Yeap, it’s nice to known that spring is very close. We just have to have an average of plus degrees for 10 consecutive days. Looking forward to feeling good and sketching outdoors almost manically because I so do appreciate feeling good after the long winter months.
I am enjoying this little exercise – illustrating emotions, I’ve never tried before. I have been writing journals for years and years so in a way I am used to getting feelings down on paper. I just haven’t used watercolour before.
I sketched my first outdoor watercolour for 2021 yesterday. It was 8 degrees but sunny enough to stay warm. Damn it feels good to be outside sketching again.
Yeap, we all have good and bad days. Thankfully I have more ups than downs.
Crazy to think it was so cold just a short time ago. Most of the snow has melted now. I long to get out and start sketching for real. Soon, very soon.
Svindersviken 18 x 13 cm
I was out for a walk last week when I saw an abandoned Volvo by the side of the road. I took some photos for reference and painted this watercolour yesterday. I am very happy with it because I am trying to create interesting compositions from everyday, mundane life. I want to avoid the cliches that litter watercolour groups all over the net. My main source of inspiration at the moment is Lars Lerin, he is so good at capturing everyday moments with a wee touch of Swedish melancholy.
I can feel new energy slowly seeping into me now after the long winter months, I am becoming productive, it feels good to be painting landscapes again.
Title: Spring is on it’s way. 36 x 26 cm
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A view from Kvarnholmen. A small sketch, a giant leap …I’ve haven’t been painting so much recently so this little watercolour, painted the other day was important; a small step.
It seems crazy but I haven’t been to a life drawing class since Covid broke out last year. I run my own life drawing classes but as most of you who regularly visit this site know, I never have time to sketch. There are exceptions, last week being one, the whole evening ran smoothly and so by the time the longer 5 minute poses came along I felt relaxed and so I managed a few sketches. I’m only showing this one, I’m definitely rusty.
I have this little routine were I produce a watercolour nude each Monday morning to help promote my weekly life drawing session. I play around with how I express myself – I really enjoy it so I will continue with my Monday nudes. At the same time I really need to start painting landscapes again. Maybe I’m waking up from my winter slumber? I hope so.
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