Do you love watermelones – it is all about this berry. I posted my favourite paintings, juicy!
Watermelon, the king of summer and autumn dessert. Juicy watermelon on a table with a glass, autumn leaves and berries are adding warm relaxing night atmosphere. Marble original watercolor and ink painting, impressionism style.
Another one. Juicy watermelon on a silver tray, glass with a bottle of wine on a summer day. Bright original watercolor and ink painting, impressionism style
Watermelon and violet grapes in summer with a city and sea in background
Want to give your room that “I’m on vacation, but sadly still paying rent” vibe? This painting brings you the laid‑back, midday calm of a southern Mediterranean city any time of year—no plane ticket, sunscreen, or jet lag required. Juicy slices of watermelon lounge on the table next to violet grapes chilling in a glass, like they’re posing for a fruit fashion shoot. This still life whispers of sunny, warm days and gloriously lazy weekends. Through the window and from the balcony, you can spot a town with red roofs and a blue sea in the distance—basically the view you’d pick on a booking site. An original watercolor impressionist painting, perfect for when you want your walls to relax even more than you do.
Want to give your room a chill, laid‑back vibe? This painting is basically a permanent summer vacation for your walls, serving up that lazy midday atmosphere of a southern Mediterranean city all year round. It’s ready to handle all your relaxation requirements. We’re talking juicy slices of watermelon piled into a straw basket and scattered on a plate, like someone just walked away mid-snack. I even threw in a chair with a straw hat (yes, with flowers) casually hanging off it, sitting on a porchway wrapped in blooms. This still life is a sunny reminder of warm weather, slow weekends, and the art of doing absolutely nothing. Original watercolor and ink impressionism painting.
Watermelon, poppies, and daisies. Watercolor and ink original painting. Watermelon with flowers in a straw basket, featuring poppies and daisies.
Ever tried juggling juicy watermelons and wild paint strokes at the same time? Tell us all about your most disastrously brilliant summer art experiments :)
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission
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 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.)
17 years of art experience and a pile of degrees, yet here I am at London Art College, sitting like a total freshman. (Honestly, that’s a ready-made punchline.)
It’s a generational engineering trauma: my family is physically incapable of simply buying a ready-made product. Fellow cheapskate artists will appreciate this 10/10.
Welcome to my mini-series, where I’m transforming a heavy oak hanger into a custom studio storyboard panel. Armed with an engineering degree, an illustrator’s eye, and a few everyday items, I’m building a creative workspace from scratch—one detail, texture, and sketch at a time.
Skipping boring, ready-made store options to flex my own designer storyboard…
So, it’s an old coat rack instead of the big online retail giants, turned into a storyboard that works like a puppet theater where you can slide frames up and down.
Creating StoryBoard Panel
I was not sure how to name this old-fashioned hanger, forgotten part of previous owners of my apartment. Maybe the Brief Hanger? Or the Draft Board? Finally the name was chosen as StoryBoard Panel because I am going to create new stories about my friends, characters and maybe animals…
Welcome – StoryBoard Panel
And to wrap it up: who’s with me on this crazy ride? Who else feels that urgent, genetic need to look at a piece of useless junk laying around the house and think: “Yeah, I can definitely build something out of that”? What about you?
Well, I do have a Vintage coat rack / Wooden base. Then what do I need else?
My plan
Spiral sketchbook: This is where the magic (and the chaos) starts before I tear it apart.
Structural engineering, but make it wine.
3-color sketchbook & black paper: For when regular white paper is just too mainstream and boring.
Fluorescent paints: To make my ideas literally glow in the dark and pop off the page.
Wooden pegs: My tiny wooden assistants doing the heavy lifting of holding the story together.
Linen strings: The tightropes my characters walk on while I figure out the plot twist.
Super magnets: For snaps, rapid changes, and maximum satisfying clicks.
Transparent elements:** Now you see it, now you don’t—pure layout wizardry.
The real joke: Designer storyboard
Picture a professional designer with fancy degrees hanging out in a store, aggressively clicking tiny magnets together to test their power. Right after that, I was stress-testing a roll of linen string to see if it would survive being wrapped around an old coat rack, while the staff slowly backed away.
What about you, fellow artists and illustrators? What do you use to keep your storyboards and ideas organized? Share your favorite studio hacks below!
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.)
Exploring Yale’s Course on Roman Architecture. Art Inspired by Ancient Rome
Let’s start my virtual journey Art + Roman Architecture + the city of Rome with Yale’s course Roman Architecture. Professor of History of Art and Classics Diana E.E. Kleiner Dunham
Why did I decide to dive headfirst into the world of Roman architecture
As I start the Yale’s course on Roman Architecture, I’m reminded of my childhood dreams of becoming an architect. Life has taken me on a different path, but it’s never too late to pursue our passions. To share this journey, I’ll be conducting research on each topic we cover and posting my findings here. Plus, as an artist, I’ll be creating a watercolor painting inspired by each lecture—combining my love for art and history.
Well, life is funny thing. You are dreaming about one thing when you are a child, and doing another thing when you are an adult. It is never so late to start to learn our dreamy course.
My visual path to learn Roman Architecture course
As a student, I will share my knowledge. I will conduct research after each topic.And as an artist, I will add one watercolor freely painting for each lecture
How I do my paintings for the course? There is one cheerful technique called from middle tone that I have learned in my art school many years ago. I will give the link to school’s website at the end of this post.
Middle tone watercolor technique
This Italian painting technique is called the middle tone. Basically, you use two or three watercolor paints without worrying too much. The colors blend freely, creating a middle tone. You just add light highlights and dark shadows. And voila, you can paint playfully and fearlessly with this technique!
Have you embraced middle-tone watercolor technique in your artworks? Do you feel that exhilarating spark of joy? Please, I invite you to share your experience in the comments below. I would be thrilled to hear your inspiring story!
So, let’s start!
Introduction. Roman Urbanism. 1-1
Rome, Servian Walls, Roman Architecture. Year of construction- 3 century B.C.
During the first lecture of Roman Architecture, the professor taught us about the Servian Walls. They are an incredible example of ancient Roman ingenuity.
The Servian Walls stand as a magnificent testament to ancient Roman ingenuity and determination! This formidable barrier rose proudly around the legendary Seven Hills of the republican city. It was constructed in the wake of the catastrophic Sack of Rome in the 4th century B.C., a period when the very soul of the city cried out for protection and resilience. These walls embody the spirit of a civilization striving to safeguard its legacy and embrace its future with unwavering strength!
My first painting celebrates the Servian Wall, the very first ancient Roman wall! This artwork pays tribute to this remarkable monument of ancient Roman architecture, highlighting its significance and enduring beauty.
Watercolor painting of the Servian Walls in Rome, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures inspired by ancient Roman architecture.
The early period of Roman architecture
In the early period of Roman architecture, builders simply stacked stone blocks. These blocks were piled one on top of the other to form the wall.
Rome grew over time. In the first lecture I have learned that in the late third century AD, the emperor Aurelian reigned. During this time, the impressive set of the Aurelian Walls was built. These walls were constructed to protect the city of Rome from external threats.
These fortifications represented a significant architectural achievement of their time. They served as a symbol of the resilience and enduring power of the Roman Empire. They helped secure the city against invasions. They provided a stronghold for its citizens.
The walls spanned approximately 19 kilometers
Romans were constructed using a combination of brick and stone. This showcases the engineering prowess of ancient Rome. It also contributed to the city’s defensive capabilities for centuries to come.
A new technology is concrete revolutionized Roman architecture and concrete faced with brick. We can still see some parts of the two ancient walls in Rome.
I added to this post a watercolor pencil- sketch with a cat that enjoying a view of Roman architecture, just for fun:)
Watercolor sketch featuring a cat overlooking a view of Roman architecture, inspired by the Servian Walls and the Roman landscape.
Termini station in Rome and nearby hidden gem
We can still see the very wide section of the Servian Walls near Rome’s train station Stazione Termini station.
I must admit, I’ve wandered past a section of the fortress wall near the station in Rome many times. It’s like my own version of a tourist treadmill! Architecture is not just about buildings; it’s about shaping experiences.
And let me tell you, that Esquiline Gate of the Servian Wall? It’s basically the VIP entrance to my accidental monument-hopping tour!
“All roads lead to Rome” Alain de Lille
I completely missed this epic piece of Roman architecture in history. I just admired the architectural monuments during my multiple trips to Rome. I am gaining new knowledge with this course.
On my next trip, I will definitely return to the remains of the fortress wall. I’ll also be making a grand entrance at the gates of the Eternal City. Hopefully, they’ll have a welcome sign and not just a “tourists beware” notice!
This is what I have learned in the first lecture in this course. It is a lot of new information for me. I love Rome and its architecture.
Join me as I uncover the beauty of Roman architecture, and let’s explore this amazing world together!
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
Address: Piazzale dei Cinquecento, Rome
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.
Watercolour Windsor Newton Gamboge , Alison, indigo , Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell Watercolour pencils. Paper Fluid 100, cold press Watercolour albums, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)
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.)
Still life and urban sketching? More like “still hiding behind art supplies and questionable architectural doodles.”
Are you a flower person? Do you prefer the show-offs—those high-maintenance roses that demand constant attention? Or are you team humble-but-underrated daisy? Pink and fragrant? Wilted and questionable? There’s a flower personality out there for everyone, and no judgment here.
Three peonies walk into a painting. Nobody leaves.
So this summer, I enrolled in a Flowers painting course—a decision that absolutely upended everything I thought I knew about myself as an artist. Turns out, I’d been dodging still life like it was a personal insult for years. Plot twist: flowers are actually incredible. Who knew? (Apparently, everyone but me.) Through watercolor, ink, and an embarrassing amount of trial-and-error (hello, muddy brown petals), I discovered that my supposed “non-negotiable” artistic preferences were basically fiction. This course demolished my creative self-image in the best way possible, and I’m here to share all the glorious discoveries—and occasional disasters—in these flower-filled posts.
Three pink peonies in a garden, immortalized in watercolor and ink—because apparently, I decided to get fancy with my subject matter this year.
One peony, no filter, zero chill.
Bon voyage! Until the next creative adventure (and the next time I convince myself I can paint something completely outside my comfort zone). Stay healthy and keep those flowers watered—they’re needier than I am.
All paintings belong to me. Seriously, don’t steal them. I’ll know.
Tools used for this painting extravaganza: Watercolours by Charvin and Van Gogh (the fancy kids), GrayPas Expressionist pastels (for when I need drama), Derwent watercolor pencils (reliable sidekicks), and Faber Castell artist pens (the MVPs). Paper: Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)—perfectly sized for my wildly ambitious vision and limited attention span.
Floral Obsession: Still Life, Urban Sketching, and the Great Peony Conspiracy
Let me tell you about the time I became irrationally obsessed with peonies. Why peonies, you ask? Well, my mom had enough of these pompous pink showstoppers around my parents’ summer house to start a floral beauty pageant. I loved their tiny, adorable pink hats (yes, I’m calling them hats) and their scent—which basically smelled like summer decided to become a fragrance and live in a flower. Naturally, I had to paint them obsessively.
Picture this: A peony serving looks like a Queen at her coronation ball—because apparently these flowers didn’t get the memo that humility exists. Draped in regal reds, blushing pinks, and tender violets, each petal screams “I’m fancy, look at me!” So I painted one in impressionism style with watercolor, trying to capture that whole “I woke up like this” vibe. Spoiler alert: it took me way longer than I expected.
She’s pink, she’s proud, she’s basically royalty
Fast forward to now: I’m practically planning my next European adventure as a glorified flower reconnaissance mission. Armed with fresh art supplies and an unhealthy obsession with botanical subjects, I’m ready to sketch and paint my way through Europe—watercolor and ink in hand, zero chill about flowers. My travel companions are probably rolling their eyes. That’s their loss.
Behold: a tender pink peony in all its impressionistic glory, captured in watercolor. Yes, I made it slightly dramatic. It seemed appropriate given how peonies carry themselves.
Still pink. Still judging you. Still perfect.
Bon voyage to you! Until the next travel adventure (probably somewhere there are flowers to paint). Stay witty, and remember: life’s too short not to have strong opinions about flowers.
All paintings belong to the author and are protected by the sacred code of “don’t steal my flowers.” No image is to be copied without permission.
For the curious minds wondering about my artistic arsenal: I wielded watercolors from the fancy brands (Charvin and Van Gogh—yes, I went full art history nerd), pastels from GrayPas Expressionist, Derwent watercolor pencils (the real MVPs), and Faber Castell artist pens. My canvas of choice? Strathmore Watercolor and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)—AKA the perfect size for portable flower obsession.
Still life and urban sketching. Because apparently, I can’t sit still OR leave my house without a sketchpad.
So Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebook told me something rather inconvenient: artists need to constantly find new things to paint or draw. (Thanks a lot, Leonardo—no pressure!) Thus began my endless quest to think outside the box that I’m apparently always painting inside. This summer, I had a minor epiphany: watercolor graphic technique is NOT just fancy coloring books. Shocking, I know. It was a small discovery that spiraled into full-blown artistic obsession, and now here we are.
My still life muse? Bright reddish peonies, obviously. I arranged them artfully on my treasured Leonardo da Vinci book, added my glasses (for the intellectual look), threw in a cup of cappuccino (for the vibes), and created what I can only describe as a masterpiece of self-indulgence. Voilà! Another watercolor and ink painting in my beloved impressionist style was born.
