tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88195838030441063672024-03-13T14:52:15.808+01:00NordljusNordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.comBlogger554125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-2325976887930042942018-12-14T09:44:00.002+01:002018-12-14T09:44:17.994+01:00Where's the time gone?I can't believe it's already almost Christmas. Where has the time gone? <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a week off last week, and I was looking forward to spending it at home, there was so much I wanted to do. Probably too much, because at the end of the week, I not only didn't feel relaxed at all, but also like I hadn't done anything at all. It was just a bit of an odd old week. But looking back, I have actually done quite a lot (see below). Maybe just not everything.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a very long time, I finally took my acrylics out again. I started gently with adding more pages to my colour mixing book, and at the same time creating background pages with the left over paints in one of my art journals.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vH8XIzQhQU/XBFweWICjfI/AAAAAAAAJKA/Rd0XG8j3BnMx4NBYliqWs_-dxvq99FCHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_1789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vH8XIzQhQU/XBFweWICjfI/AAAAAAAAJKA/Rd0XG8j3BnMx4NBYliqWs_-dxvq99FCHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_1789.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also got a big old canvas out, that has been sitting around for a while because I didn't really know what to do with it. But now I finally have my own desk at work, after 2.5 month, with a very bare wall to stare at, so I thought this large canvas would be perfect. For some reason, I'm feeling drawn to painting landscapes at the moment, so I just slapped some paint on, thinking I might paint something from imagination. But I soon realised that wasn't really quite working. This will need a bit more work, a bit of looking through references and my photographs to find the right image that I would like to escape to from time to time at work. So there's not much yet to see on that canvas, but just picking up brushes and covering it with paint felt good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4TcAsCh7F4/XBFwd1T78AI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/mFtYFdhkwSYugHFNuCcF4QeVwslesi8uACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_1778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4TcAsCh7F4/XBFwd1T78AI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/mFtYFdhkwSYugHFNuCcF4QeVwslesi8uACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_1778.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I even spent a nice morning in the Kunsthaus (art museum) in Zürich, especially looking for landscape paintings, and it was a wonderful and inspiring experience, and after a week of feeling rather restless, finally calmed me down a bit. The best bit was not only to find inspiration, such as colour, subject matter, composition, style etc. The works of the Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler, Giovanni Segantini and Albert Anker reminded me that I don't need to look further away for inspiration, as I tend to, but that I live in a country that has rich traditions and stunning landscapes - and they are not that far from my doorstep.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was not only experimenting a bit on my canvas, but also in the kitchen. One thing I really wanted to make this week was bake a bread. A spelt bread. And then, I decided to not just go and make an ordinary spelt bread, but to attempt a sourdough spelt bread. Somehow, I always thought that sourdough was this mysteriously complicated affair that really only a professional baker could ever manage to make. Turns out that it is actually quite simple. All you need is basically water and flour. And patience. Because it takes at least five days until your starter, or mother, is ready and you can start baking. I found a very quick and simple recipe for baking my bread, and it came out disappointingly flat. I guess it was just a bit too quick and simple. Good things need a bit more time. But although it didn't look very pretty, it was actually very tasty. Even my Mum was very impressed and more than happy to take some of it home. And that means a lot! I've since looked up some more recipes and ordered a book as well. And I bought a banneton, which I've never even heard of until a few days ago. The mother has gone into the fridge for the moment, until the Christmas break, when I will have more time to try and attempt another bread. She might be asleep at the moment, but she's certainly smelling deliciously sour.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylvrTym6a4E/XBFwdpvdbtI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/s8YpYFDEm7UtEcELHhkSN5AyatTExhFwgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_1766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylvrTym6a4E/XBFwdpvdbtI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/s8YpYFDEm7UtEcELHhkSN5AyatTExhFwgCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_1766.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also pickled some cucumbers and made Sauerkraut, both the traditional from white cabbage, and another one with red cabbage. The cucumbers are already ready to eat, but the Sauerkraut will need some more patience and another few weeks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyKJSjVvJac/XBFwdW20ZlI/AAAAAAAAJJs/_TXCX6OEr6Etv4pIf2zfPjP4T1rSWfGrQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_1761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyKJSjVvJac/XBFwdW20ZlI/AAAAAAAAJJs/_TXCX6OEr6Etv4pIf2zfPjP4T1rSWfGrQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_1761.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm looking forward to when I'll have some homemade spelt sourdough bread with homemade Sauerkraut!</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-84774775134641113902018-10-18T22:09:00.002+02:002020-09-02T13:04:22.888+02:00A visit to the zoo I love visitng the zoo here in Zürich, it's so beautiful, and now they've
