Sea Mist, Watercolour Painting Seascape

Sea Mist. Was it the white sand or a white dress or just a veil of sea mist.. or just a breeze whispers in the air… "I love you". Happiness can be simple. Just a moment with our soul!

White sand beach in Watercolour

We Play All Day, Watercolour Painting Seascape

We Play All Day. Where were the times we play.. can't remember!!.. there is nothing wrong with the brain we can't remember just simply because they were not there. iPads are in kindergartens now.. because parents are worried that their children will be missed out of the world tech race. Me, I'm worried about missing out sincere, honest, innocent fun. The time of magic!.. that's probably another reason why I paint and dream a lot! :-) Hope you enjoy it!

Seascape Watercolour, a White Sand Beach

Moon Walk, Watercolour Painting Sunset Seascape

Moon Walk. Watercolour. We do the walk. We walk all night… My imagination. I like simple pleasures in life… Sometimes simplicity is the impossibility. Sometimes we have to go through complexities to achieve simplicity. Why? I used to wonder.. maybe simplicity is only a notion in the mind that lasts a lifetime. Maybe.. this is one of the reason why. I paint.

I wish I could do the moon walk like Michael Jackson but I can't.. however I can moon walk with a little brush.. and that's probably enough for me! :-)

Sunset Seascape in watercolour

Night Swim, Watercolour Painting, Tropical Sunset Seascape

Night Swim… Image from my imagination! I like simple pleasure. Sometimes simplicity in life is the most impossible!  One of the reasons why we paint, I suppose.  Hope you like it.

Sunset Tropical Seascape in Watercolours

Sleepless Night, Watercolour Painting, Tropical Seascape

Sleepless Night, Watercolour. I closed my eyes and I heard the sound of flapping wind and the sea lullaby.. into the sunset.. a night without sleep.. just me and my soul!

Tropical Sunset Seascape in Watercolour

Tropical Moon, Watercolour painting

Tropical Moon - A watercolour from my imagination. Feeling good to visualise inner world with watercolour. Pochade style. I love tropical. The climate change and unfavourable local situations, my heart lives with imagination.. now it is onto paper.. better than I thought! :)
I can sit in comfort place, enjoy a warm drink, wonderful visual and share with friends… we can all forget about the sand flies and mosquitoes….and all troubles in the world... only the finest.. that's the art! :-D Have a good day!

Pochade Watercolour, Moon and palm over water

Memories, Watercolour Painting

When someone whom we know dearly has died, our mind are flooded with memories. Our veins struggle. Tears come.. sometimes without logic.. tears just come.

I used to be paralysed for days or weeks.. sometimes consider giving up trying and wonder I probably should live a life like other .. even I do not know what it means.. No it does not sound like me at all.. I love individuality.. love to be a person as natural as a bird!

This time, I put myself to the test. As the idea comes, I pick up a brush and paint.. my head out. I paint between tears.. I keep going with a thought.. if the painting come out right.. then I have something.. No definitely Not to give up… As the painting in progress, I remember the person who just died was the person who said "Never" as I turned around she said "Never give up" with a smile and a beam in her eyes. There was a ton of determination in that little smile. She had never given up at all. It was more than ten years ago.

The tears disappeared as I came close to putting the finishing touch. This finished painting put a little smile on my face and a little shine in my eyes… I won by not to surrender to the habit of surrendering. The sadness has become an opportunity to cherish and to share.. victory to the spirit of art and art lovers..

I am sure most of us would have a chance to know someone who has ability to wipe our tears, warm our heart, light our path .. after death… give your soul a moment. They'll reveal themselves to you.

Art is a form of communication beyond physical limitation.. I like the painting so much.. it become a series..

Take care and God bless

Seascape, Watercolour

Nature is Simple, En Plein Air Watercolour Painting Landscape

I like looking into water on rocks.  There are little sea lives that, I guess, are of interest of sea gulls.  Walking pass, I could see some people also seemed to have discovered something on rocks around the bay.  It's a good way to spend time with friends in a relaxing way in a busy city.

After locating good seat on the deck, I decided to paint this unusual composition, seaside roading architecture!.  I wasn't so sure but I went ahead any way.   I put the painting away in a draw.  I thought I would change my mind after a while.  I look at it again.  I was surprised I like it a bit more. I like the little conversation here and there..  and somewhere someone enjoy a connection, a friendship in a casual way.. like a fife form in nature in little water residue on rocks

Looking at nature we discover a lot about ourselves.  The real balance that fosters life are all around us.  Some spend a few minutes to appreciate it others, a life time.  Like air and water, like feeling alive, nature is simple, mysteriously simple!