Watercolor fantasy. Cappuccino and red peonies and a book
Just imagine it: a warm Mediterranean evening, you’re wandering charming cobblestone streets, and voila—red and pink peonies spill from a straw basket on some picturesque wood door or window. That’s watercolor and ink, my friend. That’s impressionism at its finest. That’s also my elaborate fantasy about our future travels to southern France, Italy, or possibly Greece (I’m not picky when it comes to vacation dreams). Who knows where wanderlust will take us? :)
Summer flower fantasy.
Shout-out to my daughter for the phenomenal gift: Leonardo’s Notebook. This book is basically the gift that keeps on giving—centuries-old wisdom from a guy who was basically good at everything. It’s like having a Renaissance master constantly looking over your shoulder with 500-year-old advice. Terrifying and inspiring in equal measure.
Bon voyage! Until the next adventure awaits! Stay healthy and hydrated (your skin will thank you when you’re sketching in the Mediterranean sun).
All paintings belong to the author. Seriously, don’t copy them. I mean it. My lawyer says I have to say that. Just go make your own masterpiece!
Tools used for my painting: Watercolors by Charvin and Van Gogh (because apparently only the best will do for this artist’s delusions). Pastels by GrayPas Expressionist (the feisty cousin of regular pastels). Derwent watercolor pencils and Faber Castell artist pens (because one type of pen is never enough). Paper: Strathmore Watercolor and Mixed Media albums in that perfect 15×20 cm (6×8 inch) size—not too big, not too small, just right for my control-freak tendencies.
Still life and urban sketching — basically me trying to make inanimate objects and city blocks look more interesting than they actually are.
Yes, I carried my sketchbook here. No, I don’t regret it.
Barcelona has an indescribably magical atmosphere of a unique and endlessly creative city — you know, the kind of place that makes you wonder how it got so cool without trying. From Antonio Gaudí’s legendary masterpieces (that defy normal architectural rules) to today’s innovative artists still riding that creative wave, Barcelona basically wrote the book on how to be fabulous.
Barcelona said ‘be inspired.’ I said ‘hold my paintbrush.’
I’m continuing my flowers&cities series, and this time I’m obsessed with the blue thistle. Why Barcelona? Well, according to my imaginary painting logic, it matches perfectly! This post features some gloriously bright blue cultured thistles that will either inspire your next Mediterranean adventure or at least make you wonder why anyone bothers with ordinary purple flowers.
This thistle’s color palette? It’s got depth-of-sea blues, some moody olive tones, sprinkles of raspberry, and pineapple-y yellow hues — basically the Barcelona version of Casa Milà in flower form. You know, Gaudí’s stunning modern architectural masterpiece that looks like it melted in the sun and decided to stick around anyway.
Thistle: 1. My colour mixing skills: nervous.
Behold: another thistle! This one’s sporting petals of lilac and turquoise — colors that somehow perfectly capture Barcelona’s old historical centre, Ciutat Vella, with its Gothic Quarter that screams “Look how old and charming I am!” in the most photogenic way possible.
Gothic Quarter energy in flower form. Très dramatic.
Meet another thistle, this time decked out in azur and silver petals. In my professional artistic opinion (which I made up), this one represents Barcelona’s most Instagram-famous resident: La Sagrada Familia. I’m pretty sure Gaudí would have approved of my choice, or at least not sued me for it. :)
Gaudí approved. Probably. He was busy.
And here comes thistle number four (I’ve lost count) with colors of raisins, figs, and blue sea tones — basically screaming “I’m La Rambla!” at you through its petals. You know, that famous pedestrian walkway known for its historical architecture and the mild chaos of street performers who may or may not be actual statues.
La Rambla thistle. Watch out for the mimes.
This thistle’s rocking a combination of rose-salmon and pale-brown petals — tender, bright, and way more coordinated than your average wildflower. Question: Do you prefer “Barcelona” by the legendary Freddie Mercury, or perhaps the lovely “Barcelona” by Giulia y Los Tellarini from the movie “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”? Because this flower apparently has a soundtrack.
This one came with a Freddie Mercury soundtrack in my head.
Let’s talk about Antonio Gaudí y Cornet for a second — the man who literally devoted his entire existence to Barcelona and transformed it into the architectural wonderland we know today. He’s basically referred to as “genius loci” (fancy for “the genius of the place”), which is a lot of pressure but also kind of accurate. He shaped not just the look but the very soul of the city. No big deal.
All paintings belong to the author. Seriously, don’t copy them without permission. I mean it. No image theft, please.
Bon voyage! Until the next travel adventure :) Now go forth and stay healthy, you magnificent human.
Still life and urban sketching (with extra thorns)
The spiky diva herself. Don’t touch.
My sister asked me to paint a thistle flower that captures its personality: character, strength, inflexibility, firmness, and an almost aggressive refusal to die under any circumstances. Basically, the Rambo of the flower kingdom. Challenge accepted! I created an entire series of these botanical warriors that thrive everywhere and survive conditions that would make other flowers quit their jobs and move to Arizona.
Behold: one of my first watercolor flower graphics with ink—a masterpiece created when I was still discovering my artistic voice. I wielded cooler purple and dark violet like a tiny ninja, with strategic additions of carrot orange and silver gray. (Translation: I threw colors at paper and it worked.)
Purple and orange? She woke up and chose violence.
The thistle is credited with possessing the magical ability to ward off evil spirits. So basically, it’s the flower equivalent of garlic and a cross combined. Vampires and demons should be very, very worried.
Now here’s where it gets spicy: The thistle has been Scotland’s symbol since the 13th century. Legend has it that some ambitious army decided to invade Scotland by launching a surprise night raid. Tactical genius, right? Wrong. In their infinite wisdom, the invaders removed their shoes to move stealthily through the darkness. Spoiler alert: their stealth plan came to an abrupt end when one unfortunate soldier stepped barefoot on a thistle. The resulting shriek? Loud enough to wake the sleeping Scottish soldiers, who then proceeded to win the day. And THAT, my friends, is how a tiny spiky flower saved an entire nation. You’re welcome, Scotland!
Scotland’s unsung hero. Barefoot invaders not included.
The thistle is the official emblem of the Knights of the Order of the Thistle—a group of people who basically said, “You know what this order needs? A flower that actively hurts people.” Their motto? The Latin phrase Nemo me impune lacessit, which means “No one will touch me with impunity.” (Translation: This flower has zero chill.)
Thistle wildflower watercolor graphic alert! With ink, because subtlety is overrated. I mixed colors like I was a culinary artist: pink, milky blue opal, saffron latte, and neon colors for extra pizzazz. If your thistle painting doesn’t make people’s eyeballs tingle, are you even trying?
Pink, neon, and zero regrets.
I’m absolutely obsessed with pink thistles and their refreshingly simple color palette. A splash of plum color, some pistachio background, and boom—you’ve got botanical happiness on paper. It’s like painting flower versions of minimalist interior design.
Minimalist thistle. Maximum attitude.
Thistle watercolor wildflower painting featuring petals the color of blueberries and purple grapes. Translation: I made fruit jealous by using their colors on a flower. The audacity!
Blueberry vibes. Not edible. Learned that the hard way.
Watercolor flowers graphic extravaganza! With ink, because apparently I can’t help myself. Colors used: strawberry petals (obviously), light khaki, and a shade of flax background that somehow made the whole thing work. Art is chaos. Beautiful, intentional chaos.
Strawberry fields forever — but make it thorny.
Plot twist: Some thistles come in caramel and turmeric colors. Because apparently thistle diversity includes the entire spice rack.
Caramel and turmeric. The spice rack called, it wants its colors back.
Here’s the thing about pink thistles: they’re the most popular thistle color, which is why I gathered all my pink watercolor paintings in my first post about this fabulous flower (complete with Scotland’s legendary defense narrative). And now, hold onto your berets: a thistle is not just the floral emblem of Scotland AND Lorraine—it’s ALSO the emblem of the Encyclopedia Britannica. That’s right, thistles are basically the overachievers of the plant world. They didn’t just stop at one honor. They went for three.
Still life and urban sketching — or as I like to call it, “procrastinating at tourist attractions with a sketchpad.”
Paris. The city of love, croissants, and inexplicably rude pigeons. Here’s the thing about Paris that nobody tells you: you don’t actually need to leave your hotel room to find beauty and inspiration. Just open the window and look around — you’ll find architecture that makes your apartment back home look like a cardboard box, monuments that have been standing longer than your entire family lineage, street names that sound like songs, memorial plaques commemorating people who actually did important things (unlike me, who’s mainly known for eating an entire wheel of Camembert while crying about climate change), restaurant signs in fonts that would make a graphic designer weep with envy, and murals that prove even walls have more artistic talent than most of us. Seriously, there’s something uniquely extraordinary to discover at every street corner. Paris doesn’t just hand you beauty — it ambushes you with it when you’re least expecting it, usually right after you’ve accidentally stepped in a puddle.
Paris: where even the streets are judging your outfit.
Do you ever think about cities as flowers? Or as colors? No? Just me? Cool, cool.
Thistle. A delightfully thorny wildflower featuring a magnificent display of eggplant and gold petals — nature’s way of saying, “I’m fancy and dangerous.” If the Luxembourg Gardens had a personality, this would be it. I’m convinced these flowers applied to art school and were accepted on their first try.
Thistle #1 — eggplant and gold. Fancy enough for the Luxembourg Gardens, too spiky for a hug.
Thistle, take two. This particular specimen features sunny petals in the colors of pumpkin, orange, and beetroot — basically, if fall and autumn had a very colorful, very spiky baby. Yummy, right? (I mean, I wouldn’t recommend eating it. Paris is basically the thistle of cities — beautiful, elegant, and ready to stab you if you’re not paying attention (both literally, with its spiky architecture, and figuratively, with its devastating charm).
Thistle #2 — pumpkin and beetroot. Autumn had a baby and it’s delicious (don’t eat it).
Thistle, round three (I promise this is getting somewhere). This wildflower rocks petals in canary yellow, spicy red, and burgundy — a color palette so sophisticated it makes the Pantone Institute nervous. It immediately evokes the Opera Garnier, one of the most aggressively elegant buildings in all of Paris.
Thistle #3 — canary yellow and burgundy. Opera Garnier called, it wants its colour palette back.
Thistle, the extended remix. This version features petals of amber and purple — a combination that somehow looks like what I imagine royalty smells like. And the flower buds? They range from massive to microscopic, rather like the museums scattered throughout Paris’s city center: Musée d’Orsay (the cool one everyone’s heard of), the Louvre (the one that gives you existential dread just trying to find the bathroom), Musée de l’Orangerie (deceptively small but absolutely packed with Monet’s fever dreams), Musée Marmottan Monet (for when you want MORE Monet, because apparently one museum wasn’t enough), Musée Jacquemart-André (where rich people kept their rich person collections), and Musée de Cluny (medieval vibes and the Unicorn Tapestries, which I definitely didn’t spend three hours staring at while taking blurry photos on my phone).
Thistle #4 — amber and purple. Smells like royalty, stings like a parking ticket.
Thistle number five: The Grand Finale. This specimen features a mustard-violet flower with thorns the color of, well, apple skin. Stylish as Parisian sweeping and majestic boulevards — which is to say, it looks like it went to finishing school in Switzerland and then casually conquered Europe while sipping espresso. The vibe is undeniably “I woke up like this but also spent four hours getting ready.”
Thistle #6 — apple thorns included. Looks elegant, will absolutely draw blood.
Thistle, the encore performance. Featuring peach-colored petals against a copper and amber background — basically what the Eiffel Tower looks like in the morning when you’ve woken up early because you couldn’t sleep (jet lag is romantic, apparently). This color combination is so warm and glowy that it makes you believe in magic, or at least in the possibility that Paris might actually be worth all the hype.
Thistle #7 — peach and copper. The Eiffel Tower at 6am. Romantic and deeply unreasonable.
Bon voyage! Until the next travel adventure :) Stay healthy, stay curious, and remember: life is too short to not travel, not sketch random flowers, and not pretend you understand French when someone speaks to you at a café (just nod and smile — it works 60% of the time, every time).
Bon voyage! Don’t forget your sketchpad. Or your beret. Actually, just the sketchpad.Thistle #5 — mustard and violet. The boulevard of wildflowers.
All paintings belong to the author and are protected by the ancient artist code: look but don’t touch, admire but don’t copy, and definitely don’t use without permission or face the wrath of someone who takes their wildflowers very seriously.
Le Cannet: Home of the Bonnard Museum and Artfully Avoiding Cannes’ Crowds!
And then on another direction, the second trip was separate. It was a one-day independent journey from Antibes to Cannes and Le Cannet.
Provence is famous for its art museums in every small town or village. Le Cannet is a small suburb of Cannes. In North America this suburb would be part of a big city, for example Greater Toronto or Greater Vancouver.
The Central Train Station in Cannes is located in the heart of the city. To get there, take the bus # Bus Palm Express n°1. Within 10 minutes, you will reach Le Cannet famous museum Bonnard. Location: 16 boulevard Sadi Carnot, 06110 Le Cannet
House-museum artist Bonnard. Bonnard lived in Le Cannet for 25 years and created his Provencal paintings, saturated with sunlight, light and air. We were waiting for an exhibition that just opened during our vacation in Antibes. The temporary exhibition of collection Nahmad (De L’Impressionisme À Bonnard et Picasso) showcased the Impressionist artists. It organically blended into the permanent collection of Bonnard museum.
Cannes’ famous Red Carpet
We made a delightful pit stop in the glamorous city of Cannes on our journey back to Antibes. The famous film festival is very common!
We were all set to strut our stuff on Cannes’ famous Red Carpet. We perfected our best “I just won an Oscar” walk. It was finished with invisible awards and imaginary paparazzi trailing our every move!
Hand prints of a celebrity set into the pavement, commemorating their visit to the Cannes Film Festival.
