1978 Art Appraisal

Watercolor Painting of Coastal Townscape with Church by C. Antonio Diaz, 1978

This item is a framed watercolor painting depicting a townscape or cityscape scene, likely of a coastal or hillside settlement. The dominant colors are muted blues, grays, whites, and browns, with red-orange accents from terracotta roof tiles and a hint of purple in some foliage. The composition shows a cluster of white-walled buildings with traditional red-tiled roofs, characteristic of Mediterranean or Latin American architecture, descending towards a body of water (possibly the ocean) in the background. Prominently featured in the distance is a large structure with a green dome and a bell tower topped with a distinctive crown-like spire, suggesting a church or cathedral. This architectural detail is consistent with the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The sky is overcast and dramatic, adding to the atmosphere. \ Physical characteristics: The painting appears to be a watercolor on paper, matted with a white border, and framed under glass. Its exact dimensions are not discernible from the image, but it appears to be of a standard size for decorative artwork. The brushstrokes are visible, indicating the delicate nature of watercolor. \ Notable features: The most distinguishing feature besides the architectural landmark is the handwritten signature in the lower left corner, which reads 'C. Antonio Diaz' followed by '78', indicating the year 1978. There are reflections from a light source across the surface of the glass, making it difficult to fully assess the condition of the artwork itself, but the framing appears intact. There are no obvious signs of significant damage to the visible artwork or matting, though a full inspection outside the frame would be needed for a complete condition assessment. The style is representational, leaning towards an impressionistic rendering, capturing the general appearance and mood of the scene rather than minute details. The craftsmanship appears to be proficient in handling watercolor medium, with effective use of light and shadow to create depth.