The Escodas extended a warm welcome to Barcelona and their factory in Sabadell where the world's finest artist brushes are produced. The people, the food, the culture, the music, Gaudi -- wow, what an experience! I had wonderful guides around the city in Angela Barbi of Enjoy Painting Catalonia fame, and Anna Morales Puigcerver, a cyber-friend artist I've been wanting to meet for a few years.The highlight, of course, was the tour of Escoda Sabatés, S.A. which was fascinating. I've always wondered how a first class brush is made, and I observed the process from start to finish. Many of the artisans have been at Escoda for decades, and their skill is as impressive as the product. Most of the machinery was designed long ago by Josep Escoda himself, and is still in use today. But it's talented hands in concert with technology that make it all come together, and every time I pick up an Escoda I'll be thinking of these dedicated people.
My signature series of five brushes is not available quite yet, but they presented me with a mock-up of one of the packages. I also got a preview of the new catalog which will feature pages devoted to Alvaro Castagnet, Charles Reid, Joseph Zbukvic, and myself. This recognition has given me a new confidence, and I'm ready to embark on bigger and bolder watercolor adventures. More details to follow regarding the availability of my series.
I will be returning to Barcelona and Sabadell, sooner rather than later, and also am planning a workshop there through EPC. Actually, I have no choice -- a drink from the fabled Font de Canaletes on La Rambla demands it!
Si bebes agua de la fuente de Canaletes, te enamorarás todavía más de Barcelona y no importa lo lejos que vayas, volverás otra vez'. (see last pic)A huge thank you once again to Ricard Escoda and family, Angela Barbi, Tom Dix of Global Art Materials, Inc., and everyone who made me feel so at home.
(posted from the Explorer of the Seas, somewhere in the Atlantic. See you in 10 days!)