In my picture, the celebrities’ prints shoot up to the sky. They resemble a really ambitious road vying for a spot in a cloud competition!
A watercolor sketch capturing the scenic views of Cannes, featuring a charming train and vibrant beach landscape.
Transportation: Our Hilarious Misadventures and Tips for Traveling in Provence
Embarking on my inaugural journey through the enchanting region of Provence was a delightful escapade fraught with unexpected adventures. The warmth and hospitality of the local residents, as well as fellow travelers, provided comfort during moments of disorientation in this picturesque landscape. My encounters with the complexities of train travel, compounded by my limited proficiency in the French language, led to a series of amusing misadventures, including missed connections and unforeseen challenges.
Yet, amidst the chaos, I discovered clever local transportation tips that may serve to conserve both time and money for future travelers. Intriguingly, these transportation mishaps ultimately enriched my experience, transforming potential frustrations into cherished memories that added a unique charm to my journey. :)
The topography of the area is a mountainous terrain. If you do not want to rent a car in a foreign country, there are a few alternatives to driving.
The first choice is the train. They are convenient, quick, comfortable, inexpensive, and all trains have an efficient schedules with small gaps in between 2 trains. For example, from Nice to Grasse the train’s cost was 10 Euros (2019). But, this choice has a disadvantage that you rarely can get to see small towns by trains.
The second choice is the bus. The advantage of buses is their routes reach even the smallest mountain towns. This is the cheapest choice. The inconvenience is that sometimes you have to take a transfer between inter regional buses and local city’s buses. Most importantly, the bus trip will be longer than any train.
The third option is like a hybrid of the first two—or you can just go with a travel company. Do you want to hop between a bunch of quirky little mountain towns in just 1-2 days? Let the pros handle it. Those local or international tour operators are like your cool travel buddies. They are always ready for an adventure. (And they know where to find the best snacks). And hey, there’s something for you at the end of this post. You’ll find a link to Viator. It’s your ticket to hilarity wrapped in sightseeing!
I absolutely adore my one-day trips to the French Riviera—it’s like speed-dating with beautiful landscapes! I dash around, sketching everything from tiny crannies to towering giants. I try to look like a sophisticated artist, not just some tourist with a fancy penciland watercolor palette and brush:)
Join me on this thrilling adventure. Every moment holds the potential to uplift your spirit. It can bring joy to your life!
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
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.)
Some tips for making an original frame for art.Creating #goodmood paintings.
Recently there are some questions came from my colleagues artists.
How you are presenting your art to the clients, with or without frame?
Adding a mat to a watercolor painting or not?
Are you buying a frame before presenting it to a client? It’s crucial to consider the overall aesthetic appeal and how the frame complements the artwork or photograph it will house. Investing in a quality frame not only enhances the visual impact but also conveys professionalism and attention to detail. This first impression is vital in establishing trust. It showcases the value of your work. Thus, it is essential to select a frame that aligns with your client’s expectations and the piece being showcased.
Standard inexpensive or hand made from a baguette store?
Frames at Target are often priced below $25. This makes it an appealing choice for those decorating on a budget. Shoppers have a variety of styles, sizes, and colors to choose from. This makes it easy to find something that fits their aesthetic. They can do so without breaking the bank. But, with custom framing, prices can significantly increase. The process involves more personalized options and high-quality materials. It also includes professional craftsmanship that caters to individual tastes and specific artwork requirements.
This can result in an investment far exceeding the cost of ready-made frames. This is something to consider when planning your interior decor.
Frame is always an architectural feature plus preserving an art and integrating it into a design of room. There many questions about framing and artists are looking for the best solution in every situation.
Which ones?
Let’s explore together. This will guarantee that painting a picture frame at home becomes an ongoing creative process.
I am completely immersing myself in this interesting and creative activity. Well.. various techniques and secrets can be used to update the frame. I am going to share my experience of modernizing a standard frame for art
Please share your experience in comments. Let’s exchange :)
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
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 my artist colleagues and students. Workshops. Innovative approach to describe artwork. Trademark:)
How do you describe and prepare paints for your artworks? For example if you need a bright or light yellow color, a brand, a particular paint? I usually do test paints from my selected colors before painting . All artists would agree that watercolors from different brands with the same names for paints give us various color’s views. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish and choose a paint even with the same name
For example, brand PWC watercolor yellow ochre and Windsor yellow ochre paints look differently. You would describe paint of yellow ochre as something between yellow and brown, opaque. Raw sienna is mostly yellowish-brown and transparent.
At the same time, using yellow ochre or raw sienna, they look very alike to a viewer. The viewer does not care about the name of the paint or the brand. They need emotion.
Comparison of PWC and Winsor yellow ochre watercolor paints, showcasing their distinct shades.
Describing a bright yellow color in your artwork as a juicy banana is effective. It gives a clue and brings a memory about a ripe fruit. This description brings you to summer, and you feel energized. So I created my own cool way to describe colors with names from nature and food, berries, veggies and fruits colors TM :)
I pick paint from my Watercolour collection of paints. I choose the name of one of my favorite berries or fruit. This depends on the season and time of year. Some examples of artworks from my recent series of Iris flowers.
… juicy plum, blueberry and peach colors, long stems of mustard colors with background of corn and turmeric colors, little red ladybugs with dripping raindrops are on leaves of color of green apples …
… of juicy banana, strawberry and blueberry, long stems of colors of cappuccino and kiwi with vanilla background of ripe corn, little red ladybug with dripping raindrops are on milky leaves
Colorful watercolor artwork featuring flowers, inspired by nature and food descriptions.
Are you feeling the taste and smell of juicy bananas?:)
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.
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. Paint your world.
Closed eyes, two brushes, one otherworldly being. Ready to meet a new best alien buddy? My imagination went wild after a sci-fi movie marathon and a very relaxing painting process. I obsessed with sci-fi and the magic of bringing alien worlds to life. This sentiment echoes Ray Bradbury The Martian chronicles, particularly Night meeting and movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (at the end of the post, the links for the book and movie are provided.)
I’ve created an E.T.-inspired creature that’s just…well, *out of this world*. Think big eyes, adorable features, but with a twist! What do you think my little alien looks like?:) Imagine Allen, a gentle creature from another world, experiencing the beauty of nature for the very first time.
Transformation of a chaotic watercolor into a whimsical alien creature, showcasing the journey from abstract to imaginative art.
At first glance, it’s abstract. A collision of green and pink, a dance of light and shadow. But look closer… Do you see it? A creature emerges from the chaos, a being both alien and strangely familiar. I added blue to show blue colors of oceans and rivers.
This alien, painted with a touch of cosmic chaos, embodies curiosity and wonder, much like the ancient Greek gods. Is she ( I believe it’s a girl:) one of them? Her gaze reflects the beauty of our planet. The smiling sea and clear skies are part of this beauty. Those sea-blue eyes and mountain-like cheeks, head with rivers and lakes are just admiring our beautiful Earth. What do you see in her eyes?
A creative representation of an alien face intertwined with nature, embodying curiosity and connection to Earth.
The technique watercolor clausura is amazing. It sparks countless ideas. These ideas echo in your memory. Inspired by ancient Greek gods & sci-fi books and movies, my alien painting explores curiosity & wonder. My alien’s smile, reflecting the sea & sky, reminds us of the wonder in the unfamiliar. What myths & stories inspire your art?
A watercolor painting of an alien creature. It has oversize blue eyes and a colorful, Earth-like texture. The painting embodies curiosity and a connection to nature.
This creature, born from a blind painting with closed eyes, two brushes, two watercolor paints, shares that same gentle curiosity. Its eyes, pools of deep blue, seem to gaze out at our world with a mixture of wonder and understanding. Its head and cheeks are sculpted by the accidental strokes of the brush. They are like miniature mountains and rivers. They are a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature. It’s a being that seems to admire the Earth, to appreciate the very chaos from which it was born. Do you like this technique? Please share your comments – would love to read them!
Ever wondered what an alien’s perspective on Earth would be? Let’s find out! Join me in a closed-eyes painting experiment. Share your creations using #ArtChallenge.
This painting isn’t just about colors and shapes. It’s about the unexpected result and ideas you find when you let go of control. It’s about embracing the unknown.My alien, adorned with mountain ranges, invites you to share your own artistic visions. What inspires you? Let’s connect & create!
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 and architecture.
Unleash your inner child! Close your eyes, grab some paint, and let your emotions flow onto the canvas. You might surprise yourself with what emerges. Art Beyond Earth: Explore Sci-fi Cosmic Creativity.
The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of Clausura. Let’s inspire each other! #Clausura #HolidaySpirit #ArtInspiration #CreativeCommunity
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. Holiday spirit for creative community. How about to dive into a world of color?
Are you ready to unleash your inner artist and let the colors flow? In today’s post, I am exploring the captivating world of watercolor clausura. I learned this in my watercolor course many years ago. This is my favorite technique especially during this Magic Holidays period.
The watercolor painting with Clausura technique captures the serene beauty of a scuba diver. The diver explores a vibrant sea kingdom, teeming with life appearing from nowhere:)
Before and After. Scuba diving and Marine life
How? I will share my experiments with this magic technique. You need two brushes. Choose two of your favorite watercolor paints. Get some watercolor paper (300 g). Put on your favorite music with headphones. Most importantly, make sure you have time. Close your eyes and paint with two brushes, completely spontaneously!
Before. What is it? Looks like Marine life, some fishes and a face of a person;)
As the colors blend and dance across the canvas, immerse yourself in the moment. Savor the joy of artistic expression. When you’re finished, take a moment to pause and listen – the painting just whispers something special to you. And if you’re unsure of what the painting is trying to tell you, don’t worry. Try shifting your perspective – turn the painting from vertical to horizontal, or view it from top to bottom. Sometimes, the true beauty of the art reveals itself in unexpected ways.
And your watercolor clausura painting may just shock you with its oddly charming beauty—like the artsy cousin of your stick figures—much like this delightfully dramatic scene of scuba diving and marine life.
After, with imagination painting. Scuba diving and Marine life
So, grab your brushes, embrace the spontaneity, and let the music and colors guide you on a one-of-a-kind artistic journey. Are you ready to discover what your inside voice has to say through the captivating art of watercolor clausura? Let’s dive in and unleash our creativity together!
This is a spontaneous and freeing painting technique. It will ignite your creativity! To start, grab two watercolor brushes and two of your favorite colors. Whether you prefer a dry or wet paper, the choice is yours. Now, close your eyes and immerse yourself in the soothing melodies of your favorite music. Let the rhythm guide your hand as you paint.
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. Intuitive art, and timeless tale.
I am sharing my artistic journey, highlighting the process and inspirations. The creative process is spontaneous, intuitive and enjoyment! My next funny artwork has the connection between art and literature.
Before and after: a watercolor transformation showcasing the artistic journey from abstract to the detailed fox artwork.
Painting with eyes closed, using two brushes, led to a surprising “Fox & Roosters” artwork. In my earlier posts, I described the unique process of watercolor clausura. It involves painting intuitively with eyes closed, using two hands and two brushes. A suggestion for any artist, just step outside a comfort zone – you might discover hidden ideas!:)
What is it? For me it looks like a little fox with its sly eyes and sharp ears! It was inspired by La Fontaine’s “The Raven and the Fox” depicts a scene where the fox outwits the rooster:)
Honestly, before this, I had never drawn roosters or foxes. Then, I saw the outline of a cunning fox’s face. What do these outlines remind you of? I reread this fable with eternal truths, in a beautiful version of French poetry.
The resulting outlines of this experiment is the fox’s face show the triumph of cunning. It based on the beautiful French poetic La Fontaine’s fable “The Raven and the Fox”. (Le coq et le renard, II.15) . And the oldest Greek fable “The Cock, the Dog and the Fox” by Aesop. (Ο πετεινός και η αλεπού Οι Μύθοι του Αισώπου). (at the end of the post, the links for the tales are provided.)
Both fables are about the same message, the timeless and universal appeal of a truth as old as time. The rooster’s empty-handedness highlights the importance of outsmarting those who are too clever. And it leaves the fox empty-handed:)
The moral is to outwit a too cunning fox, eternal truths that can be applied in life. Appearances can be deceiving. Sometimes, the sweetest words hide the sharpest claws.
Yes, experience of the connection between art and literature is the unexpected!
Well… my imagination plus my hands themselves painted something that I would never have thought of or remembered. Art merged with poetry and classical literature. This combination gave me the opportunity for a new experience to paint unusual objects. These ideas were in my own head, which is much more interesting. If someone is lack of art ideas what to paint next topic or plot- here you go!:)
After, with imagination painting. Fox and Roosters. Don’t let a charming smile fool you:) The cunning fox’s face emerged unexpectedly, a testament to the power of imagination:) Voila
How about an idea of series of paintings with other La Fontaine fables with strong moral lessons. I think it can lead to very interesting experiment:) Where art meets fable.
Sometimes the beauty of this approach lies in its spontaneity and unexpected results. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your imagination guide you. The combination of your intuitive painting style and your literary inspiration is a unique and powerful creative force. Hope it helps my artist colleagues with multiple ideas for paintings:)
Unleash your inner artist and experience the unexpected!
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 and 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.
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. A vibrant explosion of color, rhythm, and unexpected artistry at the Crocodile & Dance Festival!
I am continuing to create a series of wildlife artwork while “blindfolded”. I use two brushes in two hands and two paints:) I call this series watercolor clausura. There is another completely unexpected and funny accident!
What is this? Looks like a vibrant-colored and round dance:)
When I saw this sketch, it reminded me of a Matisse painting. The vibrant Matisse colors and flowing fabrics caught my attention. I also recognized the crocodile-like forms, what do you think?