added a new enclosure - Australia, with the koalas as main attraction.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fHF31wLjMo/W8dP5Jn-u4I/AAAAAAAAJJY/X3Ty4XGCshQqrxtTjJmYbAcWwseTgiBqACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fHF31wLjMo/W8dP5Jn-u4I/AAAAAAAAJJY/X3Ty4XGCshQqrxtTjJmYbAcWwseTgiBqACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9610.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The emus and wallabies are free to roam and mingle with the visitors. The wallabies were a bit shy, though, and prefared to keep their distance. The emus, on the other hand, were very interested in investigating...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjHoCtw3Wp4/W8dP5ISHK4I/AAAAAAAAJJY/20oZ00LH0Ow34U-FKd5J2wFzCPiKNCxKACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjHoCtw3Wp4/W8dP5ISHK4I/AAAAAAAAJJY/20oZ00LH0Ow34U-FKd5J2wFzCPiKNCxKACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9612.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The elephants enjoyed some quality family time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6YXMGF-0Zo/W8dP6cQ_okI/AAAAAAAAJJM/uHN4fMZ3q0wo_vhtDf8i8bAJ15pbUoYqACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6YXMGF-0Zo/W8dP6cQ_okI/AAAAAAAAJJM/uHN4fMZ3q0wo_vhtDf8i8bAJ15pbUoYqACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9649.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The Masoala hall is always a special place to visit. You never quite know what you're going to see. It's something different every time. But there's always something to see. And this little mouse lemur was just the sweetest little creature!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2Jj0gxEzuE/W8dP7kRzEJI/AAAAAAAAJJM/BGbOo6f31JsT-6H4d80JMScUGn7-SvicQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9699.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2Jj0gxEzuE/W8dP7kRzEJI/AAAAAAAAJJM/BGbOo6f31JsT-6H4d80JMScUGn7-SvicQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9699.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pvmrmLtoCs/W8dP71wNF3I/AAAAAAAAJJU/mdNVNwwJRgIoN402qCzmjIsmVOTNUjx5wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pvmrmLtoCs/W8dP71wNF3I/AAAAAAAAJJU/mdNVNwwJRgIoN402qCzmjIsmVOTNUjx5wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9704.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="363" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/295843728" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/295843728">Mouse Lemur</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user17989717">Nordljus</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That plant must be especially delicious, because on our way back, we saw this little fellow. Usually, they just sit motionless upside down on tree trunks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFBD36Rn2ig/W8dP8wrz1iI/AAAAAAAAJJY/zDlpdusV2c0S5OALhIwrUh55jIKTLiPEACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFBD36Rn2ig/W8dP8wrz1iI/AAAAAAAAJJY/zDlpdusV2c0S5OALhIwrUh55jIKTLiPEACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9747.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vm1V0ZFZxUk/W8dP9pIZJtI/AAAAAAAAJJc/HORsJg5dkbIZld7DjzdAJeGntn1kY86OwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vm1V0ZFZxUk/W8dP9pIZJtI/AAAAAAAAJJc/HORsJg5dkbIZld7DjzdAJeGntn1kY86OwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9749.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="363" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/295843865" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/295843865">Gecko</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user17989717">Nordljus</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
<br /></div>
<br />
One of the animals you pretty much always see, is the chameleon. This time, we saw four different ones. What characters they are. And their colours, patterns and textures are just amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMEQIUajYDs/W8dP8ABQ68I/AAAAAAAAJJI/SQ6YKFobhqUitjElopwNqx4Sm1YzhEcTACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMEQIUajYDs/W8dP8ABQ68I/AAAAAAAAJJI/SQ6YKFobhqUitjElopwNqx4Sm1YzhEcTACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9725.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNnyvhSzrQ0/W8dP8o_QUII/AAAAAAAAJJU/ABE_jd3BioIKJ0J-Aj4951U29nrYDuF6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNnyvhSzrQ0/W8dP8o_QUII/AAAAAAAAJJU/ABE_jd3BioIKJ0J-Aj4951U29nrYDuF6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9730.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnTXnAQ-b3E/W8dP9m2ezlI/AAAAAAAAJI8/T6L0Nqztv78fTtcDln6SEeaoJ2NLi8grgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9769.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="649" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnTXnAQ-b3E/W8dP9m2ezlI/AAAAAAAAJI8/T6L0Nqztv78fTtcDln6SEeaoJ2NLi8grgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9769.