Watercolor journey with the course Roman Architecture by the Yale University.
I continue the art series with the course Roman Architecture + the city of Rome with Yale’s course Roman Architecture https://www.coursera.org/learn/roman-architecture. Rome, Palatine Hill, Romulus Founds Rome, Roman Architecture. 2-1.
Romulus founded the city of Rome and on Palatine Hill and archaeologists still find the remains of that village and houses from which the Roman Empire began to expand. It is difficult to imagine that on this huge passage there was once a small village, which was dug into a wonderful city, my beloved Rome. According to the legend, Romulus founded the City of Rome, on the 21st of April in 753 BC. Romulus village had huts made of wood that had thatched roofs. There are similar huts in a small village in the Maya Riviera near Cancun. Anyone who will visit this place might imagine that they are in a future city of Rome of the 8 century BC.
Rome, Palatine Hill, Romulus Founds Rome, Roman Architecture
The Palatine Hill is the oldest inhabited one in Rome. Actually, the name of the hill comes from the name of the goddess Pales – the patroness of cattle. The hill has long been a place for grazing pets and worshiping this goddess. The first permanent settlements appeared here in about 1000 BC, judging by the archaeological artefacts that appeared on the Palatine. There is the Palatine Hill’s archaeological museum with the Romulus House with the model of huts in the village of the Iron Age.
Several years ago I was in the Capitoline Museums in Rome, near the reproduced images of the Romulus village at the Palatine and Capitoline Hills; I stared in these pictures with fascination to find more information. Who would have known that in a few years I will learn about the Roman architecture and I will have the opportunity to understand why I was so delighted?
Rome, Palatine Hill, Romulus Founds Rome, Roman Architecture
Year of construction- 753 BC
Address: Rome, Palatine Hill, Piazza S. Maria Nova, 53V
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Charvin Ruby red and Emerald, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Acquarello Fabriano cold pressed watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
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The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Art and Travel. Pompeii, bakeries and millstones. Introduction. Bathing, Entertainment, and Housing in the Roman City. 1-4.
The Daily Grind
After my Roman architecture course, I turn to my artwork. This session’s lecture explored the concept of “Bread and Circuses,” an allegorical phrase originating with the Roman poet Juvenal. To understand this principle, we studied Pompeii. It is an Italian city frozen in time by the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. Pompeii offers a vivid window into daily life nearly two millennia ago. Through this study, I envisioned the bustling routines of ancient Romans.
The Inspiration – Juvenal
The millstones have square sockets in which wooden beams would have been placed. It features an arched brick oven with a view of the millstones in Pompeii. I chose to the painting for this session about the ancient bakery. In fact, all modern ovens still keep the design of those ancient ovens that became a prototype!
How about you, do you like to paint about food?
The Sensory Experience
After a fascinating dive into Roman architecture and the insightful “Bread and Circuses” lecture (thanks, Juvenal!), I’m channeling my inner baker in this new piece, an ancient bakery. To see the process in a Pompeian Bakery, we would find a mill, a large stone wheel, and many ovens. A bakery with ovens filled with warm bread reminds us of the daily life of ancient Pompeii. The smells of baking grain also evoke this historical scene.
Painting – Pompeii Via Provinciale Ripuaria, 53, 80045 Pompei NA, Italy.Roman Architecture. Year of construction-79 BC.
Can you smell the fresh bread?:)
A watercolor depiction of a Pompeii bakery featuring an arched brick oven and millstones, showcasing ancient Roman daily life.
In Pompeii, bakeries played a crucial role in providing bread for the city’s inhabitants. Bakeries typically consisted of a mill for grinding the grains. They also had an oven for baking the bread. Additionally, there was a shop where bread was sold. Bakeries give us an incredible glimpse into what life was like in Roman Pompeii.
The Scene Setter. Itinerary to Pompeii
When I was in Pompeii, I imagined myself as an inhabitant of Pompeii. How about your experience?
After the lecture Professor of History of Art and Classics Diana E.E. Kleiner Dunham, I have the next artistic (with many sketches) and travel itinerary.
So, my suggestion during your next trip to Pompeii visit a bakery nearby, where you buy bread… Then go to fast-food Thermopolis, an old-aged “McDonalds”. Next, visit a public fountain to take some water. In antique life, kitchens, baths and running water were not available in the houses. Thus, everything was public, including the bath complex. There were also public stores and bakeries with lovely paintings on the walls.
Well, I still prefer modern comfort. But, seeing the beautiful design of public fountains and bakeries is really great. It’s a wonderful way to plunge into the past, at least for a short while.
The echoes of ancient Rome resonate through time, whispering tales of a civilization that shaped the course of Western history. From grand architectural marvels to intricate social structures, the Romans left an indelible mark on the world.
A peaceful scene depicting a resting cat atop stone millstones, reminiscent of ancient Pompeii.
All roads lead to Rome – Alain de Lille
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
Hope you enjoy this little slice of history as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life on paper!
What do you think of my artwork? Let me know in the comments.
Tools used for my painting Watercolor Cotman sap green and mauve + Van Gogh siena paint, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Acquarello watercolor Fabriano grana grossa rouch album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Trajan’s Market. Exploring Yale’s Course on Roman Architecture (1-3). Art Inspired by Ancient Rome.
I continue my favorite Roman Architecture course. I’m diving into a project that combines my newfound knowledge with my artistic practice. So, the next part of the Yale’s course Roman Architecture is..
Roman Tombs, Aqueducts, and the lasting impact of Roman Architecture
This week’s lecture blew me away… we dove deep into the magnificent Forum of Trajan! Seriously, picture this: ancient Rome, but make it “shopping paradise”! Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano) was basically the world’s FIRST supermarket! A massive complex of shops, a true dream for any fashionista or shopping enthusiast (past or present!). The forum itself? Pure magic. Ancient Roman street design perfected, a symphony of stone that’s truly “frozen music.”
I can only imagine the buzz and energy that filled that space. The ancient Supermarket Trajan’s Market was a large complex of bazaar with series of shops. The Trajan Forum was the dream place for any fashion and shopping lovers. This was the first supermarket, all subsequent supermarkets in Rome and around the world built in the same way. The Forum of Trajan has characteristics of ancient Roman street design, beautiful and magic architecture, frozen music in stone.
Trajan’s Forum and Market: A Shopping Paradise in Ancient Rome
Imagine stepping back in time. Don’t just step back to a period of history but into the very heart of a bustling, vibrant city. Forget dusty tomes and silent ruins. Picture yourself immersed in the sensory overload of ancient Rome. Focus specifically on the Forum and Market of Trajan.
Painting- Rome, Markets of Trajan, Roman Architecture
Year of construction- 113 AD
A watercolor depiction of the historic Trajan’s Market in Rome, showcasing its ancient architectural beauty.
Address: Via Quattro Novembre, 94, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
To truly appreciate Trajan’s Forum and Market, it’s essential to understand the man behind the vision: Emperor Trajan. Reigning from 98 to 117 AD, Trajan was a beloved and highly successful emperor. He oversaw a period of unprecedented expansion of the Roman Empire, marked by military victories and significant public works projects. Trajan was known for his dedication to the people of Rome. He understood the value of investing in infrastructure. Public spaces were important to him. The Forum and Market were a direct result of his efforts to improve the city.
The Construction: A feat of Roman Engineering
Building the Forum of Trajan was a monumental task, literally and figuratively. It required extensive excavation to level the terrain, cutting back a ridge that connected the Capitoline and Quirinal hills. This massive undertaking showcased the Romans’ engineering skills and their ability to move vast quantities of earth and materials. The project also involved innovative use of concrete and other construction techniques that were groundbreaking for their time
The Architecture: A Symphony in Stone. Grand Canyon and Roman Architecture
Just a funny thought. Our family visited the Grand Canyon several years ago. My impression of this natural, earth-made architecture with its rocks and relief mountains is profound. It reminds me of Roman architecture with its ancient buildings’ rounded windows, beams, doors, ribbed ceilings, and columns.
Roman architects definitely took their ideas from nature. This is reflected in Trajan’s design. The architectural genius arose from earlier revolutionary innovations in architecture.
Roman Architecture soundtrack
The sheer scale and ambition of this Roman masterpiece is truly breathtaking. Thinking about the materials, the intricate carvings, and the historical significance… it’s mind-blowing!
Now, to fully immerse myself in the feeling of being there (virtually, of course! )
I’m trying to find a playlist to set the mood for learning the course about antique Rome. I am choosing music that helps me to capture the beauty of Trajan’s Forum – Suite Bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de Lune” – Claude Debussy.
Live in Rome (past and present)
I usually adding a live to my sketching. Imagine: a cat contemplating the grandeur of Roman engineering:)
He was witnessing the majestic arches, columns, and domes of ancient Rome come to life.
This wasn’t just a place. It was a testament to Roman ingenuity, a hub of commerce, and a dazzling display of architectural prowess.
A vibrant watercolor illustration of Trajan’s Market, showcasing its ancient architectural beauty, with a playful cat in the foreground.
A little cat is exploring the ruins with me. Every trip in Rome, I see some cats. They are diving into the grandeur of Roman architecture with a purr-fectly delightful twist!
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Tools used for my painting Watercolor Cotman sap green and mauve +Van Gogh siena paint), Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Acquarello watercolor Fabriano grana grossa rouch album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
This part of Roman Architecture‘s course was about Pompeii’s daily life in general, with many photo references. Pompeii’s streets look very modern with lots of bakeries, wine shops in the residential part of the city. For example, scientists discovered more than 30 bakeries. Few people in ancient Rome could afford to bake bread at home, so most bought it in the bakeries. Millstones for bake and for bay and ovens, that are part of bakeries look exactly as today’s bakeries in Italy. There were many fountains everywhere, for example a famous fountain with representations of the goddess Ceres.
I chose to paint the residential area with BIG pedestrian polygonal blocks of stones. It is a crossing part of the street. They are “talking” to us, telling their ancient stories about Pompeii’s daily life. If there was torrential rain, and the water piled up, people needed to cross the street without stepping in the water, but how? Romans were ingenious and concerned about their roads and pedestrians.
The stepping stones were placed in the streets so that people could cross the roads during and after the rain. Ancient people could easily walk around and were not afraid to wet their shoes and long dresses. As they continued gathering with friends and families, walking to the city’s centre or theatre, enjoying their daily life.
At the same time, these stepping stones were spaced apart far enough so that carts could still pass through the streets easily. The visible ruts that came from the horses and carts, between the stepping stones, show that they had to coordinate the wheels of the cart in such a way that they would span the stepping stones. Ancient Pompeii citizens could easily make their way across that stream by utilizing these stepping stones, “pondera”.
This was a genius architecture feat with responsible thinking thought about pedestrians. And even when my family walked in the city-museum of Pompeii with its astonishing view and a background of 2 majestic mountains- Vesuvius and Montezuma, we still found ourselves completely astounded by the stepping stones!
Painting – stones on the Streets of Pompeii -Daily Life, Roman Architecture
Year of construction- 79AD
Address: Pompeii
Tools used for my painting Watercolour raw sienna, permanent rose, Charvin vert imperial, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Van Gogh National gallery watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Roman concrete and the revolution in Roman Architecture. 3-1
There is a wonderful place near Rome, UNESCO city of Palestrina. The Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia at Palestrina (ancient Praeneste) in Italy was built in the 2nd century BCE in honour of the Goddess Isis, the goddess of femininity and motherhood and Fortuna, the ancient Roman goddess of luck. It was built on a natural hill on cement.
My painting is about the interior space of the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia. It was a Sanctuary with built-in shops and a detached theatre in the Middle Ages. For my painting I added subtle bluish and greenish hues, because, of course, the stones fell off and the cement had been exposed over the millennia. Luckily for us, the Temple with its delicate arches has survived until now, and modern architects and archaeologists continue to explore and discover the secrets of ancient Roman architects even after millennia.
The genius Roman architects noticed that the volcanic dust, which is found in the sea in Italy, turns into pumice when in multitude. They realized that it can be used to strengthen any building. This revolutionary discovery created the Roman cement from ash, lime, sand, pebbles of a certain size and volcanic ash and sea water. Added either be large stone blocks or it could be small pieces of stone presses into the concrete when concrete was still wet. When dried, these stones made the building look more attractive and protected the building from moisture.
Like modern constructors, the Romans erected wooden frames for the walls and ceilings and poured the concrete into them. Romans solved two problems this way, protected cement from moisture and hid the non-attractive part of cement at the same time. I would add that they were saving money for the construction and gaining valuable experience. Using the new revolutionary technology, they started to build not only Temples and villas for the rich, they started to develop and build more, and thanks to this experience and development, today we can still admire the architectural monuments of the past.
Another one-day trip from Rome is on my way in Italy:)
All roads lead to Rome – Alain de Lille
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Address: Via Colle Pastino 20, 00036, Palestrina Italy
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Cotman terra de siena and viridian Corman, Charvin bleu royal, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Van Gogh, National gallery watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
Watercolor journey with the course Roman Architecture by the Yale Universitypart 3
I continue the Art + Roman Architecture + the city of Rome with Yale’s course Roman Architecture . Roman Architecture. Introduction The urban Grid and Public Architecture.1-2. Link to the course is at the end of this post.
Painting –Rome, Pantheon, Roman Architecture. Year of construction-126 AD. Address:Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
My painting for this session is about the Pantheon, focusing on its extraordinary, light-filled interior space. The Pantheon’s construction, which utilized Roman cement and stone, was revolutionary. Do you agree that the Pantheon’s grandeur, scale, and elegance represent Rome itself?
A watercolor depiction of the Pantheon in Rome, highlighting its iconic oculus and intricate architectural details.
For centuries, the Pantheon’s majestic Oculus, the massive concrete dome with an central opening has gazed down upon countless imitations.
Ancient architects cast Roman concrete within wooden molds. This innovative technique fundamentally challenged the rigid architectural conventions of the time.
The prevailing Greek and Etruscan designs favored straightforward, rectilinear forms, with simple, flat roofs. The Pantheon, nonetheless, featured a vast dome and innovative use of concrete. It offered a revolutionary departure. This served as a blueprint for architects across the ages.
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman architecture with an innovative structure
The eye of the Pantheon through the centuries has become a model for many buildings. Ancient architects were pouring the roman cement into a wooden model. Essentially they broke the inflexibility of belief from the Greek and Etruscan architects that any architectural buildings should be only straightforward and rectilinear, including roofs
It is so fascinating facts how many building in Europe and North America stand as a testament. These structures demonstrate the Pantheon’s enduring legacy. I am learning from the Professor of History of Art and Classics Diana E.E. Kleiner Dunham that U.S.Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. , British Museum in London, National Gallery of Art and among many others buildings.
The building showcases the power and glory of Rome and its architecture. It is one of the greatest buildings ever conceived, a testament to human ingenuity.
Lost in Time & Whispers of History
Another story about my vacation. I spent the afternoon sketching this little wanderer, seemingly on a mission! Watch this elegant kitty gracefully navigate these ancient, worn stairs… leading towards the magnificent Pantheon de Roma! ️
The contrast between the modern cat and the timeless architecture is just stunning. Makes you wonder what secrets these walls have observed and what stories the kitty’s journey holds.
