Your Turn to Row the Boat Ashore, En Plein Air Watercolour Painting Boats

Beautiful Watercolour En Plein Air Painting Boats, Marine scene

For some reason, I like oar boats. I like to go close and look at them..they look like big toys. .. after searching for some thoughts, I understand why I like them. They reminded me of the boats in baby bath tub!.. when the baby grows up, the bath tub grows into ocean.. and the toy boats become oar boats.. I remember the children song.. " row, row the boat ashore...we all tumbling down.." ... As kids many do not give away their toys. Many keep toys for years. Many keep toys for generations. I used to get fascinated when I look at collectible toys. They hold so much memories. Many live in their boats so they can have things both way or many ways! An oar boat is like a baby to the little yacht or a house boat. The main boat offers a hug, a hold and the sea, a lullaby.. the ocean grows and grows.. so big to make sure many people can't escape... 

The stack of oar boats was the sign of boat owners who went inshore shopping for supplies, doing some maintenance or just simply having a rest.

Because I think boats are difficult subjects for outdoor painting, I had hesitation. but I found every time I see them, I thought to myself I would like to try to paint them one day. Walking around to find a composition, then I came back and decided today was the day I was going to paint them. "Who could resist the temptation of things that bring them back to the fun of magical baby time?" I thought if I had not, I would have had to wait for another time, maybe another year. The sun was hot. I had a good start then came the wind. It certainly added some movement to the painting! :-)

Painting at this boat yard several times, I had chances to listen to stories of boat owners. Many live in their boats. I have not heard by their words but by what I know. I can see why many grow old with their boats.. people here do not own much.. maybe just a hug, a hold from their boats and an ocean lullaby .. some peace and comfort in the sunset...

It is love and being loved... Life is simple!

I am not a boater. I do not live in boats. The boats live inside me! That's what I discovered, when I sat with this piece of paper, it turned itself into a boat.. an oar boat...Now, my friends, it is your turn to row the boat ashore!.. :-)

Love Earth, Watercolour Thumbnail Sketch

I had a cup of tea near the trees, my special place to chill out. It's a place where I saw children had some play in summer. We had no idea why the local contractors cut down a huge blossom that was curved over a little stream. In spring it becomes a spectacular blossom bridge. I noted that walkers were stopping to look at the missing blossom. They were simply puzzled. "Who on earth could have done that?" I was shocked myself then I tried to calm down by the thought that the contractors merely tried to tidy it up. I could see they realised they had made a mistake. It was not what people wanted so they decided to leave the trunk of the tree behind for the kids to play with! It was so sad. It took about fifty years to have a tree of the same scale. It was part of local memory, hence not replaceable! This incident showed appreciation of natural beauty was important. On half a page of my A5 sketch book, with a pencil I thought of making a note of it. Half way I chose an easier approach by replacing pencil with a brush. The paper buckled with water so I let it dried and finished the drink, folded the sketch book and forgot about it.

This morning still in bed, I found the book on the floor. Reaching to it and I opened it and here it is. The paper was flat, my little scene. My eyes kept looking at it, just a 4"x 6" sketch. It is one of the smallest I've done. I heard children still playing on the tree.. making friends .. and growing up.. I see so much in this little piece of paper .. I think I've just been getting caught in the act.. I love earth! :-)

Wonderful Watercolour Sketch of Nature

Seaside and Me, Watercolour Painting Landscape, En Plein Air

I love the quiet time in between seasons.  It's meditational.  In between winter and spring, there is a crystal feel in the air.  Little touch of light gave definition to gentle movement on water and rock edges.  I love the rich warm texture of earth the dark of volcanic rocks and cool blues of sea and sky.  Local features of these elements create contrast level one in my book.  In receiving light and atmospheric of the moment, these natural elements gave contrast between their rugged nature and the delicate light and air.  That's contrast level two!  

Understanding colours and tone (tone over colours or colours over tone!), observation, composition and techniques and..  of course ..me, my perception! .. 

Now try to put them together and try to say without using words! :-)  

Sometime it pays not to analyse anything at all.  Just get on with it.  The scene looks simple.  It is simple, the seaside and me!.. 

It is simply love!  just love it, that's how painting becomes easy!.. else I don't think I can paint.. I don't think I can say things without words!

Knowing extreme conditions of climate change, en plein air painting becomes more special to me than ever..  by sharing publicly, I hope to pass on a simple message "Enjoy earth and look after her!  there is no replacement.  she is home.."

