Barley field

Created in 2017 as a refined study of color and composition, this oil painting on wood is a masterful example of painterly realism and plein air spontaneity. The solidity and warmth of the wooden panel provide an ideal foundation for capturing a direct, rich, and fresh brushstroke, focused on the interplay of sunlight and rural vegetation.

The composition organizes the serenity of the mountain landscape through an impeccable study of color and depth:





Foreground: A dense expanse of wild meadow—hued in ochre, sienna, and golden yellow—absorbs the day's warm glow. Agile brushwork reveals small touches of red and white, recreating poppies and wildflowers scattered amidst the grass.



Middle ground: A vibrant cluster of trees with lush foliage—in shades of lime, olive, and pine green—stands out in the center, their crowns catching the direct glints of the sun. To the right, the shadow of a large mass of vegetation frames the view, offering a glimpse in the distance of a small country hut or rustic structure nestled into the hillside.



Background and sky: The eye wanders toward the horizon, resting on a gentle mountain range rendered in delicate blue and lavender hues; impeccable atmospheric perspective is achieved beneath a clear, luminous sky of pale tones.

Despite its format as a sketch or compositional study, the work radiates the serenity, naturalistic honesty, and sensitivity to light characteristic of Penya-Roja. In the bottom right corner, the signature "Penya-Roja" stands out clearly in dark tones against the warmth of the landscape.