Categories
Watercolour

An experience from the Musée d’Orsay

I call this watercolour, “Alone in Paris”. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, when I visited the Musée d’Orsay in Paris I was struck by the sheer volume of people milling around the famous works of art. It was so busy I wasn’t able to get up close to study how masters like Van Gogh painted. I felt that the visitors weren’t really looking at the art on display, they merely acknowledged their presence. You could say they were ticking a list, Monet – check, Van Gogh – Check, Renoir – check and so on. So I felt like I was the only person in the room at that given moment who really wanted to immerse himself in the painting.

I was thinking also, how Van Gogh would feel? So famous now but ignored during his own life time. Here is a link to a description of his self-portrait by the way. I don’t know if he would be happier today, people are still not really looking at his art, – trying to understand it. His art has become a trophy that the super rich buy to stroke their egos. I am not so famous and I sell to only those who really appreciate my watecolours, I like it like that.

My wife mentioned that my style in this painting is more similar to my earlier art which was more graphic or cartoon like. I have to agree, I think the reason for this is that I am unsure of myself as I am only starting to paint people. I would much prefer to paint my figures like say Benjamin Björklund,  which is to leave more for the viewer to fill in. I love Impressionism because it is so hard for me to achieve I think.

Alone in Paris: 52 x 34 cm

Click the thumbnail below to see the full-sized image

Alone in Paris 52 x 34 cm
Alone in Paris 52 x 34 cm

 

Categories
Watercolour

A winter watercolour of Grönalund in Stockholm

 

Gröna lund, Stockholm
Gröna lund, Stockholm

The winter months before Christmas are so dark here in Stockholm. The clouds tend to get tired and seem to rest on the ground. It is nearly always grey in November.

I originally sketched this scene with Stockholm Urban Sketchers in August, I really liked it so I decided to paint a large version of it now. I was of course influenced by the time of year I was in.

 

Click the thumbnail below to see the full-sized image

November light. Grönalund in winter
November light. Grönalund in winter

 

Categories
David Meldrum Video Watercolour

Watercolour Demo – Painting the O-Torii Gate [ EP. 6 ]

I just published my latest video on YouTube!

This is the final watercolour demonstration video from my trip to Japan earlier in the year. It was the last 24 hours with my son so it was a special day.

Sponsor my videos for as little as $3, click the link below to find out more.
https://www.patreon.com/meldrumart

Categories
Watercolour

How to get better painting clouds

How does one get better at painting clouds? Well, that was the question I had at the beginning of this week. I admire Sergej Temerev a lot so really it’s not that  difficult. I just looked at as many watercolours of his as possible, there is a good Pinterest page featuring his work, here’s the link. I also looked at all the YouTube videos I could find. I’ve done this before but one has to repeat and practice a lot if one wants to get better.

Hooker on the horizon
Hooker on the horizon

Title: Hooker on the horizon. 24 x 34 cm

Categories
figure drawing My Life Drawing Nudes Sketch

This year’s s first life drawing

Yes, so nice to be life drawing again after the Christmas break.
I took myself to Konstnärshuset Tuesday. The model, Elena was excellent as always. The lighting is so good at this venue, having a good model too is very inspiring.
My Life drawing (Meldrum Kroki) started last night (Thursday). It’s proving very popular, my living room was totally full of enthusiastic sketchers. The model, Kinda was great, everyone was delighted with her. I will publish some drawings in the next few days. That’s that, now I’m off to lunch in town. I’m going to treat myself to my favourite Sushi restaurant, Ichiban.

 

Categories
David Meldrum Watercolour

My first live demo

The other week I had my first watercolour demonstration. I was honoured to be asked by the ATG Art Society here in Stockholm. It was a small group that I painted for but for me it was a perfect start to something that might develop in the future.
I still see myself as a student so it is amusing when others ask me to show how I paint.

 

 

 

Categories
museum Museums Watercolour

Life is good

Cerold Johansson who is responsible for art acquisition at the Nordic Watercolour Museum has bought one of my paintings! It arrived safely today with the glass still intact. To say that I am happy would be a bit of an understatement ?

https://www.akvarellmuseet.org/
https://www.akvarellmuseet.org/en/about-the-museum