meldrum art
I have been visiting Björnö here in the Stockholm archipelago for many weeks now. It gets a little warmer each time I sketch there. Yesterday, I decided to do a studio painting based on my sketches and photographs. I am trying to catch the Scandinavian melancholy I feel when I visit the archipelago during the winter months. I’m happy with the result.
Click the thumbnail below for a full-sized image.
I am looking for a softer approach to my painting and so I am testing different techniques. In this nude study the paper was very wet when I applied the watercolour pigment. The fact it spread like crazy is exactly why I love this medium.
This is a final version of a sketch I did during the winter months. I live in an old industrial area quite close to central Stockholm, it’s under development. I go for walks most days and I try to find beauty in what I see. It’s my quest right now. I want to avoid the pretty picture trap, some call them chocolate box – watercolours. Yes, I want to avoid that. I’m buying lots of old Lars Lerin books from the 80’s and 90’s, I think he captures the scandinavian everyday so well.
Title: Kvarnholmen in winter. 37 x 27 cm
Click the thumbnail below if you would like to see the full-sized image.
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.
I could do a better job sketching this series but to be honest I like the freshness of a first attempt. It’s really interesting capturing emotions with watercolour.
I think I have mentioned it before, I need a life drawing sketch or watercolour nude every Monday. My life drawing session that I run every Thursday needs to be publicised. The classes are turning out to be popular especially for those who live in smaller towns around Sweden. Covid-19 ended my physical classes last March but streaming via Zoom has turned out to be a very positive development.
If you would like to know more about Meldrum Kroki which streams every Thursday evening please join my Facebook group here.
Click the thumbnail to see the complete watercolour
This is the 3rd emotion I have painted in this little series that has the potential to keep going for a while. Next week I will have to start painting my happier feelings – this little project could become very depressing otherwise.
I sketched my first outdoor watercolour for 2021 yesterday. It was 8 degrees but sunny enough to stay warm. Damn it feels good to be outside sketching again.
