The start

 The start of a new painting. An image in a documentary of an older woman chatting from her window interested me. Especially in Mediterranean countries this is a common way to spend your time :).

So here I am using charcoal to make a composition sketch, to get dimensions right. I am going to use acrylic paint, and I am working on thick paper suited for this. Maybe later on I will make a version on canvas. First, I want to study this. And I like paper, because it takes less room to store. I use common dimensions so it will fit a standard frame, this is 50*70 cm.

I am curious where this will end... you never know until you try.

Fruit trees

 Ah, the Plum fruit tree is showing its first flowers, a beautiful sight. We are having some sunny days and slowly bees and butterflies are taking a look in the garden. 

So I am spending quite a few hours outdoors, and am preparing for the Sketchbook revival, collecting materials and paper. Maybe next week some results?

Sketchbook revival

I have signed up for the Sketchbook Revival Challenge, and am very curious about it. I have joined several drawing challenges but never this one. And there are some teachers joining who have already inspired me before.

Since I am always in for creative experiments, I am looking forward to it, and hopefully I can show some results later. It starts April 11th. You can still join too!

 More information see press here.

Painting outside

 On several occasions I have painted outside but not often. I have been anticipating to do this, but also thought I should try it... So after reading some tips on painting outside I took the time and went for a walk with a rucksack filled with some basic kit.

I found a bench and a quiet spot and made two paintings: the first was a bit strict and precise, and the second one was more loose. This is the second one:

And this is my view for the drawing, I like the lines in a landscape, and the different stages of foreground, center and background. Also winter times show the contours of the trees in a beautiful way.

But after an hour I got cold, so I tried to dry my painting on the fence, and then hiked back to my bike.

Will I go again? Yes! If only because there is still so much to learn :).

Keep going

 Each face is different, and when I see a tilted head or a certain look that speaks to me, I like to try to capture it. Just as this ballpoint sketch on a small piece of paper:

I've been working on all sorts of different things, some Youtube studies on landscapes, working on a larger landscape on canvas, and making little portrait drawings. Creativity has to found you working is a quote I once read... so better take that pencil or brush and see where you end up...

Little pencil portrait

Last weekend my studio was open for 2 days, I display my latest artwork, the cards which I do not sell online, some handmade gift packages and so on. In the meantime I am working at my desk. This weekend I sold this little pencil portrait, it was purchased as a gift for someone. It makes me so happy to be selling my artwork, so it can be seen and enjoyed.

Wishing you a good week!

Open Studio

 On March, 6 and 7 I am opening up my studio for local visitors. Spring is in the air so it is nice to welcome people to the studio. It is open from 11-16 on Friday and 11-15 in Saturday. Please contact me for more details.

I'll be presenting creative DIY packages, greeting cards, small art and accessories, all handmade by me.