Category: watercolor

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watercolor Watercolour

A real source of inspiration

Calella
Calella

I’ve mentioned this before but I’ll say it again, one of the most important moments in my watercolour development was when I participated in a course in 2016 featuring Chien Chung-Wei. The course, the only one I’ve ever been on was run by the fantastic Angela Barbi of Epc watercolour courses in Girona.

Chien Chung-Wei is my main source of inspiration and learning, there are others that inspire but he is the artist I study most. Like all good artists he is also learning himself and trying to improve with each painting, it’s fascinating for me to see how he creates light and designs his compositions.

To anyone out there who is trying to learn how to paint, find an artist that you love and learn from them, study their work and ask questions like, why is this picture so wonderful?

My own watercolour today is from a photo I took last spring in Calella, Costa Brava. It is a scene that has been painted by many watercolour masters throughout the years. This is my attempt, an evening scene in Calella.

Title: Calella, 36 x 26 cm

Click the Thumbnail below to see the full-sized image.

Calella

Calella

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watercolor Watercolour

Plein air in a cold climate

Finnboda hamn
Finnboda hamn
Plein air in Finnboda
Plein air in Finnboda

I took myself out during the week to paint plein air. The sun was shining and it might even have been 10 degrees but I’m not sure. I brought extra leggings which I put on quite quickly as it was very cool in the shade of the building next to the water’s edge.
It was interesting how the paper and watercolour pigment behaved in the cool conditions, it was very different from my time in India or even the studio. I found that the pigment was not absorbed by the paper as easily. It wasn’t a big deal, I adjusted quickly and enjoyed my two hours by the water.
Sweden being Sweden most people left me alone which is good considering we are in the middle of a pandemic. A few were curious but they kept two metres away.
I am so looking forward to painting plein air more often now as the temperature is rising and the sun is higher in the sky. The days are much longer too.
I have bought a van that I am going to convert into a studio plus camper. I will publish a post about this exciting project during the coming week.

If you would like to see the full sized image please click the thumbnail below.

Finnboda hamn
Finnboda hamn
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watercolor Watercolour

I am looking forward to summer

Rödhamn, Åland
Rödhamn, Åland

One presumes that the the pandemic will end and we will be allowed to enjoy the summer when it comes. That is my hope at any rate. I haven’t painted plein air since India, waiting for the temperature to rise which it has now so I have no excuse. Out into nature you go David and paint, paint, paint.

This watercolour is from a photograph I took on my phone last summer. We were visiting Rödhamn harbour in Åland. We stayed for a night or two as we slowly explored the archipelago there.

Rödhamn, Åland 36 x 26 cm
Click the thumbnail below to see the full-sized image.

Rödhamn, Åland
Rödhamn, Åland
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watercolor Watercolour

Not every painting is a masterpiece

I am trying to paint everyday and I want to be challenged so that I can learn and develop. The original photo reference I used was snapped while I was walking along the coast in Bangor, Northern Ireland. This wasn’t a strong composition to begin with but I liked the shadows and the angles created by the pathway and tree. I had a go and this is the result. Like all of my paintings there are somethings I like and there are thing I am not to fond of.
Tomorrow is another day and a new challenge awaits.
Click the thumbnail below to see the full-sized image.

Bangor walk

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watercolor Watercolour

Playing with lights and darks

Groomsport
Groomsport

I have painted this Groomsport scene before in one of my sketchbooks. Today I felt like playing around with lights and darks so I chose this to basically practice or play, I can’t remember my mood when I started. It’s a weird time with this Corona virus threatening us all. The most important thing for me was just to paint something. I didn’t want to just spend Monday reading the news and surfing on YouTube.

For the watercolour enthusiasts out there this watercolour was painted on Saunders Waterford 300g Fine grain and the size is 36 x 26 cm. Click the image below if you want to see the full sized watercolour.

Groomsport
Groomsport
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akvarell watercolor Watercolour Watercolours

The view from Vasabron, Stockholm

Akvarell Vasabron-vy
Vasabron-vy

It’s a sign of the changing seasons but I sat in my studio and painted this scene from a photo I took during the autumn.
Saying that, I have just bought a super-warm winter coat and so I certainly do not accept being stuck in my studio until the warmer days reappear in the spring. Nah, I’m going out there and painting real soon, vodka in my water, blow torch at my hip – watercolours will be done whatever the conditions. 🙂

Click the thumbnail below for full-sized image.

Akvarell Vasabron-vy
Vasabron-vy
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watercolor Watercolour

Annual holiday in Brittany begins

Paimpol
Paimpol

I just love visiting Brittany. The place is just so scenic and my wife’s Mum is really nice too.
We visit every year and I tend to spend a lot of time by myself just wandering the beaches and visiting the town of Paimpol while my mother-in-law and my wife spend priceless time together. I sketch and paint of course, it really is heaven.
This watercolour was from my first day, I look forward to many more watercolours in the coming week.

First watercolour in Paimpol 2019
First watercolour in Paimpol 2019

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Video watercolor Watercolour youtube

Featured in the latest video

Working boat in front of Riddarholmen
A working boat in front of Riddarholmen

I thought I’d just publish this as it’s featured in the latest watercolour demonstration video. It’s a painting of Riddarholmen in Stockholm. Click the link if you would like to see it:
https://youtu.be/WugTNgl-WG4
It was a real challenge this one. Showers of rain kept interrupting but I am happy with the end result and the decisions I made during the process of painting it.

I have gently launched a webshop which I am building when I have time. I have placed this watercolour and a few other in the store. My goal is to sell my art directly to the people who enjoy my work and not through galleries that take 50%. It’s work in progress so let me know if something is not working or if the design is weird etc.

Cheers!

Working boat in front of Riddarholmen
A working boat in front of Riddarholmen
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demonstration Patreon Video watercolor Watercolour youtube

Painting Riddarholmen – Watercolour Demonstration Ep.12

Painting Riddarholmen – Watercolour Demonstration Ep.12

I cycled into Stockholm and painted a view of Riddarholmen for this demonstration. The day turned out to be quite a challenge because of rain showers that frustrating me. In the end I returned home, I finished the watercolour the next day and was very happy with the result. A nice little painting that can be seen from start to finish on YouTube.

If you enjoy these videos It is possible to support by donating a small amount each month. Click my Patreon link below to find out more about how you can help.

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