The beautiful vistas, stunning landscapes and relaxed way of life has made the Balearic Islands a source of inspiration for artists for many centuries, including painters, sculptures, photographers and many other artistic souls. Menorca has many wonderful exhibitions and galleries found all over the island, as well as providing inspiration for artists who visit or live there. For art lovers, no Menorca holiday will be complete without sampling the island’s rich artistic history.
Manel Anoro
Notably, popular Spanish artist Manel Anoro found himself drawn to Menorca due to his love of vibrant colours. He now splits his time between his own studio on the island and Girona in Catalonia. The influence of Menorca’s stunning and diverse landscapes which are brimming with colour and texture can certainly be seen in his work. His studio is also painted bright green, much like the verdant surrounding flora. It is here that he does most of his work; he is vocal about his love for the island, but he also states that he loves Catalonia and he is equally passionate about both.
A Love of Colour
Anoro’s path to become a successful artist can be traced to his childhood and particularly his mother, who was a dressmaker. She would leave a wide array of colourful and patterned fabrics around the home and Anoro soon discovered a love for colour; his liberal use of it is perhaps the most distinguishing factor of his work. Speaking of his childhood, he described it as a “Technicolor” movie” and claims that colour is associated with happiness in his culture.
Manel also enjoys painting outdoors, which makes Menorca the perfect place for him to work. The island’s kaleidoscope of colour is found everywhere, whether in the beautiful fauna, the ocean or the charming towns. He now creates most of his artwork from his studio, but also spends his time raising chickens, lambs and geese. After spending so much time taking in the views of the island, the 67-year-old claims that he knows it like the back of his hand. His work is not confined to landscapes, however, as he has an impressive portfolio that features portraits, nudes and still life paintings.
Recognisable Sights
For those that are fans of Manel Anoro’s artwork, you may find a few sites recognisable on your Menorca holiday. Not only does he find inspiration from the island, but he also has painted a few of the more scenic and notable sights. This includes a lighthouse found on the east coast called Faro de Favaritx, and Es Castell’s Fort de Sant Filip. He has also painted the charming villages of Mercadal and Biniserret.
If you are an art lover, stopping off to see the sites that Anoro immortalised in his paintings is a welcome treat; you could even buy one of his prints as a souvenir of your Menorca holiday.
Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine – no secret of the island remains hidden to her. Personally selecting the finest properties for her clients, Brenda is the go-to person for anyone planning a relaxing Menorca holiday. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
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