Art in Mutxamel Alicante

The Harbour Light by Ferrer

Artwork Background

There are times when you come across a piece of art that moves you and this is one of them. It was a gift to my mother by a dear friend Ray who lived in El Castillo on the outskirts of Mutxamel near St Joan D’Alicant. Our family villa, was located in a small sea side hamlet called Amerador just a few minutes drive away and we spent many a pleasnt evening being entertained by Ray in El Castillo. Rescued as a ruin in the 60's Ray and his partner Ken lovingly restored the Finca to its former glory having moved their in the 60's from London.

To contribute to the running costs as time and age took their toll Ray and Ken took two lodgers in the basement apartment one of whome was an artist, Francisco Ferrer. and this is the only work of his we retained. I loved it from the very first time I saw it and it now hangs on the wall in my brothers apartment in Sant Joan, D'Alicant.

Why do I love it?

If I was to critique the picture you would perhaps call it moody and atmospheric. There are few precise elements but in some ways that's what I like about it. Its main strength is the dramatic handling of light: the bright break in the sky pulls the eye down into the waterway, and the reflected gold on the surface gives the composition a convincing sense of depth and movement.

Painted in the 80's it feels impressionist. The boats and masts are loosely described, almost calligraphic, while the sky and water are built up with thick, expressive texture. Francisco, who I met several times, seemed more interested in weather, glow, and surface energy than in exact drawing. He was very much someone who painted from his heart and the mood he was in. Ray died in 2012 having lost Ken several years before both being followed soon after by Francisco giving the artwork more than just an artistic connection for the whole family.

Compositionally, it works well. The tall masts on the left create vertical drama, while the channel leads the viewer inward toward the horizon. The darker boats in the foreground anchor the lower half, preventing the golden sky from overwhelming the picture. The right side is lighter and more open, which helps create a sense of distance.

The brushwork is one of the most appealing aspects. The impasto in the sky and water, which catches the light, makes the painting change depending on viewing angle. The rigging and masts are made with quick, dark strokes that add rhythm.

Rarely did Francisco sell a painting and his output was low so he is almost unknown except for the few people who received his gifts of artworks.

We are keen to receive your own artwork reviews and critiques.It may be the skill displayed by the artist, it may be the emotion it creates in you. This is what makes the Art Critique Club different we want our members to explore art in all its forms.

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