All roads lead to Rome- Alain de Lille
A sketch of a cat gracefully navigating ancient stairs, symbolizing the contrast between modern life and Rome’s timeless architecture.
For my artists colleagues . Tools used for my painting Watercolour PWC jaune paint+ (combination PWC indigo paint +Van Gogh ultramarine paint), Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Acquarello watercolour album. Fabriano grana grossa rouch Watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
Innovations in Concrete at Rome: The Tabularium and the Theatre of Marcellus. 3-4
Ancient Rome offered its citizens a number of stunning venues where they could be entertained, wined and dined. The Theatre of Marcellus was one of the most impressive theatre, located in the center of Rome. Apparently Seven famous hills was not enough for Roman architects and if they wanted to build a theatre on a flat terrain, they cemented an artificial hill and built a tribune in the very center of the city where people could sit. For this monument Romans used many architectural innovations, especially their pedestal and yes, the theatre was the precedent for the Colosseum. Theatre of Marcellus was reused as a fortress in middle ages, main prototype for Roman theatres and nowadays it is an expensive condominium. The Romans took what the Greek architects did, and then they took from the Etruscan architectural achievements. They combined the best of both brilliant civilizations of architectural discoveries, then added something of their own, developed further, without fear of experimenting.
For my watercolor reference’s painting of the Theatre of Marcello with a nearby column of the Temple of Apollo , I used the Google Earth app to view the building from a bird’s eye view. Julius Caesar planned the open-air theatre but died before it was completed. Then Emperor Augustus took up the reins and dedicated the theatre to memory of his nephew and son in law Marcellus in 17 BC, when the theatre was used for dramas and arena fights.
Teatro Marcello was decorated with marble statues and large bronze vases, placed around the perimeter to enhance the sound, masks of the heroes of comedies and tragedies. The inner part consisted of three tiers of marble steps, divided into sectors for noble townspeople, places for women, a separate area for common people and slaves. And the box of the emperor was separated from the other seats. Augustus ordered that the interior design of the theatre surpass in its splendor all previous buildings.
I like how Vitruvius, the Roman genius-engineer, artist, architect and writer who wrote 10 books about architecture, described the Greek columns. Theatre of Marcellus’s Doric columns are attached to the 1st level as a “male” column: simple, courageous, no curls or ornaments. Ionic columns are on the second floor, they are the “feminine” type of column with elements of a lady’s hairstyle. Corinthian columns probably decorated the third floor, although nothing survives of the top level, this is only an assumption of scientists since this level has not been preserved.
It was also the preliminary design for the Colosseum and they are so similar… When our family first passed by the Theatre of Marcellus we thought it is the Colosseum, from a view from another side of the street… Theatre of Marcellus was built only a couple of centuries earlier than the Colosseum. I would like to buy tickets for the Roman music concerts here. Every summer there is a series of classical concerts that take place here called “Notti Romane al Teatro di Marcello” and I would imagine the ancient open-air theatre where people used to come and listen to great music or performance in 17 BC.
All roads lead to Rome – Alain de Lille
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
Painting – Rome, Theatre of Marcellus, Roman Architecture
Address: Via del Teatro di Marcello, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Cotman terra de siena and viridian Corman, Charvin bleu royal, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Van Gogh, National gallery watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Art and Travel. Watercolor journey with the course Roman Architecture by the Yale University.
I am pursuing a new artistic path in watercolor illustration through my studies at online Open Yale course. There so many interesting facts I am learning from the Professor of History of Art and Classics Diana E.E. Kleiner Dunham. Link to the course is at the end of this post.
A vibrant watercolor painting showcases the rooftops and architecture of a city. It is framed by lush greenery. The painting reflects the themes of Roman architecture explored in the Yale course.
Painting journey of my three passions
Roman Architecture and Art with references and learning from Yale University Roman Architecture, Professor Kleiner about art, architecture.
The course Roman Architecture is my favorite one. I love to travel. I would like to discover the power of architecture to shape culture and society. I plan to do this with my extra research from the lectures.
The nine-week course explores the great cities and their building
The nine-week course offers an exciting exploration of magnificent cities and their remarkable buildings. It celebrates the engineering wonders of Rome and its empire.It is inspiring visions of their significance in both ancient and contemporary contexts.
Rome, cities of Pompeii, Sicily, France, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and the rest of Roman Empire.
Experience the full brush of Rome’s beginning as an Iron Age village. Learn how it became a world-class city. Discover its transformation into a gigantic empire surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.
The Romans had a remarkable impact on architecture worldwide, inspiring countless designs even today. Enrolling in the Roman Architecture course excites me as.
It will equip me with the skills to create my very own Roman City Art Project. I’m eager to learn valuable architectural techniques . And that will not only enrich my project but also enhance my life in amazing ways.
Every temple has its story and legend, I love all lectures with interesting facts of the professor Diana E.E. Kleiner. One of the good things about learning is the professor’s enthusiasm and her own photos. Also, I will use my husband’s photos and my own sketches from our multiple vacations in Italy.
Cats sketching as part of my learning journey
A vibrant pastel sketch depicts Italian architecture. It reflects the beauty of Roman structures. The influence of art was studied in the Yale University course.
I will add some live to my illustrations for architecture. It will be some cats. What do you think about this idea? Are you usually adding some animals or birds for your sketching?
I am reading what I will learn and this is very exciting. The course starts from 8 B.C. architecture and moves from one revolutionary experiment to the next one; and my paintings will follow the consecutive process of the development of Roman architecture that was born out of ancient Greek and Etruscan styles
I hope that soon I will travel to Rome with all my new knowledge from the Roman Architecture course :)
Watercolor painting of a bridge scene, capturing a vibrant sunset reflection on the water.
I am ready for a new educational adventure in watercolor illustration.
I will pick a photo reference from a lecture for each painting. I am going to share my quick comparison for four picks of art watercolor albums and paints.
Acquarello watercolour album. Fabriano cold pressed
Acquarello watercolour album. Fabriano, grana grossa rouch
Fluid 100, cold press
Van Gogh, National gallery
Watercolour paints:
Van Gogh travel box
Van Gogh tubes
PWC
Cotman
Winsor Newton
Charvin
Box Munovo
Gelly roll Sakura white pen
Watercolour pencils Albert Durer
Watercolour pencils Faber Castell Durer
Watercolour pencils Derwent
I am exciting to start the course and share my thoughts and illustrations for the lectures in my posts.
Below is the link to the Roman Architecture course
Watercolour used Charvin and Van Gogh brands, Pastel GrayPas Expressionist, Derwent watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens, Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)
This was amazing little town with an unusual legend.
Just imaging, you are jauntily wandering through the medieval streets. Also trying not to trip over the cobblestones that probably date back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Meanwhile, admiring the stone facades that looked like they had more stories than my grandma. Actually, this is my story that happens with everyone while traveling in a medieval town, right?:)
And then OMG, the flowers! They were so fragrant that I half expected them to start singing show tunes! It was truly an unexpected adventure in one of the prettiest settlements in France. The buildings are old, but the charm is timeless! :)
As promised, about the local legend. It says that the English Queen Victoria was riding on a donkey with her staff to the town. After this uneasy journey, she tired and ordered a road to be built to this tallest town. Thank you! the English Queen Victoria wanted everyone to see the beauties of this place. And it was completed, so now you can enjoy them too. The main square of the town is named after the Queen, with no doubt. Everybody loves this legend.
A charming watercolor sketch of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, showcasing the town’s vibrant ice cream and flower motifs characteristic of Provence.
Another Legend about Ice cream while you are exploring the town.
Ice cream transcends the realm of mere treats; it embodies the town’s most cherished secret. Yes, I found it while eating the violet rich ice cream.
As she dances around you, the air fills with the delightful aroma of freshly churned ice cream. It draws forth smiles and laughter from everyone nearby. A simple shout turns into a memorable experience that sugary dreams are made of! Even years later, I still remember this taste and scent.
As you walk around town, you will notice violets everywhere. They are painted on the asphalt and in the ice cream. Violet ice cream was a pleasant discovery for me. It’s worth coming to this mountainous town just for its sake!
The Wobbly Wonders of Cascades du Saut du Loup: Where Waterfalls Take a Dive!
The next stop was the stunning Mountain waterfalls known as Cascades du Saut du Loup. The name comes from the French language. It translates to the mouth of the wolf. I found it’s quite scary name.
This evokes an air of mystery and intrigue surrounding this natural wonder. As we approached the cascades, the sound of rushing water grew louder, filling the air with a sense of anticipation.
The scene was surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs. It was breathtaking, with glistening water tumbling down the steep slopes. This created a mesmerizing spectacle. This hidden gem is more than just a beautiful sight. It holds an important place in local folklore. Tales of wolves and their enchanting habitat add to the allure of this captivating location. I think that every waterfalls has its own legends, do you agree with it?
I don’t know what mouth of a wolf it is. Now this is my secret. I personally saw a huge muzzle of an orangutan in the rocks. Everyone in our group was laughing from my imagination:)
Gourdon vs. Gordes:
As we continued our travel, the next stop was Gordon. It is the highest town of our trip. Its magnificent castle is perched 750 meters above sea level on rocks.
Watercolor sketch of Gourdon Castle in Provence, showcasing the lush landscapes of the region.
A little comment about the tour. Part of our goal for this trip was to see Provencal lavender fields. Our tour operator was also our driver and a cheerful guide.
Meanwhile, he piped up from the passenger seat, “Well, there’s a little hitch in our giddy-up!” Apparently, it would take another hour to reach the lavender fields from this town. Perfect! This was just enough time for him to regale her with his latest theory. He believed a goat named Jean-Claude should have been our co-pilot.
“Just think about it,” he said with a grin. “He’d be the best navigator. Frankly, I’d trust a goat over a GPS any day!” As they continued their winding journey, the fragrant scent of lavender teased their senses. It promised that the true adventure was only just beginning.
Gourdon and Gordes are two different cities. Ops, my bad, I did not see on this day any lavenders’ fields. So, please take my advice, enjoy your day , even you were expecting other views.
Both cities are nestled in the picturesque hills of Provence. Yet, they are distinct places rich in their own unique charm and character.
The tour company made a comical error. They mixed them up. This led to a day filled with unexpected adventures and humorous anecdotes. As the day unfolded, we constantly wondered how the mix-up could have happened. This curiosity gave us an amusing reason to return. We wanted to explore the beautiful regions more thoroughly.
It became our running joke throughout this long day. The joke lightened the mood and brought us closer together. This happened as we navigated the winding roads. We were diligently searching for the iconic lavender bushes. We were also looking for even small patches of planted lavender. Provence is so famous for this.
Every time we stumbled upon anything resembling those fragrant fields, we kept saying, “Well, here’s lavender!” We burst into laughter. What could have been an inconvenience turned into a delightful memory. It’s a memory that we’ll cherish for years to come.
The Lavender Showdown – Who Will Win the Name Game?
The locals told us that in earlier years the lavender fields really bloomed vibrantly around the town. This created a stunning visual spectacle. It attracted visitors from far and wide.
The intoxicating fragrance of the lavender filled the air, making it a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike. One unfortunate year, a particularly harsh cold winter struck. The lavender bushes not survive the frigid temperatures that followed. The once-thriving fields, which had been a source of pride and beauty for the community, fell silent and barren.
After that, despite the people’s longing for the return of the lavender, they were not planted again. This decision left a void in the landscape deeply felt by everyone. It’s truly a pity to witness such a loss of natural beauty and charm.
A watercolor sketch depicting the scenic beauty of Gourdon, France, showcasing its charming architecture and lavender foliage.
The mountain road is serpentine. It leads to mountain towns Gourdon and Tourrettes-sur-Loup. We passed through the medieval town. In the sky, we saw a cloud “goose”.
I will continue to post about one-day trips in Nice. Next up is Cannes and Le Cannet. I visited the famous museum of artist Bonnard. After all, who doesn’t want to admire the works of someone who painted like they were on a permanent vacation? More art, less sanity!
Tools used for my painting Watercolour used Charvin and Van Gogh brands, Derwent Watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)
A Sketching Journey Through Provence’s Artistic Towns. Urban sketching. Travel, Architecture and Art
Everything is in one bottle of flavor that brings together the image of a city or place.
Mougins: Where Art Galleries Outnumber Residents!
The next town we visited was Mougins, is a city of art galleries and artist’ workshops. On a small plaza, I saw a mysterious lady in a beautiful hat near the city’s legendary museum.
This is a serene sketch capturing a mysterious lady in a beautiful hat. It is set against the charming backdrop of Mougins. This town is known for its vibrant art scene.
The Art of Not Getting Bored at Mougins Museum!
The city has a famous Mougins Museum of Classical Art. It is a private museum. The entrance costs 14 Euros (2019). It’s worth it. Address: 32 Rue Commandeur, Mougins. The Mougins museum has the world’s largest private collection of antic helmets. I never would have thought that there was such a variety of helmets.
A watercolor sketch of ancient helmets displayed at the Mougins Museum of Classical Art.
In the museum, the lighting was dark so my sketches show the overall impressions of the gloom. I like to watch museums’ visitors; it shows the general impression of direction of exhibits in museum. We visited the museum on Monday when there were no visitors so the whole museum was ours. I was surprised to see such a rich collection outside the Louvre or British Museums.
One of my artistic goals is to paint the combination of houses, people, cafe, streets, landscapes, food, Provencal ice creams.
Watercolor sketch depicting the charm of Mougins, Côte d’Azur, showcasing a cafe scene and the essence of local artistry.
On the way to the city, our tour operator mentioned an interesting annual festival. It is called the ‘International Gastronomy Festival of Mougins’ or ‘Les Étoiles de Mougins’.
The festival used to be an event that brought lots of tourists and media attention to the town of Mougins.
Effective this year, the decision was made to hold the festival in other cities around the world. Mougins’ Michelin chefs will be sent to the festival to show the culinary art of the city’s chefs. So, understandably, the residents of the city are disappointed and would like to return the tourists to their city. To get here, you can take a train/bus from Antibes or Nice. At the end of this post, I will give instructions on how to get to this town.
Watercolor sketch depicting the charming scenery of Moulin d’Opio, showcasing olive trees and lanterns, reminiscent of Van Gogh’s art.
Moulin d’Opio mill, with its olive grove
Our next visit was a small place at Moulin d’Opio mill, with its olive grove and a small store. When you visit this place, you will instantly remember Van Gogh’s painting. The owners are the fifth generation of this family. They were telling us how olive oil has been produced for many centuries. We tested different varieties of olives, French oil, tapenade on toast, and drinks.
Watercolor sketch depicting a charming scene from Moulin d’Opio, highlighting the olive trees and quaint architecture of the area.
I would never have thought that I would try olive oil on its own. It was an interesting experiment.
A watercolor illustration depicting olive oil, olives, and a traditional Provencal setting, reflecting the culinary heritage of the region.A watercolor sketch depicting olive oil tasting and the scenic landscape of Le Moulin d’Opio in Côte d’Azur.
