I am currently in Kallskärskärgård, a group of islands in the outer archipelago of Stockholm. It’s so beautiful and peaceful out here. I definitely feel a painting coming on.
I think I may paint today

I am currently in Kallskärskärgård, a group of islands in the outer archipelago of Stockholm. It’s so beautiful and peaceful out here. I definitely feel a painting coming on.
This watercolour was inspired by my trip to Little India which is in the southern suburbs of Singapore. I walked down the busy Serangoon road and found this scene, I didn’t have time to take out my sketchbook just then, instead I took a bunch of reference photos.
Singapore is so fascinating. It’s cultural contrasts make the city so vibrant.
I very nearly threw this painting in the bin. If you are curious to know why look at my latest vlog on YouTube.
I don’t remember if the band were playing ragtime, I don’t think so actually – it was jazz standards like Blackbird and stuff. I’ve titled the painting, Ragtime Band anyway because I like the sound of it and I think it suits the watercolour. It’s my painting so I can call it what I want, he he.
I took some reference photos and did a few sketches last December together with my Urban Sketching friends here in Stockholm. We had a great time in a pub I wouldn’t set foot in normally. It was totally nice though and I’m glad I was brought to the venue to discover a little gem in the blandness of a train station shopping mall.
Ragtime Band – Lilla Wien pub, Södra station 26 x 36 cm
Ah, I had to leave. My last sketch from Paimpol in Brittany. Back home now and planning for midsummer.
28 x 19 cm Saunders Waterford sketchbook
I realise it is just important to paint or sketch every day. The other day was difficult because of my poor health but just doing a quick sketch makes such a difference to one’s day. Just a simple watercolour can lift the the greyest of days. I feel a lot better now which is great 🙂
Sketched on Saunders Waterford fine grain, 300g 28 x 19 cm