Initially, it was an idea that looked like a crocodile birthday painting with Matisse’s palette. Sometimes, you need to allow yourself to be a child with pure, bright tones. It was a festival of colors, with the muzzle of a crocodile. It felt like two crocodiles were dancing. Doesn’t it resemble a dance?
This is the magic of imagination. Crocodiles and Dance Festival. Crocodiles are round dancing or maybe twist. The swirling lines and bold colors of a Matisse painting sparked my imagination. I envisioned a crocodile birthday party, where the creatures seemed to dance across the canvas.
Or maybe it is a romantic evening in a surreal dream escape? I even hear the rhythm and tempo that would suit a crocodile dance, musical piece inspired by this image. Something playful, with a slightly jazzy or Latin feel:) I even did some crocodile research! Do you know the alligators and crocodiles are not the same creatures? Their behavior, habitats, and even their movements inspired a new artistic idea:)
Before and After. Crocodiles and a Dance Festival One person sees two dancing crocodiles. Another maybe sees abstract shapes or simply a vibrant color scheme.
As the artist, I see the symbolic power of animals. Crocodiles, often linked to danger and primal power, are here transformed into playful dancers. This symbolic shift highlights the malleability of meaning. Artistic representation reshapes our understanding of the world.
Crocodiles and a Dance Festival, it is my Matisse-Inspired mashup. The first spark came from a surprising source. It was a childlike rendering of a crocodile’s birthday, reminiscent of a Matisse painting. The vibrant, pure tones conjured a different image. They suggested not just a birthday celebration but a lively dance. The almost abstract lines, characteristic of Matisse’s style, unexpectedly changed. They formed the sinuous curves of two crocodiles. The crocodiles are locked in a playful, almost balletic, embrace. Doesn’t it resemble a dance? Absolutely!
Crocodiles & Carnival! This vibrant design started as a playful idea – a Matisse-inspired crocodile birthday, bursting with pure, festival colors!
As for me, the Matisse influence is key. His bold use of color shapes the whimsical nature of this imagined festival. He simplifies forms skillfully. He evokes emotion through seemingly simple lines. The crocodiles, rendered in a style echoing Matisse’s cut-outs, as symbolic figures. They represent primal energy that harmonizes with the celebratory spirit of the dance.
For the art enthusiasts. Maybe I will do a new Matisse-Inspired crocodile dance series, do you like this idea? I will develop a series of artworks inspired by Matisse’s style. These will feature dancing crocodiles. Each piece will show a different dance style. Another idea is exploring different dance styles – from ballet to modern to folk dances, or mood, who knows? It is an amazing technique. You paint something unusual with closed eyes, both hands, and two colors. Then something magical happens. Well, it looks like Matisse meets the Nile. The “Crocodile Dance Festival” is a fusion of the unexpected. This festival promises a vibrant and unforgettable experience. It’s a testament to the power of imagination. A childlike rendering combines with an artistic vision. This collision creates something entirely new and captivating.
Art, dance, and a touch of the wild! A vibrant artwork of dancing crocodiles at the Crocodile & Dance Festival, showcasing playful colors and joyful spirits.
The Crocodile & Dance Festival promises an unforgettable experience. Share this with a friend who needs a dose of fun!
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 and 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
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. Find your flow: Discover intuitive art.
Blindfolded, two brushes, two paints, and a whole lot of happy accidents! My baby elephant with a dreamy look was created from my memory in Rome. This happened when I looked at Bernini’s statue Elephant and Obelisk( Obelisco della Minerva).
A comparison of the watercolor technique showcasing the transformation of abstract blue strokes into a charming baby elephant portrait.
I looked at my “art” that I did with closed eyes, 2 brushes technique. My imagination helped to find that this is a baby elephant with dreamy eyes:). I looked at photos of African wildlife. I explored some surrealist art and cartoons for inspiration. This is my tip, the key is to have fun and let your creativity flow. The clausura technique with closed eyes is already a playful approach. Embrace the unexpected results. Let them guide your artistic journey. Don’t worry about creating perfect representations; focus on capturing the essence and personality of each animal in your unique style.
Before. What is it? It looks like an elephant for me:)
Painting a blue elephant with the clausura technique (blind contour painting with two brushes and closed eyes) is inherently funny. It sets a great tone for a wildlife series. Let’s brainstorm some ideas to build on this together:)
This little blue elephant with dreamy eyes channels my inner Bernini. It has less Baroque drama and more goofy charm. It is the first in a series exploring the unexpected – African wildlife! Who knew closed eyes and clausura could lead to a safari adventure? Is this a dream? Maybe it’s just the beginning of a wild ride! Usually I do not limit myself to realistic backgrounds. I am using abstract shapes, bold colors, or even incorporate found objects into the paintings.
Another tip, be brave and experiment with color palettes and different color combinations. Unexpected colors are fun!:) bright pink giraffe, a lime green lion, or an orange zebra, why not?:)
How about a “surreal safari” – animals in unexpected colors or situations. A pink giraffe in a polka-dot landscape, a lime-green lion lounging on a rainbow, etc. The clausura technique will add to the whimsical nature. As an artists we might give each animal a distinct personality. Use posture and expression to achieve this. Even with closed eyes, you can convey personality through brushstrokes.
This little baby elephant has a dreamy look. It is painted with watercolor clausura techniques. This artwork captures the quiet magic of the predawn light.
One of my rules is not to be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes may add to the humor and charm of your work. This blue baby elephant maybe a fantastic starting point for a truly unique and memorable artistic journey , who knows?;)
A whimsical watercolor painting of a baby elephant, showcasing dreamy blues and playful brushstrokes, perfect for inspiring creativity in art.
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 and 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.
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.
Feeling stuck? Try a 2-brush, 2-paint challenge! You might surprise yourself with the beauty you uncover. and please share your creations!
Let’s continue to learn about clausura: where creativity meets tradition
Clausura: A History of Creativity. In the 16th century, the first academies of architecture and art in Europe set the groundwork for student evaluations. They assessed true knowledge and skills in a rather unusual way.
At the end of the semester, students entered separate rooms where they were locked up. This process, known as clausura, tested their creativity and abilities in drawing, painting, and sculpture. This system led to the creation of graphic images and layouts known as clauses. These clauses became the visual representation of a student’s creativity and talents. Today, clausura legacy continues through practical assessments. It also persists in creative evaluations in art and architecture schools globally.
Before and After. Wildlife, sunset and palms. Transformation of a watercolor painting, showcasing the evolution from ‘Before’ to ‘After’ with vibrant colors and artistic techniques.
Let your imagination run wild! What creatures do you see in this piece? Tell me in the comments:)
This is what I see: Golden hour magic. Two cheeky monkeys are totally captivated by the evening twilight! Painted with watercolor and the *clausura* technique, this piece captures the serenity and vibrancy of the sunset. What’s your favorite part of the day? What’s your favorite thing about sunsets? Mine is definitely the way they paint the sky! This palm tree art perfectly captures that feeling.
This painting just *happened*. It is a spontaneous explosion of color and emotion. The artwork captures more than just a scene. It conveys the pure, awe-inspiring feeling of being there.
Bringing the wild to life, one brushstroke at a time. The process of creating this piece is truly inspiring me.
The clausura history highlights how important practical assessments are. Hands-on evaluations are crucial to accurately gauge a student’s skills and abilities.
The next time you see a stunning painting, remember that it might be the result of a tradition. A breathtaking sculpture or an awe-inspiring building might also have origins in tradition. This tradition dates back to the 16th century.
Relaxing place in a home with sunset and wildlife painting
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 and 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.
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. 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.
For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. How about to dive into a world of color?
Are you ready to unleash your inner artist and let the colors flow? In today’s post, I am exploring the captivating world of watercolor clausura. I learned this in my watercolor course many years ago. This is my favorite technique especially during this Magic Holidays period.
The watercolor painting with Clausura technique captures the serene beauty of a scuba diver. The diver explores a vibrant sea kingdom, teeming with life and it seems from nowhere:)
Before and After. Scuba diving and Marine life A vibrant watercolor painting shows a scuba diver. The diver explores a lively underwater scene filled with colorful marine life.
How? I will share my experiments with this magic technique. You need two brushes. Choose two of your favorite watercolor paints. Get some watercolor paper (300 g). Put on your favorite music with headphones. Most importantly, make sure you have time. Close your eyes and paint with two brushes, completely spontaneously!
Before. What is it? Looks like Marina life, some fishes and a face of a person;)
As the colors blend and dance across the canvas, immerse yourself in the moment. Savor the joy of artistic expression. When you’re finished, take a moment to pause and listen – the painting just whispers something special to you. And if you’re unsure of what the painting is trying to tell you, don’t worry. Try shifting your perspective – turn the painting from vertical to horizontal, or view it from top to bottom. Sometimes, the true beauty of the art reveals itself in unexpected ways.
And your watercolor clausura painting may surprise you with its unique and unusual beauty. Just like this captivating example Scuba diving and Marine life.
A vibrant watercolor painting showcasing a scuba diver exploring a lively underwater scene filled with colorful marine life.
So, grab your brushes, embrace the spontaneity, and let the music and colors guide you on a one-of-a-kind artistic journey. Are you ready to discover what your inside voice has to say through the captivating art of watercolor clausura? Let’s dive in and unleash our creativity together!
This is a spontaneous and freeing painting technique. It will ignite your creativity! To start, grab two watercolor brushes and two of your favorite colors. Whether you prefer a dry or wet paper, the choice is yours. Now, close your eyes and immerse yourself in the soothing melodies of your favorite music. Let the rhythm guide your hand as you paint.
The artistic clausura technique adds a captivating depth and dimension, making this piece truly mesmerizing. #watercolorpainting #scubadiving #underwaterworld #seakingdom #artisticclausura #oceanart #marinelife #painting #art #instaart #oceanlover #risovatmogutvse
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.
Beautiful 🌸 gifts from one of my talented art students.
I am so grateful to have such incredible students curious about exploring – and making – their own art with me and helping me learn more in the process with them.
thank you to all of you who inspire me to continue making and sharing and teaching art❤️
Psst! I’m smelling spring in the air (and it smells nothing like pollen allergies, thank goodness for my imagination). It’s coming, and honestly, it can’t come fast enough. Ready for a whirlwind tour? We’re starting in the charming city of Arles, France, where people dress better than me just going to the grocery store. Then we’ll zoom over to the dramatic cliffs near Victoria in Canada (bring vertigo medication!), and finish with the impossibly picturesque little town of Eze near Monaco. Plus, some artworks I’ve randomly created throughout the year because apparently I can’t pick a season and stick with it. Spring is almost here—hooray!
Legend has it that the gods, taking pity on sunflower-deprived humans, created sunflowers so we’d never be without the sun. Because apparently the actual sun wasn’t enough. These botanical mood rings literally follow the sun around all day—rain, shine, or when you’re too tired to get out of bed. No wonder sunflowers symbolize joy, loyalty, and optimism. If only we humans could be as dedicated. Also, dignity. Yes, dignity. Sunflowers are very dignified about their sun-chasing lifestyle.
During my pilgrimage to the glorious (and admittedly a bit overrated but still gorgeous) town of Arles in Provence, I threw myself into painting a sunflower bouquet in a vase with Van Gogh’s spirit channeled through my paintbrush. I even added a glass with artist brushes nearby because nothing says “I’m a serious artist” like surrounding yourself with your painting tools in an artfully chaotic way.
Van Gogh called. He wants his flowers back.
There are actually many undiscovered places where flowers bloom in weird and wonderful landscapes. This painting showcases stunning tulips perched precariously above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean on Vancouver Island. Yes, these flowers are living their best lives on a literal edge. No pressure, though.
Fun fact: The tulip’s name comes from the Persian word for “turban,” which means someone somewhere thought these flowers looked like hats. And honestly? I see it. Each color means something too—red tulips scream “I love you”, while I imagine yellow tulips whisper “I love you but like, casually.”
Tulips living dangerously. No safety net. No regrets.
Personally? Tulips are my spirit flower. They symbolize spring, fresh starts, freedom, and that inexplicable joy you feel when you don’t have to wear seventeen layers of clothing anymore. Pure happiness in flower form.
Orange and violet tulips: nature showing off again.
Now, what about painting cacti perched above the Mediterranean Sea alongside gorgeous stone women statues? (Asking for a friend… who is me.)
Cacti, sea views, stone ladies. Basically a dream vacation.
#VanGogh (or as I like to call it, “Channeling My Inner Van Gogh”) paper—specifically The National Gallery watercolour paper album, which I highly recommend if you also want to pretend you’re as talented as a tortured genius. It’s basically bottled confidence. For more of my chaotic artistic musings, check the link in my bio. Bon voyage! Until the next travel adventure!
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
The tools of my trade (because adulting means having hobbies that require specific, expensive supplies): 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.). Yes, I’m fancy about my paper. Yes, it matters.
Celebrating Creativity: Wine and Paint Night Experience
So proud of the team:) Wine and paint night with team of 4 intelligent and creative people.
Celebrating creativity at a wine and paint night with the team, showcasing beautiful watercolor masterpieces.
We are using next Watercolour paints
We combined Cotman cadmium red and cadmium red pale paints.
For green colour, we used Cotman Sap green and Van Gogh Hoocker’s green deep.
Our paper album is Fabriano Acquarello cold pressed 300 g/m2.
A collage of watercolor paintings created during a team wine and paint night, showcasing creativity and advanced glazing techniques.
Technique was advanced, glazing with 3 layers. I am so proud of these master pieces! Will continue to create workshops, already have several ideas.
Celebrating creativity with a wine and paint night, showcasing our team’s beautiful watercolor masterpieces!
A talented artist showcasing her watercolor painting during a creative team night.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 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.