Gorgeous Watercolour Painting, Seaside After Winter

Roadside Sketch, NZ, Watercolour Landscape

I found this little sketch in a pile of paper.  A little piece of paper brought back huge memories.  It was a rare chance that I traveled through country side on a rugged curly road.   The sketch was done during a stop over at the road side for a stretch.  Looking around I was surrounded with wonderful natural elements in deep autumn colours.There are so much inspirations.  Couldn't help but pulled out my watercolour pochade and made a note on this poor piece of paper..  I wished I could have had just painted it.

Only a short few minutes but I could understand why Paul Cezanne chose to live in Aix en Provence instead of Paris.  I wish the car could stopped every few minutes for me to record the scenes.  I love to be in a rugged country sides.  I also know there's possibilities that I could not resist the temptation to spend whole day picnicking and painting and I might not remember to go home!  I knew what happened to Cezanne when the place he grew up became part of him.  His art just made the link unbreakable and timeless.   

Home is actually where the heart is.  I was very reluctant to get back in the car after having a moment to absorb and say good bye!

Gorgeous Countryside, Watercolour Sketch

As Time Passes By, Watercolour Sketch, Landscape

On an old piece of paper, a thought came to me, something from memory but nothing in particular.  It was a mood of poetry without words.  I dipped a brush in water and a grey mix, a muddy spot on the palette.  I do not normally paint in grey tone but it suited the moment.  It was an experiment in painting but a moment of living in life.  This was the result.  

Yes, "live more and paint less" is also a well known technique of many painters... painting came with poetry.  I kept this note as a memoir..   part of a journey..  I let the art to decide where it will take me...  well! actually I like to relax for a bit..  but just can't stop! :-)

Watercolour from Imagination, Freehand Sketch

Watercolour Purist and the Dust of Life, Art Concept

A Walk in the Park, Watercolour Sketch

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”― Pablo Picasso

Decades ago, the dust of life might be an artistic perception. The dust might be routine everyday business or activities that take away opportunities to create. To some, art is a way to get away.

Now effect of the dust of life become global issue. No other generation experience the dust of life, the pollution is rising to the level that causes climate change threatening stability of the planet.
How does air pollution contribute to global warming?

Air pollution includes greenhouse gases. One of these is carbon dioxide, a common part of the exhaust from cars and trucks. Greenhouse gases cause global warming by trapping heat from the Sun in the Earth's atmosphere.
How do our everyday activities contribute to air pollution and climate change?

The pollutants released into the atmosphere cause local air pollution, huge plumes of smoke covering a large area, and acid rain. We are emitting such a high level of pollutants that they are causing serious global environmental problems: climate change and ozone depletion. In some cases, air pollutants contribute to climate change, and greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution:

Climate change itself may have a direct impact on air quality. We see pollution related foggy cities in China, Indonesia and soon in France... Air quality modelling studies show that with warmer temperatures in the future, higher levels of ozone will be produced in North American cities.

Processes such as fossil fuel burning in industry, motor vehicles and buildings emit pollutants that cause local and regional pollution. These pollutants include particulate matter (PM) and ground-level ozone (O3) — the key ingredients of smog — along with nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO).

The same processes also release greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) , one of the most important greenhouse gases, is a major cause of increased ground-level ozone, which are linked to global climate change.

However, there is hope because they come from the same sources, many of the actions that reduce air pollution can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing the issues of air pollution and climate change requires cohesive effort from leading countries. The progress over 20 years of UN negotiations is the objective of the coming 2015 conference in Paris to achieve, for the first time, a binding and universal agreement on climate, from all the nations of the world.
How does Watercolour Art relate to Climate Change?

With this line of thought, I think of the development of watercolour art toward more luminosity and transparency, the beauty of natural glow of daily light and seeing through. Like no others, watercolour art offers viewers to experience transparency by seeing through colours to the base paper and luminosity as paint particles interact with light bouncing of the surface of the painting. Literally, in our living environment, to see through, the air must be clean. Luminosity means the quality of light in the atmosphere. The painters avoid opaque and muddy effects for more purity.

Watercolour purist points toward the beauty of clear, clean, transparent.. not just the beauty for the eyes and souls for art lovers only. At this time in human history, watercolour purism is also a way to raise awareness of the importance of purity in physical environment we live in and perhaps in our relationship with nature. Earth needs some TLC. As it happens, we are the generation that has to do something about it. Our chance to save the environment for the next generation is now or never.

Watercolour purism is not just a concept inspired by war environment in the past. It is not just a way to create art for the souls. It continues to be the concept for survival under threats of climate change now and the foreseeable future.

The love of purity in the atmosphere relates to our love of planet earth, our home. Its delicate balance is important for our survival.

