Spain is a country full of historical buildings and beautiful art that gives us a continual glimpse of the past of this lovely country in times of both war and peace. The location of the Costa Blanca and its important port cities has a rich story to tell and this can be clearly seen in the art of the area. When you live in the Costa Blanca you are surrounded by this so take time to pause and take it all in!
A brief History of Spanish Art
The region of the Costa Blanca reflects this history with a number of museums, galleries and historic buildings. Even pre-historic paintings can be seen today in various caves located in the mountains that line this beautiful coast in places like La Sarga near Alcoy and Pla de Petracos in Castell de Castells. These paitings show abstract symbols, animals and humans. Some access is restricted to protect these ancient drawings but, there are plenty that can be viewed in museums where replicas and reproductions of these ancient works are displayed. This was followed by the influences of the Roman and Moorish occupations followed by the Renaissance and Baroque periods which have shaped many of the architecture we see today in the Costa Blanca. This is particularly evident in religious buildings throughout the region.
The Golden Age
Spain was very important in the art world during the 17th century with great works being produced by Diego Velázquez whose works showed technical talent, emotional and often dark, satirical undertones. In the 18th centrury Fracisco Goya further developed the techniques of the era and begun to redefine his dramatic compositions and emerging as a Romantic painter stongly influencing and spearheading the new era. Romanticism in the 19th saw art with emotional themes exploring social injustice, historical events and more paintings showing the natural the beauty of the Spanish country by artists of the period who included Jose de Madrazo.
The Modernist Movement
Towards the end of the late 19th century and in the early 20th century artists in Spain joined the Modernist Movement which challenged more traditional artistic styles and conventions and the country produced two of the world’s most renowned artists of this era with the works of Pablo Picasso cubism and Salvador Dali whose innovative and surreal works are still relevant internationally. During this time the Costa Blanca had it’s own movement known as the Alicante School of Painting which was influenced by both the Romantic and Realist movements. Works included paintings of Alicante’s stunning coastline in vibrant colours and the unique light of the region was captured by the artists. Lorenzo Aguirre was known for his land and seascapes capturing the Costa Blanca and it’s Mediterranean coastline, another prominent figure was Eusebio Sempere who was known more for his abstract and geometric works, others who influecned the local art of the Costa Blanca during this period were Francisco Agullo, Jose Aparicio, Joan Castejón, Antoni Egea, Frutos and Maria Martinez.
Experincing Art in the Costa Blanca
When you live in the Costa Blanca you will have plenty of places where you can enjoy Spanish art and local artists, there are plenty of museums and galleries in the cities of Alicante and Valencia and touring exhibitions are often found in larger towns like Benidorm. If you find inspiration there are lessons in art for all levels throughout the area and current local artists often show their work in bars and restaurants so that you can own your own part of Spanish art history if you wish. Enthusiasts who buy a home in Moraira, Javea or nearby may wish to join the local Arts Society. The sociaty meet regularly at the La Senieta in Moraira and also at the Casa de Cultura in Javea and you can join and check their programme and meeting times on their website https://theartssociety.org/marina-alta. Another local association worth mentioning was formed ADAMA about 10 years ago for local painters, sculptors and photographers. The Association of Artists of the Marina Alta get together to learn from each other and create art for the public to enjoy organising 2 to 3 exhibitions per year in the area. Currently 23 artists from the northern Costa Blanca form the group, many are not Spanish but, loved the area and chose to make a home in the Costa Blanca. They have recently started to manage five shop windows at the shopping centre Portal de la Marina giving them more of an opportunity to show their work and give local artists a place to display their talent. Based in Denia, ADAMA can be followed and contacted via their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/adamadenia/.
Conclusion
Living in the Costa Blanca can give us many wonderful experiences and Art is something that is prevelant locally, you will see wonderful sculptures in many towns either looking out to see or as a centre piece to roundabouts. For budding artists there are plenty of places where you can practice while taking in the magnificent scenary of this beautiful Mediterranean coastline or in the mountains that surround us and, of course, there are a number of classes available so that you can study and improve your technique. Get your overalls out and enjoy, you can use your skill to create wonderful pieces for your own home in the Costa Blanca.
A Hamiltons Real Estate article 2025
