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.
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!
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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.
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:)
Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of Clausura. Let’s inspire each other! #Clausura #HolidaySpirit #ArtInspiration #CreativeCommunity
Art and travel club 