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.
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
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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. 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.
Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure
Art and travel club 