Paoay Church 2

San Augustin church in Paoay, province of Ilocos Norte, Luzon, Philippines

Watercolours on Canson Montval 300 g cold-pressed
37 x 50 cm


Here’s some additional info - just in case you are interested:
The Church of San Augustin and its separate coral stone bell tower were constructed by (Spanish) Augustinian Missionaries in the early 17-hundreds. It is one of the most famous and magnificent churches in the region and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an amazing and imaginative blend of “earthquake baroque” and oriental influences, with massive curved buttresses along the sides of the building. The façade has extended wings that follow the shape of the buttresses, giving it a graceful and harmonious air.

I’m working on some more paintings of the south and north sides of the church, showing the buttresses.

As for the term “earthquake baroque” or “earthquake architecture”: typically century-old churches with massive buttresses supporting the walls, and the bell tower always separate and at some distance, so if the tower falls in an earthquake at least it won’t come crashing down into the church.