Church of Santa Margarita, Mirambel

Created in 2015 using oil on canvas-mounted board, this painting offers an endearing and masterful look at the architecture and light of this village in Teruel—a place that was the artist's home for twenty-seven years. The rigidity of the support, combined with the texture of the canvas, allows for a crisp rendering of the rich urban structures and the lushness of the natural surroundings.

Architecture and light: The heart of the composition is dominated by the church's slender bell tower; its warm-toned stone and vaulted top capture the direct radiance of the sun. Surrounding it, the rhythmic layering of traditional tile roofs—in shades of reddish-brown, deep red ochre, and sienna—reflects the authenticity and volume of the traditional townscape.

Vegetal framing: Along the bottom edge, a lush mass of trees in intense lime and olive greens acts as a living frame, adding freshness, volume, and a vibrant contrast to the building's warm tones.

Mountainous depth: In the background, the imposing silhouette of the mountain range rises in soft hues of blue, violet, and deep green, employing a clean atmospheric perspective that culminates beneath a clear, serene sky.

This work bears witness not only to Penya-Roja’s technical prowess and mastery of realism but also to a deep emotional bond with the land depicted. In the lower-left corner, the signature "Penya-Roja" seals the piece, subtly blending into the foreground's blanket of foliage.