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The end of another wonderful day at the zoo, and one last glimpse back in the later afternoon light, before the zoo shut it's gate, and the animals got some well deserved peace and quiet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8PMxJHY38E/W8dP-LmshwI/AAAAAAAAJJc/3oBvL16-EPcwJUEBRL-zaxZ0sV0LfdFwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8PMxJHY38E/W8dP-LmshwI/AAAAAAAAJJc/3oBvL16-EPcwJUEBRL-zaxZ0sV0LfdFwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9818.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-2956574589493941422018-08-09T13:56:00.000+02:002018-08-09T13:58:57.249+02:00The end of the heat wave and a visit to the local wildlife park<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ice lollies. They're basically what gets me through summer... I'm not a summer person at all, it's my least favourite season, and anything beyond 25 degrees Celsius is far too hot for me. But I think I'm not the only one who's glad that this heat wave is finally coming to an end. And my bronchitis has cleared up as well, at long last, last weekend, and I've got some energy back.<br />
I've made some more banana kiwi lollies, but I also have some shop bought ones in the freezer. These melon and strawberry ones have been around for decades. The only ones of my favourite ice lollies that are still around. And I've eaten a lot of these this summer....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_YfSO55Yms/W2iD1-8QyTI/AAAAAAAAJG8/w-yWdPilreonLveRCcyxZ1pnEmlPGLjsACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IceLollies650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_YfSO55Yms/W2iD1-8QyTI/AAAAAAAAJG8/w-yWdPilreonLveRCcyxZ1pnEmlPGLjsACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IceLollies650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cooking is also not something I feel like doing when it's 30+ degrees, and I usually don't know what to get and make. But this cucumber salad is perfect. Delicious and refreshing. I used to make cucumber salad with a "normal" salad dressing with vinegar and oil, but no matter how much herbs and salt I added, it always ended up watery and tasteless. This one is my Mum's recipe, I meant to ask her about it for ages, and now that I finally have, I immediately added it into my illustration recipe book, so that I won't forget it anymore. It still gets a bit watery, but it keeps its taste, and I love it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xrUUUMjTEJM/W2iCSCLMwwI/AAAAAAAAJGw/idTUZobOv5ofZ3KEI-gfTyw2ZbfsobllwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_CucumberSalad650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xrUUUMjTEJM/W2iCSCLMwwI/AAAAAAAAJGw/idTUZobOv5ofZ3KEI-gfTyw2ZbfsobllwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_CucumberSalad650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During our holiday, we went to the nearby Wildlife park, which is always worth a visit. We didn't really expect to see many animals, it was a hot summer afternoon, and I expected most of the animals to hide in the shade and sleep. The enclosures are large and built to imitate the animals natural habitat as closely as possible, which means that there's plenty of room for them to be out of sight. But we were so spoilt, in fact, I don't think I've ever seen so many different animals in a single visit!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Moose are one of my favourite animals, and I'm always happy to see them, and what a treat to see them so close up! A big one was resting right next to the fence, and a small one was nibbling at the trees a few metres away. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Oz3rYf4IQ4/W2cFGDUgefI/AAAAAAAAJFc/BCVHJZR0T0Qfs9VHkXswFPuTAe5t7cWBACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Oz3rYf4IQ4/W2cFGDUgefI/AAAAAAAAJFc/BCVHJZR0T0Qfs9VHkXswFPuTAe5t7cWBACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9357.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGkViwMqsNE/W2cFGIuR7KI/AAAAAAAAJFk/heYf32x0xrEn4-RjTrMfnqXTzTlocMAhgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGkViwMqsNE/W2cFGIuR7KI/AAAAAAAAJFk/heYf32x0xrEn4-RjTrMfnqXTzTlocMAhgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9373.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course there's plenty of wildlife in the woods and grass along the paths as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_hix8lA5O8/W2cFGAFYwxI/AAAAAAAAJFg/iqWJasluercqoAZI-t6bSK9mML3gzFrlgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_hix8lA5O8/W2cFGAFYwxI/AAAAAAAAJFg/iqWJasluercqoAZI-t6bSK9mML3gzFrlgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9397.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The mouse house is always worth a visit. They are just so sweet. But rather hard to capture, they are so quick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFhW8afeT3U/W2cFGgS7MFI/AAAAAAAAJFo/idVB7vChcF0xFLOf4oCC7pu7YBZpBuB9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFhW8afeT3U/W2cFGgS7MFI/AAAAAAAAJFo/idVB7vChcF0xFLOf4oCC7pu7YBZpBuB9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9505.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The shy and beautiful wildcats were also strolling around right in front of your eyes. Such gorgeous animals.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7x1Xxo3q30/W2cN36CnTuI/AAAAAAAAJGM/txCpNKXfgWUl2hWYqPMzLRBer5wiqQLwgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7x1Xxo3q30/W2cN36CnTuI/AAAAAAAAJGM/txCpNKXfgWUl2hWYqPMzLRBer5wiqQLwgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9539.