Tools used for my painting Watercolour used Charvin and Van Gogh brands, Derwent Watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
How to get from Antibes to Le Mougins. Take Train to Cannes, then bus to Mougins. Lines 25-27. Cannes – Ranguin <> Gare Routière des Messugues <> Collège Eganaude – Sophia Antipolis, par Mougins
How to get from Antibes to Le Cannet . Take train Antibes to Cannes, bus #1 and 4(?), 15 min =10 stops to Musee Bonnard, Bus Palm’Express n°1, arrêt « Mairie du Cannet
How to bring more joy to your vacation in the south of France
In this post I would like to talk about some one-day trips from Antibes or Nice. For me, sitting in one place and swimming in the sea is fine for a couple of days. I enjoy sunny beaches and cuisine, but then I need more. Provencal cities are very close to each other. They are rich in history, art, and architecture. It would be a “crime” not to visit some of the local small towns in the neighborhood.
Vibrant Provencal ceramic tableware showcasing the rich colors of handmade plates from the South of France.
Exploring Art and Cuisine in Provence’s Charming Towns. Nice, France, one-day trips in Provence.
Provencal ceramic tableware with sun-drenched harmony of Provence in single handmade plates with vibrant colors found in the South of France and Italy
Illustration of the beautiful towns and landmarks around Provence, highlighting key locations like Grasse, Gourdon, and Tourrettes-sur-Loup.
Our Provencal Itinerary. This trip began in Nice and continued through Grasse, Mougins, and Moulins d’Opio. We also explored Waterfalle sur Loup, Tourrettes du Loup, and Gourdon.
We always travel by train or bus… but this time we decided to save our time and traveled with a tour operator.
The recently renovated Gare de Nice Ville, a welcoming gateway to the beautiful city of Nice.
Vibrant Provencal Experiences: From Grasse to Nice. Blue train brings people to Mediterranean Sea every day
Old Train station in Nice was recently renovated. It seems to be inviting visitors to join one of the most beautiful cities. Nice is conveniently located near the sea.
Our tour started from Nice. You can be picked up from your hotel by the tour operator. In our case we lived in Antibes. As a choice, a driver pick you up from your city, with an extra cost. We decided to take a train from Antibes to Nice. The journey took just 10 -15 minutes. It cost 4 Euros. It was another reason to visit Nice.
Illustration of a train station in Nice, capturing the blend of modern transportation and picturesque surroundings.
Grasse, the capital of perfumery
The 1st stop was in Grasse, the capital of perfumery. According to the legend of the 17th century, the city had many leather shops. The skin was soaked with flower essences to remove an unpleasant odour. Louis XIII and his beautiful wife, Anna of Austria, shared valuable secrets.
She was a Spanish-born queen. Thanks to them, some Spanish and Arab techniques for perfumed skins were revealed. So perfumes came to us from the city of Grasse. You want to visit Parfumerie Fragonard.
Watercolor painting depicting the vibrant atmosphere of a Provencal town, capturing colorful rooftops and the scenic beauty of the region.
The whole city is covered in flowers; a local perfume factory acquaints visitors with its spirits. During our last visit to Grasse several years ago, we walked several times through the local central square. We admired the views of the mountains from a huge cliff near the town hall.
It was blooming with floral aromas, the local fountain freshened the air with water. And only then I realized that the fountain was spraying perfumed water.
Perfume factory in Grasse
Sketch of our excursions perfume factory and olive store at Le Moulin D’Opio, Opio. Legendary Fragonard was the mayor of the city. The city has the Fragonard Museum is located at: 14 rue Jean Ossola, Hotel de Villeneuve, Grasse
This watercolor sketch depicts the perfume factory and olive store at Le Moulin d’Opio in Grasse, France. It showcases vibrant colors and local products.
Some interesting facts about Fragonard: he was the artist and pioneer of the Rococo style. There is a famous painting “The Swing” by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Fragonard was a distant relative of my beloved impressionist artist Bertha Morisot. We visited museum D’Orsay in Paris this year, Morisot’s personal exhibition in the museum. Stay tuned for more information on it in my future posts.
More intriguing tales and delightful doodles are on their way—consider this your friendly heads-up before the next artistic adventure hits!
Tools used for my painting Watercolour used Charvin and Van Gogh brands, Derwent Watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
How to get from Antibes to Le Mougins. Take Train to Cannes, then bus to Mougins. Lines 25-27. Cannes – Ranguin <> Gare Routière des Messugues <> Collège Eganaude – Sophia Antipolis, par Mougins
How to get from Antibes to Le Cannet . Take train Antibes to Cannes, bus #1 and 4(?), 15 min =10 stops to Musee Bonnard, Bus Palm’Express n°1, arrêt « Mairie du Cannet
Urban sketching. Antibes, France. Itinerary for seeing one of the gem in Provence.
Going to Antibes in France… Why Antibes?
A watercolor painting capturing the scenic beauty of Antibes, with its vibrant coastal landscape and distant hills.
I will tell about the beauty of Provence based on our experience of 10 years. We have had a long relationship that we hope will continue for many years… We fell in love with the Mediterranean coast of France and its towns right away. We always come back here again and again.
Artist’s watercolor depiction of a journey from Toronto to Antibes, highlighting the joy of travel and cultural experiences.
What is the beauty and goodness of Provence? Discovering Antibes: A Traveler’s Guide to Provence
Toronto- Paris- Antibes itinerary, 2019. Our voyage’s feeling always started from an airport door.
People are free from problems and minor life concerns. They exist between countries and continents. The air is full of a vibrant mixture of cultures, customs, and nationalities.
My favorite scene with Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan in the movie “French Kiss” is the take off scene. Everything is behind you…
Freedom of speaking with temporary neighbors is everywhere on a road. At any airport, especially during international flights, is driving my happiness as the traveling artist.
This flight was with Air France. I enjoy their safety movie featuring five young beauties. It reminds me of the French movie Eight Women with Catherine Deneve, Fanny Ardant, and Emmanuelle Bėart. Classic chic madams and mademoiselles and their flared dresses and colored shoes, beautiful and stylish, back in time.
A vibrant watercolor painting depicting women in traditional attire, evoking the charm of cultural celebrations.
The safety video shows in funny way usually regular boring but must-be learning process. Why not be entertaining and have safety training explanation at once? :)
You had a blast watching the video “Consignes de sécurité Air France – Bienvenue à bord.” It was flirtatiously fun. It felt like a romantic ad at 30,000 feet.
A vibrant watercolor painting showcasing the beauty of Provence, highlighting the colors and essence of the Mediterranean landscape.
How to get there?
In Provence, south of France, there are many intercity buses. These include both speedy and local buses between Nice airport and Cote d’Azur towns.
A watercolor illustration of the bus route from Nice to Antibes, highlighting the picturesque landscapes of the Côte d’Azur.
We took bus #250 that goes every 30 min from Nice airport to Antibes. It then continues to Cannes. I highly recommend taking the express bus.
It will save your time and energy especially on the first day of your vacation after flight.(information about the bus on the bottom of post)
I started to do my sketches right away :) My Watercolour painting is done with Provençal magic Watercolour box Charvin. In the Nice’s store I hesitated to buy ALL of them.
Finally, 12 clear sea and old Provençal roofs’ building color paints were chosen, and the owner unexpectedly gave me one extra for luck:)
Thank you, I will come back soon.
CHARVIN PAINTS
Artistic watercolors from Charvin Paris, perfect for capturing the vibrant colors of Provence.
French Riviera Beach painting on Salis beach (Plage de la Salis)
Watercolor painting of Salis Beach in Antibes, showcasing the serene Mediterranean coastline and vibrant skies.A serene moment on the beach in Antibes, showcasing visitors enjoying the sun and sea.Watercolor painting depicting the serene beach scene of Antibes, capturing the essence of the Mediterranean coast.
I will tell you about this wonderful place with some notes as a traveler. My artist’s paintings and drawings of the Antibes will also be included. It is one of the Mediterranean French coast’s cities. Antibes is known for its legends, friendly people, museums, and yummy food. It offers sunny beaches and a warm sea. Most importantly for me, it includes artists’ paths.
A vibrant watercolor painting depicting a sunset view over Antibes, showcasing the town’s coastal beauty.
Napoleon’s family Legend in Antibes
Let’s start with one of the Antibes’ legends is about Napoleon’s family. Locals are saying that Napoleon’s mother and his sisters lived in Antibes. It is not confirmed in fact. Nonetheless, the locals added some explanation on a house’s sign. Below is the photo from this place.
A sign on a historic building in Antibes claims Napoleon once stayed here. It is surrounded by a charming stone wall and colorful flowers.
Antibes beaches with its mild colors, tender rose, blue and violet painting. I was painting this view of local houses and beach with hill surroundings. The long path leads to next town Juan les Pins, our favorite two long sandy beaches, Ponteil and Salis.I was painting sea’s stones on Antibes’ beach. This type of sketches is relaxing time spending…
I was painting sea’s stones on Antibes’ beach. This type of sketches is relaxing time spending…
This is a watercolor painting. It showcases the colorful stones and pebbles found on the beaches of Antibes. It captures the vibrant essence of this beautiful Mediterranean town.A serene watercolor painting capturing the sunset over the coastal landscape of Antibes, framed by trees.
Antibes is town with lots of energy and has “all in one”.
The old city of Antibes is full of charm
The old city of Antibes is full of charm. Under the south sun, all houses look like gold buildings. Flowers cover their walls.
A vibrant watercolor painting capturing the warm tones of Provence, showcasing charming architecture and colorful flora.
Antibes has the Archaeological museum, see below the map of the Ville d’Antipolis, how Romans used to call it.
Map of the ancient city of Antibolis, highlighting significant archaeological sites and surrounding areas.
Watercolor painting of chocolate-covered olives, a charming treat inspired by the flavors of Antibes.
Archaeological museum in Antibes
One day, I visited this small archaeological museum. Even without translation into English, I learned about the ancient history of this place. It was the former settlement of the Greeks, then the Romans, the Etruscan and then Galls. There are lots of underwater amphorae and wrecks off Antibes. These once held fine wine and were raised from the bottom of the sea.
It was the former settlement of the Greeks, then the Romans, the Etruscan and then Galls.
There are lots of underwater amphorae and wrecks off Antibes. They once contained fine wine. These were raised from the bottom of the sea.
Etruscan vase sketch, reflecting the ancient culture and art of Antibes.
Another legend is the Etruscan learned to make wine residents of Provence’s French Galas. Interesting, isn’t it?:)
I drew one of their works of pottery’s art Etruscan vase.
10 years ago, I felt a deep connection to the Etruscan culture. It had gone into oblivion. I read some books about Etruscan culture by Jean-Paul Thuillier, Nemirovsky, and Jean-Noel Robert.
It opened my eyes to many things and historical events. After this, we visited the special Etruscan museum and Villa Medici in Rome. Our local Toronto’s museum, ROM, also has an Etruscan section with some good exponents.
An artistic interpretation showcasing Etruscan faces, highlighting the individuality of ancient personalities.
Etruscan faces on painting what remained of the exhibits expressed the display of the personality, individuality of a person’s traits. After the influence of Greek culture it started to be prettier but faceless personal features.
Connection between Antibes and Impressionism
Another fascinating story of Antibes is about the connection between the city and Impressionism. This was a new art movement in the 19th century.
It started from Monet, my favorite artist and the creator of impressionism style.
I read the book Monet and the Mediterranean several years ago. Joachim Pissarro wrote it. This book actually opened for me the city of Antibes.
Monet stayed in Antibes for 5 months in 1988. He painted many paintings from this place. His works include “Antibes seen from La Salis”, “Morning at Antibes”, and “Gardener’s House at Antibes”.
Others include “Antibes seen from Plateau Notre-Dame.” There is also “The Gulf of Antibes.” Another one is “View of the Bay and Maritime Alps at Antibes.” Monet wrote to his wife Alice “What I will bring back from here will be pure, gentle sweetness.”
Winding paths offer a view of the ancient city. The silver-violet color of the mountains is visible in the distance. These elements are inviting for a romantic walk.
Old pines are handed close over the path, setting beyond the horizon highlights the sea and the city in distance.
There are some artists discovered this amazing city and landscape around it. Long path near Antibes is very popular among impressionists and post impressionists like Monet, Sisley, Cross, Signac. Their artworks made this town famous.
Everywhere on a long path you see lots of reproductions of artists. They are standing exactly on the places where they created by different artists. This place inspired many artists and me. It can invite you to visit for traveling and producing some artworks.
Gourmet Immigration or Mistress of the Copper Mountain
We once traveled to France for our family summer vacation. During this trip, my husband invented a new expression, “Gourmet Immigration.” It is a brilliant discovery. I hope we will implement it in the future.
Chocolate olives in chocolate, chic, isn’t it? Full impression that it is OLIVES. No, no, no, no, no, no! It is dark and milk chocolates in the form of black and green olives
A watercolor painting of chocolate olives, highlighting the unique and delicious treats found in Antibes.
Two ladies, maybe sisters or friends offer any French chocolate treats. They seem like the mistress of Antibes’ chocolate makers with mouth-watering chocolate. Alternatively, they resemble the legendary Mistress of the Copper Mountain who loves chocolate. Instead of minerals, their product is made from chocolate.
Note. Mistress of the Copper Mountain, also known as the Malachite Maid, is a legendary creature from Slavic myths. She is a fairy tale character and the mountain spirit from the legends of the Ural miners. As the Mistress of the Ural Mountains, she is depicted as a beautiful green-eyed young woman in a malachite gown.
Watercolor painting of French chocolate olives, showcasing creative culinary delights found in Antibes.
Picasso Museum
I’m not really a fan of Picasso but his story of living in the Antibes is joyful. Picasso lived here after the Second World War when everybody’s feelings were happy because of the end of world war. Picasso drew local women Antibes, and one of his famous painting is Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (The Young Ladies of Avignon). Then suddenly he decided to learn something new, but again in his style. It was start of the new era of Picasso’s pottery.
My favorite expressions of Picasso from this period are many. One expression is, “I have spent my whole life knowing how to draw like a child.” He famously said, “J’ai mis toute ma vie à savoir dessiner comme un enfant.” Another expression is “I do not seek, I find.” In French, it’s “Je ne cherche pas, je trouve.”
A watercolor painting depicting the sculptures along the Antibes coastline, highlighting the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and artistic inspiration.
Picasso decided to learn how to make sculptures from scratch when the local pottery master visited Picasso’s exhibition. It turned out to be 7 years of relationship. During this time, the famous artist learned from very basic vases in his 70th at the local workshop. This led to the creation of great and individually recognizable artworks.
Picasso learned it for many years, and yes, it was free of charge training. Nonetheless, the workshop can copy Picasso’s pottery artworks. These were originally made in this place. They can copy them for a certain number of times and sell these artworks. They are saying that the agreement is still in force. Picasso began with simple vases, and then went on to do art in direction. Some sculptures you see in the Antibes museum.
I’ve drawn and later finished with watercolors some of his vases. This is the advantage to being an artist. You not be allowed to take photos, but pencil sketches are fine under the museum’s rules. Voilà!
Antibes’ locals love cats; there are some signs on the doors in the Old Town. I drew them on the location.
Artistic depiction of a house sign in Antibes with a charming cat theme, reflecting the local love for cats.