Around the Bay, Watercolour Painting, Auckland, NZ

The Sea Talks to Me, Watercolour Painting En Plein Air

'Our one-year-old son will insult you with his happiness and freedom every day' - Antoine Leiris. A father's defiant message to ISIS after his wife, the mother of his son, was killed in Paris, 13 Nov 2015. It is an impressive statement.

As usual I love everyday of my life but the terrors that happen around the world make me more conscious .

Make the most of everyday. More love to family members. More joy to every moment of life....

Making time to enjoy summer is a must on my list. I often dream of lying on a beach with a wet paint brush, capturing whatever in front of me. However, I was not allowed to take painting gear with me to the beach to enjoy time with family.

In situations like this, I thought of a French pochade watercolour box I bought sometime ago and a pad of watercolour A5 papers (a birthday gift) would be perfect. I quietly slipped the little set in the bag unnoticed. When everyone was going for a walk along the beach, it was the time for me to enjoy the scenes of the beach while sitting with bags and sandals. Time went. It was a long walk. When people came back, I showed them the picture. It was a surprise. People find it hard to believe it was an actual scene on the beach that was right in front of us! I was pleased everyone had something to enjoy especially the one that got left behind!.. me.. It's a win win situation.

With this little picture, that summer day will be in my mind forever. Dream came true!:-)

Writing this, I still feel the heat of the beach. That's is the charm of en plein air with a pochade box. Try it for yourselves, you will be pleasantly surprised that the scene you love can actually talk to you! :-)

I plan to have more and more the secret pleasures with the charming French pochade painting box while sharing wonderful time with family and friends. I am having the world both ways in my arms! Hug.

Looking at the two ladies with their little steps toward the sea, I thought of Picasso painting of the first step. In life, we do not have the whole staircase in front of us, only the first step. The first step of independence into uncertainty requires courage.. I thought of the first step of a one year old who just lost his mother.. the first step of a father who decided to love him twice as much..

Everyday is a chance for a first step into the magic of life. Take it.

Yes, love life a bit more everyday. My friends, you always win.

Beautiful Beach Scene in Watercolour, Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand

The Purest of Them All, a Tribute through Watercolour Art

Sea, Sand and Me, Watercolour Painting, Fine Art

Mastering watercolour does not require "purity". With confident brush strokes, washes and understanding interaction of paper, water and colours including White, grey, black.. beautiful works can be created.

Purity is a popular concept among artists. It goes further in visual art through watercolour.

Purity of watercolour emphasises in the clean washed and limpid execution, bereft of body white, maintaining transparency and at the same time achieving luminosity.

This concept began, not as many collectors think, with Joseph Mallord William Turner, RA (1775 – 1851) and his immediate followers.

It really began between the wars with artists like Philip Wilson Steer OM (1860 – 1942), American artist John Singer Sargent (1856 – 1925) with more than 2,000 watercolours, Scottish artist and illustrator Sir William Russell Flint (1880 – 1969), English artist Edward Seago RBA ARWS RWS (1910 – 1974) a War Substantive Captain with honorary rank of Major, 1944; English watercolour artist Edward Wesson (1910 – 1983)..

It was Rowland Frederick Hilder OBE ( born in New York, 1905 – died 1993, an army Camouflage Officer during WWII) an English marine and landscape artist and book illustrator, who likened watercolour painting to the elegance of the string quartet against the sonority, breadth, thrust and impact of oil paintings. It is this delicacy and freshness of the one-time application of paint which appeals to him.

The visual concept of purity in watercolour art is a significant development. It is continued until today...

I have listed a few facts of time and involvement as proofs that purism invented and developed by these war time artists were not the concept of the elites, the snooty, the snobbish, the arrogant but of generations who had lived, seen or directly affected by the worst of human conflicts which made hunger, sorrow, suffering, hopelessness, fear, death and decay ... an unforgettable experience. At the point one might have thought that there would not possibly anything we could benefit from the total destructive misery of war, there came a concept of fine purism in visual art for the eyes to see!...

I think of a famous quote from Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." The statement expressed the tendency of human soul that search for purity. The general term "dust of everyday life" showed the artist did not pay much attention to it. Art sets free and purifies the soul. I do not glorify wars. In Picasso case, world wars seemed to be elements adding to the motivation. The artist produced huge volume of works through out 75 years career. Being able to live with art had turned negative into positive in extreme situations.

