Coín, portrayed on canvas - quickly

Some 14 artists from the town and elsewhere in Andalucía took part in the event. From 9.30am to 2pm on Sunday, they produced their works of art in different parts of Coín. Many of them chose the historic town centre.

"They gave us total freedom about what to paint. I chose a small-scale picture because I have found in the past that they are easier to finish," said Miguel Ángel Díaz, whose watercolour won him the first prize of 600 euros.

Díaz, who had travelled from Roquetas del Mar in Almeria province to take part, painted a spectacular picture of Calle Cruz. "I had never been to Coín before, but I like it a lot," he said.

The preparation is the hardest part. "It doesn't take long to paint the picture, but before starting you have to study the perspective and choose what you want to do, which is time-consuming," he explained.

For Díaz, this type of competition satisfies his two passions, painting and tourism, so he takes part in as many as possible.

The runner-up in the competition was Fernando Wilson from Malaga. "I know Coín very well and was delighted to take part in this event," he said. He won 300 euros for his work, a view of the church of San Juan Bautista and the square. "The standard was very high, some very good artists took part," he pointed out.

Prizes were presented by the mayor, Francisco Santos, and the Councillor for Culture, Dori Luque, at a prizegiving held at the Santa María de la Encarnación convent.