The market in the Antibes is particularly remarkable. Baguettes and croissants, handmade early in the morning, are sold at the market quickly. You can buy real Antibes wine. You will also find Pâté de Foie Gras (goose liver) with colorful ripe vegetables and fruits at the Marche provencal. Address: 27 cours Massena, Antibes
Famous Gelateria is just next to the Market.
Watercolor illustration of Gelateria Del Porto in Antibes, showcasing delicious ice cream offerings.
Our favorite bakery was near our Royal Antibes hotel. It is a great place that you will enjoy. It is in very close distance to Salis and the private Royal beach with a restaurant on it.
A charming watercolor painting of the Royal Antibes Hotel and nearby bakery, reflecting the beauty of the French Riviera.
The bakery is just next to the beach, named La-brasserie-de-lillette. I want to highlight some rules inside the small store that sells croissants and other bakeries. Customers must not wear swimsuits, even though it’s just a minute away from the beach. Please respect the “Queen” – French baguette.
Sunset in French Riviera, Antibes
You get up at 7 in the morning and you go to meet the dawn. Nowhere in the world there is no such beauty.
A vibrant pastel painting capturing the serene beauty of a boat on water, reflecting the colorful sky in Antibes.
We visited more than 30 locations in Provence in last 10 years, and I am enjoying to paint on location, and Antibes is the city you will enjoy travel and paint with Joie de Vivre (a feeling of enjoyment of life)
A watercolor painting capturing the serene beauty of Antibes, a charming town on the French Riviera.
Daily trips from Antibes. Transportation
For daily trips I recommend to buy the “Ticket Azur” that allow you to take two transport networks in succession, to finish a journey, including one change between one of the lines on the Departmental Council’s TAM network and a line on one of the following networks: Envibus (Antibes and surrounding area), Communauté de la Riviera Française (Menton and surrounding area), Sillages (Grasse and surrounding area), Bus Varmer (Carros and surrounding area), Ligne d’Azur (Nice and surrounding area), Bus Azur (Cannes and surrounding area)
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Tools used for my painting include Charvin and Van Gogh watercolours. I also used Pastel GrayPas Expressionist. Derwent watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens were used as well. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)
Urban sketching and Still life. Travel and Art. A Colorful Journey Through Paris: Art and Nature Blended
Flowers
Paris is always the city in flowers. This city breathes in the scents of billions of flowers. Every day it explodes with a firework of floral colors. Winter, or summer, the season does not matter for flowers in Paris. The Luxembourg Gardens is the most “French” of all city parks.
A vibrant watercolor painting of blooming flowers in a rustic setting, showcasing the beauty of nature intertwined with artistry.
Only here can you see the true purpose of the green towns in Paris. You can watch how Parisians spend their free time… If you would like to become one of them, you try their …Vivre la vie:)
City parks
Go to one of the city parks. You sit comfortably on a chair near the fountain. Breathe in the aroma of roses and enjoy the freshness of greenery. Hide from the city center, which is so distant yet immeasurably close from one side.
This watercolor depicts the picturesque Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. It showcases serene landscapes. Visitors enjoy the park’s beauty.
Bright flower borders with soft ribbons frame the green lawns, and flowerbeds amaze with volumes and colors. Petunias, daisies, rudbeckia, sage, cereals, dahlias, chrys…it is the long list of flowers. Their consistent and continuous flowering pleases grateful spectators throughout the entire spring, summer and autumn seasons.
Luxembourg gardens
Luxembourg gardens in Paris is my favorite one, flower beds are especially good at any season. It’s impossible to stop looking at them! I am enjoying to visit again and again:) you see my post about Luxembourg gardens.
A cozy watercolor painting featuring a vase of flowers on a wooden table, alongside a red polka-dotted chair.
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:) Stay healthy.
You can visit my personal website pages here. Find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. Buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
Tools used for my painting. Watercolour brands Van Gogh and Cotman. Paper Canson Mix Media album 28×35 cm (11×14 in.) and Canson Watercolour album 25×35 cm (11 x15 in.)
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
For this I was doing an ink drawing of Splat water, with splashes of water that flow down from a long green leaf. I already miss summer days:) A person can forever look at three things: how the fire burns,how the other person works and how the water flows…
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Connect.
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. Join me in artistic journey: sea waves and sunrises.
Just finished this vibrant painting of sea waves, and it instantly transported me back to a magical moment in summer. I recall finding a lively street performance in Paris. People danced samba with such energy and passion near the river Seine. It felt like the waves were dancing too! Here’s to capturing those joyful memories through art.
Imagine lovely warm Mediterranean sea. It’s a breathtaking scene when the sun gracefully rises languidly from the horizon. It casts a warm, peach-hued glow over the tranquil waters. The waves, much like spirited dancers performing a samba with vibrant life as they embrace the shoreline.
In the foreground, a majestic sailboat sways gently. Its main sail is illuminated by the peachy hue of the beginning of the day. A romantic couple is lost in each other’s gaze. They are nestled within the embrace of this idyllic moment. It is a perfect tableau of love in harmony with nature.
A watercolor painting of sailboats gliding across the shimmering waters at sunrise. It is captured in vibrant hues of red and peach.
Romance on the Water: I imagined a picture with a romantic couple sailing on the foreground. They are lost in each other’s eyes. They glide through the shimmering waters. Their sailboat reflects the vibrant hues of the sunrise, creating a perfect harmony of color and emotion.
I believe that every brushstroke holds a story. My story is about a summer day and that feeling of romantic waves and maybe the samba dance, who knows?:) What memory fuels your next masterpiece?
Let the rhythm of life inspire you to create. What’s your passion? How about dancing like nobody’s watching and painting like you’re in your favorite place? This is about me:)
Let’s celebrate this enchanting scene together. I invite you all to pick up your paints and brushes. Gather your canvases or watercolor paper. Join me in capturing this magical moment. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, let’s unleash our creativity. Dive into the world of colors and emotions found in nature.
I love when as the sun wakes up from the horizon, it bathes the sea in enchanting hues of peach. Honestly, I can view it every morning. I never get tired of enjoying this spectacle of the sunrise over the sea. I added some lovely sailboats with vibrant sails billow against the gentle breeze. This creates an exquisite backdrop for a striking seaboard morning regatta. They are captured midst the enchanting dance of the waves. Each crest and trough swirls like the rhythmic steps of a samba. Or this is only my imagination?:)
Who’s ready to paint the magic?
In the foreground, a romantic couple is aboard the main sailboat. They share a tender moment. Their silhouettes are framed against the breathtaking sunrise. The scene is not just a vista. It is an intimate encapsulation of love and adventure. Here, the serenity of the sea meets the warmth of a setting sun.
Samba vibes and sea waves. A vibrant watercolor depiction of two dancers in a samba. It is showcasing the connection between movement and emotion against a backdrop of swirling colors.
Experience romance and creativity as you paint the waves
There are two rhythmic wonders – sea’s waves and samba dance. Imagine the vibrant hues of a peach sunrise reflecting on the waves, where art meets romance,
Every wave whispers a story! Channel your inspirations into your art—let nature and unforgettable moments shape your creativity! What stories do you have to tell?
Whether you are a seasoned painter, I welcome you to dive into this artistic journey with me. Are you a curious novice? I welcome you too. Let us celebrate the beauty of the sea and the magic of sunrises,sunsets infusing our hearts into every stroke.
Paint Your Love Story.
The sea dances with every brushstroke! Join me as we bring the energy of the waves and the warmth of the sunrise to life on paper.
Grab your brushes! We’re diving into a world of colors where waves play and couples sail. Come paint the peach skies with me, and let’s make some unforgettable memories! Join me for a colorful morning by the sea:)
Ready to unleash your inner artist?
Color palette
Inspiration from Nature: Imagine the captivating beauty of the seaboard regatta at sunrise. The sky radiates shades of peach and coral. The waves dance gracefully like a samba, inviting us to join in their joyful movement.
Art is more than just colors on a paper; it’s a celebration of experiences! Go out, explore, and let those vibrant moments inspire your creative work;)
A vibrant color palette showcasing shades of red, peach, and blue. It’s perfect for capturing the essence of a sunrise over the sea.A vibrant watercolor painting shows a serene seaside at sunset. It captures sailboats gliding over the shimmering waves. These boats sail beneath a peach-hued sky.
Soundtrack Inspiration
I was painting and listening to some vibrant songs that capture the essence of samba dance. These songs blend rhythmic beats and lively melodies. My favorite compositions for Samba Waves are “Mas, Que Nada!” – Jorge Ben Jor and “Samba de Uma Nota Só” – Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Wildlife in art
Well, this time I decided that part of my “wildlife” in the painting will be …a romantic couple and maybe some seagulls in the foreground:) Voilà!
Seeking inspiration? Look around you… Memories can turn into the most beautiful creations. Dive deep, find your magic, and paint your heart out:)
Join me in capturing the magic of a seaboard regatta and the beauty of love in our paintings!
A vibrant watercolor sketch of sailboats on serene waters at sunrise, capturing the beauty of peach-hued reflections and artistic inspiration.
A sunrise regatta. Join me for a creative journey. Capture the serenity of the sea at sunrise . #CreateYourStory
Embrace the Rhythm of the Waves: Let’s paint those waves. Feel their rhythm. Let our brushes dance like the samba they create. Each stroke can echo the gentle lapping of the waves and the warm embrace of a sunrise.
I invite you, dear friends and fellow artists, to join me in this enchanting journey. Let us gather our paints, brushes, and hearts to immortalize this picturesque scene. Together, we can translate the beauty of the seaboard regatta at sunrise onto canvas. Our creativity will flow like the waves before us.
Together We Can Create Beauty: Join me in this artistic journey and let’s inspire each other. Comment below if you’re interested in painting this beautiful scene with me!
Share Your Art: After we paint, I encourage everyone to share their creations! Let’s create a vibrant community of artists united by our love for the sea, sunrises, and the romance of life.
Thank you for reading the post. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. These actions will bring you more captivating content about the history of art, nature and architecture.
Embracing the magic of imagination on this beautiful sunny day. #ArtJourney #ArtisticCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeJourney #CommunityPainting #CreativeLiving #DancingWaves#Imagination#NatureInspiration #RomanticArt #Samba #SeaVibes #SunriseArt #SunnyVibes #SeaView #SeaWaves #SeaboardRegatta #WildlifeArt #WavePainting
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Embrace Imagination in Online Art Sessions. Holidays spirit for creative community. Join me in artistic journey: sea landscapes and sunrises.
Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting an online art session with my incredibly talented students. Together, we dove into a world of creativity where the theme of our artworks revolved around a lovely mystery.
The only guideline? To connect deeply with our inner child. We embraced this journey with open hearts and minds, letting go of the fear of mistakes. It was a magical experience watching my students tap into their boundless imaginations. Each stroke of their brushes revealed a unique story waiting to be told.
Each piece was a glimpse into their individual worlds, beautifully crafted through the lens of childlike curiosity !:) They brought their creativity to life and crafted their own distinctive summer sea landscapes. Look at their favorite boats glided serenely across the waves. The results were truly impressive, and it was a joy to witness the unique expressions of each artist.
_London, UK
_Toronto, Canada
Exploring the Realm of Creativity
Throughout the session, we fostered an environment of ease—encouraging spontaneity and self-expression. As the session continued, I was in awe of the varied interpretations of the theme. There are paints from vibrant colors to express joy to softer tones, evoking a sense of wonder.
I’m beyond proud of the artistry, resilience, and imagination shown by each participant. This session reminded us all that art is not just about technique, but about expressing what lies within. Here’s to more adventures in creativity together!
The Titles for artworks are amazing:
Artistic expressions of summer sea landscapes showcasing vibrant boats and serene waters.
Each stroke of paint captured the beauty of the summer sea. It also encapsulated the joy and authenticity of every participant. As their guide, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in their achievements. The vibrant artworks emerged from our virtual studio.
The online session steps.
We started by discussing the elements of a summer sea landscape. We focused on colors, wildlife, and the movement of water. Participants then sketched their ideas and gradually transformed their visions into colorful masterpieces using various techniques like layering and blending.
It’s amazing to see how art can connect us, even while we’re apart, on different continents! I’m already looking forward to our next session and can’t wait to explore more creative horizons together. Stay tuned for updates and more artistic adventures!
Art is about feeling, freedom, and enjoyment, and these young artists truly embodied that spirit in their creations! Each stroke of their brush and every vibrant color they chose spoke volumes of their imagination and passion.
We’re excited to continue nurturing this creativity with our upcoming online art sessions
Hey, Creative Souls!
Are you tired of feeling like your artwork is just a copy of someone else? Ever left a workshop feeling unsure about your unique style? Join me in my community, where I’ll guide you to unlock your true artistic voice!
In my workshops, I focus on helping you create *completely unique pieces* that are truly yours. No two artworks will ever be the same, even if you’re sharing the space with others! Whether you want to express the beauty of nature, I’ll show you how to develop your ideas. You might also want to convey deep feelings of happiness. This process will allow you to confidently sign your name on your creation.
With my step-by-step algorithm, you will learn to break free from the fear of imitation. Plus, it’s all about having fun while we create together!
I can’t wait to see what you’ll make!
Join my Art in Travel Club and let’s explore the endless possibilities of your creativity!
And Feedback!:)
Thrilled to share that the feedback from my online art session. It is amazing to hear such kind words and support from everyone. feeling inspired to keep creating!
¨..you did such a deep-dive into how what we painted represents us so accurately, it was mind blowing. So cool!!¨
“…I really enjoyed your guidance, the fact that you repeated that we can’t make it wrong, which is quite refreshing to hear especially in a world where we have to comply with everything all the time and follow rules and standards. This felt liberating in a way”!
Thank you so much!
Embracing the magic of imagination on this beautiful sunny day. #ArtJourney #ArtisticCommunity #ArtInspiration #ArtWithPurpose #artworkshop #CommunityPainting #creativity #CreativeJourney#CreativeLiving #CreativityUnleashed #happymood#Imagination #InnerChild #OnlineArtSession #originalart #patreon#Positivevibes #SeaVibes #SunriseArt #SunnyVibes #SeaView #SeaWaves #SeaboardRegatta #WavePainting
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. Join me in artistic journey: sea waves and sunrises.
First, I’ll tell you a story. Once upon a time, I went kayaking at school. Our group paddling on a lake. This lake was once artificially dug by hand, can you imagine? The youth of the city used shovels to dig it more than 80 years ago. I came with my friends to this lake and kayaking. Our classes always took place early in the morning and I saw pink sunrises in autumns’ mornings. When I painted this picture, it reminds about that time and adventure. I recalled the feeling of kayaking. You are sitting in a kayak, waist-deep in water and feel like you are a part of the water element. The waves quietly sparkle around the kayak, the kayak cuts through the water and the waves dance light jazz. You´re kayaking alone in the distance and see your friends are also in kayaks. But at that particular moment there is only you and the water dancing its morning dance and the pink sunrise.
Solo Voyage: A Jazz Overture. A watercolor painting of a kayaker enjoying a serene sunrise on the water, capturing the essence of freedom and nature.