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spDCTI258jQ/W2cN4drqwFI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/QYRFk3z5XjwvCReTQlk5GM9_5Wwj_u_8ACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spDCTI258jQ/W2cN4drqwFI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/QYRFk3z5XjwvCReTQlk5GM9_5Wwj_u_8ACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9547.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were so lucky to see the bears not only once, but twice! They came all the way down from the woods to the water, I guess they were hot too and wanted to cool down.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nzrsPECgXI/W2cN3hDKl2I/AAAAAAAAJGE/2De9sEpZ9wAk61kurGuQsGeNyej1DY32wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="649" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nzrsPECgXI/W2cN3hDKl2I/AAAAAAAAJGE/2De9sEpZ9wAk61kurGuQsGeNyej1DY32wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9533.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Junior had a splash in the water...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZZnb4K4gJc/W2cOoNvAG3I/AAAAAAAAJGk/j-4xsV7yC6wfgZwLfoZb3jTo-aCeSkwMACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZZnb4K4gJc/W2cOoNvAG3I/AAAAAAAAJGk/j-4xsV7yC6wfgZwLfoZb3jTo-aCeSkwMACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9450.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/283297674" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/283297674">Splashing</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user17989717">Nordljus</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
... while mummy bear was just staying cool and relaxed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6v3GsPeMUSs/W2cN3WOK0LI/AAAAAAAAJGA/EXhXuXCkARsjx_0bvST_jlFKTpIlGB65wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6v3GsPeMUSs/W2cN3WOK0LI/AAAAAAAAJGA/EXhXuXCkARsjx_0bvST_jlFKTpIlGB65wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9475.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After we came back to the café for an ice lolly, the bears came back too. They too wanted a little snack.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvbHLQpsR4U/W2cN3c98zAI/AAAAAAAAJF8/-7Pvn3jpyugDexumawKFEDTPHD_BZ1hXwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvbHLQpsR4U/W2cN3c98zAI/AAAAAAAAJF8/-7Pvn3jpyugDexumawKFEDTPHD_BZ1hXwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9526.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/283298137" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/283298137">Feeding time</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user17989717">Nordljus</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We also saw the foxes, the alpine marmots, the wild boars, the bisons, including a baby bison!, the wild horses, and of course, the deer. But I didn't get many good photos, my wideangle/macro zoom lens is not really suited for animals. But it was a wonderful afternoon. We also went to the zoo, and I hope to share some photos from there next time.</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-10235110048704413412018-08-03T08:21:00.002+02:002018-08-03T08:31:00.679+02:00More lazy summer days, and more holiday photos<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, this week hasn't been much different than last week. My bronchitis still hasn't cleared up and I've spent another week at home resting. I'm really getting fed up with it now. And it's still hot, even hotter than last week, which doesn't help. So not much time in the studio, but I got at least one sketch done. And I've edited some more photos from our holiday. <br />
<br />
Back in April, I put together a new watercolour palette with 24 colours. Some I've been using for a while, and some of them were entirely new ones. This is what the new palette looked like three months ago, with all the pans filled with to the brim with delicious Daniel Smith paints.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXFL_VjhkP8/W2B5DjyrcgI/AAAAAAAAJC8/9je40NHMiD4tz6Zz4CjMkL2BuVFGSltIwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatercolourPalette650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXFL_VjhkP8/W2B5DjyrcgI/AAAAAAAAJC8/9je40NHMiD4tz6Zz4CjMkL2BuVFGSltIwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatercolourPalette650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And this is what it looks now. I'ts quite obvious, well, it certainly is when looking at the box in real life, which colours were used a lot - and which ones weren't. There's not much left of either Payne's Grey or Alizarin Crimson, which I use mixed together as a shadow colour. And I love Sap Green. The only ones of the new additions that I did use where Rose of Ultramarine and Goethite.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbOOChZ7B2w/W2B6MUWwujI/AAAAAAAAJDM/ZxwbXG-dbSI_eLYrlti-L-BGxmyTCdIUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatercolourPalette2_650_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbOOChZ7B2w/W2B6MUWwujI/AAAAAAAAJDM/ZxwbXG-dbSI_eLYrlti-L-BGxmyTCdIUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatercolourPalette2_650_2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's useful to look at your palette after having used it for some time, and see if there's any changes you might want to make. Maybe a certain colour didn't work out quite as well as you thought, and you might want to swap it for another one. Or you find that there's a colour missing that would be really useful. There's such a great range of paints available these days, in any medium, and it's very easy to get carried away and buy a colour just because it's so gorgeous.<br />
<br />