For Inktober I bought two new albums and tested both, Rhodia and Clairefontaine Goldline. Both have great quality of paper,hmm not easy desicision..:)
I chose Rhodia ink album, Noodler’s ink and Lamy pen for my Inktober 31 days maraphon 2021. Let’s start FUN!:)
The October 1st prompt is Crystal. I choose our daughter’s souvenir from Denver, USA as my reference to draw a crystal. A little iron horse is standing on a postament made from ametist.
Crystal of ametist has interesting option to refract light and its dark view has magical power to this stone, looks like very fregile and light but it is strong and beautiful. Did you know that crystals were used by some medieval poets as a way to question desire and the wonder of love?:)
My discovery that ink drawing is easy to do with Lines and Spots and enjoy the process:) And one more thought, next time during my travelling I will buy more souverirs, they are the best memory:)
I am adding my stamp with logo of Travel and Art that I did by myself and date for my records.
And I am ready for tomorrow’s Inktober prompt – Suit.
This is the 1st time I decided to participate in the famous global challenge Inktober 31 days maraphon. Let’s start FUN!:) Here is the official site with prompts and rules https://inktober.com/
My drawings Inktober will be based on some little stories about travel, happened in past and planning future ones. It will be about my favourite places in France, Italy, Spain, motherland Belarus and my current home country Canada, maybe I will discover new places with my virtual travel and art.
Who knows it will be an easy or hard journey for future 31 days or after couple days my regular full time job tasks will stop my optimism to do daily drawings and posts and move it away with Toronto fall windy weather.. will see:)
My goal is attempt to learn something new and be part of my colleagues artists in all countries. I am inviting everybody to join our community:)
I am planning to use watercolor paper and black ink, maybe will add some light tones with other ink’s colours or some watercolours, will see how it goes. The October 1st prompt is Crystal, until tomorrow:)
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
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.)
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.
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 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
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.
This post is a collection of my October daily sketches, but we’re jumping straight to winter. Because why follow a calendar like normal people?
Toronto’s winter is basically nature’s way of saying “time to stay indoors and contemplate your life choices.” Think snow, think wind, think your home suddenly becomes a cozy fortress where you can enjoy the view from your window while secretly judging people who actually venture outside. There’s ice skating (bring your bruises), and a festive Christmas-New Years atmosphere that makes you forget your heating bill exists.
Fair warning: All paintings in this post are refugees from previous seasons. Consider them time travelers.
Ontario Place in winter, immortalized in oil. Pro tip: If you squint really hard at this painting, you can spot the CN Tower looming in the distance—you know, that charming 0.5 km tall landmark that Toronto residents can see from literally everywhere, even from their nightmares.
Spot the CN Tower. No seriously, it’s in there somewhere.
Winter at Toronto Music Garden downtown? Chef’s kiss. Fancy lights everywhere, a stunning CN Tower backdrop, and—here’s the plot twist—a couple of bright yellow summer beach chairs just casually hanging out on the frozen Ontario lake, apparently on strike from summer and refusing to acknowledge they’re in the wrong season.
Beach chairs on ice. Summer is in denial.
Queens Quay West and Spadina: The year is ending, and Toronto’s streetcar is basically in a mad dash to the finish line! This imaginary masterpiece features a Toronto tram hurtling toward the New Year like it’s late for a very important date, complete with Christmas sled deer (yes, deer—stay with me), flying gifts, and a suspiciously placed bucket of champagne just waiting to get obliterated by a speeding tram. What could go wrong? Happy Holidays will be welcoming… especially this year :)
Yet another Toronto Music Garden watercolor! Featuring: one lonesome snowman, striking a philosophical pose with the CN Tower as his existential backdrop, and a shimmering silver Christmas ball judging his life choices. This was painted during a winter when Toronto actually got snow—yes, that rare, mythical phenomenon. Spoiler: snow doesn’t usually crash this far south near Ontario lake. When it does, locals act like they’ve discovered a new planet.
Or maybe it was a family having the time of their lives, engaged in the ancient tradition of hurling snowballs at each other and collaborating on a frosty monument to their own architectural ambitions.
Behold: A breathtakingly frosty twilight of downtown Toronto—complete with the Financial district’s fortress of high-risers, a cameo by the CN Tower, and Thompson Hall photobombing the party. I even threw in some gold powder because subtlety is overrated.
Gold dust included. You’re welcome.Toronto in winter. Beautiful. Cold. Very cold.
Holiday vibes, zero heating bills pictured.
Gold fantasy extravaganza featuring the CN Tower, Thompson Hall, and Christmas balls so large they probably require their own zip codes.
Romantic. Festive. Definitely not freezing.
The romantic holiday painting with the beautiful night view of Toronto, featuring cheerful downtown during the holiday season. Clock counts down minutes to the New Year, Champagne is ready.
…and winter sunset skyline of Toronto downtown with CN Tower and Rogers centre. My dream shows lots of Christmas balls up in the air with my favorite places in Toronto – CN Tower, Rogers centre, Zoo, ROM Museum, Thompson Hall, Union station, AGO Museum, Pearson airport balls. Everybody can find their interesting places and buildings in the city. Watercolour painting with the landmarks and museums of the City on the Christmas balls, impressionism
Blue hour. Deep thoughts. Frozen toes.
The Toronto Music Garden at night, now in moody blue. Very brooding. Very mysterious. Very “I’m contemplating why I’m standing outside in the snow.”
The snowman has seen things. He stares into the void.
Fingers crossed that my Toronto posts successfully convince you that this city is beautiful and welcoming! (The winter part is negotiable.)
Bon voyage! Until the next adventure :) Stay healthy, stay warm, stay away from icy patches.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission. (Yes, I’m watching.)
Tools used for my painting: Watercolour by Charvin and Van Gogh brands (yes, THE Van Gogh—no big deal), Derwent watercolour pencils that cost more than my rent, and Faber Castell artist pens for the details. Paper by Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.) – perfect for when you want your masterpieces portable-sized.
Welcome to the grand finale of my daily “travel and art” expedition through my home city Toronto—specifically October, when the weather couldn’t decide if it was summer or fall and everyone just wore a hoodie with the faint hope they’d covered all their bases. This post is about my neighborhood and that delightful little oasis called the Music Garden, where I pretend I’m culturally sophisticated when really I just wanted a place to sketch away from distracting squirrels.
Yes, that lamp is judging you.
The current unusual year with #stayhome and #lockdown is giving me the “opportunity” (read: forced chance) to discover the bright and friendly place I live in. Turns out when you can’t leave your city, you get really creative about appreciating it. Who knew?
The tram that never waited for anyone.
This painting is mostly for fun :) Honestly, the main subject is that bright yellow street sign screaming “Sidewalk maybe slippery” at the pedestrians—because nothing says “artistic endeavor” like immortalizing municipal warnings in watercolor. I may or may not have laughed while painting it.
I used to trudge this way every morning to my office like a regular working human. Not this year! Almost all locals are now professional Zoom dwellers, except for our essential and frontline workers—thank you, seriously! This particular bridge? It’s on Spadina avenue at Front street, where I stand looking artistically contemplative while secretly plotting which coffee shop to revisit.
Nature doing its best impression of a painting.
Still prettier than my apartment.
The Music Garden is still blooming, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge that autumn exists. Apparently Mother Nature didn’t get the memo about the seasonal calendar this year, which honestly? Respect.
The garden, unbothered, thriving, iconic.
My fall “travel and art” adventure in October’s Toronto has officially concluded. Turns out there are buckets of lovely places in and around the city if you’re brave enough to venture beyond your kitchen during a lockdown. (Spoiler: I was.)
High Park in fall. No filter needed — but I used one anyway.
I documented some of my daily sketches this month, capturing my “art office” in all its chaotic glory—you know, that corner where I pretend to look professional while surrounded by paint-stained brushes, mysterious crumbs, and at least three empty coffee cups. It’s organized chaos. Mostly chaos.
Bon voyage! Until the next adventure :) Stay healthy—and more importantly, stay creative!
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission. (Yes, I’m protective of my work. You would be too if you’d spent this much time not getting paid for it.)
Tools used for my painting: Watercolor by Charvin and Van Gogh (the fancy stuff that makes you feel fancy for approximately 0.5 seconds before you drip it on your sleeve). Derwent watercolor pencils and Faber Castell artist pens (because I like to mix media and confuse myself). Paper: Strathmore Watercolor and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)—perfect for when you want to create art but also maintain your sanity by keeping it to a manageable size.
My daily sketches’ journey in October 2020 is very close to the end. The next chapter is Old #Toronto.
Gooderham and Worts Distillery National Historic Site of Canada with industrial skyline of pitched roofs, turrets, chimney stacks and parapet.
When every chimney has retired but still dresses for the occasion.
Brick by brick, century by century — still standing, still judging your latte choices.
Old buildings staring down the new ones like: ‘We were here first.’
There are abandoned buildings with modern city’s buildings as background. Paintings were done as mixed of watercolour pencils, watercolour paints and acrylic, above added oil to add some texture for bricks.
I added cum clouds for peaceful sky and keep the interest in the scene to substitute buildings’ pipes that do not smoke anymore.
Abandoned? Prefer ‘vintage and unbothered.’
Cobblestones: lovingly restored. Tourist elbows: free of charge.
A lovingly rebuilt historic district that’s now so touristy, even the cobblestones are posing for selfies—yet somehow the old spirit still refuses to check out.
Canada Malting Site .It is one of two remaining silos in Toronto’s Harbourfront in Ontario, Canada. It is almost 100 years.
The museum and house Sir William Campbell is a vibrant public space where members of Toronto’ communities giving life to the words “freedom of expression.” Painting was done as combination of fountain pen with watercolour paints.
Almost 100 years old and still not on TikTok. Respect.
Toronto’s CN Tower, casually photobombing downtown with its reflection on the surrounding buildings, has been the city’s superstar landmark for the last 45 years. That basically makes it ancient history by our young country and city standards. CN originally stood for Canadian National, the railway company that decided, “You know what would be fun? A *massive* tower.” At over half a kilometer tall (555 m), the CN Tower spent more than three decades as the reigning champ of tallest building, tower, and freestanding structure—because apparently “really, really tall thing” needed multiple categories.
The CN Tower refused to be painted directly. A diva to the last pixel.
I decided to be “original” and painted this famous building, the CN Tower, not directly, but as a reflection in the fancy high-rises that try very hard to look taller than Canada’s tallest landmark:) I splashed in deep blue and juicy raspberry colours for a slightly over-the-top romantic vibe. This early-dawn scene was painted in the morning before work hours—because coffee and sunrise apparently make me think I’m a landscape poet with a paintbrush.
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 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.)
Daily sketches in downtown Toronto with some funny sculptures. In this post I am adding 3 interesting sculptures and architecture that are located at one park, very convenient for the artists, locals and tourists:)
Dog Fountain at Berczy park. 2020 new reality. I saw some disposable masks on the sculptures of dogs. It is still one of the favorite meet point for friends in the city:) I added coolers of sour cream, tobacco and cappuccino to add warmth of the last days of the Indian summer.
Toronto downtown beautiful Flatiron building by architector Derek Besant. It has a narrow angle from one side, but I like its facade on Berczy park, overlooking the square, like the wrapped edges of autumn leaves. I using colors salmon + rose + vanilla
And another weird and fanciful sculpture of hands out of the ground. Maybe they are life-giving hands of the Earth?:) In my painting I used matte and very deep black with indigo, grass is an autumn shade of flax. The background is the peach-colored building Flatiron building at Berczy park.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission
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.)
My “travelling and art” journey in my city of Toronto, and the next chapter is some… weird sculptures:) The idea is to enjoy a city and study its history and architecture while walking around the city and making sketches.
“Between the eyes” Toronto street sculpture, Ontario. We know how the smile of the Cheshire Cat looks like from the book Alice’s Adventures popularized by Lewis Carroll. My guess that the sculpture shows how the Cheshire Cat’s eyes look like:) I added some silver powder to my painting with sea-colored and raspberry paints for the buildings on Yonge street.
Another weird and funny statue is “Rising” in downtown of Toronto, at University avenue. I would say that it is a combination of an animal …maybe an elk or.. a deer or… an elephant in combination with the branches of forest’ trees. The “Rising” like the Atlant carries on himself the whole colossus of a high rise building. I added spicy brown color to the wall that gives some warmth to the cold silver’s colour of the statue.
The next interesting composition called “Fair grounds”, consists of four pairs of stainless chairs in the middle of a street Wellington W. at John st. One pair of the chairs is “looking” in the same direction, representing a “familiar/family” relationship. The 2nd pair is “arguing” as they are set back to back, just like when two people don’t want to look at or talk to each other. The 3rd pair is “friends”: they are set facing each other, just like friends who sit down to have a chat. And the last pair is set near each other but they are looking in different directions – just like “strangers” would.
Some of these chairs are elegant, some are simple, and each has a unique style, just like people… Next time you walk by these, have a seat at this unique composition. It’d be interesting to see which pair of chairs you would chose: “Family”, “Arguing”, “Friends” or “Strangers”?:)
And adding the bright sketch of Red canoe. Why I am adding this drawing to the post with the weird statues? Because this red boat is standing on top of my neighborhood’s hill!:) Nice warm weather is helping for outdoor art. Enjoying the sun and fresh air and local sketching exersises!:)
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 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.)
I am starting a new journey. This time it will be “travelling” in my own city. I am planning to do daily sketches of city of Toronto, showing my preferred places, sometimes bright spots on its streets, sometimes… weird sculptures:)))) , the multicultural megapolis that is in harmony with its people.