Energy and Emotion
I usually create a vision board featuring images and words that convey the essence of freedom and nature. For this painting, I included kayaking imagery, vibrant sunrise, and jazz musical elements to inspire my creative projects. This is my process and it does work nicely for me. Voila!:)
How are coming into new ideas with your painting series?
What story do you paint in your paintings? What are you painting to recreate the scene from your memory?
Artistic exploration of jazz and nature through watercolor, capturing the essence of solo dance and serene kayaking experiences.
Color palette. Inspiration from Nature.
Two watercolor colors, Carmine and Dioxazine purple, come from the Raspberry palette. They are painted on top of one of my favorite blue colors, Cobalt. This combination gives the feeling of a comfy childhood memory. At the same time, it evokes a joyful feeling of a fresh morning while kayaking. Do you agree? If you like kayaking, what emotions were you experiencing at the time?
A watercolor painting of a kayaker on a shimmering lake, accompanied by a palette of vibrant colors and notes for inspiration.
Soundtrack Inspiration
I was painting and listening to some vibrant songs that capture the essence of solo jazz dance and music. Sea waves and jazz dance share a rhythmic nature and emotional depth. They both have the ability to communicate beyond words. Both are beautiful, natural forms of expression that show the complexity and richness of life. The connection to rhythm and movement is undeniable whether you’re standing on a shoreline. You feel the spray of splashes of water from kayak paddles on your skin. Or you watch a jazz dancer effortlessly glide across a stage. By appreciating these similarities, we can deepen our understanding of the world around us. We celebrate the art of movement in its many forms.
My favorite compositions for A Jazz overture are “Take Five” – The Dave Brubeck Quartet and “Take the a Train” – Duke Ellington Storyville Masters of Jazz – The Sampler
Memory Journal
I even started a memory journal including some childhood and vacations’ memories linked to kayaking, swimming and other water activities. It will be a combination of painting and some writing.
The first light of dawn broke. The sky transformed into a watercolor paper painted in hues of pink raspberry. It spilled warmth over the lake. The gentle and playful waves whispered a sweet jazz melody. I was alone and only my friends were far away close to the horizon. Each stroke against the water sent ripples of freedom coursing through me, a tranquil escape from a daily routine. I could almost hear the jazz melody of the waves or it just my imagination? :)
It invited me to embrace the moment—a fleeting yet infinite remembrance. These were carefree days spent dancing with nature.
Artistic representation of kayaking and jazz dance, showcasing the creative process and inspirations in watercolor.
Harmony of nature and people
I added to the painting my friends’ kayaking group. Rhythm and flow of water is musical composition produced by sea, river or lake. The ebb and flow of waves create a natural melody. Do you agree? :)
Each wave builds up and crashes down in a cyclical pattern. This is very calming and exciting at the same moment like Jazz dance with its rhythms and soft transitions.
The sea dances with every brushstroke. Join me as we bring the energy of the waves and the warmth of the sunrise to life on paper.
#PaintYourStory
Dive into the rhythm of the waves with “Solo Voyage: A Jazz Overture”! Just like the melodies of jazz, this painting captures the soul of the sea and the thrill of kayaking.
Want to learn how to create your own sea landscape masterpiece? DM me for my easy painting algorithm! Let’s make art together! #CreateYourStory
Thank you for reading the post. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. These actions will bring you more captivating content about the history of art, nature and architecture.
Embracing the magic of imagination on this beautiful sunny day. #ArtJourney #ArtisticCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeJourney #CommunityPainting #CreativeLiving #DancingWaves#Imagination#JazzInNature#NatureInspiration #PaintWithMe #SeaVibes #SunriseArt #SunnyVibes #SeaView #SeaWaves #WavePainting
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. Join me in artistic journey: sea waves and sunrises.
Just finished this vibrant painting of sea waves, and it instantly transported me back to a magical moment in summer. I recall finding a lively street performance in Paris. People danced samba with such energy and passion near the river Seine. It felt like the waves were dancing too! Here’s to capturing those joyful memories through art.
Imagine lovely warm Mediterranean sea. It’s a breathtaking scene when the sun gracefully rises languidly from the horizon. It casts a warm, peach-hued glow over the tranquil waters. The waves, much like spirited dancers performing a samba with vibrant life as they embrace the shoreline.
In the foreground, a majestic sailboat sways gently. Its main sail is illuminated by the peachy hue of the beginning of the day. A romantic couple is lost in each other’s gaze. They are nestled within the embrace of this idyllic moment. It is a perfect tableau of love in harmony with nature.
A watercolor painting of sailboats gliding across the shimmering waters at sunrise. It is captured in vibrant hues of red and peach.
Romance on the Water: I imagined a picture with a romantic couple sailing on the foreground. They are lost in each other’s eyes. They glide through the shimmering waters. Their sailboat reflects the vibrant hues of the sunrise, creating a perfect harmony of color and emotion.
I believe that every brushstroke holds a story. My story is about a summer day and that feeling of romantic waves and maybe the samba dance, who knows?:) What memory fuels your next masterpiece?
Let the rhythm of life inspire you to create. What’s your passion? How about dancing like nobody’s watching and painting like you’re in your favorite place? This is about me:)
Let’s celebrate this enchanting scene together. I invite you all to pick up your paints and brushes. Gather your canvases or watercolor paper. Join me in capturing this magical moment. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, let’s unleash our creativity. Dive into the world of colors and emotions found in nature.
I love when as the sun wakes up from the horizon, it bathes the sea in enchanting hues of peach. Honestly, I can view it every morning. I never get tired of enjoying this spectacle of the sunrise over the sea. I added some lovely sailboats with vibrant sails billow against the gentle breeze. This creates an exquisite backdrop for a striking seaboard morning regatta. They are captured midst the enchanting dance of the waves. Each crest and trough swirls like the rhythmic steps of a samba. Or this is only my imagination?:)
Who’s ready to paint the magic?
In the foreground, a romantic couple is aboard the main sailboat. They share a tender moment. Their silhouettes are framed against the breathtaking sunrise. The scene is not just a vista. It is an intimate encapsulation of love and adventure. Here, the serenity of the sea meets the warmth of a setting sun.
Samba vibes and sea waves. A vibrant watercolor depiction of samba dancers celebrating life and rhythm, capturing the essence of movement and joy.
Experience romance and creativity as you paint the waves
There are two rhythmic wonders – sea’s waves and samba dance. Imagine the vibrant hues of a peach sunrise reflecting on the waves, where art meets romance,
Every wave whispers a story! Channel your inspirations into your art—let nature and unforgettable moments shape your creativity! What stories do you have to tell?
Whether you are a seasoned painter, I welcome you to dive into this artistic journey with me. Are you a curious novice? I welcome you too. Let us celebrate the beauty of the sea and the magic of sunrises,sunsets infusing our hearts into every stroke.
Paint Your Love Story.
The sea dances with every brushstroke! Join me as we bring the energy of the waves and the warmth of the sunrise to life on paper.
Grab your brushes! We’re diving into a world of colors where waves play and couples sail. Come paint the peach skies with me, and let’s make some unforgettable memories! Join me for a colorful morning by the sea:)
Ready to unleash your inner artist?
Color palette
Inspiration from Nature: Imagine the captivating beauty of the seaboard regatta at sunrise. The sky radiates shades of peach and coral. The waves dance gracefully like a samba, inviting us to join in their joyful movement.
Art is more than just colors on a paper; it’s a celebration of experiences! Go out, explore, and let those vibrant moments inspire your creative work;)
A vibrant palette showcasing a range of colors, perfect for capturing the beauty of sunrises and sea waves.A vibrant watercolor showcasing sailboats at sunset, reflecting hues of peach and red in the serene waters.
Soundtrack Inspiration
I was painting and listening to some vibrant songs that capture the essence of samba dance. These songs blend rhythmic beats and lively melodies. My favorite compositions for Samba Waves are “Mas, Que Nada!” – Jorge Ben Jor and “Samba de Uma Nota Só” – Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Wildlife in art
Well, this time I decided that part of my “wildlife” in the painting will be …a romantic couple and maybe some seagulls in the foreground:) Voilà!
Seeking inspiration? Look around you… Memories can turn into the most beautiful creations. Dive deep, find your magic, and paint your heart out:)
Join me in capturing the magic of a seaboard regatta and the beauty of love in our paintings!
A vibrant watercolor painting showcasing a sunrise regatta, with sailboats gliding over shimmering waters, reflecting hues of peach and coral.
A sunrise regatta. Join me for a creative journey. Capture the serenity of the sea at sunrise . #CreateYourStory
Embrace the Rhythm of the Waves: Let’s paint those waves. Feel their rhythm. Let our brushes dance like the samba they create. Each stroke can echo the gentle lapping of the waves and the warm embrace of a sunrise.
I invite you, dear friends and fellow artists, to join me in this enchanting journey. Let us gather our paints, brushes, and hearts to immortalize this picturesque scene. Together, we can translate the beauty of the seaboard regatta at sunrise onto canvas. Our creativity will flow like the waves before us.
Together We Can Create Beauty: Join me in this artistic journey and let’s inspire each other. Comment below if you’re interested in painting this beautiful scene with me!
Share Your Art: After we paint, I encourage everyone to share their creations! Let’s create a vibrant community of artists united by our love for the sea, sunrises, and the romance of life.
Thank you for reading the post. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. These actions will bring you more captivating content about the history of art, nature and architecture.
Embracing the magic of imagination on this beautiful sunny day. #ArtJourney #ArtisticCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeJourney #CommunityPainting #CreativeLiving #DancingWaves#Imagination#NatureInspiration #RomanticArt #Samba #SeaVibes #SunriseArt #SunnyVibes #SeaView #SeaWaves #SeaboardRegatta #WildlifeArt #WavePainting
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #SummerVibes #ArtAdventure
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. Paint your world.
Just finished a new piece for my sea project that brings the calm of the sea to life! Check out this bird’s eye view of a bright green boat gently rocking on the waves.
This lemony beauty captures the essence of summer bliss
Under the crystal-clear water, you can spot lovely stones, softened by time and tide. The waves roll onto the shore with a grace that feels like they’re dancing to a medieval minuet. Sometimes, we need to pause and appreciate the tranquility that nature offers. Can you feel the peace? Let me know what you think!
Color palette
A vibrant yellow-greenish vessel draws attention. Its hue is a harmonious blend of yellow and indigo. This evokes the refreshing essence of lemon-lime. It is reminiscent of the delicate color of ripe green grapes.
I was using a limited palette, a mixture of indigo, yellow, ultramarine, and orange.
Soundtrack Inspiration
I once attended a festival in Venice. I found myself in a hall where actors were dancing a medieval minuet. I felt a quiet joy at that moment. I hope this image of a greenish boat rocking on the waves of the sea will evoke the same feeling.
Lost in a sea of dreams where the green boat floats and the waves dance to their own Minuet.
The waves dance softly near the boat and the rocks, creating a symphony of nature that feels like pure magic
Each gentle lapping sounds like a whisper from the sea. It invites us to pause and breathe in the beauty around us. Watching the water embrace the shore is calming. It reminds us to find peace in the rhythm of life. Here’s to chasing sunsets and soaking in every tranquil moment! My favorite compositions are “The Four Seasons: Winter, RV 297: II. Largo” – Antonio Vivaldi and “Clair de Lune” – Claude Debussy
An artistic interpretation featuring figures in motion, capturing the essence of dance against a soft, textured background.
Wildlife in art. School of Fish
Wildlife in a painting is always a cool idea. A bird’s eye view of a school of fish is truly captivating.
What’s your favorite way to bring nature into your life and art?
A captivating bird’s eye view of a school of fish in tranquil waters.
Picture yourself on that boat, feeling the warm sun and gentle breeze. What if today is the day you start creating your own magic? #CreateYourStory
I invite you to join me on this artistic journey. Together, let us create a series that celebrates the beauty of the sea. Let’s foster connection. We can inspire others to cherish the natural world around us. We’ll blend art and relaxation. Grab your paints; we’re about to make Waves
Thank you for reading the post. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. These actions will bring you more captivating content about the history of art, nature and architecture.
Embracing the magic of imagination on this beautiful sunny day. #SunnyVibes #SeaDreams #Imagination”#WildlifeArt #NatureInspiration #BirdsEyeView #ArtWithPurpose #ArtInspiration #SeaView #PeacefulMoments
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
✦ This is Part 2 of the Vibrant Sea Landscapes series. In Part 1 I shared the story behind this painting — the inspiration, the color palette, and the Charleston connection. Here you’ll find the full step-by-step workshop. Grab your paints!
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. Paint your world.
I documented the main stages of the painting—from sketching to layering colors. Hope you appreciate seeing the evolution of a piece. I have a simple algorithm of 10 steps. Let’s warm up first:) I feel like a child, surrounded by bright colors in my studio and at the beach:)
Step 1. Color palette
I am using a limited palette, a mixture of cobalt, ultramarine, and orange.
I’m drawing inspiration from the colors of berries and fruits. Expect vibrant hues that bring these sea landscapes to life. Let’s mix it up! Would love to hear your thoughts:)
Interestingly, in English, “orange” refers to both a fruit and a color, while other languages have separate words for each. I refer to this color as the fruit orange. “Orange sunset” sounds tasty, doesn’t it? :)
Step 2. Draftof birds
Primarily I was drawing seagulls in motion, soaring through the sky to convey a sense of freedom and movement. And occasionally I featured a hawk known as the Osprey, orsea hawk, which is known for catching fish. Never heard about this bird before… Painting is relaxing fun, always something new to learn:) Love to hear your funny stories during the painting process!
Step 3. Draft of boats
So on my photo reference the yacht is tranquil and a little bit boring. Not a problem, I added wind to my painting and voila— the yacht is moving towards distant shores.
Where is my yacht headed, and who is aboard?
Step 4. Soundtrack Inspiration
How about playing music while painting? Do you like it? I love it.
It captures the essence of sea and any imaginary story’s sounds, for this art is Charleston music! :) This rhythm can influence your brushwork and composition.
Similarly, there are some emotions linked with both the sea and the dance. How does the sight of the waves in motion resonate with you? Does it evoke joy or a sense of freedom? Maybe nostalgia?
Likewise, both are forms of expression that echo life’s rhythms. This serves as a metaphor. It merges the fluidity of sea waves with the rhythm of dance in the jazz age. Paint it like a lively Charleston—dynamic, energetic, and full of life!:)
Just listen to any Charleston music and your brush will do various brush techniques—including swirling, dabbing, and stippling—enhanced the illusion of movement in the wave paintings :)
At the end of the post, I will share my favorite list of Charleston compositions that you can find on YouTube.
Step 5. Color of yacht
Then adding color to the yacht. I chose vibrant bright orange, making it stand out against the sunset backdrop. The shadows of the yacht were painted in a mixture of ultramarine and orange.
Step 6. The 1st layer of sea, foam and waves
The foam shadow was painted with hints of a mixture of all three colors—cobalt, ultramarine, and orange—to capture the sunlight. I also left some white paper on top of the foam for contrast. Love catching the essence of the sea through art.
Step 7. The 1st layer of sky and clouds
Similarly, adding color to the sky. I was using a wet technique and adding a horizontal line. I left white spots on paper to give the clouds volume.
