Portrait

I have been working on four watercolours today. Here is one, it's not perfect by any means but I like it anyway. I will be at the studio every day this week, I just love holidays.  :)

Sketches on the road.

I had a brilliantly inspiring trip last week visiting my Swedish artist heroes. Zorn being the cherry on the cake.  Here are two sketches I did while touring. The one on the right was only five minutes from home. My wife shopped for food and I stayed guarding the car.

Lars Lerin visit

I travelled 300 kilometres south today to visit Lars Lerin's museum in Karlstad.  I'm glad we made the trip, it was impressive to see his work for real. He doesn't seem to care what others think, he just does his thing. I like that.

Inspired by Zorn

I have been traveling around Dalarna, Sweden which is the home of many famous Swedish artists. The other day we visited Carl Larsson's home and today we visted Anders Zorn's house and Museum in Mora. I am totally inspired by Zorn's work, especially his watercolours. The tour of his home was also a wow - sensation.

Self-portrait

I don't recognize myself but others do ...

I recognize myself but others do not.

I was using a mirror for my self-portrait. I discovered that no one I showed it to recognized me. They do not see a mirror image of course. I never thought about it until now, if I ever hang this painting on a wall, it will have to be close to a mirror!

Painting in the studio

Here you can see the original painting in progress, little did I know at that point that the portrait was flipped and therefore not me.

Couple watercolour sketch

I was just playing around here with Fabriano paper. It behaves differently compared to Arches.

More Bacon

I could not let it go, I had to have another try. This was a quick sketch were I focused on the shapes of the face and not the details.

Francis Bacon

Becoming an Impressionist

I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.

... It is so hard to change old habits. I have a graphical background so I put an outline on everything I draw. I am trying to change, the flower painting here is an exercise in trying to loosen up. I'm happy with the result.

Flowers on the balcony. Saunders-Waterford, Satin, 300g/m, 23 x 31 cm.

Not a very crispy Bacon

I scrubbed so much at this portrait, so it lacks magic, when will I ever learn, let the watercolour to do the work! Frustrating, but at the same time I learned a lot. Trying to do as many portraits as I can right now, I'm missing something, they are not like their owners. I hope by doing many, something will click and a light bulb will turn on.

Francis Bacon 23 x 30,5 cm, Fabriano fine grain - cold pressed 300g

Self Portrait

This reminded me that I have a lot to learn. It's too fresh for me to be critical of it. I'm working on a new self portrait already for tomorrow, it feels better but I haven't started to paint yet, that's the true test.

A portrait a day ...

I'm trying to do one portrait a day right now. I like setting impossible goals. Let's see how many days I manage. This one is of Elvis Costello, I didn't get his eyes right, I don't mind, it's only practice after all. It's more fun when drawings don't become precious.

Elvis Costello

Portrait practice

Not much to say about this portrait really, a beautiful face that I found while surfing the internet which in turn compelled me to draw. So I say thank you to however you are, you are an inspiration.

A4 Portrait.

Norway Part Two

I arrived back home yesterday evening from my week's holiday in Norway. What an amazing place, I'll visit again for sure. I didn't paint much, there wasn't time. At least I've learned how to travel for next time. One day on the road and the next behind my easel :)

Arches Rough 300g, W&N watercolour, 23 x 31 cm.

Molde, Norway.