I travel out to the stockholm archipelago as often as I can during the summer months. It is an endless source of inspiration. On this trip I took myself to the island of Fjärdlång to sketch and paint. It was early in the season, I was very much alone with the beautiful nature. I find it very healing indeed.
I slept in a hammock, it’s the best solution as there are not many flat surfaces to be found. The further one travels to the outer bounds of the archipelago the lower the trees become. Then you have to use a traditional tent and pitch on the rocks. That’s an important consideration too.
Category: Sketch
I was out and about two weeks ago doing a little bit of plein air painting. Fun as always.
Categories
Sailing holiday sketches
I have been a bit slow to publish here. These are my watercolours from this summer’s sailing trip. We did not sail so far this year. Just sailed with the wind, sometimes going south, other times sailing northward. We had a lovely three weeks in the archipelago anyway. It’s always beautiful there.
My pencil sketches from last year and the year before.
New video 
My previous sketchbook video seems to be quite popular on my YouTube channel so here is the next one. I use these small sketchbooks because they are easy to always have in a pocket or shoulder bag. I like the texture of the paper, it’s called, Hand Book Journal.Co and it’s distributed by Speedball Art Products, Statesville, NC. It’s made in India. Here is a link to their website: https://www.speedballart.com/our-product-lines/paper/artist-journals-sketchbooks/travelogue-journals/
It was a very windy summer. We spent so much time trying to find protection from the strong winds. Survival stuff it was sometimes. After two and half weeks we had had enough.
So this watercolour was the last of the paintings from my holiday. It sums up the the end of our adventure pretty well. We were in a small natural harbour on the island of Kallskär which is in the outer archipelago. After this we headed west towards Stockholm dodging strong winds and squalls that hunted us.
Kallskär 18 x 13cm
While out sailing in the archipelago we would sometimes take a day off and just hang in a beautiful spot. This would give me the opportunity to paint. The four watercolours here are of the same scene on Själbottna island painted over two days.
I realise that my first watercolour is usually rushed and therefore not so good. I guess it’s a necessary evil, a process to slow down and really see what is in front of me. The third watercolour was an attempt to capture the advent of rain and dark thunderous skies. Finally the last watercolour was painted the next morning just before we lifted anchor and sailed off in some direction I cannot remember.
The watercolours are 18 x 13cm in size and were painted on the 16/17th of July, 2022.
I just finish my little sketchbook. I like the size and the texture of the paper, it’s called, Hand Book Journal.Co and it’s distributed by Speedball Art Products, Statesville, NC. It’s made in India. Here is a link to their website: https://www.speedballart.com/our-prod…
If you like my channel and would like to support the making of my videos, visit my Patreon page. My supporters get to see my videos first plus there are more benefits to enjoy. Join and be a part of Meldrum Art. (Thank you! 😀 ) https://www.patreon.com/meldrummart I hope you find this a little journey through my sketchbook helpful and even inspiring. Cheers.
Höga Kusten 
Sculpture garden 
Jaipur
Categories
Sketching my emotions Nr.6
I think this watercolour sketch represents my feelings pretty good. It’s March and summer is coming.
I managed my first plein air for this year. I visited Björnö Nature Reserve, which is east of Stockholm on Ingarö. The temperature almost reached 6 degrees! I had to use a gas burner to dry the painting, and yes, there is a burn mark. It’s becoming my signature. But seriously, it was so nice to get out and sketch. I had to trek for an hour to reach the spot I painted from but it was worth it.