Step 8. The 2nd layer for sky, sea, foams and reflections
I used a gradient of warm hues for the sunset. The gradient starts with orange and lighter tones. I added blues as I moved upwards toward the sky.
For the sea, I incorporated a rich palette of blues, mixing ultramarine and cobalt to show the sea colors.
Step 9. Details for sea, yacht and birds
The main idea was to show the movement of the water. I employed swirling brush strokes to capture the water’s restless energy. The reflections in the water depict how the colors of the sunset and the yacht are mirrored beneath the waves.
Waves roll and splash joyfully. To add a bright spot, I painted an orange yacht sailing away in the strong wind.
I also added some color for seagulls circling above, their bodies glowing orange against the cloudy sky.
Step 10. Cool down
Adding some details for birds, decide what the name will be for the artwork and put the signature. Voila:)
I am capturing the essence of the sea upon my watercolor paper. Its waves are crashing gracefully. Meanwhile, an orange yacht sails onward toward the horizon of distant lands. What tale does this scene whisper?
It depicts an enchanting couple aboard the yacht. They are lost in a lively dance of the Charleston. Their laughter mingles with the sound of the waves. Who can truly say?This is my story. Can you tell me your story?:)
Every wave tells a story. Catch yours on paper! Keep an eye out for updates, sneak peeks, and finished pieces as we celebrate summer through sea landscapes.
I invite you to join me on this creative adventure. Together, let us create a series that celebrates the beauty of the sea. Let’s foster connection. We can inspire others to cherish the natural world around us. We’ll blend art and relaxation. Grab your paints; we’re about to make waves!
Thank you for reading the post. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. These actions will bring you more captivating content about the history of art, nature and architecture.
Below is Soundtrack Inspiration. The list of compositions shows how the rhythm of the waves mimics the upbeat tempo of the Charleston music. Both evoke a sense of joy and liberation.
1. “Let’s twist again”-Chubby Checker California Jubilee
2. “Sway Dancing”-Rita Hayworth
3. “Hit the Road Jack”- Ray Charles
4. “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” – Duke Ellington
5. “Take the ‘A’ Train” – Duke Ellington
6. “Cheek to Cheek” – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. Paint your world.
Summer is officially here! I have an exciting plan to create a series of paintings depicting seascapes. I will explore these landscapes under various weather conditions, times of day, and seasons.
Some artworks will be done outdoor, on the beach (“en plein air’), while others will be created in my studio. Follow along for behind-the-scenes insights and my creative process as I navigate both worlds! Get ready for some exciting connections to dance!
What is your process of creating an imaginary artwork?
Wave in Rhythm: A sunset story is my first artwork with an imaginary sunset scene over the sea. It is illuminated by the setting sun. I captured the clouds from my photo reference that I took last week.
Waves in Rhythm: A Sunset Story. The painting is vibrant and full of colors. It depicts a sailboat with orange sails against a sunset over the sea. The artwork captures the essence of a lively Charleston dance.
Color palette. I was using a limited palette, a mixture of cobalt, ultramarine, and orange.
A vibrant color palette featuring ultramarine, transparent orange, and cobalt paints, showcasing the artist’s tools for creating seascapes.
Interestingly, in English, “orange” refers to both a fruit and a color, while other languages have separate words for each. I refer to this color as the fruit orange. “Orange sunset” sounds tasty, doesn’t it? :)
Soundtrack Inspiration
How about to play music while painting? Do you like it? I love it .
It captures the essence of sea and any imaginary story’s sounds, for this art is Charleston music! :) This rhythm can influence your brushwork and composition.
Similarly, there are some emotions linked with both the sea and the dance. How does the sight of the waves in motion resonate with you? Does it evoke joy or a sense of freedom? Maybe nostalgia?
An artistic depiction shows a couple dancing the Charleston. They are against a backdrop of dynamic waves. This scene captures the lively spirit of summer.
Likewise, both are forms of expression that echo life’s rhythms. This serves as a metaphor. It merges the fluidity of sea waves with the rhythm of dance in the jazz age. Paint it like a lively Charleston—dynamic, energetic, and full of life!:)
Just listen any Charleston music and your brush will do various brush techniques—including swirling, dabbing, and stippling—enhanced the illusion of movement in the wave paintings :)
At the end of post, I will share my favorite list of Charleston compositions that you can find on YouTube.
I am capturing the essence of the sea upon my watercolor paper. Its waves are crashing gracefully. Meanwhile, an orange yacht sails onward toward the horizon of distant lands. What tale does this scene whisper?
It depicts an enchanting couple aboard the yacht. They are lost in a lively dance of the Charleston. Their laughter mingles with the sound of the waves. Who can truly say?This is my story. Can you tell me Your story?:)
I invite you to join me on this artistic journey. Together, let us create a series that celebrates the beauty of the sea. Let’s foster connection. We can inspire others to cherish the natural world around us. We’ll blend art and relaxation. Grab your paints; we’re about to make waves!
Thank you for reading the post. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. These actions will bring you more captivating content about the history of art, nature and architecture.
Every wave tells a story; Let’s make waves together! Keep an eye out for updates, sneak peeks, and finished pieces as we celebrate summer through sea landscapes.
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Below is Soundtrack Inspiration. The list of compositions shows how the rhythm of the waves mimics the upbeat tempo of the Charleston music. Both evoke a sense of joy and liberation.
1. “Let’s twist again”-Chubby Checker California Jubilee
2. “Sway Dancing”-Rita Hayworth
3. “Hit the Road Jack”- Ray Charles
4. “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” – Duke Ellington
5. “Take the ‘A’ Train” – Duke Ellington
6. “Cheek to Cheek” – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. I continue my journey with watercolor clausura technique. What I am thinking that in the realm of imagination, anything is possible. Let your creativity soar :)
What comes to mind when you hear the word “clausura”? It might be a sense of mystery, seclusion, and tranquility. But did you know that this word holds a deeper and more intriguing meaning than meets the eye?
When I learn the technique watercolor clausura, I decided to check it out what does it mean:)
It is the world of medieval castles and abbey architecture:)
Let’s delve together into the encyclopedic interpretation of the word “clause.”
It shows a sketch, a blueprint of an idea, akin to the original plan for solving an architectural problem.. or an artist’s inspiration. Furthermore, the notion of a “clause” as a sketch or plan ties into the architectural aspect of “clausura.” But how does this connect to its origins in Latin and Italian? Apparently the term “clause” can be traced back to the Latin word “clausere,” meaning “lock,”. Also it is the Italian “klouso,” which denotes “castle.” Wow!
Okay, it is time to play with watercolor paint. We imagine ourselves as some inhabitants of a monastery. Just as an architect envisions and designs a structure somewhere in a medieval time. It is like a lock securing a treasure or a castle providing refuge…
Before and After. Saxophonist in a city. The image shows a side-by-side comparison of a watercolor painting’s transformation. It highlights the creative process from abstract to detailed representation. A side-by-side comparison presents the transformation of a watercolor painting of a saxophonist. It highlights the creative process from abstract to detailed representation.
What do you see?:)In my imagination it is a city musician:)
This is one of my creative process of a street musician. My brushes were painting some colored blots by themselves. I was listening to my favorite music while sitting in a balcony and enjoying a lovely summer sunset.
Don’t just *see* the watercolor blot; *feel* it. What emotions does it evoke? Let those feelings fuel your next masterpiece, whether it’s a painting, poem, or song.
For this painting I was lost in the rhythm of the city. This watercolor painting captures the soulful sounds of a gray-haired saxophonist. It was painted using the *clausura* technique for a unique, textured feel.
Watercolor painting of a saxophonist, capturing the essence of a street musician’s soulful performance.
After. Saxophonist in a city. Watercolor painting of a gray-haired saxophonist, capturing the soulful spirit of street music against the backdrop of a city sunset.
Capturing the soulful spirit of a seasoned musician. I saw a real-life saxophonist silhouetted against a city sunset once. His music painted its own story in the air. The gray in his hair, the vibrant colors of the city, the golden hues of the setting sun… it all came together in this piece.
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
“I love the way the Greeks have squeezed so much out of everything they have: oil from olive, wine from the grape, ouzo from ouzo is made from-I don’t know and I don’t care; I’ll drink it-feta cheese from sheep’s milk and salt, mosaic from pebbles, temples from stone.”
Mary Norris “Greek to me”
Exploring the Hill of Muses, ancient ruins
Let’s start a new story about Athens, its fair tale place in the ancient city. Philopappou Hill or Hill of the Muses is the forested hilltop with full view of the Parthenon.
Here artists and poets are drawing the inspiration and creativity while watching the Acropolis. Its marble seems soft pink in the setting sun. I called it the romantic and nature Atelier in the ancient city.
Would you like a cup of coffee while reading my story?:) As Greek saying about coffee: it is a way of Life.
Athens’ morning – Coffee in Greece: A Way Of Life
The Hill is close to the famous Monastiraki neighbourhood and Acropolis, has convenient location in the city and easy to walk for enjoyable atmosphere.
Like Greeks, I was ready to absorb everything the Hill of Muses is providing: the view of the Acropolis, the sunset behind the ancient city, the smell of olive trees that are growing all over the hill, the red poppies and the stones of ancient monuments and many narrow paths leading up to top’s hill of Muses where is located the monument of Prince Philopappo.
The Hill has even Prison of Socrates and ancient ruins on of the classical 5th century BC Themistoclean Wall.
Why the Hill’s second name Hill of Muses or Nymphs?
Apparently, the hill is also known as Hill of the Muses because it is believed to have been a place where the ancient Greeks worshipped the nine Muses, the goddesses of the arts and sciences. Voila!
Before a trip to Greece, I have read Theoi Project, the website exploring Greek mythology and the gods in classical literature and art. I definitely recommend this website to anyone who is interested in legends, its link is included in the post.
The Hill in spring is full of poppies, beautiful, bright and tender. Hmm… interesting thought. How can the hill of Muses whose mother was Mnemosyne, the titan goddess of Memory and Remembrance, be strewn with poppies, flowers of oblivion? :)
View of Parthenon with poppies
The nine muses from Greek mythology are patrons of the creativity. They are inspiring all sorts of discoveries and creations, from science to drama. Inspiration is something mystical, intangible, encompassing an actor, a writer, an inventor, and a scientist.
The muses give us the chosen ones new impulses and aspirations, the pangs of creativity and love, recognition and celebrity, sometimes purely and disinterestedly, and sometimes at the cost of sacrifice and complete giving up of important things. I immersed in the captivating world of metamorphosis as Zeus and Mnemosyne with their daughters from Athens’ sky and clouds.
Sky metamorphose. Zeus and Mnemosyne with daughters Muses
The Muses were the goddesses of music, song and dance, and the source of inspiration to poets. They were also goddesses of knowledge, who remembered all things that had come to pass. Later the Muses were assigned specific artistic spheres: Kalliope (Calliope), epic poetry; Kleio (Clio), history; Ourania (Urania), astronomy; Thaleia (Thalia), comedy; Melpomene, tragedy; Polymnia (Polyhymnia), religious hymns; Erato, erotic poetry; Euterpe, lyric poetry; and Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), choral song and dance.
I have only one question Why there is no Muse for the artists?:)
I created this series of Muses in Athens, thanks to the city’s inspiration and particularly Hill of Muses:)
Mnemosyne and Zeus’ nine daughters, I sketched it from Mosaic depicting the nine muses from Augusta Treverorum, colossal mosaic, a breathtaking epitome of artistic excellence, epitomizes the enchanting power of the nine muses.
There is the grace and allure of each muse.
Greek Culinary Delights
My family was visiting the Hill of Muses several times during our trip. We were feeling relaxed after busy days, it gave us inspiration and delight to our eyes, smell, even tactility:) I touched olives, poppies, the first spring green leaves of olive trees, listened to the sounds of birds and enjoyed white wine and the desserts in the restaurant Dionysos Zonar’s, its link will be provided is this post.
Do you know if you can eat olives directly from the trees? I even picked one olive from the tree, it was very hard with bitter taste:) Apparently, to obtain a delicious snack, olives and olives are soaked for a long time and then salted or pickled. It should be done in September not in spring time but it was a funny experiment:)
Talking about traditional Greek culinary, I love poppy seeds for their distinctive flavor and simply irresistible crunch.
From my childhood I remember enjoying the baked goods with poppy seeds in the mix my mom used to cook. My favourite one was the old world poppy seed rolls…
My advice to anyone visiting or living in Athens, just let you to be reach the beauty and artistry of the Hill of Muses, imagine yourself in the company with these mystical creations. Maybe the muses will guide your own creativity and unlimited inspiration.
What are your experiences or thoughts about the Hill of Muses?:)
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:) Stay healthy.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Tools used for my painting. Watercolour brands Van Gogh and Cotman. Paper Canson Mix Media album 28×35 cm (11×14 in.) and Canson Watercolour album 25×35 cm (11 x15 in.)
“The Benaki is Museum in Athens, one of the best museums in Greece, the Alexandrian Greek Antonis Benakis, who donated his building and his family’s house to the state…Anyone who loves language loves the alphabet… Instead of apples and bananas and cats, the book’s illustrations are pieces from the collection of the Benaki; alpha is for airplane (αεροπλάνο ), beta is for book (βιβλίο), gamma is for gorgon (γοργόνα).”
I am going to share my first impression from the ancient city Athens with you in this post. It has been in the back drawer for more than a year, but now is the time! Even if you are not going to Greece, read it over coffee – it gives you the feeling that you are walking along the pavements of an ancient city.
The Benaki museum is one of interesting places in Athens Kerameikos neighbourhood, I suggest going for their cafe on the terrace to enjoy the view while sipping the Greek coffee: and enjoy the classical falafel with peppermint as species.
It was so unusual and unexpected that our first thing to do in Athens was the Benaki museum vs. Acropolis or others #1 from the recommended lists for travellers. I have read about Benaki museum in the book “Greek to me” by Mary Norris. And Benaki Museum appears one of my favourite museum of Greek culture.
From the rich collection of Prehistoric, Ancient Green and Roman, one of the museum’s statue that impressed me was Eros and Psyche, and the myth telling about about truly love. The bone plaque with a relief representation that repeats the Hellenistic combination of Eros and Psyche was one of my highlight for that day. The myths of ancient Greece have inspired countless artists over the centuries. From Renaissance artists to modern filmmakers, Psyche and Eros (or “Cupid”) have served as sources of inspiration and have been represented in many great and sometimes lesser works of art in many variations. My art is about metamorphosis of sky and clouds on that sunny day that transformed to Psyche and Eros:)
The Legend of Psyche and Eros is a touching love story gifted to the world by the rich Greek mythology.
Athens has everything I enjoy in my life – top level museums, homemade great food with aroma species, ancient statues and architecture, rich music concerts, some luxury, shopping, a young street life and lovely musical language of Ellada.
Spring in Athens is so beautiful! Especially if you equip yourself with the right guide and know where to watch the sunset, where to drink wine and what museums not to miss and where to go in the area.