We went on a couple of outings in the area. One trip was to the beautiful Seleger Moor. I've posted <a href="http://nordljusfollowyourstar.blogspot.com/2018/05/supracolor-anniversary-edition-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">some photos from my last visit there back in May</span></a>, when all the rhododendrons and azaleas, their main attractions, were in bloom. Even though there's not so much blooming at this time of year, it is still worth a visit. It's just a peaceful place to be, and of course there's always the frogs, bees and hummingbird moths.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7-Ih_TyqiM/W2MoOYvKw7I/AAAAAAAAJDY/nyAttXJKVOwLBZEDI0xMui2UtCbnCsH4QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7-Ih_TyqiM/W2MoOYvKw7I/AAAAAAAAJDY/nyAttXJKVOwLBZEDI0xMui2UtCbnCsH4QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8637.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLMg_0phnGE/W2MoPWyU2gI/AAAAAAAAJDo/2gGhyFh2XWEnQPqQ0-hT8oECB0i0-MZdACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLMg_0phnGE/W2MoPWyU2gI/AAAAAAAAJDo/2gGhyFh2XWEnQPqQ0-hT8oECB0i0-MZdACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8715.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSAZijVSB5w/W2MoOZFFg5I/AAAAAAAAJDc/DcI4mL3QBU8TG4eTqv6nbW3-pnxxbfikQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSAZijVSB5w/W2MoOZFFg5I/AAAAAAAAJDc/DcI4mL3QBU8TG4eTqv6nbW3-pnxxbfikQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSdoB_cFyFY/W2MoOVmdyHI/AAAAAAAAJDg/9mCnQJA-DIIfZbTCgLEzHHXbcK1V-ON0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSdoB_cFyFY/W2MoOVmdyHI/AAAAAAAAJDg/9mCnQJA-DIIfZbTCgLEzHHXbcK1V-ON0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8651.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yUtwboNEM8/W2MoPkrBOEI/AAAAAAAAJDs/AXYOcbX-lrQ0N2p9SySpZ4_-bvwC7TcFACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yUtwboNEM8/W2MoPkrBOEI/AAAAAAAAJDs/AXYOcbX-lrQ0N2p9SySpZ4_-bvwC7TcFACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8726.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru1WHAoXM_w/W2MoPA3MKzI/AAAAAAAAJDk/mjywI0j8saUh8oBpAlsj-VwOQ6X8eK_FgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru1WHAoXM_w/W2MoPA3MKzI/AAAAAAAAJDk/mjywI0j8saUh8oBpAlsj-VwOQ6X8eK_FgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8657.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This gorgeous frog was sitting right in the middle of the path. Perfect for taking photographs. Can you see the mosquito in his back, sucking his blood? Poor little thing. I can imagine how he felt, I've got bitten about eight times while we were there. There's even a little insect sitting right on his nose tip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVezEXqjJp8/W2MoP-mnk-I/AAAAAAAAJD0/roQ8PhY8IlY_8h1fbmaJzvi1d9nbRYnSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVezEXqjJp8/W2MoP-mnk-I/AAAAAAAAJD0/roQ8PhY8IlY_8h1fbmaJzvi1d9nbRYnSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8782.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
For our the last day of our holiday, we decided that we had done enough walking and that we wanted something a bit more relaxing. What better thing to do than take a boat trip. We took the train to Rapperswil and got on the boat for a short 12 minutes journey to <a href="https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/attractions/ufenau-island" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Ufenau</span></a>. It's a charming little island owned by the monastery of Einsiedeln. It has two medieval churches and a restaurant, and you can walk all around the island, with beautiful views of the mountains and the emerald, crystal clear water of Lake Zurich.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tyer9zF2f0/W2MrEXAnFJI/AAAAAAAAJEc/yvdxzaWC0BAjOrSUx5zffeBBgc4AMN4sQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tyer9zF2f0/W2MrEXAnFJI/AAAAAAAAJEc/yvdxzaWC0BAjOrSUx5zffeBBgc4AMN4sQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9828.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0CIY9YFxoI/W2MrESTa_8I/AAAAAAAAJEU/_6eHZvWbH4k9PgQ-RKD-_kGSpyqIEWh-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0CIY9YFxoI/W2MrESTa_8I/AAAAAAAAJEU/_6eHZvWbH4k9PgQ-RKD-_kGSpyqIEWh-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9858.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-my9ZcOlXG_4/W2MrEcHiDjI/AAAAAAAAJEY/prtcpyHTv7A-HNZPdMxDRw7hnjBUk8XfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-my9ZcOlXG_4/W2MrEcHiDjI/AAAAAAAAJEY/prtcpyHTv7A-HNZPdMxDRw7hnjBUk8XfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9871.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzTv8sonFC0/W2MrE_Wc73I/AAAAAAAAJEg/FRFd_yHa9jQXD9gZK0CGCJ3q2nLQXWVmwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzTv8sonFC0/W2MrE_Wc73I/AAAAAAAAJEg/FRFd_yHa9jQXD9gZK0CGCJ3q2nLQXWVmwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9874.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6M7lH674hHc/W2MrFFWhqbI/AAAAAAAAJEk/KofOx5GdQCMHj05TtBxWv2AH-DGmszvmACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6M7lH674hHc/W2MrFFWhqbI/AAAAAAAAJEk/KofOx5GdQCMHj05TtBxWv2AH-DGmszvmACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9876.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3VGoqGbnYA/W2MrFovg7oI/AAAAAAAAJEo/Fmv9kWhSCN0uTj0yAiyTuBSSyzolYdJTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="649" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3VGoqGbnYA/W2MrFovg7oI/AAAAAAAAJEo/Fmv9kWhSCN0uTj0yAiyTuBSSyzolYdJTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9915.