Why is Gaucin such an artsy town? Why are so many artists interesting in buying a property here? Both the village and the countryside attracts them. And why is Gaucin often chosen as the venue for creative workshops? When you visit Gaucin you instantly know! The village is located along the top of a mountain ridge and you are instantly inspired. Standing here and breathing in that crisp air makes you feel like you are ‘on top of the world’.
What is it about Gaucin?
The views in Gaucin are spectacular and inspirational! Towards the south, you oversee the Genal valley, the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlas mountains. Seeing a whole other continent from your own terrace, or garden, is so spectacular! On lucky days you can see up to 7 or 8 layers of mountains from the North African coast. When you see this you worries all disappear. Furthermore, to the North, you overlook the valley towards Cortes, the Ronda mountains and the dense and ancient oak forest.
The changing light during the day has its effect on the colour of the mountains that surround you. The colours of the mountains will turn from a pinkish grey in the morning into a strong grey at midday. Whereas some of them stand out with a strong reddish earth colour or turn plain white in the bright sunlight. This is probably why artists love it here! The ever changing scenery can fill up a blank canvas countless times.
Nature
Another reason why Gaucin is such an attractive place for artists is its flora. Depending on the time of year, fields will be covered in flowers from one colour or another. Flourishing almond trees decorate the hills and the white blossom on the wintergreen fields give the impression that spring is on its way. The colours are one aspect of the magic in this area. Gaucin being built on a cliff allows for fairytale like views on misty days. The white, picturesque village will just about rise above the clouds, as if it were floating. Images like these give artists creative freedom on a different level.
The secret
The stunning natural setting, the views and the impressive colour palette are without a doubt the factors that attract artists from anywhere in the world to Gaucin. But what makes them stay? Gaucin has always been frequented by British families supporting the art world. They even brought painters and sculptors to Gaucin and allowed them to live and work in their guesthouses. Over the years the artists have joined forces. Now they organize exhibitions, studio visits, workshops and shows through a common website Art Gaucin. Together they keep the artistic spirit alive in Gaucin. Who would have known!?
We’ve also had enquiries from clients interested to open an art-centre. The would love to create a studio where artists would be able to work and share exhibition space, as well as organize specialized workshops for art lovers on the coast, or art lovers flying in to have a unique holiday experience. An old farm on walking distance of the village would be perfect for such a purpose. We sincerely hope that one of these projects will fall into place. This will reinforce Gaucin’s arty reputation!
Anita Schmidt | 11th February 2014