” With it rank upon rank of icons and its collections of sculpture, pottery, jewelry, silver – from the archaic to the modern -the Benaki is a world-class museum
“Greek to me” by Mary Norris
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:) Stay healthy.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
“I love to fly, especially this moment, The plane is getting ready, charging runway, the engine is screaming, the pressure is rising, you’re back in the seat and you are in air – Everything is behind you.”
Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan, chat in the Take off scene in the movie French kiss
Why do people love travelling, airports, and obsessively planning their next vacation months in advance? Because deep down, everyone wants an educational cultural journey packed with art, architecture, fresh air, and a whole collection of brand-new emotions—plus the minor detail of escaping their everyday problems and pretending life admin doesn’t exist for a while.
The moment you arrive at the airport, you’re no longer fully in your home country, but you’re not in the next one yet either—you’re floating in that magical limbo called “duty-free territory,” where time, money, and calories don’t really count. The air buzzes with a wild cocktail of cultures, customs, and nationalities, all politely trying to figure out how boarding groups work.
On the road or at any airport—especially during international flights—the unspoken rule is that you’re allowed to talk to your temporary neighbours as if you’ve known them for years, then never see them again. One minute you’re discussing life goals with a stranger; the next, you’re both pretending not to know each other at baggage claim.
Airport services make this whole experience dangerously convenient. You can order your favourite food right to your gate while you chat with people from all over the world, or you can go full introspective artist and enjoy some quiet time painting—a view of the gate, for instance, or the runway outside the window—carefully sketching it all in your travel book like a wandering creative genius between flights.
This time, I set my sights on Greece—because if you’re going to get lost, it might as well be among ruins and beaches. I made a very ambitious list of places to visit and, naturally, we ended up saving most of them for “next time” and, let’s be honest, probably for the rest of our lives :)
Five senses – touch, smell, sight, hearing and taste lead us to knowledge of the country, its customs, people, cuisine and us. This is why I love travel and art.
Touch flowers and their velvet petals
Smell coffee and paint it in any location, urban and museums’ cafes using my customized coffee palette
Sight. Enjoy Athens and other places’ architecture, blue sea and sky as combination of Ellada’s beauty. Only in Greece, when I am looking at the sky and clouds, I imagine ancient Greek myths and their gods’ adventures…and you?:)
Hearing. Listen to music of Yanni instrumental music, the pianist, composer and one of the kindest musician in the world, enjoying the voice of Maria Callas’ in Tosca, the unique and intriguing Butterfly and of course the Traviata epic, one of the great modern sopranos Helena Paparizou and … Athens’ cats, loved and adored by locals and tourists, saying (or singing) majuu when you are passing by:)
Taste. Enjoy traditional bread and Greek food with aroma of Mediterranean spices.
Usually I am doing artistic warm up exercise at home, foretasting new feelings of smell, taste, hearing, sight and touch while preparing my palette and tools that will be my partners in the journey. For my Greek trip I prepared customized Ellada palette, with specific blue colours for sky and sea, ochre and sienna for tender colours of columns, for spring flowers I added some reds, pink and violets and…special palette for coffee:) Yep coffee in Greece is the mysterious action.
Looking forward to new exciting days of Art and Travel club in Greece!
#creating goodmood paintings
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Tools used for my painting. Watercolour brands Van Gogh and Cotman. Paper Canson Mix Media album 28×35 cm (11×14 in.) and Canson Watercolour album 25×35 cm (11 x 15 in.)
For Inktober prompt Slitcher I did an ink drawing of ice skaters. This joy that you experience from sliding … fast and not very … Lightness, smiles!Beautiful lighting, music and a huge amount of endorphins – hormones of happiness – are released into your body and you are full of optimism and joy:)
How long have you been skating? Last winter? Or many years ago, as a child? Cutting through the air, rushing on skates is fun that charges us with positive and makes us feel so fast and light:)
I am looking forward for skating here, in Toronto this winter!:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Risk.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
You can visit my personal website pages here and find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings; purchase canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
My favourite art store in Toronto Deserres, Spadina Ave
For prompt Patch I am doing a wax seal stamp on an old envelope. Why envelopes with a wax seal stamp are full of romance?:)This is what exudes antiquity, palace coups, conspiracies and secrets. These are love letters, secret messages that were not supposed to be read by those to whom they were not intended. All envelopes were sealed with a wax seal by that time. It was the “password” on the mailbox for many centuries, which could only be cracked by skilled hands:) The antic cybersecurity was committing to protect their private secters…
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Slither.
You can visit my personal website pages here and find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings; purchase canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Ink drawing of spark on red embers. Barbeque might just be the most delicious food on the planet. We did it this fall in Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. Most people like to watch the flame cover, sparks gleam, firewood crackles and yammy barbeque will warm up you on a cold evening.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
You can visit my personal website pages here and find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings; purchase canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
I did some kind of surrealistic and impressionist ink drawing for prompt CONNECTion in between past, current and future worlds. The painting shows an imaginary door with floral plume of daisy petals that leads into another world, a parallel reality of times past. A curious mind will always find a path, a door, a way to explore others worlds.
How was it to live in previous centuries? And what will our future look like? And where is that DOOR that lets us peek into the other realities? These are among many questions one could ask in a question of finding interesting answers.
“The most beautiful things we can experience is the mysterious” Albert Einstein.
A link to my original painting is below.
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Spark.
I am doing an ink drawing of opposite meaning of extinct:) There is active and non -Extinct, long-dormant volcano of Vesuvius with the foreground of city Pompeii. Today, Mount Vesuvius is the only volcano on the European mainland. Mount Vesuvius eruption, which covered the nearly-restored city with blanket of ash and lava in 79 AD.
I would like to go back to this city with background of formidable and majestic volcano in Pompeii.
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Splat.
For the prompt Leak I did some sort of philosophical drawing of “leakage” of flowing time out of a wood watch. It is surrealistic ink drawing of hour and minute hands of watch that are “tightened” with a scotch tape. The idea came to me when we visited Dalí Theatre-Museum Figueres in Spain. Dali’s painting The Persistence of Memory is one of the my favorite work of Surrealism. Live in the moment:)
Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life. Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now: A Guide
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Extinct.
You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
For prompt Open I am doing an ink drawing of an Open window to the city of Rome with the Colosseum as background. A white dove sitting on a balcony and enjoying the Eternal city. Scientists believe space travel is possible. You just need a portal, for example a window…voilà and you are in Rome or Paris or another your dream place:) My Yales’ course the Roman Archtecture is helping imagine it:)
For the prompt Fuzzy I imagined a foggy morning, forest glade with some summer flowers, everything is a little bit sleepy and fuzzy… You might get lost in the fog and find yourself in a mysterious world, where different amazing creatures live:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Open.
I was doing an ink drawing of a little sprout I saw once in Rome. A small green bud made its way between the big and heavy stones in the ancient pavement.
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Fuzzy.
For the prompt Loop I am doing an ank drawing of my interwined headphones:) How they can get so tangled in loops and knots when although they lie peacefully in my bag:)
Do you know a joke about Bluetooth? – You will only know that your phone was picked up by a pickpocket when the bus leaves the stop … haha, still like my headphones beside their “loops”:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Sprout
Do you like warm summer evenings when the moon starts to light up? It gives fresh, romantic and cozy look. A lunar path appears on the water surface, lighting up the landscape with its warm brilliance.
The link to my original oil painting Lunar track on the southern night is below
The next Inktober prompt is Compass. I am doing an ink drawing of compass we used to have at home, I was playing with it when I was a kid. From my childhood’s memory, it was a piece of art, nice to touch with a cover with a velvet cushion. It was a classical compass, my dad was explaining how to use it, it was the masterpiece… What a pity that now we do not use a compass, everything is built into our smartphones:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Collide
My next Inktober ink drawing is about a Helmet, part of Armoury museum in Mougins, France. It has the huge collection of ancient helmets. Soldiers lived, fought, and died in this equipment, and much of it bears the scars of battle from ancient military campaigns in past.
Next Inktober prompt is Pick. I did an ink drawing of Greek papyrus with TO DO tick mark for the travel bucket list:) It is my last year’s failed trip because of the pandemia and a planned trip in the future to the Greece, one of the most amazing and unique in its beauty countries in Europe. Travel Checkmark list is helpful for all travellers who is in love with history, architecture and voyage, ticks will help do not to miss anything and remember everything, have experience as many emotions as possible, so that there is something to dream about the next trip!:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Helmet.
Next Inktober prompt is Roof. For this prompt I have some ideas, thank you to my husband’s photos of many places we visited:) I will add a link to his site.
Firstly, it is the Roof of beautiful Milan’s Cathedral with its graceful spiers and pointed turrets that are directed into the sky, and slightly pinkish marble walls are decorated with many sculptural images. Secondly, an ink drawing of extraordinary roofs in Provence, south of France. The warm and cozy brown, orange and yellowish shades of roofs with background of the blue water of the Mediterranean Sea are one of my coming art project:) Another option, the “roof” of yellow and red colours leaves’ trees in any Ontario places in Canada. The trees’ brushes are like ceillings for roads when you drive or walk. This nature “roof” looks the same in Canada and in my motherland Belarus or any place in Earth. And next idea brings me to the “decision” for this prompt that includes both Roof and Autumn, 2 in 1!:)
For the prompt Roof I am doing an ink drawing of lovely roofs of the pastoral town Rottenburg ob der Tauber in Germany we stayed once in the fall. Here, you can enjoy viewing of the little houses’ roofs with background of golden trees’ leaves that nature itself painted land in the Northen Bavaria. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the place …its like you are in an alternative universe or you have gone back in time:)
This is the site with images belong to and can be purchased from Vlad Vitsenkou
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Pick
I am doing an ink drawing of one of fascinating sculptute in Paris. It is completed after the book “The man who passed through walls”/”Le passer muraille” by Marcel Aymé. It tells of the adventures of a “little” person in a ministry who realized that he can walk through walls:). He became a powerful man, what happened next? One day, the man was stuck in the wall… The sculpture’s figure coming out from a high wall, looks very intriguing… I recommend to read this book and visit the Place Marcel-Aymé in Monmartre’s Paris when you travel to Paris next time:)
For prompt Sour I am doing an ink drawing of one mythical creature Leshy from slavic mythology. It is very popular character in Belarusian fairy tales that I remember from my childhood. “The Witcher” has many bad sour and tempered faces, like the forest itself. In all fairy tales Leshy is the forest’s owner, this is his house and all the animals are his wards. Leshy jokes over people, leads them into the thicket, frightens, leads astray, makes noise, whistles, claps his hands. Sometimes in fairy tales, the Leshy is nice character who helps those who get lost out of the forest, protects the heroes from wolves and bears:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Stuck.
My interpretation of this world for my Inktober 2022 is “choose something from a number of alternatives, typically after careful thought.” Well, I am chosing an ink drawing of … French charcuterie:)
French cuisine is not a collection of dishes, but a ceremonial, a feast is a moment of communication,it is a part of French culture. When people have lunch or dinner together, they share it with each other. The food we eat matters not only for the body, but also for the mind. I pick ballotines, pâtés, and confit, wine, a cheese,ham a baguette, as the maginicifient French charcuterie.
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Sour.
A rainy Saturday afternoon encouraged me to draw some sort of social ink drawing for Inktober 2021. Pressure and manipulation of public opinion to a person, pressure from a city, pressure from the employer…And it would be great to break the “fetters” from a manipulator and manage your life by yourself:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Pick.
For prompt Watch I was doing ink drawing of the interior clock of the D’Orsay museum in Paris. The clock is in between the museum building and sky, it looks out over the river Seine and garden Jardin des Tuileries. Looking through the clock, you can enjoy the magificient capital of France.
At first the Musée d’Orsay was a train station, the Gare d’Orsay built for the Universal Exposition of 1900. The clock is actually a reminder from the train station that overlooked the platforms of the rail station a century ago.
I love the D’Orsay clock because they’re so large, they also function as a window. How many important and romantic meetings have taken place under this clock, who knows?:)
For prompt Fan I was doing ink drawing of my fan that we bought during our European traveling in Barcelona in Poble Espanyol – Spanish village. There are so many artistic and elegant souvenirs in this place:) I do recommend shopping here…
Fan, in addition to the obvious usage to create a stream of air around the face, neck and shoulders when it’s hot, is also used to be the art of flirting.
So, if a lady touched her lips and heart with an open fan, she would say: “You are my ideal.” If she applied the fan with her right hand to her left cheek, then, alas, she made it clear that courtship was useless. It used be a real fan language that allowed a woman to conduct a love affair without resorting to words and letters that could expose her:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Watch.
For prompt Spirit I was doing ink drawing of a spiritual Dream Catcher with background of the Grand Canyon in USA. A dream catcher is a symbol of armor and protection among numerous indigenous cultures and tribes. It’s a handmade willow hoop woven to a web or literally, a net with feathers.
The dream catcher is a talisman that is ptotecting people from bad dreams. The Canadian and American aboriginal cultures believe that both good and bad dreams fill the air at night.
Someone said that Soulmates cherish each other’s feelings and believe in each other’s dreams. Cool, isn’t it?:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Fan.
For prompt Raven I was doing ink drawing of a raven sitting on a street lamp next to the Louvre museum in Paris.
It was an old and wise raven who was looking down on all the tourists queuing up at the museum. Perhaps this bird remembers events that happened in France 300 years ago, who knows?:)
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Spirit.
For this prompt I was doing a drawing with trees’ roots intertwined into knots in this enchanted forest. We visited Jones waterfall on Ontario, Canada and were impressed by it by view of these trees’ “knots”…
There is a raging and rumbling waterfall right in the forest. Well.. it was a combination of a scary fair tale’s feelings to overlook many huge intertwined roots in knots of gigantic trees on the edge of the abyss and at the same time a magic view of the waterfall.. I do recommend to visit this place to everyone:)
I added a little bit burnt sienna and peat brown ink for adding some autumn’s atmosphere for my drawing.
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Raven
For my drawings and painting I usually need a story or memory behind it. For prompt Vessel I had some sort of dilemma:)
My 1st option was to do a drawing from life a part of Toronto’s street sculpture with only sinking vessel’s stern is viewable for pedestrians. Yes, it was a good option for ink drawing but it would be a little bit sad one for Inktober…
The 2nd option was a boat that is peacefully swaying on the waves. I used to love watching a boat in Frejus, French riviera during our vacation in France. It would be a good option with a summer vessel’s drawing.
The third option was a gondola with beautiful boats on the Venetian festival Regata Storica. There are many bright colourful vessels with people in elegant historical costumes during competition on Grand Chanal.
Well.. a “story” from Toronto’s street sculpture or a boat from summer vacation in France or Italian festival’s boats? I chose the fall’s festival with some vessels:) My husband’s photo would be the reference for my drawing. I definitely started to receive fun in the game of Inktober!:)
Hope that I convey the atmosphere of magical days when the weather is still warm and cozy, lots of locals and tourists are gathering to enjoy the Venetian competition between teams in beautiful colourful vessels with background of Venetian architecture. The historical festival is giving an additional feeling for the city, a unique and exciting way to get in touch with the spirit of this ancient city and one of its best known traditions: Venetian rowing.
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Knot.
Suit is very important part of appearance of any person, it is showing the epoch when a person lived, their gender, society status, etc.
Well, my favorite 19 century and the city of Paris as a place will be my story’s drawing.
