Roses and berries in watercolor

Rose e bacche, 2016. 38x56 cm Fabriano Artstico 300 gsm - pigments W&N, St Petrsburg

I wish you a sunny August with this painting from last year.

When I'm teaching watercolor classes I certainly put the emphasis on a painterly style
and also in my own paintings I want to keep it loose.

Flowers are one my all time favourite subjects!
According to the season I can find a lot of inspiration in my garden or in the nature.
If there's not enough I'll combine bought flowers to what I find for free....
Here I was trying out my 3 new St Petersburg colors: yellow, red and turquoise green
that together mix into a cool purple grey shade.

The best thing is that when the flowers are gone - the painting stays and reminds you of the beauty!

Painting more bikers in Chianti

Ciclisti - 56x76 cm  watercolor on paper 300gsm

Another version of the bikers in Chianti. 

It's a full sheet painting and I've used black color for a more modern and graphic look. 

HERE  is a link to previous paintings and if you'd like to read more about what inspired me originally click here. 

And I'd love to know which one you prefer!?

At Lamole di Lamole 2017

Bikers in Chianti - original Watercolor

Ciclisti 38x56cm watercolor on paper 300gsm 

 Artistically there's a lot going on this year. 

While I'm continuing to teach watercolor lessons,

(I've met so many lovely persons!)

 I've also managed to take much more time for my own painting and drawing. 

I'm absolutely enjoying the outdoor painting sessions together with other artists

painting in and around Florence and Tuscany.  

Just now we are having a break because of the summer heat, 

but I'm continuing with the life drawing, since it's in the indoor studio.

There has been a big Art Show in Fabriano, Italy, and other smaller ones - some still upcoming.

I'm not posting much of my work as I feel that I'm in a limbo.

I'm experimenting a lot. 

I know the direction, but I'm not sure about the destination.

Just like these bikers above - one of the subjects I'm exploring at the moment.

(you can see earlier ones here and here)

I enjoy the trip, even if sometimes I struggle and hope to reach 

some kind of a pit stop soon! 

I'm surely evolving, hopefully improving - 

what do you think?! 

Fabriano In Acquerello 2017

I'm very grateful and proud that my watercolor painting 'Cerchio Magico' was selected 

to the international watercolor exhibition

 'FabrianoinAcquerello' 

 in Fabriano, Italy this year.

The exhibition is opening on Thursday April 20th, 2017

and is part of a larger happening (link) gathering 100 Italian watercolor Artists representing our country,  

and totally more than 700 artworks by as many artists from the whole world!

Cerchio magico, 2016- watercolor 38x56 cm

During the following days there will be demonstrations, workshops and events - 

and many many watercolor artists sharing their passion - 

in the small town of Fabriano in Central Italy.
Here is the facebook page where you can read more.

I look forward to this experience - meeting some of my favourite artists, sharing with friends,

painting together and learning more every day!

Spring flowers in watercolors - how to paint

Narcisi dal giardino, 2016 -38x56 cm fabiano 300gsm

Lately I have been concentrating on urban sketching and painting, but I usually love painting florals.

It's easy - they grow in my garden or I keep them on my table.

Earlier I painted realistic, even if not really botanical flowers, 

while I now prefer to simplify and catch the essence.

On the painting above you can notice a clear influence by the paintings of Jean Haines ;), 

only an impression of the flowers!

Floreale, 2016. 38x56 cm

I paint quite big, real size, which means that I often just  can't fit everything into the paper. 

That's one reason why I choose to paint only a part of them; 

the main reason is that I find it more dynamic and expressive as a composition.

This is how I proceed: 

I use a big brush, a lot of water and bright colors. 

Once the first wash is dry I will add darker details, little by little - trying not to overwork - 

this is the hardest part!

Then I leave it to rest, and some hours later, or even the next day I will see if I need to add something.

I some areas are too bright, I will use a glaze, often with a complementary color.

Thank you for reading,

Hope you enjoyed my spring flowers?!

PAINTING EN PLEIN AIR

VILLA IL VENTAGLIO FIRENZE

This year has started with many pleasant news regarding arts. 

First of all my work was selected to Fabriano in Italy, 

but I will tell you more about that in another post, maybe with some photos...

Then my friend Natus had the brilliant idea 

to create a group of

watercolour painters in Florence. 

We meet regularly to paint together in different places of the city 

- urban locations - we've met in Fiesole, P.zza Santo Spirito or -

 as in this case - in a garden, Villa il Ventaglio.

Such a lovely day!

It's a great occasion of sharing your passion with lovely people.

There are already many of us, and more join every time!

And -

another nice part is when at the end we usually have lunch together!

WARM AND COOL COLORS

A sketch of someone dear!

Painted with only 2 colours.