Woodpecker Column – Toronto, Ontario at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Metro Convention Centre’s woodpecker. This bird symbolizes construction, hardworking people of Ontario. It is prophetic bird, symbol of magical power, guardian of kings and trees. Even in mythology, the woodpecker is dedicated to Zeus (Jupiter), Ares (Mars), Sylvanu. In the eternal city of Rome, the woodpecker is said to have guarded Romulus and Remus, according legends.
Monument of culturalism. The statue of a man who uses all his strength to tighten the meridians of globe in this multinational city. On the “meridians” one can notice some birds perched up.
This is a place where residents or visitors of Toronto arrive or leave by subway, tram, bus, train, or airport. It is the heart of Toronto with its historical Union station. The statistics say that it has an average of 200,000 passengers passing through it each day. However, during the lockdown, that number was only 10% of its usual stat. In my hope for the best (and healthy) future, I captured the moment when the sky har the mixture of chocolate and rose hues. To complement it, I added some shades of coffee and vanilla to the sculpture.
Bike share Toronto. Who doesn’t know these famous bicycles in the streets of Toronto the colour of green apple? There are stations all over the city, including near the Harbour Centre, CN Tower and Rogers centre. You can rent a bicycle and spend a great time cycling for example near Ontario lake.
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:) Stay healthy.
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 is Deserres @Spadina avenue.
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.)
Still life and urban sketching. Where I convince tiny flowers to sit still for their portraits while dodging pigeons in European streets.
Why do I love daisies? Because they’re basically flower emojis that actually exist. Adorable, cheerful, and completely indifferent to my sketching abilities.
Daisies in the wild. They had no idea I was about to make them famous.
I genuinely hope to return to a truly cozy Norman village in the near future. You know, the kind where every cobblestone has probably been stepped on by centuries of people who knew how to properly enjoy apple cider and weren’t obsessed with their phone cameras. Picture this: leisurely evening strolls down the main street, gawking at the kind of farm architecture that makes you question every design choice you’ve ever made, ducking into tiny restaurants that smell like butter and dreams, and pairing crisp apple cider with slices of camembert so good you’ll question why you’ve wasted money on cheese your whole life.
White daisies: looking effortlessly elegant since forever. Unlike me before coffee.
Here’s a fun daisy fact that I definitely verified on Wikipedia (so you know it’s true): the word “daisy” is the French word “marguerite,” which sounds way more exotic and romantic. In Greek, it means “pearl” — which explains why they’re basically the Beyoncé of flowers. The English “daisy” comes from Old English “daeges eage,” meaning “day’s eye.” Our word “day” comes from “dawn,” so basically daisies are just flower alarm clocks. The term “day’s eye” refers to how the flower opens its petals in the morning and closes them at night, like a tiny botanical snooze button. Cute? Absolutely. Slightly controlling? Let’s not judge.
Early summer morning — the kind where everything is still wet with dew and the moist grass looks almost black in the shadow. This is the moment I attempted to paint marguérites (fancy name, same flower) in watercolor. Featuring the majestic shasta daisy: nature’s way of saying “I’m delightful AND low-maintenance.”
Watercolor daisies. Took 2 hours. They still look happier than I do on Mondays.
Plot twist: in the Middle Ages, daisies were called the “Romanov Flower.” Honestly, they should still go by that name. It makes them sound like royalty instead of something a five-year-old picked for you because you were standing still long enough.
In ancient Egypt, daisies were dedicated to Ra, the sun god. Clearly, ancient Egyptians had excellent taste and questionable work priorities. Meanwhile, the Greek name translates to “white flower,” which honestly is just giving up on poetry entirely.
Summer daisies at golden hour. Even flowers know how to pose better than most people.
Unpopular opinion: the whole “he loves me, he loves me not” petal-plucking game is deeply pessimistic and needs a rebrand. My version goes: “he loves me, he loves me dearly, he loves me tenderly, he loves me passionately, he loves me…” (you get the idea). This way, your mood is GUARANTEED to be good, and the daisy feels validated that she didn’t sacrifice her petals for nothing. The daisy is pleased. The daisy is wise. The daisy says: “Guess the right way, love and be loved.” So believe the daisy, because it will absolutely confirm that your person loves you! (Even if the original game said otherwise. Trust the flower, not the math.) 😊
Still life. The daisy was still. I was not.
Another watercolor masterpiece starring the glamorous Gerbera daisy, nature’s way of saying “regular daisies, but make it EXTRA.”
Want to nerd out about Giverny? (And honestly, who doesn’t?) Check out the Foundation Monet at fondation-monet.com/en/giverny/ — it’s basically a pilgrimage site for everyone who has ever been emotionally affected by water lilies and French gardens.
Can’t find it? No problem. Giverny’s address is 84 rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny. GPS coordinates probably not required, since it’s the place where literally everyone is taking the same photo.
Bon voyage! Until the next adventure. Stay happy, and hug a daisy for me.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission. (The author has very strong feelings about this and also a decent lawyer.)
Daisies have already helped millions of lovesick romantics settle the eternal question: does this person actually like me, or are they just being nice? (Spoiler: the flower doesn’t know either, but at least it looks pretty while lying.)
Recited solemnly while engaged in the delicate art of aggressive petal plucking—because apparently, we decided flowers could predict love better than therapy ever could.
He loves me, He loves me not. He loves me, He loves me not. He loves me, He loves me not…
(Narrator voice: “The flower had no opinions on the matter.”)
Petals: the original dating app. No wifi required.
Watercolour painting of a flower plume of daisy petals—captured before they could escape the romantic nonsense being projected onto them.
Giverny. With the arrival of spring, the first flowers appear in Claude Monet’s garden—hyacinths, daffodils, pansies, and daisies all staging a botanical fashion show that makes the rest of us look bad by comparison.
Monet’s garden in spring — where even the flowers are better dressed than you.
Giverny is a small village in Normandy where the home and garden of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet is located—basically the botanical equivalent of a celebrity mansion, except the residents are flowers and the paparazzi are just a bunch of very serious garden enthusiasts.
A summer hat painting. For when you want to look chic but a daisy already stole your spotlight.
Watercolour painting: a bird’s-eye view of daisies—painted from the perspective of someone who probably should have been working, but got distracted by flowers instead (relatable).
Bird’s-eye view of daisies. They had no idea they were being watched. Classic daisies.
#workfromhome goals: We are dreaming, planning future vacations around the world, and learning other languages. In my example, French—because nothing says “I’m productive” like avoiding actual work by becoming weirdly fluent in compliments and croissant-related vocabulary. :)
Fantasy. French countryside vibes. Currently unavailable to anyone with a job and responsibilities.
You might visit the Foundation Monet website to learn more about Giverny—or you could just stare at it longingly on the internet for free like most of us mortals do. http://fondation-monet.com/en/giverny/
Giverny address: 84 rue Claude Monet 27620 Giverny
(GPS is optional; just follow the trail of art students and disappointed daisy pluckers.)
Bon voyage! Until the next travel adventure—may your daisies be abundant and your romantic outcomes less dependent on flower petals. :)
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission—unlike the daisies, which are free to be plucked and interrogated by anyone with questions about their romantic future.
Even a regular #MondayMorning could be enjoyable and relaxing—especially when #WorkingFromHome means you can attend Zoom calls in your pajamas. This is the view from my downtown Toronto home office: a dark rye sandwich piled high with salmon (nature’s way of saying “I’m fancy”), a small cup of coffee (the fuel that makes Mondays bearable), and the burning question on every artist’s mind: “What else could an artist possibly need?” Well, possibly some watercolour paint. And maybe a shower. But mostly coffee.
Salmon on rye: because adulting requires at least one fancy breakfast decision.
Paintings with oil pastel: A small cup of coffee for a busy-morning breakfast—because nothing says “healthy nutrition” like caffeinated courage and hope in a ceramic vessel.
Coffee: officially a still life subject AND a survival strategy.
Wild flowers in a vase: fighting back against Toronto grey, one petal at a time.
Paintings with oil pastel. Coffee aromas come in all different flavours: fruity, caramelized, sometimes nutty, and occasionally burnt (which tastes suspiciously like Monday morning mistakes). It always energizes me. I take a few precious moments every morning to savour my coffee while watching the vibrant young Toronto hustle and bustle outside my window—basically, I spy on everyone else’s productivity while I’m still in my pajamas. Living the dream!
A cup of coffee and flowers—what could be better in the morning? Absolutely nothing, unless you count oxygen and consciousness. I add some bright and delicate colours to the grey downtown city landscape of #Toronto to prove that life doesn’t have to be monotone—a wild summer flower bouquet in a vase, basically nature’s rebellion against urban beige.
Bon voyage! Until the next adventure :) Stay healthy, stay caffeinated, and for heaven’s sake, use sunscreen—your future self will thank you.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission. (Yes, even if you think you can sneak it past the internet. You can’t. We all know about screenshots.)
Summer vacation is basically nature’s way of saying “Go forth and create art!” So naturally, the only sensible thing to do is pack paint supplies and pretend you’re not sweating through your shirt. What do you actually need to paint masterpieces in the great outdoors? Just some simple art tools and the delusion that you won’t spill watercolors all over your lap.
Love the summer feeling with this hat
Behold! My beloved art bag—the tiny vessel that somehow holds a travel brush, a modest watercolor paint box, a sketchbook for doodling my failures, AND a silk scarf. That scarf serves dual purposes: it makes me look artistically sophisticated and doubles as a mask when I need to hide from other hikers questioning my life choices.
The whole studio. It fits in a bag. Take that, real artists.
So there I was at #Toronto #downtown, perched on the shore of #Ontario lake, racing against an impending #downpour because apparently I make terrible weather-based decisions. The park was eerily quiet—that perfectly calm, slightly ominous feeling right before a storm hits, with only a few boats gently creaking and swaying on the waves, as if they, too, were nervously waiting for nature’s tantrum to begin.
Boats patiently waiting for the storm. Relatable.
I could literally smell the ozone (which sounds more dramatic than it actually is), so I wisely abandoned ship and sprinted away just before the rain started its assault. But plot twist: I totally captured the pre-storm atmosphere in my painting—see those actual raindrops? I didn’t accidentally get water on the paper; those are intentional artistic choices. I absolutely love summer storms, even when they’re chasing me away like an angry mob.
Those dots are raindrops. On purpose. Obviously.
#Ontario #Kawarta #lakes—This watercolor was painted directly on a boat during a warm summer evening while my husband was fishing approximately one foot away from me in the same tiny boat. The artistic process is truly romantic, except for when you realize you’re both taking up maximum space and someone’s going to accidentally knock over the paint water.
Painted this while my husband caught fish. We both tried our best.
My mission: capture the soft, dreamy evening hues of a charming little cottage on the shore, surrounded by lush green leaves and moody monochrome stones. The lake and those two birches on the high shore? They took me straight back to #Belarus, my motherland—minus the actual traveling part, which is the real dream during #lockdown.
A cottage so cosy it made me homesick for a place I’ve never lived.
Bon voyage, you absolute legends! Until our next adventure. Now go forth and create some art before something terrible happens on the weather front!
All paintings belong to the author and are protected by the international law of “I made this and you can’t copy it.” No image is to be copied without permission. Seriously, don’t do it.
Visiting Carnival in Venice is the kind of over-the-top, feather-filled spectacle that blows every other life event out of the water. But if you’re an artist, it imprints on your brain so hard you’ll be raving about it for the rest of your days. Cold? Raining? Who cares—I was too busy trying to paint every mask in sight before they ran away.
Watercolor painting of a seated figure in a flowing purple cloak and white Venetian carnival mask, holding a small dark object, with an ornate latticed window in the background
Half my sketches look like the subjects suddenly remembered they were late for a gondola and bolted mid-brushstroke. By the end, my camera roll was full, my sketchbook was soaked, and I was seriously considering listing “chasing sequins in a downpour” as a new artistic discipline on my resume.
A colorful expressionist painting of three figures in 18th-century Venetian costumes gathered around a table, with a portrait labeled ‘Casanova’ hanging on the wall behind them. The figures wear ornate blue military-style jackets and tricorn hats, and a dish is visible on the table in the foregroundA bearded artist in a tall red hat, standing beside an easel.
Later I stumbled across Prendergast’s painting, tried to copy it like a total art thief, and ended up absolutely loving the result. Somehow my “master plan” to fake it turned into me squinting at brushstrokes, muttering about color palettes like a wannabe curator, and realizing I might actually be… into this whole painting thing. By the time I was done, I wasn’t sure if I’d honored the original or committed a stylish crime of passion, but I knew I couldn’t wait to “borrow inspiration” again.
after Printergast painting Watercolour painting of a rainy day in a Venetian piazza with crowds of people carrying colourful umbrellas in red, pink, blue, and orange crossing an arched stone bridge.
Love Prindergast’ Venetian paintings Umbrellas in Rain and Bridge. I miss these beautiful colourful dresses and umbrellas. I painted my versions of these paintings.
the crowded Venetian bridge, the parasol-carrying figures in period costume, the gas lamp, and the architectural backdrop, with a note that it’s painted after Prentergast
Venice is famous for its moody fog, romantic canals, and so many bridges you’ll start to wonder if the streets ever existed at all—or if Google Maps is just playing an elaborate prank on you. It’s the kind of place where you can get lost three times on the way to breakfast and still feel like you’re in a movie set, dodging pigeons in the piazza and pretending you totally meant to end up in a dead-end alleyway. And just when you think it can’t get any more surreal, along comes Venice Carnival, with masked strangers, lavish costumes, and the constant suspicion that the person in the feathered mask might actually recognize you. Have you ever watched or taken part in the Venice Carnival yourself?