I need a time machine to go there and to do my drawing from their real life’s elegent suits, frock coats and cylinders for men and wearing long flowing dresses with high collars and puffed sleeves, skirts with layer upon layer of lace for women.
…It was an iconic era for France and fashion . Yes, France is famous for is fashion forever:)
For this drawing I chose using ink and Fabel Castell markers to add some vintage atmosphere.
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Vessel.
Visiting ancient Pompeii is like traveling back in time. It is a ghost town near city of Naples the Mediterranean sea. You are immediately transported to 79 AD as you walk along the streets of the ancient city, enter houses, feeling the era and the tragedy of that time.
I was painting Pompeii’s Temple of Jupiter with the background of the long-dormant volcano of Vesuvius. It was a small resort town in the 1st century BC. In 62 AD, the earthquake struck, and the city of Pompeii was shaken to the foundation, followed by 17 years of hard work to bring it back to life, only to be followed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption, which covered the nearly-restored city with a blanket of ash and lava in 79 AD.
Interestingly enough, the history of Pompeii is much longer than the Roman Pompeii. It was founded in 8 century BC during the Iron Age. It was overseen by an italic tribe called Oscans, then Samnite. For the next 1.5 century, the construction of most buildings in Pompeii had also begun and the city had well established villas. During this period, there was a very high civilization which included trade with Greek cities, among them Neapolis (Naples). The city fell to Rome in 89 BC and became a Roman colony in 80 BC. Samnite’s property was confiscated by the Roman veterans that settled here. And a new page of history began… My family visited Pompeii several years ago with the Trafalgar tour and loved the well preserved city- museum under the sky.
Painting – Pompeii, background Mount Vesuvius, Roman Architecture
Year of construction- 8 century
Address: Pompeii
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Cotman madler red, Charvin bleu royal, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper National Gallery watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
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All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
The massive site spans a mountainside, built with Roman cement and remains a rare example of an intact pagan temple complex. Developing in Roman architecture later in Trajan Forum in the 2nd century AD would not be possible without experimentation in concrete that took place in Palestrina, UNESCO city. There are remains of the hemicycles with very attractive opus incertum work and embracing arms of the Barberini Palace, theatre staircase leading into it a kind of a pyramid with the goddess at the apex.
My painting is about the ancient Entertainment district with amazing complex of Sanctuary of Fortuna, the ancient market and shops, a theatre, a shopping mall, a Mecca for Romans of its day, on this hillside. Strolling past the hill with lots of terraces, with the remains of shops, you can imagine fashion lovers who went shopping, and then they could go to the theatre there. In combination with the nature on the hill, the view is fascinating and beautiful…I added blue sky colour and clean lemon yellow to my watercolour painting. The temple was dedicated to Goddess Isis and Fortune. The architecture of this monument symbolizes both of them because Isis is the loyalty, and Fortune brings good luck. I think this is why this amazing complex has survived, and multiplied and pleased, as people remember and worship this unique place.
Another revolutionary discovery for the city as UNESCO World Heritage Sites that Roman architects were able to achieve for the building was their solution for the terrace on the hill. They made the upper part of the capitol columns with an angle that made it possible for the higher level of the columns to stand at the top of the lower level. Roman architects went further than Greek and Etruscan architects; they abandoned the traditional architecture and had the willingness to change things. Concrete architecture experiments prove once again they can have a lasting impact on the architecture
Address: Via Colle Pastino 20, 00036, Palestrina, Italy
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Cotman terra de siena and viridian Corman, Charvin bleu royal, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Van Gogh, National gallery watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
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All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Sanctuaries and the expressive potential of Roman concrete construction. 3-3
This lecture was about two Sanctuaries, they were meant to attract large numbers of people to visit the Temples, shopping areas, souvenir shops, theatre. The Sanctuary of Hercules at Tivoli had columns placed engaged or attached, the prototype for the Coliseum in Rome, with the actual street Via Tiburtina that was leaving from Rome to Tivoli so people can’t miss it. Not just to walk through it but to see something that really amazes the eye.
My painting is about a Roman place of the Sanctuary of the Temple of Jupiter, Anxur of Terratine and its internal corridor of the Sanctuary of Jupiter, where the podium is well preserved. I was attracted by the reference in the professor’s photo, where the doors smoothly merged into one another. This reminded me of sci-fi movies where you see some doors receding to another planet or century or place…
This revolutionary design was used in many other architectural monuments. It’s not just about the view of the doors that look as if they are diminishing in size, although they aren’t in reality but also the idea of creating exciting visual experiences as you walk through something. There are rounded entrances, as if it’s a corridor of time, coming to us from the future to the past or vice versa. It’s a magical phenomenon that fascinates through the creation of vista and panorama with mirroring doors that lead you to where you wish to travel: whether to the past or the future with something new to learn and return with new knowledge.
All roads lead to Rome – Alain de Lille
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
Painting- Temple of Jupiter, Anxur of Terratine, Roman Architecture
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Cotman terra de siena and viridian Corman, Charvin bleu royal, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Van Gogh, National gallery watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
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Defensive Stone walls and regular town planning, Roman Architecture. 2-3.
The wall around Rome itself and Rome was encircled by Servian Walls in Rome dates to 373 BC. Romans were colonizing towns in Italy, and they were putting walls around them. Gate of Falerii Novi is one of the small town’s ancient walls near Rome that was built in 241 B.C. The quite spectacular arch was completed in extraordinary creative and innovative way in Roman architecture. It all begins here in the arch of the gate and the wall of Falerii Novi according to the Roman Architecture course. Romans started to think making of urban spaces and places during this particular period. They were very careful about their selection of materials, reddish brown tufa and grey peperino stones, in order to emphasize this distinction in texture and in color. They started to use the alternating square and rectangular blocks as well as the scheme of headers and stretchers for this wall.
The painting is about Gate of Falerii Novi, one of the earliest and masterfully done arch in Roman architecture. The architect has achieved is to take a series of wedge shaped blocks, it was here that stone cutting began. What is unique, because it is neatly laid out in order (long to short) and it is so elegantly done that everything is still perfectly preserved. The Romans were concerned that the barbarians could attack and destroy their cities, not only Rome, but also their small other cities, and through gaining experience, continued to make revolutionary discoveries in architecture.
Beauty and tenderness and strength that preserve the inviolability of the Roman era, which attracts me from high school, I see echoes of those first Roman gates in any world building including Toronto. It is a perfect one-day trip from Rome.
How can I ever miss such a trip before? I hope to paint En plein air this monument soon and to gaze up at and enjoy the Gate of Falerii Novi that was built more than twenty two centuries ago.
Painting — Gate of Falerii Novi, Roman Architecture
Year of construction — 241 BC
Address — Falerii, Lazio, Italy
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Charvin ochre rouge + violet-Cotman dioxazine purple, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Fluid 100, cold press watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.))
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All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
I continue the painting for my course Yale’s course Roman Architecture https://www.coursera.org/learn/roman-architecture. Rome, the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus Capitolinus, Roman Architecture. 2-2.
I should admit that the information from this lecture is my favourite one so far from the course. The temple of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, was built under the rule of the Etruscan King Tarquinius Priscus and completed by his grandson king Tarquinius Superbus on the Capitoline Hill in the sixth century BC. Design of the building had a huge impact for Roman and world architecture. There was a vast and beautiful Temple dedicated to three gods- Jupiter and his two female goddess companions, Minerva, the goddess of art, wisdom, medicine, commerce, handicrafts, poetry and Juno, the goddess who protected the nation as a whole and also kept special watch over all aspects of women’s lives.
I understand why it was such a beautiful Temple… because two out of three parts were dedicated to the female goddesses, and each god had a single cella. The Temple had the triple entrance way into three cellas of the structure. Democracy and equality for the 6th century BC, do you agree? The main temple was rebuilt several times, and all the time a colossal structure towered over the city with importance as a cultural, religious and civic center of Rome. The Temple was as beautiful as a miracle. I will add two quotes about the building from the Yale Roman Architecture course to this post:
Roman emperor Constantia’s II in the 4 century AD articulates its grandeur well: “beside the Temple of Jupiter everything else is like earth compared to heaven”.
Cicero, after the great fire of 83 B.C. and the rebuilding of the Temple of Jupiter OMG in marble: “Let us feel that conflagration to have been the will of heaven, and its purpose not to destroy the temple of Almighty Jupiter, but to demand of us one more splendid and magnificent!”
My painting is about the Chief temple of ancient Rome, the most important temple completed with mud brick for the podium and for the walls, wood and a red terracotta roof.
Painting- Rome, Temple of Jupiter OMG, Capitolini Triad, Roman Architecture. Year of construction- Precisely in 509. Address Via del Tempio di Giove, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Rome, Temple of Jupiter OMG, Capitolini Triad
An absolute discovery for me was that the Temple was built prior to the construction of the Parthenon in Athens (447 B.C.). Romans looked back to other nations’ architecture, what had been done by the Greeks and what had been done by the Etruscans. Romans picked and chose what they liked in each and they brought that together in an entirely new creation, with their own culture and religion. Roman architects mixed it up and created a distinctive style, that we know now as the Roman temple. Another interesting fact is that the religious service took place outside, the priest would officiate outside the temple, and very few were allowed to go inside to see sacred cult statues.
The temple was the only building that survived after the raiding of the barbarians in the 3rd century AD. The temple stood for about 1000 years. The remains can still be seen in the Piazzale Caffarelli, now part of the Capitoline Museums, and of its garden in Rome. Our family was several times in the museum, walked along this part of the museum and did not even suspect what miracle of architecture we were passing by, we hope to return back soon and enjoy the remains of the greatest architectural project in the 6th century BC.
All roads lead to Rome – Alain de Lille
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Charvin Savannah + Van Gogh ultramarine, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Acquarello Fabriano, grana grossa rough watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
The first experiments in Roman concrete construction. 3-2
There was an ancient large warehouse on the banks of the Tiber River in Rome. This site was found due to archaeological research in Rome. Scientists used the great Roman historian Livy’s notes, who was writing about Porticus Aemilia in the age of Augustus. In addition, the marble Map of Rome, partly readable, was helping this discovery. In the lecture there was a restored view of the Basilica Aemilia and how it looked like. It was made of concrete and it had barrel vaults that opened the walls up, created piers, and arches above those piers, so both axial movements through the building were available but also with lateral movement, revolutionary architecture.
For my painting I found a video on YouTube with Roman archeological professor at the heart of the ancient Porticus Aemilia. I added some murky greenish waters of the Tiber, as the Google earth app always shows the river with green vs. blue color. The Porticus Aemilia had four tiers rising up ever so slightly along the slope, with barrel vault, arched doorways, as well as the arched windows. The ancient four-story storage’s building had excellent architectural additions.
It was a beautiful building near the river with the light penetrating everywhere, unlike the boring gloomy modern warehouses. Roman architects were using their revolutionary solutions of using concrete. This design would be difficult to make out of stone, but concrete did its thing. Voila:)
All roads lead to Rome – Alain de Lille
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
Painting- Rome, Porticus Aemilia, Roman Architecture
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Cotman terra de siena and viridian Corman, Charvin bleu royal, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Van Gogh, National gallery watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
The advent of the Corinthian Order Roman Architecture. 2-5.
In Tivoli, not far from Rome, there is a gentle, feminine temple of Vesta that is beautifully situated over a particularly verdant area of Tivoli. It is very well preserved and still has details of ancient walls and columns. The temple was built in the 1st century BC on the hill of the ancient acropolis of the city of Tibur, formerly called Tivoli. The city was under the Etruscan king’s rule and also had Greek artistic traditions. In combination it had a strong influence on local art and architecture.
My painting is about this feminine Temple, I did it with very delicate, very soft paints; my favourite colors smoothly flow and complement each other. The Temple of Vesta with its base of the structure that grows out of the rock, harmoniously continues it, and rushes to the graceful round rotunda on the ten columns of the Corinth. The frieze is decorated with reliefs depicting bull skulls, a tribute to the Roman tradition of sacrifice, and heavy garlands hanging from them. A cella is inscribed in the circumference of the rotunda, the core of all the buildings, the place where the ceremonies were carried out. The dome of the rotunda had a hole for the smoke of the sacred fire that burned here in honour of Vesta with delicate, lace and aerial structure.
The columns were invented by the Greeks and Romans and used all three types – Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. The Corinthian column is equally beautiful from all sides due to its harmony and it was more popular in Roman Architecture. The Temple is located on a hill that fits perfectly into the landscape, like a young girl, with curls; reminiscent of a popular widespread Italian flower. The column looks the same and beautiful from all angles with harmony that, objectively, makes it the best
Painting – Temple of Vesta, Tivoli, Roman Architecture
Year of construction 1st century BC
Address: Piazza Tempio di Vesta, 6, 00019 Tivoli RM, Italy
Tools used for my painting Watercolour Cotman terra de siena and viridian Corman, Charvin bleu royal, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Van Gogh, National gallery watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
The Hellenization of late Republican temple, Roman Architecture. 2-4.
The Temple of Portunus is located in the former of the Forum Boarium, nowadays it is on the Piazza della Bocca della Verità, very popular place of the Mouth of Truth from the movie Roman Holiday with stars Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
It used to be a major commercial area along the banks of the Tiber in antiquity. In the Republican times here was a small port nearby from the side of the Tiber and market, where a lively livestock trade was carried on.
My painting is about the Temple of Portunus; the reference was my husband’s photo from our trip to Rome several years ago. From a distance the impression is that the whole building was made out of stone. The temple of Portunus by Tiber with their columns encircle the structure but is engaging into the wall. It characterizes the Ionic order, called spiral volutes. Greeks’ ionic capitals created for this type of column decoration like a hairstyle, the front parts of them with curls (ionic cymatium) and fruit garlands, and flutes were drawn along the entire trunk, descending like folds on the dress of bride ;) This is another example that Roman architects looked at Etruscan and Greek precedents, decided what they liked and mixed it up the way it best represented their own culture and religion. Another revolutionary step of Roman Architecture for this Temple was using roman concrete construction inside of the podium. This is the reason why Temple of Portunus is one of the few ancient buildings that have managed to stay intact until today.
In the middle ages the temple of Portunus was recreated to a Christian church, and this is another reason why it has been perfectly preserved. In this course the Professor showed the 19th century painting of the temple of Portunus with some architectural changes by this time. Nowadays we can see that the Temple was renovated closer to the original design of the structure, very important for the future preservation of Roman architecture.
In the ancient Roman mythology Portunus was considered the god of doors, keys and honeycomb, the guard of entrances and exits. I would like to go back and visit not just the outside and inside and I see everything with my own eyes. And I hope that the ancient god Portunus will open the door of its Temple for us.
All roads lead to Rome- Alain de Lille
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
Painting – Temple of Portunus, Rome, Roman Architecture
Year of construction – between 120 and 80 BC
Address – Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Tools used for my painting Watercolour siena, burnt siena Van Gogh, perm red light, lemon yellow, viridian Cotman Charvin ochre rouge + violet-Cotman dioxazine purple, Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Acquarello watercolour album. Fabriano, grana grossa rough watercolour album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
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The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
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All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
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