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Sunday, November 23, 2014

Venice in Morning Haze

 Venice in Morning Haze 4, watercolor 30 x 23 cm
 A few years ago while walking along Piazza San Marco in Venice an enormous cruise ship sailed through the strait, dwarfing the city and its beautiful buildings. I had the feeling that this is completely out of place, uncanny and indecent. A pedestrian near by looked at the ship with utter contempt and said just "Americaano!" thus expressing the common feelings to this grotesque picture.

This spring, I happened to sail into Venice on a similar monstrous ship, at the end of an Adriatic cruise. No, I am not proud of that. However, this gave me the opportunity to take some very lovely pictures of the city at dawn. It was only 5:30 in the morning and the sun was not yet above the horizon. While slowly sailing through the canal I could enjoy the view of the back-lit city skyline and the mist raising from the water.
Venice in Morning Haze 3, watercolor 30 x 23 cm
These are a few watercolor sketches I made from those photos. I posted them in reverse chronological order as I think that they are getting better. Initially I was using Ocher, but then decided that the light and hazy effect calls for transparent pigments. So, the top two are done with Indian Yellow, Alizarin and Ultramarine. The other important thing is to have enough paint ready and work very fast before hard edges could form. I wasn't so good at this, apparently. A larger size would need more preparation.

Venice in Morning Haze 2, watercolor 30 x 23 cm

Venice in Morning Haze 1, watercolor 30 x 23 cm

11 comments:

Corinne H. said...

J'adore tes esquisses ! L'émotion est intacte....

Rita Vaselli said...

A very nice series dedicated to Venice. Wonderful atmospheres that you have been able to paint with ease and elegance of style with overlapping and complex washes so well managed!

Sadami said...

Hi, Blaga, All is beautiful. Congrats!! I love the second one most. The first one, I like second. Your approach inspires me very much and I want to try landscape like you did. Thank you!!! Cheers, Sadami

Polly Birchall said...

These paintings are so mystical and beautiful and so reminiscent of Venice.It is an awesome sight from a cruise ship and feels very surreal.

Jane said...

You totally caught that early morning haze, beautiful renderings ! I agree on the indecency of these big cruises sailing into Venice, SO out of place !

Lydie said...

J'adore la première, la lumière est merveilleuse. Bisous !

Judy said...

They are all gorgeous juicy washes, Blaga! You captured the hazy views wonderfully!

Beatriz Abel said...

Blaga toda mi admiración a tu trabajo lograste trasmitir toda la poesia y belleza de Venecia

Merce Ares said...

Hola Blaga: Espectaculares estos trabajos, los dos primeros sobresalen por la minuciosa realización y delicadeza en los tonos. Has captado la belleza de Venecia a primera hora. Felicitaciones!!

painting in tuscany said...

Like the atmosphere in your beautiful paintings! I just found you, and I'm going to add you to my blogroll to keep in touch.
Have a nice weekend!
Sabine

JANE MINTER said...

Thses are super blaga ...washing you a very happy christmas and a very creative new year