A mountain view

Living in a "flat land" I envy people who have mountains at their doorstep. This view is based on a photo from a friend's hiking trip in the mountains near Vancouver. At least I could imagine I was there while painting it. I liked the fir tree edges outlined by back-light, and that's what I tried to focus on. Used a limited palette of indian yellow, cobalt blue and burnt sienna.

Autumn is here...

... and the colors outside are changing by the hour. In just days the fall colors will be in their peak. Too bad this won't last long.

A nubian man

Another watercolor version of a previous pencil sketch. This is based on a photo of a felucca sailor in Aswan. The boat trip took place at sunset and the light was spectacular.  I have been saving this picture in my pile of reference photos, in case I ever learn to do portraits. I never thought I would have so much fun painting it. I am happy that I managed to reproduce the dreamy expression on the man's face. I think I need to do some more work with my colors for a dark complexion, though. So, back to Charles Reid's books!

Two portraits

I did pencil drawings for these a couple of weeks ago. They are both based on black-and-white photographs, so I had to use imagination for the colors. On the top one I regret making the ribbon on the hat so dark, as it shifts the attention away from the face. Yet, I was proud when my mom said, that the lady does resemble her mother. Now, if she finds similarities of the bottom picture and her daughter, I'll be triumphant...

Trout River Pond

Trout River Pond, Gros Morne, NL

Trail to Tablelands

Tablelands are a mountainous formation in Gros Morne park in Newfoundland, made up of an entirely barren orange rock. It was formed several hundred million years ago during a plate collision, which forced up parts of the earth's mantle. These rocks have a very high metal content and lack the nutrients that plants need. It was interesting to see, where this barren orange mountain ends and suddenly the green hills begin.

Sweet and juicy