As part of survival, human soul has the tendency to seek for purity. In the dark, the eyes seek for light. In war, the soul searches for peace, purity of life! This desire is portrait through the concept of purity in watercolour art. No other times in human history, darkness blanketed the souls like the experience in times of World Wars. No other time in Art history the artist soul searched for purity was so clear. The result of this search is something purer than the pre war purist concept. Watercolour Purism with all requirements, represents reaction of human souls to all darkness in war times. With evolving current world conflicts, an escape of the soul into the purest form of life would naturally continues...

"Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the purest of them all?"... I guess ..I am trying to find answer..

The delicate properties of watercolour gave chance to artists to explore the challenge and drive the concept of purity to its finest. Why pushed it? .. it was nothing more than a desire to uplift the soul out of its misery.. seeking for a moment of delight with effortless poetry!... looking around I think it is more than just a human tendency ...

The creation of watercolour purity concept was in stark contrast with the war environment where flooded infested trenches and muddy fields were soldiers living environment. Was inspiration for purest form of purity in art coming from a spirit above?

No matter what state of the world, the concept of purism in watercolour guides the mind and the hands of painters to seek for beyond boundaries. .. I wonder why is the speedy execution required by this concept? .. I can't help but thinking about speedy machines required for the battles in the air.. the speedy response of people on the ground for survival.. speedy response with muscles, heart and soul...

Pure watercolour itself has special beauty because our soul always searches for purity and our eyes love to see it. With war history, the concept symbolises the spirit of peace.. it is the visual language of elegance, poetry..

"Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the purest of them all?"

I found the answer:

The spirit that was with people who made ultimate sacrifice ..on the ground, in the sea and the sky. That spirit is the Purest of Them All.

My tribute.

Only You, Watercolour Painting Seascape

It was my turn to suggest a site for en plein air painting.  I chose a park side but was not in favour.  After analysing it, we decided to go somewhere else.  The group preferred the water edge.  It was windy so we turned into the bush on a headland for a sheltered position.  I came to the edge and looked down.  I fell for the scene.  Because we had already wasted an hour, I had to be hurry.  I worked quickly thinking I was playing with chances that it might fail.  After a few minutes I started to enjoy it.  This scene was so peaceful, I chose a simple palette.. the painting finally appeared with surprise.  This would be a place that I would be happy to spend more time dipping my toes in the water..  I credited my friend for her leadership to rescue a near disaster situation otherwise I would go home empty handed. 

Looking at the picture, I think the painting day was a success.  It pays to make quick decision and hang on to any possibilities that one could think of.

Magical moment on the Shore

Summer Breeze, Watercolour Painting Seascape, En Plein Air

The best place to enjoy a hot day is near the sea.  Better still, we found a place with trees which could provide some shade and wind shelter.  Knowing we were coming, the fisherman gave us his spot and move further away.  He insisted to go because he hadn't had any luck. 

I ventured out to the edge of the head land and saw this composition.  I made a quick sketch and came back to my setting.  I tempted to sit right there and painted as suggested by my friend.  There was something telling me that it was not a good idea.  I gazed at the scene and absorbed key details and colour balance then started painting.  Minutes later, the wind came and gave a shuffle.  My hat and board were tossed away.  I quickly ran after and rescued them.  I held tight to the board and kept on painting.  The wind gave another big hustle.  I ran quick and rescue my friend's painting and bag before they get into the sea.  

For colour composition, I use some warm in the sky and water to balance the energetic blue green theme of the shore while maintaining peaceful, fresh, vibrant feel of the picture.  Nearly finished, I looking at the picture again and decided to add a friend to the fisherman.  I think they look good together!   

If I had sat at the head land edge, I would not have had this picture.  It would ended up in the sea along with other bits of my gear!  ..Pew!  The experience tells me always take an extra care when you go near the sea and do listen to my instinct.  What a day!:-) 

Wonderful day at Seaside

A Summer with You, Watercolour Thumbnail Sketch Seascape

One useful and wonderful exercise in watercolour art is doing five minute thumbnail sketch with one brush and maybe three colours and a small piece of paper .  In this exercise, I think I might have been cheating a bit.  I did not count the colours but picking them straight from my palette at the time.  I think it took a minute to think, a minute to draw ( I skipped this) and three minutes to paint.

The scale of this thumbnail sketch is 16cm x 11.5cm ( or roughly 6" x 4").  In this quick sketch I managed to capture atmospheric of a sunny day, glittering light on water, wet sand, wonderful sky with wind and clouds, Rangitoto islands, its reflection and a happy couple!  I think it does not matter how many paintings I have done.  An experience like this always brings a smile to my face.  A fleeting moment, moving sky, dashing light and the joy of wet feet... is captured effortless.  I can't explain.  I can't analyse.  It just happened. It is really a five minutes of magic! 