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p9gXsGGkSnE/W2Ms5mkv8BI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/6c1MsSCbfmYQmqygA5smip356LSfqrSpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="649" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p9gXsGGkSnE/W2Ms5mkv8BI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/6c1MsSCbfmYQmqygA5smip356LSfqrSpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5987.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We even saw this bussard, sitting on a leaveless branch right above our heads. It kept calling to its mate, which answered somewher in the distance. Just amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZDrnoo3lmE/W2MrFqpQuZI/AAAAAAAAJFA/CuMQkJliOM8fPH0dEz0gTsO8gCO_r9jLACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZDrnoo3lmE/W2MrFqpQuZI/AAAAAAAAJFA/CuMQkJliOM8fPH0dEz0gTsO8gCO_r9jLACEwYBhgL/s640/Nordljus_IMG_9907.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/282971082" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/282971082">Bussard calling</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user17989717">Nordljus</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
<br />
I will definitely go to this little island again some time this summer. Maybe do some sketching too. For for now, it was time to get on the boat again for the almost 1 1/2 hour journey back to Zürich. We had been thinking about getting off somewhere along the journey, but it was so nice and relaxing to just sit on the boat, in the breeze, and watch the world slowly pass by, so that we decided to stay. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I would have been happy enough to just take the next boat, which was already waiting there, and do the journey all over again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUXwnqv4mtY/W2MrFt9vb2I/AAAAAAAAJFE/ZKqCmNKIoi4ihTKR76Vm79jte0DG8meNACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="649" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUXwnqv4mtY/W2MrFt9vb2I/AAAAAAAAJFE/ZKqCmNKIoi4ihTKR76Vm79jte0DG8meNACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9930.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-78257956570411730592018-07-27T08:17:00.001+02:002018-07-27T08:17:09.876+02:00Lazy summer days<div style="text-align: justify;">
After sketching almost every day in June, this month has been very poor artwise so far. For the first two weeks, I was on holiday, and then, back to work last week, I was beginning to feel a bit under the weather. Which turned out to be bronchitis, so I'm at home this week, resting and snoozing. I was hoping that by now, I'd feel noticably better, and might even be able to do some drawing or sketching, but it just doesn't seem to clear up. Which is a bit frustrating. At least I'm catching up with all the episodes of The Handmaid's Tale and Maigret that I've recorded. And yesterday, I managed at least one little sketch. I've been wanting to make these kiwi and banana ice lollies for ages, and they're sooo delicious! I'll definitely be making more of these!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bdaal5CIFw/W1oSpoX-h9I/AAAAAAAAJCU/voWMC_fO0UMmqJRqAyKrwBtzrQb6CZYgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_KiwiBananaLollies650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bdaal5CIFw/W1oSpoX-h9I/AAAAAAAAJCU/voWMC_fO0UMmqJRqAyKrwBtzrQb6CZYgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_KiwiBananaLollies650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
N came here for our summer holiday, and I didn't pick up a pencil or brush for the entire time. We were out pretty much every day, on little day trips, and I took lots of photos. So this post is rather photo heavy...<br />
We even went on a long weekend away to the southwest of Germany, in the Palatinate, to visit family. It was great to get away for a few days, and see something different. And I am glad we're not there now - the Palatinate is famous for its wine, the area is covered in vineyards, which means that the climate is mild, and it can get pretty hot in the summer. It was hot enough when we were there two weeks ago, up to 30 degrees Celsius, but this week, the thermometer is climbing up to 37 degrees.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On our first day there, Friday, we visited the beautiful city of Speyer, with it's famous cathedral. We even climbed up the 300 steps to the tower, which gave breathtaking views of the city and beyond. It really is a beautiful and picturesque town, and in the pedestrian city centre, there's one cafe after the other, selling the most delicious Italian ice cream. Heaven.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hq9HRbfaNFo/W1nJb2gG0WI/AAAAAAAAI-c/AidRC30-E94yuhAGgzOPe-1fi_Qq-Rp8ACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hq9HRbfaNFo/W1nJb2gG0WI/AAAAAAAAI-c/AidRC30-E94yuhAGgzOPe-1fi_Qq-Rp8ACLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_8906.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sishIFQKfwk/W1nJbCADhII/AAAAAAAAI-Q/YpJEMJQ0wg8SEasLBaqzbbze5dWEamBXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sishIFQKfwk/W1nJbCADhII/AAAAAAAAI-Q/YpJEMJQ0wg8SEasLBaqzbbze5dWEamBXgCEwYBhgL/s640/Nordljus_IMG_8890.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3a46topTDY/W1nJbBRkryI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/ixxGvwbvKnM3zh-YL8aB_Aptel7Z2KWYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3a46topTDY/W1nJbBRkryI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/ixxGvwbvKnM3zh-YL8aB_Aptel7Z2KWYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8897.