Because of the the delicate and gentle nature of watercolour art, it does look like it is the art of getting away from everyday life problem but it is not. It is a way to remind us how wonderful it is to have purity in life. We are lucky that behind the love of purity are designers, scientists, researchers, scholars and engineers.. together we'll return better condition to the planet.

I hope one day, watercolour purism concept will become as natural as our desire to breathe fresh air, drink clean water.

"I never get tired of the blue sky."- Vincent van Gogh

Me, neither. You might have notice blue sky goes with beautiful days! Many beautiful days make a beautiful life!:-)

Because of the timeless and borderless nature of traditions of watercolour art and the intimate way it relates to people (as it is to me), I hope I would be able to pass on the love of purity to next generations before I leave earth. Purity is truly the art of life on planet earth!

Boats and Puddle, Watercolour Painting, Marine

En Plein Aire painting at the Royal Akarana Boat Club is always technically challenging.  There are so much to choose.  To keep going at painting art, I have to find varieties to stretch boundaries. That is probably the reason I feel excited at the opportunity.  This time I chose the close view of the boat yard.  Gazing, drawing, painting in a nice day with fine weather on the seaside like this is very hard because on the other side of me is just wanting to sit on a comfortable chair with a drink and a view.  I kept on regardless.  It was hard work but I felt happy that I had tried!

A little persistence and discipline can go a long way!

Wonderful En Plein Air Painting day at the Royal Akarana Yatch Club, Auckland, NZ

Late Winter by the Moor, Watercolour Painting Landscape

I had an idea to explore this scene for a long time.  The day came and we set out to paint it.  I like the tranquility and quietness of the moment in between winter and spring.  It is natural and peaceful.  I used strong colours to capture the contrast and stark feeling of seasons reflecting in foliage of the place and the clear fresh air and sky above with its reflection in water... best still there was still time for a warm cup of tea! :-)  I came home with a painting and its fresh air in my lungs.  I was more than happy! :-)

Quiet and peaceful day in the moor

Painting Mountain Stream of Southern Alp, NZ

It was a beautiful day.  I decided to be outdoor whole day painting.  I love to paint nature using the natural colours and balance.  I absorb the natural balance by breathe, feel and imagine the interactive nature.  

The painting brought back my memory of the moment I stood and breathed in the air and be taken by the beauty of the place.  Every time I look at the painting I feel the air is fresh as if it came from the mountain stream.  It is an enjoyable memory of our trip to South Island, NZ the end of the magnificent Southern Alp.  At the end of the day, I was tired but happy.  Natural beauty is one of subjects I like to paint.  My heart used to hop when I hold a finished painting of the place in my hands.  Probably just because I love to escape the boring world and into day dreaming!  

Bringing mountain stream to the back yard!

Cows at Headland Edge, Watercolor Painting Landscape with Animals

No one told these cows to go there.  They just go straight there one after another and lined up at the edge of the headland.  They caught my interest.  I followed them at a distance to see what they did.  After I set up my gear under a tree near by.  I started to draw.  Some enjoyed the grass, some actually stopped and gazed at the sun over the sea.  By the look they love the light glittering on the wet grass, they love the view!  I love the light under their round belly!  I think they were rushing to the edge to enjoy the breakfast with sun rise, sea view and fresh grass!  I am amazed that the cows love the same view as I do.  I was pleased and stunned at the result of the painting.  At first I only tried to capture one.  Now I got the whole lot painting direct!...  never know what I can until I try.  The results often surprise me..

A moment later, the cows walked back in line to the opposite end of the field.  Then it's time for my cup of tea!

Cows in the Park, Watercolor Painting Landscape with Animals

I like the mix of pattern and colours of the herd of cows.  The morning light threw their shadow toward the foreground and gave back lighting effect!  and the park setting with different foliages make the scene so tempting!  When I finished and looked at the painting, I feel happy.  Couldn't get better, a magnificent outdoor theatre for the cows!  They are really glorious!

Afternoon in Tropical Garden, Watercolor Painting Landscape

There were so many possible composition in this tropical garden.  I was attracted to the lily pond, the gan a in full bloom and massive leaves of the tropical plant that might be seen only in the deep jungle of a tropical forest.  There were lovely mama duck and her three duckings enjoying the water.  I love the tropical feel.  Down the stream were trees up to 50 m tall.  The foliage creates an ambience with dazzling tropical flowers.. I wanted them all. I must admit I was a bit bamboozled with the choices and then the battle to take them all in.  Here it is.  I can't keep my eyes off it ..  I can feel how Monet managed to put down the colours of his garden .. I can imagine Van Gogh with the blue iris field.  He had the birds I ave the duck and the ducklings... can't be happier! :-)

Beautiful ambience of sunny afternoon in a gorgeous featured tropical garden

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EN PLEIN AIR PAINTING 16/1/2015

Coming to Wenderholm, I realised I had forgotten my glasses.  I had not had water either.  I went around to see whether I could get a bottle of water somewhere but the only place was away so I had to walk.  One problem solved.  Another, well!, I have to paint without glasses.  Monet, the painter with one trouble eye, gave me the courage.  I located the palette where my eyes could see colours, same with the paper!