Wonderful Summer Day, Mission Bay, Auckland, NZ

Door to the Sea, Watercolour Painting Seascape

An outdoor painting at Okahu bay, Auckland.  Along NZ shore are those magnificent local trees.  They have the ability to flourish in incredible tough condition near the shore with strong wind and poor soil.  Because of their strength, they are planted to protect the shore from corrosion.  I use strong greens and dark colours umber, sepia, blues (pthalo and ultramarine) for the tree trunks to note the features of these special trees.  Coming in with  is lapping water to wet my feet and the breeze to play with my hair.  I work hard with the brush to capture movement and vibration of the scene in the same time I would love just to be there all day.. dreaming! :-)
Together these elements gave me a strong vibrant refreshing blue green theme which I am going to include it into my favourite colour palettes.  It was beautiful day with wonderful result!

Beautiful, stunning day at the bay

Nouvelle Calédonie, Gouache Painting

Thinking of holidays by the sea is my kind of off-beat relaxation.  With a piece of paper and a box of gouache colours, I decided to have fun.  Nouvelle Caledonie is a French colony in the Pacific.  I get used to watercolour with its relax and free flow ability and did not realise extra work is required with gouache.  If you like to try, use the brushes that are not intended for watercolours.  Else you might ruin the delicate quality of watercolour brushes especially those that you can not have replacement! I have collected many watercolour brushes during many years and have noticed they have disappeared because people do not make them anymore.

Nouvelle Caledonie, Gouache Painting on paper

THE SEA LULLABY, Watercolor Painting Seascapes

This scene in the creek of Waiheke Island caught my eye with its sense of intimacy between boat lovers and the sea, a place that even a seal would dream to be.  With that note of imagination and a simple natural tone palette, I captured the air, the light and the romance of the scene.  The place that is so peaceful and made perfect with a lullaby from the sea, a quiet night.  The place is waken up with the sound of the morning light touches the sea!  With this painting I felt like I have been had the privilege living in the boat house and watching the sunrise for 20 years!.. Imagine that!  

Seascape Sensation in watercolor, 29.5x42cm

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LOW TIDE, Watercolor Painting Landscapes, Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand

The glow of the evening lingered on the south side of Waiheke Island, Auckland, made the shore of Okahuiti Creek look even warmer.  The boats owners might have packed up for the day.  New Zealand is a place where many sailors and boat makers made their name in the world stage.  The sea and the boat create a unique life style.  I tried to capture the life style of NZ boaties, not what people do but what it feels like living with a boat what it feels like to grow up with a boat in a small place.  It's a nice feel.  Love the lazy look of these little boats, the fun time I've never had!

Beautiful Watercolor Painting Landscapes Beach and Boats, Watercolor on paper, 29.5x42cm

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SUNSET AUCKLAND CITY, Watercolor Painting Landscapes

Sometimes I just sink into the colors!  Love to look at the image before I go to sleep thinking I am still out there somewhere with the open sky!

Wonderful Sunset Auckland City NZ Watercolor Painting on paper
21x29.5cm, Original Fine Art for Sale USD $150

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.

VENICE GONDOLAS (1), Postcards Watercolor Painting Venice, Italy

The gondolas were designed for riders to have fun with the sea.  Guests do not have to wait for the waves.  The shape of the gondolas with skilled boat men can offer any type of waves to please the visitors.  The sea was waiting at the door of the hotel room...  After a ride, I guest the night would be filled with dreams from the sea!  Once again, it was a fun and challenging painting process!  One can easily sweep the scene with monotone moody colors.  But I wanted the scene with tone, atmospheric.. excitement and passion!  It was tough!  I wonder who would not wanted the same thing when hitting the scene like this in Venice! Enjoy!

Gondola,Venice, Italy Seascapes Watercolor Painting on paper
Popular Classic Postcard or Pochade size 6 x 8 inches or 15 x 20 cm 

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GONDOLAS AND THE PRINCESS WINDOW, Postcards Watercolor Painting Venice

I love this painting because I always love fancy features on old buildings.  They gave a hint of the presence of a little princess somewhere.  It was a notion of dream.  I love the window above the waiting gondolas.  It was a bit like the story of Cinderella with the pumpkin carriage hence, the title the picture.  I like the little bridge too.  I added two little figures to complete the romance scene of the place

Venice, Italy Watercolor Painting on paper
Popular Classic Postcard or Pochade size 6 x 8 inches or 15 x 20 cm 

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