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Saturday, after a long breakfast in the garden with my relatives, and not really knowing what to do and where to go for the rest of the day, we somehow ended up in the city of Worms. Steeped in history, but not as pretty as Speyer by far. And having been spoilt by Speyer, we were rather disappointed. At least we got to see the Rhine close up and had a lovely lunch on it's bank. The big huge cargo boats were fascinating. This area has lots of beautiful and idyllic spots. But it is also very industrial, and those signs are very visible in many places.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pBUc_O1uk4/W1nL9Sjjr1I/AAAAAAAAI-w/0ickp5_SjOY7_E_uf2eupuLo3pGkeO2pACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pBUc_O1uk4/W1nL9Sjjr1I/AAAAAAAAI-w/0ickp5_SjOY7_E_uf2eupuLo3pGkeO2pACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8917.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EP96n4tJiIk/W1nL9i6u21I/AAAAAAAAI-4/QQHt_1K6gYU-7SJFMpECR7UXeO_oDHogQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="649" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EP96n4tJiIk/W1nL9i6u21I/AAAAAAAAI-4/QQHt_1K6gYU-7SJFMpECR7UXeO_oDHogQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8925.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62j3Nfc49Ow/W1nL9WTUwJI/AAAAAAAAI-0/bIwNALdth7Ajr7lzmopFKnfvYV6wZayjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62j3Nfc49Ow/W1nL9WTUwJI/AAAAAAAAI-0/bIwNALdth7Ajr7lzmopFKnfvYV6wZayjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8919.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Sunday, we decided to stay closer to home, and went over to Mannheim to spend the afternoon in the Luisenpark. It is a huge park, built between 1892 and 1903, in the middle of the city, with gardens, a little zoo, aquarium, restaurants, a big Chinese pavillion and garden, greenhouses, a butterfly house, lots of play areas for childrens, and lots more. And of course, the lake with the Gondoletta - little boats that are pulled by an underwater rope. So relaxing. Last time I visited the park was at least 15 years ago, but as soon as we sat in the little boat, I remembered them - the carps. The lake is filled with big huge carps, which come swimming towards every boat, sticking out their big round mouths in the hope of some food. It's just too funny! We didn't get up the telecommunication tower, but I hope to do so one day. The views over Mannheim and Ludwigshafen must be amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf92YtMOHVA/W1nWJJ9CQJI/AAAAAAAAI_8/rgnnVAGlywU1mryWGQ0Sb8L3GadpWGiOwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf92YtMOHVA/W1nWJJ9CQJI/AAAAAAAAI_8/rgnnVAGlywU1mryWGQ0Sb8L3GadpWGiOwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_8995.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHSrvXJfzSE/W1nWJdS_5PI/AAAAAAAAJAE/v4bsn9nT4xcM2z_F6QyZcAXkAYEHV6iCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHSrvXJfzSE/W1nWJdS_5PI/AAAAAAAAJAE/v4bsn9nT4xcM2z_F6QyZcAXkAYEHV6iCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9000.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BURkMaL3--Y/W1nWJki2kxI/AAAAAAAAJAI/kDOS8fwxmjQvhSRvALqUm-7DijXY0utqACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BURkMaL3--Y/W1nWJki2kxI/AAAAAAAAJAI/kDOS8fwxmjQvhSRvALqUm-7DijXY0utqACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9056.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSvVeTeoulg/W1nWJmpZ6gI/AAAAAAAAJAM/RIUrQsbTj7EPg8BYWeRZDIlZw51Bbbs0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSvVeTeoulg/W1nWJmpZ6gI/AAAAAAAAJAM/RIUrQsbTj7EPg8BYWeRZDIlZw51Bbbs0gCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_9079.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrhdPUn-EFg/W1nWJJYssqI/AAAAAAAAJAA/y7j8tlnWeVUz39lB1X1J213NcHK-pciTQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrhdPUn-EFg/W1nWJJYssqI/AAAAAAAAJAA/y7j8tlnWeVUz39lB1X1J213NcHK-pciTQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9040.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHmOVYaqdqI/W1oVLh05wYI/AAAAAAAAJCg/Yr5U24src2ABDdH02qwtvjt54KYcQHuaQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHmOVYaqdqI/W1oVLh05wYI/AAAAAAAAJCg/Yr5U24src2ABDdH02qwtvjt54KYcQHuaQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9053.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XOgbAmMNSc/W1nWJisLBqI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/C-JnsCtIGWApL6GYs5BWcBSha_niBjjbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XOgbAmMNSc/W1nWJisLBqI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/C-JnsCtIGWApL6GYs5BWcBSha_niBjjbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9111.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBwpZPo7LsU/W1nWKAUt7iI/AAAAAAAAJAU/7H8rgywW7NEp1qH9z-qkoU_z2yYSIW4SwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBwpZPo7LsU/W1nWKAUt7iI/AAAAAAAAJAU/7H8rgywW7NEp1qH9z-qkoU_z2yYSIW4SwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9131.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAt1peyjClE/W1nWKgMUe4I/AAAAAAAAJAY/E8CTXdJ1zowdNdCGUgKaAWJ1lMsIp734ACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAt1peyjClE/W1nWKgMUe4I/AAAAAAAAJAY/E8CTXdJ1zowdNdCGUgKaAWJ1lMsIp734ACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9146.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTq3lqXgkAg/W1nWLLLRz_I/AAAAAAAAJAc/XpQVfpEOr-oG4Y-ORojwjQhksRfUVi4BgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTq3lqXgkAg/W1nWLLLRz_I/AAAAAAAAJAc/XpQVfpEOr-oG4Y-ORojwjQhksRfUVi4BgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9218.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We almost missed the butterfly house. We were already on our way to the exit when we discovered it, and so we stayed for another hour...