Tuesday 26 October 2010

Salt Everywhere!



On a beautiful day of endless blue skies we visited the Lagoon of Stagnone, between Trapani and Marsala, an area famous for salt production. The shallow waters of the lagoon and warm winds are ideal for drawing salt from seawater.
We visited an old windmillover 500 years old that has been restored to working order, the Dutch style windmills were used for pumping water and grinding the salt.


You can walk over the  narrow walls that separate the salt flats, they form a chessboard of different colours ranging from green, pink and rust due to the different stages of the drying process.  All around there are little white salt mountains shimmering in the sun.




With the little island  of Motya as a backdrop this area is an artist or photographer's paradise, a great day out if you're in the area...and you can buy some quality salt too!

13 comments:

martinepittet said...

A stunning spread here ! Wonderful colours and details, original layout ! I wonder about the media. watercolour or colour pencils ? Anyway it's great and so interesting to learn more about your country !

Cathy Holtom said...

Both Martine I put the basic colours in with watercolour then add more detail with coloured pencil. Thanks for your comments.

debra morris said...

Beautiful Cathy....want to visit Europe again! Lovely autumn leaves too, a season we don't have with such beautiful colours here

alissaduke said...

Fascinating scenes and lovely drawing. I really like these and yes, it makes me want to visit Europe too !!

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

Beautiful watercolour/pencil work, love the layout and the whole story behind it. Thats amazing that windmill is still working, makes me miss Europe so much again (need to go back).

Sandra said...

The travel bureau should thank you for your terrific drawings. The pieces certainly are enticing.

Unknown said...

Great drawings Cathy.

Gillian Mowbray said...

A wet day here in Wales and you bring us a touch of your sunshine. How very beautiful! Thank you. x

Florence's Art said...

The paintings are lovely and I really enjoyed learning a little something about your area.

Alex said...

the perfect blend of water color and color pencils =) it sure brings out the best of both worlds

Janene said...

Cathy, What fascinating photos and description of salt production. I just love your sketches! They capture the shimmering light of the salt and sea.

Ann said...

What an incredible landscape. I really like your sketchbook page, just wonderful!

Unknown said...

I'm with Sandra, maybe they should be paying you. It looks like a charming place to visit and your paintings look wonderful!