes with dramatic force and “joie de vivre” against the dark textured rocks in the foreground. The water alternates from deep and enchanting turquoise to lighter blues and greens, emphasizing movement and depth.

In the distance, rugged brownish mountains rise under a hazy sky, balancing the wild energy of the sea.

The painting expresses a sense of purity and the contrast between lushness and dryness, which is a characteristic of Gran Canaria's unique landscape and an inspiration for many artists.

The artist has captured a unique “geyser spectacle”, emphasizing the island’s volcanic origin. The work reflects the island’s untamed natural beauty and the artist’s ability to convey it emotionally.

From the artist

Just a few hundred meters from Las Canteras beach, there are reefs in the sea. On some days, you can see a peculiar spectacle of “fountains” there – for a moment, foamy pools of water suddenly and rhythmically rise up, as if the sea itself were jumping with joy of life.

Painting ID: PA-4-SeascapeElConfital

Title: Echoes of the Atlantic: Reefs and Waves near El Confital

Artist: Kristiina Roots

Date Painted: April 2024

Dimensions: 18×26 cm

Medium: Watercolor on paper

Comprehensive Visual Description: The painting features a dramatic coastal scene with dark, textured rock formations in the foreground, against which a large wave crashes, creating a prominent white and light-blue spray. The water in the mid-ground displays vibrant turquoise and blue hues, indicating clear, possibly shallow, water over a reef structure. In the background, rolling hills or mountains are rendered in earthy tones (browns, ochres) under a sky of light gray and blue. The composition emphasizes the contrast between the static, rugged land and the dynamic, fluid ocean.

Artistic Technique & Style: The artist uses expressive, almost explosive brushwork for the crashing wave, contrasting with smoother washes for the sky and distant water. The dark rocks are rendered with textured, broken strokes, while the turquoise water uses clear, luminous washes. The description mentions a "peculiar 'geyser' spectacle" and the "joy of life" of the sea itself, indicating an emotional and energetic approach to the subject. The style is impressionistic, capturing a moment of intense natural activity.

Gran Canaria Context & External Information: The painting is set near El Confital, a significant natural and geological area adjacent to Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas. Gran Canaria is an island "forged by volcanoes", and its "rugged orography" shaped by wind and waves creates many natural pools and dramatic coastlines. The interplay of light and shadows is key to capturing the island's landscape.

Keywords: El Confital, Las Canteras, Gran Canaria, watercolor, seascape, crashing waves, rocky coast, volcanic landscape, Atlantic Ocean, impressionism, expressive art, natural beauty, island scenery, turquoise water.