Casa de Colon

Watercolor on paper | 26 x 18 cm | 2024 | Unframed |The old town of Las Palmas: the charm of colonial architecture

Step into the historic heart of Las Palmas with this expressive watercolor painting by Kristiina Roots in the Vegueta district on April 7, 2024.

"Casa de Colon“ is an original work depicting a picturesque street scene near the Casa de Colón. The building’s facade features an arched entrance, intricate window bars, and a traditional street lamp, surrounded by spring-fresh greenery. The vibrant colors and colonial architectural details create a vibrant and engaging composition that invites you to explore the narrow streets and history of the old town.

This work captures a moment where architecture, nature, and the viewer meet in close connection – full of the atmosphere of local life and timeless colonial beauty.

The artist's story

I created this painting while sitting in the old town square of Las Palmas, at the foot of the steps of the Santa Ana Cathedral. I walked through the historic Vegueta district, looking and taking pictures until I found a nice square with benches and cafes, which was also cozy and lively. As an artist, I am always happy when urban spaces offer experience and peace at the same time as it is possible to step away from the noise for a while and enjoy the view. While sitting on the bench, this scene opened up – the characteristic door of the Casa de Colón showing itself from behind the branches of the trees. The weather was intermittently cloudy and the light was therefore constantly playing, I was fascinated by the moments when the sun came out and these exciting moving shadows appeared on the building.

My working process was intuitive – I add, subtract and adjust elements until they form a whole. I always try to capture the moment quickly and directly. I like watercolor as a medium precisely because of its abundance of surprises – it loves to go its own way. In this painting, the moment, the view and the feeling met at the very moment when the light and greenery create a perfect balance.

I don't strive for photorealistic accuracy - rather, I want the painting to convey the essence of the moment and the impression I have of it. Every place in the world has its own color and light - like the forms and tones of the colonial architecture of Gran Canaria, combined with the fresh spring greenery of the trees.

Artwork details

Painting ID:

PA-5-LasPalmasOldCity

Title:

Las Palmas Old Town: Cathedral Steps and Colonial Charm

Artist:

Kristiina Roots

Date Painted:

April 7th, 2024

Dimensions:

26 x 18 cm

Medium:

Watercolor on paper

Visual Description

The painting depicts a historic street scene in the old town of Las Palmas, seen from a low perspective. It features an arched doorway, iron window grilles, and an ornate street lamp near Casa de Colón. The building's façade is rich in color and contrast, set against vibrant spring greenery. The composition hints at the intimacy and warmth of narrow alleyways in a colonial cityscape.

Technique & Style

Kristiina Roots painted this work plein air, sitting on-site. Her impressionistic approach favors mood and atmosphere over rigid detail. Using fluid, expressive watercolor washes and layered brushwork, she captures the interplay between architecture and nature. The artist embraces the spontaneity of watercolor, allowing it to “go its own way,” creating textures and forms that feel natural and intuitive.

About Vegueta, Las Palmas

Vegueta is the historical heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, known for its vibrant colors, wooden balconies, and two- to three-story colonial buildings. It's home to key landmarks like the Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colón (Columbus Museum). Unlike tourist-heavy areas, Vegueta has a strong local presence, making it an inspiring location for artists seeking authenticity, history, and distinctive Canarian architecture.

Keywords

Las Palmas, Vegueta, Santa Ana Cathedral, Casa de Colón, colonial architecture, watercolor painting, city scene, historical art, Gran Canaria, old town, urban landscape, Spanish colonial, Kristiina Roots, plein air, impressionism.