North of Finnhamn, Stockholm Archipeligo

I completed this watercolour tonight. I used an "eye of the storm" photo I took during my kayak trip as a reference. The boat came from a postcard that I have on my wall, close to my desk.

North of Finnhamn. Fabriano Artistico GF, 300g/m2. 38 x 28cm

The island of Kökar, Åland

A little A5 watercolour from my holiday on Kökar, Åland which is located west of Finland.

Kökar, Åland - A5 Fabriano Artistico GF 300g/m2

Roses are red...

Roses are red...

... and my face was even redder trying to capture the beauty of this flower.

Brittany Rose

Daring to be bad

Like most people I find losing control uncomfortable. In order to re-school myself I feel the need to let go and see what happens. I think the result of this letting go can be exciting but not always pretty. A few years ago I would never have painted like this, messy, sloppy and careless. I find the process of personal - development so interesting.

Stockholm Town Hall - A4ish Arches Rough 300g/m2

Stockholm Town Hall - A4ish Arches Rough 300g/m2

I don't always succeed ..

I returned to Kungsträgården, the park in central Stockholm to paint a café scene one more time. I was less successful than the previous attempt and I know why. The main figure is too much in the centre of the composition and the brush strokes feel hesitant. I understand my failings these days, so at least that is a step in a forward direction.

Kungsträgården 20140805

Summertime in Stockholm

The weather here in Stockholm has been amazingly warm, it feels like the Mediterranean! This watercolour sketch was done while I was on my way home from work yesterday. I stopped in the city square called, Kungsträgården and painted the café-life I saw in front of me.

Kungsträgården café, 20140803

South Korean artist, Misulbu

I found some amazing watercolour portraits on this artist's website. Visit: misulbu.com

Watercolour by Misulbu

Watercolour by Misulbu

Watercolour by Misulbu

Watercolour by Misulbu

Watercolour by Misulbu

Watercolour by Misulbu

Watercolour by Misulbu

Back to basics

I have never learnt the basics of art, like composition and colour theory. I am studying them now though, I bought a bunch of books. It's a must if I am going to master this art thing! I've never used grids either until last week, it's very useful, I tend to elongate my faces when drawing portraits, the grid system helps stop this a lot. I'm still learning so much, even today, three years after starting to draw and paint again.