Portuguese plains at Monsanto by Arie Kattenberg

About "Portuguese plains at Monsanto"

by Arie Kattenberg

About the artwork

This picture shows the landscape around Monsanto in Portugal with mountains, vast valleys, large boulders specific to this region and local flora. All this in a Mediterranean climate with bright blue skies and lots of sunshine.

The picture was taken during the corona pandemic in 2021 and shows nature at the time when no tourists are present. The skies show no aeroplane streaks and there is complete tranquillity. The complete peace and strength of nature inspired me to take this photo.
Besides, there has been a lot of suffering in the corona pandemic and I also wanted to show that many beautiful things happened in nature, and that sometimes the corona measures also ensured peace in nature and its recovery.

The atmosphere you feel in the photo is that of calm and stepping out of the hustle and bustle of the everyday for a while. Nature is prominent and the Mediterranean climate gives that extra blanket of warmth and happiness in this photo. The emotion I want to convey is that of bliss of being in nature, with nice weather, a bit of adventure, and in the Mediterranean region.

The photo was taken from a high point on the mountains above the village of Monsanto and was part of a series of photo's from and panorama. From these, this photo was selected as typical of the feeling I wanted to show.

Within the interior, this work gives a sense of tranquillity, being one with nature, and a feeling of "stepping out of the mundane" and a little bit of adventure. Like being on holiday for a while and enjoying yourself.