Summer is here! Are you one of those people who gets bizarrely excited about local markets while traveling? Because I am definitely guilty. My favorite one in Rome is practically next door to the Vatican (meaning I can repent immediately after overspending on berries). It’s called Mercato Trionfale, and yes, the address is coming up—patience, my friend!
Our family camped out in a Vatican-adjacent hotel, and we visited Mercato Trionfale so often the vendors probably thought we were casing the joint. But no—we were just on a top-secret berry reconnaissance mission. Berry shopping was our favorite activity. Yes, that’s how wild we live.
For this post, I hunted down the brightest, most absurdly colorful paintings from the market—because apparently I’m obsessed with painting fruit. And not just any fruit, mind you. Only Italian berries would do. My standards are ridiculous, I know.
(And yes, watermelon technically counts as a berry—yes, really. The internet didn’t lie to you this time.)
A watermelon is technically a berry. Botany is a liar and I love it.
Now, cherries. I absolutely adore Italian cherries, especially because they somehow trigger my most sentimental memories. Apparently, my brain associates their aroma with my parents’ summer house—you know, that magical place where there was always a bowl of bright, juicy cherries on the table, sometimes sweet, sometimes shockingly sour (the betrayal!). The smell of cherries instantly transports me to endless summer evenings at the cottage, all leisurely and carefree. Cherries basically smell like bottled joy and femininity and everything summer is supposed to be. Romantic, right? (I’ll wait while you roll your eyes.)
Sweet. Sour. Zero warning. Cherries are the trust-fall of fruit.
My daughter texted me this photo of their breakfast in Positano, Italy—perched dramatically above the Mediterranean Sea with berries, fruit, and orange juice spread out like they were posing for Vogue. Naturally, I was instantly jealous. So, I did what any reasonable artist does: I added myself to the scene by painting in my sketchbook and favorite Staedtler pencil. Problem solved! Now it’s basically like I was there (in my imagination, which is just as good, right?). Fingers crossed my dream trip actually happens someday!
My daughter’s breakfast view. I painted myself into it.
And then there are grapes. Fun fact #1: they’re also berries. Fun fact #2: apparently they’ve been lounging around Earth for 65 million years. Now, here’s where it gets delightfully ridiculous. According to a (probably made-up) ancient legend, grapes showed up eons ago as the children of Earth and Sun. Back then, they didn’t take months to ripen like spoiled celebrities—nope, they went from morning to sunset in one day, like productivity on steroids. The ones that ripened by dawn got the rosy blush from the morning sky and turned pink. The afternoon bunch hoarded the sun’s gold rays and went golden yellow. And the latecomers? They borrowed the Southern night’s dark, velvety blue tones and went deep purple. Essentially, grapes are just showing off their gradient wardrobe collection.
Grapes: 65 million years old, still unbothered, still gorgeous.
And that, my friends, is why grapes come in so many fabulous colors. Voilà! Nature’s color palette at its most extra.
Bon voyage! Until the next travel misadventure! (And stay healthy—berries help with that.)
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission. (Yes, I’m watching. I have eyes.)
Nerdy tools section: All these beauties were painted with Watercolour brands Van Gogh and Cotman. Paper: Canson Mix Media album 28×35 cm (11×14 in.) and Canson Watercolour album 25×35 cm (11×15 in.). Yes, I’m that person with the fancy supplies. Don’t judge.
Mercato Trionfale address (for your pilgrimage): Via la Goletta, 1, Rome. GPS coordinates recommended to avoid wandering around like a lost tourist. (Though we all know you’re going to wander anyway—that’s half the fun.)
#lemon #art #travel #Italy (aka my holy trinity of happiness)
Yellow, sour, fragrant… and absolutely the diva of the citrus world. In tea with sugar? *Chef’s kiss.* It’s pleasant. Also full of vitamins (or so I tell myself between paintings). And its name is LEMON! Perhaps each of us, both adults and children, knows this bright, yellow citrus fruit—unless you’ve been living under a Mediterranean rock your whole life.
Still life. Still delicious. Still not edible.
It was in Italy (the land of carbs, art, and lemons galore) where my family dragged me around the Italian “boot” from top to toe several years ago. Because nothing says “family vacation” like touring every inch of a country! The painting happened in the south of Italy, in one of those charming little towns where time moves slower and espresso is cheaper than water. Naturally.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but this lemon was painted in one. (Lies. It took three.)
Our next stop was the north of Italy, literally the “top of the boot” (geography humor—I’m here all week). Lemon trees were EVERYWHERE on the Borromean islands, like someone’s obsessed Pinterest board came to life. The backdrop? Mountains. Swiss mountains. Beautiful, indifferent, Swiss mountains that made the lemons look even more golden and smug.
Lemon trees: nature’s way of saying ‘you’re in Italy now, calm down.’
The lemons were HUGE. Like, absurdly huge. And their aroma? Everywhere. It was less “fresh citrus scent” and more “olfactory assault in the best way possible.” I still remember the weight of those yellow orbs in my hand—fruit so heavy it could double as a gym weight. Nature’s dumbbell.
Shall we have tea with lemon now? Or should we just sit and contemplate the sheer absurdity of how a little yellow fruit has consumed my entire artistic existence?
Tea. Lemon. Existential peace. You know the vibe.
According to legend (and I’m not making this up, mythology nerds), the aromatic fruits the color of the sun were gifted to Hera’s wedding when she married Zeus. Because if Zeus’s new wife wanted to stay young and beautiful forever, obviously you give her lemons. Logic. The ancient Greeks apparently believed: “Its aroma amuses the mind, the peel and grains are good for the heart, the flesh is excellent food, and the juice quenches thirst.” Basically, lemons are fruit’s overachiever. They’re doing cardio, aesthetics therapy, AND hydration all at once.
All paintings belong to the author. Seriously, don’t copy them. I’m watching. (Jk, but also—don’t.)
Tools used for my paintings: Watercolour brands Van Gogh and Cotman (because why choose when you can be indecisive?). Derwent watercolour pencils for when I need surgical precision on my lemon chaos. Paper from Canson Mix Media albums (28×35 cm / 11×14 in.) and Canson Watercolour albums (25×35 cm / 11×15 in.)—basically, I invested in better paper than I invest in my actual life stability.
Bon voyage! Until the next travel adventure (hopefully with fewer lemons and more personal growth, but let’s be realistic). Stay healthy, stay hydrated, and may your tea always have the perfect squeeze of lemon.
Do you like the smell of oranges as I like it? Sweetish, light, slightly tart and such a sunny smell of orange peel.
Still life with oranges. The oranges were not harmed. The painting took forever.
Oranges remind me about the sunny summer days and New Year’s eve at the same time—which is a bit confusing if you think about it. My mom used to put these little bright balls on the Christmas trees as additional decorations. Later we ate the oranges (because what else would you do with fruit on a Christmas tree?), and the smell was the mixture of summer’s aroma and pine needles’ smell. It was like someone blended vacation and holidays into one delicious, contradictory scent. Such a holiday feeling from these fruits—honestly, oranges deserve a marketing team.
More oranges. Yes, there’s a theme.
This spring we are on hold for travelling (thanks for that, world). I continue “flying” through our family images via my paintings—which is a fancy way of saying I’ve become a professional procrastinator with a paintbrush. My paintings are the versions of some summer photos in Spain, because apparently traveling through a screen is the new normal. Spanish cities have whole alleys of orange trees. I mean, entire streets of them. It’s like someone took a nature documentary and just… paved over it.
Spain called. It smelled like citrus.
Orange paradises with the smell of flowering orange trees are in the cities and their gardens: Barcelona, Cordoba, Madrid, Seville… If you’re looking for a reason to visit Spain besides the architecture, paella, and charming people, well, here it is—an entire country that smells like a delightful citrus dream. Seriously, they should bottle this and sell it as an air freshener. “Spanish Orange Bliss: Guaranteed to make your commute more bearable.”
Painted in Spain. Eaten shortly after.
Cordoba: where the streets are paved with orange trees and good decisions.
There are many interesting legends associated with the orange. One of them claims that it was not an apple, but an orange, that was the forbidden fruit that served as the reason for the expulsion of our ancestors from paradise. Think about it—if Adam and Eve had just been offered an apple like the biblical told us, fine. But an orange? That’s oddly specific. And honestly? If I were Eve, I probably would have eaten it too. Have you tasted an orange? They’re incredible.
The forbidden fruit, allegedly. Worth every consequence.
According to the legend, Eve was succumbing to the temptation of the snake tempter and tasted the fruit of an orange from the tree of knowledge—because apparently tempters have taste. She offered it to Adam, and the archangels blew their trumpets and showered her head with the snow-white, fragrant flowers of an orange tree (orange blossom). It was a moment of divine appreciation, honestly—even the angels were like, “Yeah, okay, that orange move was pretty good, but here are the consequences anyway.” Classic biblical irony. After this delicious episode, Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. So basically, we all owe our suffering to oranges. You’re welcome, humanity.
Orange still life
Last orange. For now. (It wasn’t the last orange.)
Bon voyage! Until the next travel :) if you find yourself in Spain, send me orange blossom perfume back, would you?)
Tools used for my painting: Watercolour brands Van Gogh and Cotman (because apparently orange fruit deserves fancy art supplies). Paper Canson Mix Media album 28×35 cm (11×14 in.) and Canson Watercolour album 25×35 cm (11×15 in.)—basically, I bought a lot of paper to paint the same fruit in different ways. It’s called commitment. Or obsession. Probably both.
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission. (Yes, I’m talking to you—put that orange painting down!).
Rome. You know, that place where tourists arrive and immediately lose their minds over the one thing Romans have been casually ignoring for literally centuries: oranges hanging from trees. On actual trees:)
Lovely oranges- juicy
Orange trees minding their own business on a Rome street, casually photobombing motorcycles and architecture like they own the place. Spoiler: they kind of do.
Rome in May. The oranges are thriving. The tourists are not.
If you venture to Rome (and let’s be real, who wouldn’t?), prepare your schnoz for a fresh, jasmine-adjacent aroma that will make you question every candle you’ve ever bought. Visit in May? Congratulations! You’ve hit the citrus lottery—blooming orange trees will be photobombing every selfie you take on Rome’s charming streets.
Still life with oranges. They posed. We did not ask.
The Doria Pamphili Garden in Rome is the perfect place to collapse dramatically between museum tours, all while inhaling the intoxicating fragrance and gawking at the aggressively vibrant oranges hanging overhead. It’s like nature installed a mood enhancer specifically for exhausted art lovers.
Doria Pamphili Garden — where art lovers go to dramatically recover.
According to ancient Greek legend (and what’s more reliable than ancient mythology, am I right?), Gaea straight-up gifterd golden orange orchards to Hera as a wedding present when she married Zeus. Their first night of newlywed bliss? Three hundred years. Talk about going the distance! Now that’s a honeymoon.
Hera’s wedding gift. Three hundred years of honeymoon sold separately.
The couple had access to magical spring water—basically the ancient equivalent of a spa day—which kept Hera perpetually refreshed and virginal (plot twist: marriage!). And to make sure nobody crashed their citrus paradise, they hired the Hesperids and a monstrous dragon as bouncers. Talk about taking ‘No Trespassing’ to mythological extremes.
More oranges. Because apparently one painting wasn’t enough.
Spoiler: also oranges.
Oranges’ recipe for the salad we devoured in Rome like it had personally offended us. Main ingredients? Arugula (the fancy lettuce), feta cheese (the salty stuff), oranges (obviously), and olives (because why not). For dressing: red wine vinegar, honey, and olive oil—basically, liquid gold. The result? A light, refreshingly bright salad so good you’ll forget how much you hate summer heat. You’re welcome.
The salad’s main character. Bow down.
Bon voyage! Until the next adventure! Keep your sense of humor (and your appetite) sharp. Stay healthy, stay weird, and always look up to see what fruit-related adventure the universe has in store.
All paintings and sarcasm belong to the author. No image or witty observation is to be copied without permission (they’re copyrighted treasures, thank you very much).
Doria Pamphili Gallery—it’s on Via del Corso in Rome, if you ever need an excuse to eat more salad surrounded by Renaissance paintings and smug orange trees.
The behind-the-scenes reveal: my artistic arsenal includes watercolor brands Van Gogh and Cotman (because yes, we splash out on the fancy stuff). For sketching, I abuse Strathmore Watercolor albums (14×21 cm / 5.5×8.5 in.) and Acquarello (12.5×18 cm). Studio albums? Canson Mix Media (28×35 cm / 11×14 in.) and Canson Watercolor (25×35 cm / 11×15 in.)—basically enough paper to create my own forest, which ironically I’m using to draw pictures of trees. The irony is exquisite.
Behold: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the adorably tiny airfield tucked on Toronto Island like a boutique coffee shop in a corporate office park. This spring, however, 2020 decided to crash the party—and by crash, I mean everything literally stopped. No boats. No airplanes. No noise. Just the lake doing its best impression of a yoga retreat while the world had a collective panic attack. Spoiler alert: it was eerily peaceful.
It feels so unusual to see this normally busy lake so quiet and empty. As I work on these three paintings – morning, late morning/noon, and afternoon – a few people pause at a little distance, gently saying hello and offering kind words of support to us as artists. Their warmth has touched me, and I know I will carry the memory of this day with me for a long time.
Morning. The lake is barely awake. Same.
A watercolour painting I did at noon by Ontario Lake (which, let’s be honest, was probably the most exciting thing happening in Toronto that day).
Late morning. The light warmed up. So did the lake.
Afternoon vibes: the lake is serving calm waves with a side of tired, melancholic yellow sun—nature’s way of saying, “Yeah, I’m exhausted too. Let’s just rest.” By evening, Ontario Lake had achieved what none of us could: the zen state of not caring about literally anything.
