Berlin and Beyond: Paintings of Europe by Omar Jaramillo

Omar is an artist currently living in Berlin. I came across his works a few weeks back and decided I must find out more about them! I love his colourful, painterly style, as well as the subjects he depicts in his pieces – from processions in Italy, to amazing buildings in Lisbon. Enjoy!

Your style is very unique. How did this develop?

It came actually from the necessity to draw fast. I have always been attracted to live events and people. I was in Catania drawing the Saint Agatha procession, one of the biggest in the Christianity, and well people keep moving… I found out that combining pen lines and watercolor I could catch better the scenes. I draw only the necessary with the pen. The lines create a structure and the color washes gives the soul.

Let’s talk about process. What are the steps you take when creating each piece?

I always draw on site. The most important thing is to study the subject. Look carefully, if it involve people, learn the way they move, if they stop at a certain point, in which situations they don’t move. Then I use a water resistant pen to draw a few lines and then I add the color washes. Sometimes I will add more color later.

What do you hope each piece tells the viewer about the place it represents?

I want the people to get the essence of a moment. A certain mood and of course to show what I like about the place.

What inspires your work?

People, I am very curious when I travel about the things they do. How they dress, what they do for living. How common activities are done in a different country.

Where has been your favourite place to paint and why?

India. The colors, the architecture the people! The locals were so fascinated by my drawings, everybody wanted to get painted. And I felt very appreciated by them.

If you could paint anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Ecuador. I was born and grew there. It is a really fascinating place. However I didn’t keep sketch journals at that time. To live abroad gives you a different perspective for what you consider normality. I have not been there in the last 15 years. It is time I visit Ecuador again.

Finally, do you have any tips for readers who might want to paint the places they visit?

Buy a good sketchbook, try it before travelling, check if it allow watercolor washes. A small sketchbook is better. Essential tools are a water resistant pen, a waterbrush and a small watercolor set, not bigger than your phone. The best moment to draw is when you are comfortable seated. After you eat or while having a coffee.

To see more of Omar’s work, visit his website.

What do you like about Omar’s work? Have you been to any of the places depicted in his paintings? Let us know in the comments below!