The Forcall

Created in 2015 using the pastel-on-wood-panel technique, this work captures the natural setting of the Alto Maestrazgo—in the Els Ports region—with exceptional freshness and intensity. The use of pastel on a wooden support lends a tactile texture and a unique chromatic vibrancy; the fluidity of the strokes and the richness of the powdered pigment enhance the untamed beauty of the mountain landscape.

The panoramic composition balances the striking relief of the terrain and the light with a distinctive Impressionist touch:

Foreground: A vast expanse of rustic land and pasture glows in shades of gold, ochre, and burnt sienna, capturing the sun's warmth on the earth through loose, rich, and fluid strokes.

Middle ground: A picturesque rural hamlet—characterized by traditional reddish-tiled roofs and light-colored facades—nestles among rows of poplar trees and lush vegetation in vibrant shades of lime, olive, and pine green. The slender silhouette of a bell tower rises elegantly from amidst the trees.

Background and relief: Dominating the valley’s profile, a monumental rocky plateau rises majestically; its imposing presence—rendered in dark, brown, and bluish tones—lends the scene a colossal scale and geological character. A sky shaded in luminous, neutral tones envelops the horizon, creating a profound sense of space.

The contrast between the dramatic power of the rock formations and the serenity of the vernacular architecture reflects Penya-Roja’s mastery in capturing the authenticity of the region. In the bottom left corner, the signature "Penya-Roja" completes the piece, set against the warmth of the foreground.