Afternoon. Everything glowing, everything shifting. Nature, clocking in.
Leonardo da Vinci, history’s ultimate Renaissance overachiever, was obsessed with water. He called it “vetturale di natura”—”the vehicle of nature.” Translation: the man understood that water is basically nature’s delivery service, and honestly? He wasn’t wrong. Water shows up, does all the work, and everyone else takes the credit.
Bon voyage! Until our next adventure (hopefully with fewer apocalyptic vibes). Stay healthy and keep painting!
All paintings are mine. Like, I actually made them with my own two hands. No stealing, copycats! Seriously though, I worked hard on these—respect the artist hustle.
My artist toolkit of choice: Van Gogh and Cotman watercolours (for when you want your paintings to have that authentic starry-night-versus-budget-friendly chaos), plus a Canson Mix Media album at 28×35 cm (11×14 in.)—the Goldilocks size of art paper.
There’s an old joke—and I’m about to prove its timelessness—that there are only three things worth watching forever: fire, water, and other people working. (Presumably while you avoid doing any of those three yourself.)
Me, pretending this 5-min walk counts as ‘travel’.
So there I was, “travelling” to Ontario Lake—which is basically a five-minute walk from my downtown Toronto apartment, but let’s call it travel and feel adventurous—doing art between sips of coffee and existential dread.
Spring morning fog was performing its usual magic trick: making water ripples look like they’ve achieved enlightenment before 9 AM, while I was still figuring out which end of the paintbrush to hold.
Fog: nature’s way of saying ‘not a morning person either’.
Here’s where it gets philosophical (buckle up): when I throw a rock into the water and watch those perfect circles expand outward, I’m basically witnessing the universe’s most patient motivational poster. Each ripple is like the water’s way of saying, “Hey, something happened here. Everything matters.” Which is beautiful, except when you realize most of my “important actions” are just throwing rocks at nature. Still counts as meaning-making, right?
Throwing rocks at water. This is my art practice. I’m serious.
But here’s the kicker—and this is where my brain decided to get uncomfortably deep—if you DON’T look at the circles, if you just throw the rock and walk away, then the whole thing is pointless. It’s not the throwing that matters; it’s witnessing the ripples. Which is basically life, except we’re all terrible at the “witnessing” part because we’re too busy scrolling through our phones. (No judgment. I’m absolutely guilty of this.)
The lake’s reflection — two skylines for the price of zero effort.
Think about it: all our accomplishments, our achievements, our “I finally got my life together” moments—they’re all like circles on the water. Here today, dispersed by tomorrow, absorbed back into the lake of indifference. The point isn’t that they disappear; the point is that we actually LOOKED at them, that we paid attention to our own ripples. We cared about what we left behind. Which, admittedly, is a lot more meaningful than most of what I do on a Tuesday afternoon—and that’s precisely why this spring is giving me permission to be delightfully philosophical about it. :)
The lake’s waves are pulling off their own art project—reflecting trees, buildings, the skyline—basically acting as nature’s Instagram filter, but with better composition and no ads.
Some spring raindrops plunge into the lake like tiny philosophers themselves, joining the water’s existential crisis. (The lake is very moody this time of year.)
Nature’s Instagram filter. No ads. No sponsored content. Just vibes.
Reflection of trees and water in the lake—basically nature’s way of saying, “Let me show you everything twice so you don’t miss it the first time.”
Ripples: the universe’s polite reminder that something happened here.
Raindrops joining the lake’s existential crisis. Relatable.
Claude Monet—a man who clearly understood obsession—once said: “The essence of the motif is the mirror of water, whose appearance alters at every moment.” Which is a fancy way of saying, “Water is always changing, so you better pay attention.” He gets it. He spent years painting the same water lilies from every possible angle because he understood that meaning isn’t fixed. It’s fluid. (I’ll see myself out.)
Bon voyage to you, dear reader! May your next travel adventure be as profound as a pebble hitting water—or at least half as pretentious. Until next time, stay healthy and keep looking at your ripples! :)
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission. (The ripples, however, are free for everyone.)
The tools I use for my paintings—including Watercolour brands Van Gogh and Cotman, plus Canson Mix Media and Watercolour albums (sizes 28×35 cm and 25×35 cm). Everything an artist needs to obsess over water ripples professionally!
Travel and Art. Urban Sketching in Paris: Bastille Day Highlights.
French National Day
Every year, French Nation celebrates the most important day for the country French National Day or Bastille Day.
July 14 in 2019 was year of 230 anniversary of Bastille and 130 years of Eiffel Tower. It was one of my life’s highlights and here are some tips how to celebrate the Bastille Day in Paris.
A watercolor painting of the bustling Pont Alexandre III in Paris. It showcases its iconic golden statues and lively atmosphere. This is perfect for celebrating Bastille Day.
The most attractive bridge in Paris, Alexander III, that connects Artillery Academy and Concord square. It is illuminated day and night. The bridge features gold statues and gorgeous street lamps. Relaxing and busy locals and visitors from all countries enjoy it.
Sketches capturing the festive atmosphere of Bastille Day in Paris, featuring fireworks, a military parade, and iconic street lamps.
Fireworks in Paris
July 14, some sketches were done on location with fireworks, parade and street lamps on the streets of Paris.
A vibrant urban sketch captures the Eiffel Tower against a colorful sunset. It showcases the lively atmosphere of Paris during Bastille Day celebrations.
Sketch of a military parade during Bastille Day celebrations, showcasing uniformed soldiers and a festive atmosphere in Paris.
I suggest watching Paris’ morning military parade down the Avenue des Champs Élysées, there are representatives of different military units. Interesting view when airplane planes are painting the sky in a 3-color rainbow- red, blue and white.
Wedding in Paris
Then, relaxing walking around city, it is nice holiday atmosphere. I made few sketches on location.
How about wedding in Paris? I did the painting of a bride on one of the Parisian bridge when a designer, groom and photographer were around this young lady in her white dress in one of important day in the life:)
A bride poses for a painting on a Parisian bridge. She is surrounded by her wedding party. The iconic Eiffel Tower is in the background.
Sport in Paris
In the center, next to Grand Palais, people are playing football. Others are sitting and enjoying lunch on the grass. They are waiting for the fireworks. I noticed there were no one unpleasant incident during a day even the city is full of people:)
Sketch of people enjoying leisure activities at Grand Palais in Paris, capturing the festive atmosphere of Bastille Day.
There is a young couple on scooters exploring the city. A mother and a girl are playing games next to the Paris Military Academy. This day has a very relaxing feeling.
A lively sketch shows a young couple on scooters. A mother and her daughter are enjoying a relaxing day near the Paris Military Academy.
Where to eat- how about the historical place?
The restaurant Bouillon Chartier is known for its magnificent stucco molding on the walls.
In Les beaux quartiers, Louis Aragon mentioned Le bouillon Chartier. The young medical student character Edmond Barbentane has lunch there regularly…
It has a majestic atmosphere. The waiters write the bill directly on the tablecloth. They have followed this custom since the opening in 1896.
An artistic watercolor depiction of Bouillon Chartier, highlighting its historic charm and vibrant ambiance.
Most importantly, its food is ingenious, homemade, and varied. The dishes are not very expensive, always offering something to surprise and welcome their clients. There is even a song about this restaurant. The restaurant is mentioned in Albert Willemetz’s 1939 song “Félicie aussi”, sung by Fernandel.
Evening events on National French Day
A vibrant watercolor sketch captures the fireworks above the Eiffel Tower. The scene reflects on the Seine River during Bastille Day celebrations in Paris.
And of course the highlight of this day- firework in the evening! We chose a place to watch firework on the bridge. We were standing in Parisian Babylon. We admired the view of the Eiffel Tower and the firework itself. We also saw the reflection of the city and the next bridge, Alexander III. People were shouting joyful exclamations, they were from different parts of the world, enjoying of this show there were people from the UK, China, Portugal, Russia, Japan, and us, from Canada:)
Well, there are 5 reasons to be in Paris in National French Day
Start with the morning parade. You can relax or play football with your friends in the center of Paris. Alternatively, rent a scooter and enjoy Paris with some speed. Don’t forget to view the Eiffel Tower with some snack. A baguette is a must-have. Enjoy the night fireworks. Additionally, engage in urban sketching of happy life. Capture the architecture of the old and young city of Paris.
Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)
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.
Tools used for my painting. 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.)
There are many options to do one-day trips from Paris. This time we chose a day trip to Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte chateaus.
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is accessible by public transport. But, it will take a couple of hours with subway, train, and a local bus. Alternatively, you drive by car.
Illustrated map detailing the route from Paris to the châteaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau, highlighting a romantic one-day trip itinerary.
Map to two chateaus. Our one day trip’s itinerary is from Paris to Chateau de Veux le Vicomte and Fountenableau, back to Paris. We took a bus from Paris City Vision.
Departure is from Paris’ center, highly recommend this trip, just book it in advance:)
In the middle of sketch is our couple, my husband and I, who loves traveling, art and architecture.
The first castle was Vaux le Vicomte château
A view to stunning Vaux le Vicomte château that later inspired the famous Versailles. I imagined that beautiful ladies with little colored umbrellas from 17th century are walking at the park.
A watercolor depiction of the stunning Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, showcasing its elegant architecture and surrounding water features.
The legend says that Nicolas Fouquet invited King Louis XIV. He also invited the whole court to the inauguration of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
The owners organized a grand and luxurious party and a dinner. Gold-plated gondolas glided through the channels. Gold salad bowls decorated its tables.
The monarch was blinded by the brilliance of the stolen gold. He refused to stay away for the night. Instead, he went to Fontainebleau. The unlucky aristocrat dared to challenge the Sun King. The musketeers arrested him on charges of fraud of the state treasury. Sentenced to life imprisonment and deprived of connection with the outside world.
Illustration of a legendary lady associated with the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, representing the influence of women in its history.
Ladies who guard the family and peace. What is the most fascinating in the history of the chateau are their legendary ladies of Vaux les Vicomte chateaux. Just some of amazing legends.
The first, Marie-Madeleinede Castille, the spouse of Vaux les Vicomte, continued supporting her husband. He received what was initially supposed to be three months of detention. It was later changed to a life sentence.
Mme Fouquet fought for her husband for many years, and recovered their family property 10 years later. Guyonne de Durfort was another intelligent lady. During the revolution, she didn’t let the castle be plundered. She kept the whole situation in her hands. She gave the castle to the “disposal” of the revolutionary committee and … voila … the whole furniture is still in place.
One more heroic lady Permisine Cas de Dorier set up a military hospital in the chateau during World War.
Artistic illustration of the history of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, highlighting Nicolas Fouquet and the architectural team behind the masterpiece.
The history says that the castle was built by three masters. Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s Superintendent, assembled a team. He brought together an architect, Louis Le Vau. Charles Le Brun, a painter, was included as well. Lastly, André Le Notre, a landscape gardener, joined to execute the entire project. The result of this fraternal union was a work of supreme gorgeousness.
Artistic representation highlighting Nicolas Fouquet, architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun, and gardener André Le Nôtre, who collaborated on the magnificent Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
By the way, a cafe in the chateau will appeal to any lover of French cuisine
A watercolor depiction of the elegant gardens and architecture at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, showcasing its stunning design and historical significance.
Crews and fun were present at only during the first ball. You feel ghosts everywhere…
Artistic representation of Vaux-le-Vicomte château, depicting its iconic features and surroundings.
Why do not buy a magnet and little spoons with little squirrels on top. Yes, squirrel is emblem of the family and chateau.
On summer evenings, costume candles are held here by candlelight, we will definitely return…
Next castle was Fontainebleau chateau, Stendhal called it the “architectural encyclopedia” and Napoleon called the “House of Ages”.
UNESCO World Heritage
Four French monarchs were born in the Fontainebleau palace, and for many rulers it was the main residence. At present, the palace is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Its chambers, galleries, parks, and gardens are simply amazing.
BBC series “The Impressionists”
I’ve learned about the Fontainebleau garden from BBC “The Impressionists” where young Monet, Renoir and Bazille were painting Fontainebleau forest.
Artistic depiction of the Egyptian Sphinx statue at the Château de Fontainebleau.
In the middle of the magnificent French-style formal gardens, there is a statue. This statue is the Egyptian Sphinx of Chateau de Fontainebleau, Paris, France. Why did it here, in the majestic royal and imperial château in the heart of the forest of Fontainebleau.
A colorful watercolor depicting the throne room at Fontainebleau, where Napoleon famously signed his abdication.
Chambers of Napoleon
The chateau was the first to be conceived as a residential complex and not a bastion. Kings were born here; Napoleon signed the abdication in this room, on this chair the great commander was sitting. According to the legend Napoleon said to his subordinates “Did you want to relax? You will get your rest”.
Artistic depiction of Napoleon’s throne from the chambers of Chateau de Fontainebleau, showcasing the grandeur of French history.
In the chambers of Napoleon, you can immerse yourself in the time of the great emperor.
He was famous for his wish to go down in history.
Gallery of Diana
The Fontainebleau library bathed in the sun, thanks to Italian masters, the French Renaissance was born. In the middle of the library there is a vast globe. The library holds the originals of books dating back to the 13th century.
Watercolor illustration of the Gallery of Diana in the Fontainebleau library, showcasing its grandeur and historical significance.
Well next time we visit another chateau, maybe Versailles?:)
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 also utilized. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)
PARISCityVISION agency. address: 2 Rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris. Trip to Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte
Chateau de Vaux-Le-Vicomte. address 77950 Maincy, France
Chateau de Fontainebleau. address Pl. du General-de-Gaulle, 77300, Fontainebleau, France.
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