I began this painting in the quiet courtyard with the San Juan Capistrano Mission Bells. When I am plein air painting the first order of business is finding a little shade. This courtyard had everything I was looking for: historic presence, beautiful light, strong shadows, the peaceful sound of the fountain, and a shady vantage point!

After I posted a photo of this completed painting, I heard from several people that this was a special quiet place of contemplation for them.

Here's a little history about the bells. Mission San Juan Capistrano’s oldest tradition is the ringing of the historic bells. Since the late 1800's this tradition has been performed by a chosen few official bell ringers. Originally the bells rang from the bell tower of the Grand Church, which today stands in ruins. These bells would ring to call people to Mass and to mark the morning, noon, and evening Angelus. Today the bells are rung on designated feast days, holidays and community celebrations.

Four bells were originally cast for Mission San Juan Capistrano. All named after saints, the two largest are named after  San Vincente &  San Juan, the two smaller bells are named after San Antonio & San Rafael. After the earthquake of 1812 did significant damage to the Mission collapsing the bell tower, the bells were moved to the arches of the campanario, the ''bell wall'' that houses four salvaged cast bronze bells. Now the original two largest bells hang in the footprint of the bell tower of the ruins of the Great Stone Church where they originally hung. 

The Bell Wall in my painting "Sacred Courtyard Bells, Mission San Juan Capistrano" 8x10 Oil ©Jennifer Mathews now has two replica large bells and the original two small bells. Stop by Mission San Juan Capistrano and enjoy a piece of California history!