Blog Post

David Escarabajal: City Spaces

Kate Downes • 7 March 2022

David's fluid, spontaneous style, used to capture the energy and spaces of the cities that inspire him, has been described as “sketching in paint” 

David combines the principles of classic impressionism with a contemporary appreciation of abstraction and a bold, vibrant palette. His fluid, spontaneous has been described as “sketching in paint.” Dynamic, gestural marks allow him to suggest the lines of architecture within each scene, drawing the viewer’s eye to points that he has chosen to feature. At the same time, he retains enough realistic elements to ground the scene within his chosen location.

In general, David chooses to focus on well-known cities, often in Europe, as a recognizable vista allows him more freedom to explore different choices without alienating the viewer. This also enables David to dive deeper into his masterly use of colour, which he employs to create atmosphere and mood as well as to suggest the buildings and streets of the cities he loves.

Gallery director Bob Corsie recently had the chance to visit David at his studio in Spain, and get an up-close view of the creative process. Frequently, David will develop a palette that is themed to the city he is featuring, drawing on the character, climate and colours of the local landscape, streets and inhabitants of each metropolis. His Edinburgh series, for example, is characterised by soft purples, pinks, and greys, contrasting against pops of yolky yellow and slithers of turquoise...


These narrative palettes suggest the stormy skies of the North, brightly cold sunsets, or honeyed sandstone marred by city smoke, interrupted by glimpses of bright sky and slow, broad beams of lazy light.

To see more of David's work, take a look at his page on our online gallery, or get in touch with us to arrange a viewing.

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