meldrum artMy name is David Meldrum. I am an Artist who loves watercolour.
It’s better now but the first two weeks of our sailing trip was all about dodging the strong winds and seeking good shelter. This watercolour sketch was painted at Fjärdlång on the 8th of July. I’m aware the trees look like green fireworks but that’s what I felt when I tried to capture the view from my boat. A little weird maybe, what do you think?
My latest video which shows my sketches: https://youtu.be/GLpIS3B5FdM
As we sailed south there was one day when the winds were gentle, not so common this year I have to report. So as we sailed slowly past this small island with it’s navigational light I just got the urge to try and capture it. Light winds became a pleasure.
A late evening sketch from the boat on Nämdö, Skärvassa. I use my gas heat gun to dry the watercolour. It’s been a cool July so far. It means the archipelago isn’t as crowded as I thought it would be, that’s a plus. 13 x 17.5cm
Click the thumbnail below to see the full sized image.
We are currently sailing along the east coast of Sweden, taking it easy as we always do – which means I have time to do some watercolour sketching. Here is a sketch from when we visited Grisselholmen on the 3rd of July. More watercolours to follow! Grisselholmen 13 x 17.5 cm
Click the thumbnail image below to see the full sized image.
I thought it’s time to show my watercolour sketches. Most are from 2020 and most are painted outdoors but not all. The format I use is roughly 13 x 17.5 cm. I basically divide a sheet of watercolour paper by four and then by four again. (Tip: I tear the paper using a ruler) Feedback is always welcome ?
I just published a video of me painting this view from Kvarnholmen, click here to see it. I simplified the watercolour composition a lot and I really like it. It takes a lot of experience to start seeing what is a good composition and what is not. Believe me, I have made a lot of bad compositions in the past to get to this stage in my development as an artist.
Click the thumbnail below to see the full sized image.
Hello! In this episode I stay local. I paint the scene using gradients and I have a wandering caterpillar to deal with.
I do all this while holding a camera above my head! I hope this video inspires you to sketch and paint outdoors. If you would like to support the making of these videos please visit my Patreon page, there you can follow my weekly vlog, see bonus material, and even receive original watercolours. www.patreon.com/meldrumart
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This week I am home and I tend to spend too much time in my studio. I therefore make sure I go for a walk or cycle each day. I always bring my sketch bag with me. The weather has been really amazing lately so I am doing a lot of light studies. Watercolour for me is about capturing the light, it’s amazing how hard it is to catch. I just practice and practice and hopefully one day I will master it.
The sketch “Södermalm” is 13 x 17.5 cm on 300g Saunders Waterford paper.
Click the thumbnail below for full sized image
I really enjoyed myself painting this little sketch in the early summer light of Sweden. If you would like to see me painting it please click here. https://youtu.be/vWcI0TE8NHw
There is a better description of the video in my previous post, click here to read that. https://www.meldrum.se/2020/06/14056/
If you would like to see a larger image of the watercolour, click the thumbnail below.
