Alhambra

Alhambra, watercolor, 32 x 42 cm

Water is such an important part of Alhambra, with the multitude of calm water surfaces, reflecting the beautiful buildings. I had to give this view a try. Even though it has so many geometric details, which were dragging me into fussing and fiddling.

Patterns of Andalucia

Stone-laces in Alhambra, watercolor 20 x 24 cm

Arches in the Mezquita, Cordoba, watercolor 32 x 24 cm

Stone-laces in Alhambra 2, watercolor 32 x 24 cm

Stone-laces in Alhambra 3, watercolor 38 x 28 cm

Andalucia 2

Wine Gate at Alhambra, watercolor, 32 x 42 cm

Gates of Anadalucia 2, watercolor, 28 x 38 cm

When I now look at these two paintings they seem like the works of two different people, and not because of the quality of the photos. The top one is really this bright and contrasting. I was trying to depict the scene in its early morning light with the sharp edges and emphasized colors. I like the result with its almost acrylic look. But I also like the much softer quality of the more typical watercolor at the bottom, which is not about light, but rather textures and patterns. I used some watercolor pencils for that too.

It is hard for me to find time for painting and blogging now that the weather is warm and being outdoors is irresistible. So, forgive me if I am late to visit your blogs. Have a lovely week!

Gates of Andalucia

Gates of Andalucia, watercolor, 42 x 32 cm

These two gates were not on the same street, not even in the same town, but I like them together.
I tried this subject a number of times. Initially without pencil drawing, which was a disaster, as everything was ending up crooked and disproportionate. Then, with a drawing, it was turning out like a paint-by-the-number thing. In the end I liked this result with the distinct directional brushstrokes and putting the colors on the paper instead of pre-mixing them. I would like to try a bit looser style next, maybe...

Purple

Clematis, watercolor, 38 x 28 cm

Siberian Iris, watercolor, 28 x 38 cm

The flowers keep blooming and I can't stop admiring them. This time I had purple in my palette...

A gardener's passion

Peonies 5, watercolor, 38 x 28 cm

Peonies 4, watercolor, 38 x 28 cm

When I came back from my trip, I found the little garden in my yard totally transformed and about to burst into blooms. Each day new flowers show their pretty faces and smile at the sun. After spending a few days weeding, trimming and cleaning up the flowerbeds, I had to start painting them. Peonies proved quite challenging for me, they kept coming out looking like roses, so I had to keep trying.
The peonies are almost done blooming now, but there are so many other flowers in bloom. I have to move on to them. Maybe if I try roses, they will turn out like peonies :)

Peonies 3, watercolor, 38 x 28 cm

Peonies 2, watercolor, 38 x 28 cm

Peonies 1, watercolor, 38 x 28 cm

Be back soon...

Wild Flowers, watercolor, 23 x 30 cm

Just to say, that I have been away for a while, with no web access and using the opportunity to take a break. But I will be back soon...

Sunshine and Flowers

Sunshine and Flowers, watercolor, 54 x 42 cm

... for my Mom

Peonies

Red Peonies, watercolor on Langton Prestige paper, 54 x 42 cm

Pink Peonies, watercolor on Langton Prestige paper, 54 x 42 cm

Red Peonies is a larger version of a painting I did last year. The pink simply continued the theme...

It has been quite stressful at work lately and I find hardly any energy to paint when I come home. Or to sit at the computer too. I want to apologize to all friends at blog-space whose posts I have missed or will miss to visit. I will catch up at one point, but it may be a while. Meanwhile, happy painting!

Tulip Explosion

Tulip explosion, watercolor on Langton Prestige paper, 56 x 33 cm

Tulips, first wash, free hand sketching

When I started this composition a few days ago, I was just trying to simplify painting a tulip with a single color. So I put all these tulips on the paper and left it there. Today, before continuing, I took a picture, as I liked that first wash and wasn't sure where to go from there. Added some directional background and more definition in the central flowers, which gave the painting a focus.I like it, but I still find that initial wash quite attractive.