To fully understand this particular painting, you have to know the legend of the virgen de las nieves. Three hundred years ago, on 5 August 1717, a priest and his assistant was caught on a storm while crossing the Pico Veleta. In desperation, the travelers prayed for Virgin Mary for a miracle.
According to the legend, Virgin Mary appeared before the travelers and calmed the storm. So in honor of this miracle, a shrine was built in her honor.
From some distance from this Shrine, I sat down and painted two paintings at the Sierra Nevada on this day, unaware of the legend and the significance of August 5th. Honestly, the view from the mountain is so beautiful that it’s easy enough to forget about all the old tales, and just to admire the scenery.
From a few plein air paintings that I completed during this trip, this painting of the Pico Veleta is one of my favorite, full of good memories. And, a few days after visiting the snow virgin, and I also experienced an unexpected blessing, but that story is for another day.
This painting will be exhibited at the Art Students League of New York starting on 24 October 2025 through 23 November 2025.