Blue Bird

My homage to Azulejos - the striking white and blue ceramic tiles of Portugal. 

The name 'azulejos' is derived from the Arabic word 'al zuleique', which means “little polished stone”. The tiles were originally brought to Europe by invading Moors in the 13th century - a style that employs flowing lines, stars, flowers, foliage, fruits and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines that can be tiled in endless combinations.  

The art and history of azulejos have left an indelible mark on Portuguese culture and heritage. These vibrant and intricate tiles have adorned buildings, churches, and public spaces for centuries, captivating the eyes and hearts of locals and visitors alike. 

The enduring legacy of Portuguese tile-making is a testament to the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship of the artisans who have dedicated themselves to this art form throughout history.

This is one of my compositions inspired by a window decal at El Camino Hospital Cafeteria in Mountain View.

9"x12" Watercolor painting on 300g cotton paper

Comments

Anonymous said…
And the Bluebird password de deux is one of my favourite in ballet!...so lovely that your friend has done this for you...a treasure house! Praying for you specially on this feast of St Clement Maria Hofbauer. 🙏🏼♥️🤗
March 29, 2025 at 6:50 AM
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