Cafe Tortilla

La Cevezeria Alhambra in Valencia is famous in Spain for its tortillas. It’s a tiny place that at the time of this painting was run by a couple who had been there 37 years. After they retired their children took over. Looking through the window we see 3 people in conversation. We can almost hear the words passing between them.

At Cafe Tortilla
Cafe Tortilla, acrylics on canvas, 65 x 81 x 2 cm, painted edges 26 x 32 x 1″

There are two exposures of the painting. All images appear differently on devices. This one in particular is more diverse than most.

At Cafe Tortilla
Cafe Tortilla, acrylics on canvas, 65 x 81 x 2 cm, painted edges 26 x 32 x 1″

Cafe Tortilla is about a bar famous in Spain for its tortillas (Spanish omelets).  They make 5 or 6 varieties in their tiny kitchen.  After 37 years the couple retired.  He made the omelets and she served them with nary a smile.  She did not have time to smile.  The place was almost always packed.  You had to catch her eye to order- she would glance at you for a second as she sort of kept track of who was next.  You had to start talking right away or she was off.  

We were there when a newspaper photographer shot the photo I used to create the painting.  He stood outside as the three of us were talking.  

Plaza Redonda in Valencia

 
Near Plaza- Redonda, Valencia
Near Plaza- Redonda, Valencia, watercolor, 11.5 x 16.5

 “Plaza Redondo in Valencia.” 30 x 40 cm, 11.5 x 16.5′  Watercolor I did several years ago, when I was going round with a group of Spanish watercolor artists.   I  published a small illustrated book about the Spanish city which you can read for free   http://www.garyjkirkpatrick.com/valencia-city-on-the-med/ .

Prints of Valencian urban landscapes

Parque Cultural, Valencia, pen and ink on quality paper, A4, 8.25 x 11.5

Some of my favorite pen and ink drawings now available as prints.  

Barat Plaza Sant Jaume (James), Valencia
Bar at Plaza Sant Jaume (James), Valencia

 

street arch valencia redo
El Carmen, the old town of Valencia, Spain

View from Our Place in Plaza Cisneros pen ink
View from Our Place in Plaza Cisneros pen ink

xativa street scene
Xativa, a small town outside of Valencia

st john hospataller final
Igelsia de San Juan Hospital, Valencia (courtyard). There are paintings of the symbols of the Crusades inside the arch at the end of the courtyard.

Plaza Sant Jaume (James), el Carmen, Valencia

parque cultura archives
Parque Cultural I, Valencia Roman era columns and capitals

Parque Cultural II, Valencia Roman era columns and capitals
Parque Cultural II, Valencia Roman era columns and capitals

 

near palau de la musica
Parque Turia Near Palau de la Musica, Valencia

La Lonja Staircase-- La Lonja is one of very few non-religious gothic buildings
La Lonja Staircase– La Lonja is one of very few non-religious gothic buildings

Bellas Artes, the fine art museum in Valencia, Spain featuring the works of the impressionist and native son Joaquin Sorolla
Bellas Artes, the fine art museum in Valencia, Spain featuring the works of the impressionist and native son Joaquin Sorolla

Michalet From Plaza Santa Catarina

Iglesia de Santa Catarina Tower From Plaza Santa Catarina watercolor painting

 

Iglesia de Santa Catarina Tower From Plaza Santa Catarina

 

Sitting in Plaza Santa Catarina (study for the watercolor). This was the first time I joined a group of local water color artists who meet on Wednesdays.  Valencia has several watercolor groups who do urban or rural landscapes.

Iglesia de Santa Catarina Tower From Plaza Santa Catarina watercolor painting
Iglesia de Santa Catarina Tower From Plaza Santa Catarina watercolor and acrylics, A 4, 8 x 11, 21 x30 cm