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