The attractive white waves could only meant one thing. wind, a lot of wind.  I love the cool wind from the ocean in hot summer days but it means I sat down and held tight to the board.  I tried to photo the painting with the scene from where I sat but the wind kept blowing it away.  After a dozen times, I gave up and stood up holding the board on one hand against the landscape and photo it with the other.  Here is the photos.

Wenderholm seaside park, en plain air  water-colour painting
"Going for a Swim" take 1

This one had some shade of the park table.

Wenderholm seaside park, en plain air  water-colour painting
"Going for a Swim" take 2

This one missed out a bit because my arm is not long enough!

I love outdoor painting with all the odds.  Anyway it was a fantastic day on the beach!

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HOME IN THE BUSH, Watercolor Painting Landscape

A day with flowering pampas grass.  I love the light effect on flowering pampas grass, soft and delightful!
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LUNCH BREAK AT THE VILLAGE, Watercolor Painting Landscapes, Auckland, New Zealand

A lunch hour in the village was painted to depict the life style of the village.  In main city it would be called the "Rush Hour" when every body has to hurry up or miss the lunch.  The more flexible life style of the village holds its appeal to everyone from new born to retired.  I tried to paint the village atmosphere that enhances the accommodating and compromising life style where everybody feels belong.

Wonderful Watercolor  Painting of  St Heliers, Auckland Historic Seaside village, 29.5x42cm

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MORNING AT St HELIERS (3), Watercolor Painting Landscapes, Auckland, New Zealand

Just love the fresh morning air in this painting.  I love fresh, a lot of fresh air.  It's the easiest way to blow daily stress away...  I wish everybody a wonderful day with a lot of creativity and fresh air from the south Pacific!

Wonderful Watercolor Outdoor Painting of  St Heliers, Auckland Historic Seaside village, 29.5x42cm

If you have any queries relating to the painting, please leave me a message via the contact form gadget on the top right corner of the blog.  Thank you for your interest.

WALKING THE DOG (1), Watercolor Painting Landscapes, Auckland, New Zealand

Walking the dog is a popular activity in the village.  The old houses and slightly overgrown garden, parks and beaches were main features of the suburb.  I painted the scene to record the lifestyle of the village, peace and harmony. 

Wonderful Watercolor Outdoor Painting of  St Heliers, Seaside village, Auckland Reserve 
29.5x42cm, Original SOLD

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St HELIERS VILLAGE (2), Watercolor Painting Landscapes, Auckland, New Zealand

Another view of the village, another aspect of outdoor painting!.  It a semi outdoor.  I stood up and made a sketch on site and go home to finish it.  There were a lot of noise, traffic and by walkers.  Sometimes I had to sit down and wait for the bus and trucks to go away then stood up and refocused.  It was also a fantastic day for a no rush coffee at this sea front village.  So I made a lot of observations while enjoying the drink as an excuse for half done the job!  

Wonderful Watercolor Outdoor Painting of  St Heliers, Auckland Historic Seaside village, 29.5x42cm

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St HELIERS VILLAGE (1), Watercolor Painting Landscapes, Auckland, New Zealand

This is an old village in a very fast changing city.  The commercial pressure in a city like Auckland is enormous.  There are a lot of interests in the area.  I do not know how long the easy feel of a seaside village will be replaced with modern up market type of buildings.  I painted these scenes to share the traditional local lifestyle in the village atmosphere that has been treasured for generations.  It's where their memories linger, their hearts feel home!

Wonderful Watercolor Outdoor Painting of  St Heliers, Auckland Historic Seaside village
29.5x42cm, Original Fine Art Available for Sale

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DRAGON FLIES AND THE SWAMP CHASE, Watercolor Black White Gray Insects and Plants

I painted this picture from imagination and observation.  I live near a swarm reserve.  I love the tropical heat, the breeze of summer and I imagine the dragon flies of my childhood.  Obviously they're always there!  Just look at them!... like fighter jets on a chase!  Painting this picture made me realized my childhood walks with me every time!

Unique Black Grey and white watercolor painting nature, plants and insects, swamp, 29.5x42cm

If you have any queries relating to the painting, please leave me a message via the contact form gadget on the top right corner of the blog.  Thank you for your interest.