Friday 28 June 2013

Swiss Sojourn

I've just returned from an enjoyable break staying at the home of some friends on the shores of Lake Geneva. As it was a holiday there was little scope for spending time with the brushes, indeed the only kit I had with me was a small box of watercolours and a block of Not paper. 

Daytime excursions gave me the opportunity to make lots of photographs as well as a few sketches for future reference so my main painting activity took place in the evenings. The selection of pictures here reflect this activity.

The first picture is the view from the terrace of the house where we were staying and it was a delight every day to witness the changing conditions and light. This view in all its forms provides the vast majority of my photographs. Future painting projects will reflect the many changes seen from this spot.


Lake Geneva - Watercolour on Not paper 12" x 9"

I was delighted when the family who own the house decided that they would like this picture for their walls.

To keep the brushes operating on a regular basis I got into the habit of setting up a few artefacts to provide still life compositions for the evening and the following pictures represent some of those sessions.


Still Life 1 - Watercolour 12" x 9"


Still Life 2 - Watercolour 12" x 9"


Still Life 3 - Watercolour 12" x 9"


Still Life - Watercolour 12" x 9"

18 comments:

Polly Birchall said...

You were very industrious and you painted some lovely memories. Better than any photographs!

Linda Roth said...

You have really been having a delightful time with your watercolors. The evening watercolors really show how much you gained from Reid. I love the looseness of them and the control of wet into wet. A lovely summer painting Mick. I enjoyed catching up with you. Charles Reid can really wield a brush.

RH Carpenter said...

Well, you've got photos and some great paintings to add to your holiday memories! Love the still lifes - especially the last one and the second with that happy frog :) I think I see a series coming of the scene on Lake Geneva and look forward to those, too :)

Sophia Khan said...

Hello Mick,

Looks like you had a wonderful time in Lake Geneva and great to hear you've also had the opportunity to do some watercolors. Your landscape impression is lovely and very atmospheric, and it is no wonder it was asked for by the owners:) Also love your still life watercolors with their simple yet inviting compositions. I like the colors and playfulness in No. 2 especially.
Happy painting:)
Sophia

Ray Maclachlan Art said...

Maybe you should stay permanently on holidays Mick. These are a great record of your stay. Well done.

Unknown said...

Polly - Thanks for the kind words. It is definitely my favourite way to create memories.

Unknown said...

Linda - Thanks. As you can see I am a big fan of Charles Reid and he provides lots of inspiration for image making.

Unknown said...

Rhonda - I think I also feel a series coming on. I've lots of sketches, notes and photographs that record the varied light conditions whilst away. Thanks for your kindness.

Unknown said...

Sophia - Thanks. It is always reassuring when there is a little appreciation for one's work even though that is not what the original inspiration was about.

Unknown said...

Ray - What a great idea, permanent holiday. I'll give that some thought although my bank manager might have a view on the idea.

Daniel Corey said...

Lovely Mick! I'm gonna need one (or more) for my collection. Hope all is well friend.

Peter Ward said...

I like those sketches. very nice!

Unknown said...

Dan - Thanks. Mail me any time you want to acquire something. It would be good to get back there and deliver something. All is well here. Hope to be in touch soon.

Unknown said...

Peter - Thanks. Hoping to get back into something like a routine soon and do some of the painting jobs that are unfinished.

Yvonne Harry said...

You have been very Busy Mick and you obviously profited from your Reid course. Lovely.

Unknown said...

Yvonne - Thanks for visiting and pleased you enjoyed it.

Daniel Corey said...

I'm always late to the party.. lovely piece Mick! Can't wait to go out for a paint with you again.

Ron Guthrie said...

Hey, these are great pieces Mick....good to see you turned out so many paintings from just this one vacation. Wow! Very nice Mick.