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BG_2i6BX8t4/W1nV3NxMJVI/AAAAAAAAI_M/jAQSWIRqeUYRhiTBKdCfMbGto8R7w1a0QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BG_2i6BX8t4/W1nV3NxMJVI/AAAAAAAAI_M/jAQSWIRqeUYRhiTBKdCfMbGto8R7w1a0QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9162.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cu9rv-IVxrI/W1nV3ZlJ-uI/AAAAAAAAI_U/frwA9DaCi-osGOCf-iTZJOeDLWZkp4C-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cu9rv-IVxrI/W1nV3ZlJ-uI/AAAAAAAAI_U/frwA9DaCi-osGOCf-iTZJOeDLWZkp4C-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9169.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3DU7gd0OT8/W1nV3ArHgfI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/0lR2QinSvho-iiv37XuhEiiNS_vaDipqwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3DU7gd0OT8/W1nV3ArHgfI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/0lR2QinSvho-iiv37XuhEiiNS_vaDipqwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9173.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmLDQxfZ0yc/W1nV3_xMY9I/AAAAAAAAI_Y/d2R78yKN0c4Mng7bo2cRqmy8egHw_S7lACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmLDQxfZ0yc/W1nV3_xMY9I/AAAAAAAAI_Y/d2R78yKN0c4Mng7bo2cRqmy8egHw_S7lACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9176.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlddXl7ucaE/W1nV4UlQhZI/AAAAAAAAI_c/ysEox-0n0aAA5tOZvnIMJiNMONqsR9ccgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlddXl7ucaE/W1nV4UlQhZI/AAAAAAAAI_c/ysEox-0n0aAA5tOZvnIMJiNMONqsR9ccgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9188.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzPAav0hCpo/W1nV4y9phQI/AAAAAAAAI_g/bdwyvbkBvsMTw_usy7fuAc68lEjvqO3agCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzPAav0hCpo/W1nV4y9phQI/AAAAAAAAI_g/bdwyvbkBvsMTw_usy7fuAc68lEjvqO3agCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9203.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On our last day, we travelled to the nearby town of Schwetzingen, with it's palace, and huge park and garden. You can only go inside the palace with a guided tour, either one or one and a half hours long. But we decided to give that a miss this time, and just explore the garden. It was the hottest day of all, and strolling around the vast park was quite enough.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va-fYrWUhQ4/W1oF_fQccRI/AAAAAAAAJBA/RQeyOiGCk0MZNm_mFpAcuDKLfQ2NXnYMQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va-fYrWUhQ4/W1oF_fQccRI/AAAAAAAAJBA/RQeyOiGCk0MZNm_mFpAcuDKLfQ2NXnYMQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9227.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRJ61F4je1w/W1oF_gAnRaI/AAAAAAAAJBE/1KWHe02ItKMBfsNUpRTB24WMHYI6O6ZkACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRJ61F4je1w/W1oF_gAnRaI/AAAAAAAAJBE/1KWHe02ItKMBfsNUpRTB24WMHYI6O6ZkACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9232.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXp12HPoOok/W1oF_sUhRBI/AAAAAAAAJA8/JMHQhFMEIJEmPSRGvWJEnZRhUuswylypgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXp12HPoOok/W1oF_sUhRBI/AAAAAAAAJA8/JMHQhFMEIJEmPSRGvWJEnZRhUuswylypgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9239.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
There's also an old mosque-style building in the park, surrounded by an oriental garden, built between 1779 and 1791, when the Turkish style was popular.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSsBuWQnT9g/W1oGACwY7DI/AAAAAAAAJBI/HsisrOUeQU8YOim297HHUCsUGTebFEqoQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="649" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSsBuWQnT9g/W1oGACwY7DI/AAAAAAAAJBI/HsisrOUeQU8YOim297HHUCsUGTebFEqoQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9255.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQLJF7MiXP4/W1oGAQYxbRI/AAAAAAAAJBM/d9ZO4kquIvUBN-2Bq4MJBKTetFWw0JgzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQLJF7MiXP4/W1oGAQYxbRI/AAAAAAAAJBM/d9ZO4kquIvUBN-2Bq4MJBKTetFWw0JgzwCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_9270.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6k8UtUD2G4/W1oGAn49iLI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/_lrT4GBMGY091-2Niqi5-I2dPk-QlxD7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="649" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6k8UtUD2G4/W1oGAn49iLI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/_lrT4GBMGY091-2Niqi5-I2dPk-QlxD7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9273.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Er1FIPAx9B4/W1oGAn0UA2I/AAAAAAAAJBU/4X3gYLVb8BoQy1X-5WJEWFHNdrtXcE8mACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Er1FIPAx9B4/W1oGAn0UA2I/AAAAAAAAJBU/4X3gYLVb8BoQy1X-5WJEWFHNdrtXcE8mACLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_9287.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2W8tu2vfa2M/W1oGAwgqNKI/AAAAAAAAJBY/cYMdlaynW-gtOB_41We-2cno-A6d0r5rgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2W8tu2vfa2M/W1oGAwgqNKI/AAAAAAAAJBY/cYMdlaynW-gtOB_41We-2cno-A6d0r5rgCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_9292.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd4Nc2q2Pzw/W1oGAzFqDuI/AAAAAAAAJBc/23arhn2ZboosumZe3dSO1AMEbYPP3dEIACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd4Nc2q2Pzw/W1oGAzFqDuI/AAAAAAAAJBc/23arhn2ZboosumZe3dSO1AMEbYPP3dEIACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9299.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSluZ5fqZZE/W1oGBWf8PFI/AAAAAAAAJBg/_6f7aTXn1VUiQVmyg4go9FgF2oEqcbcLwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSluZ5fqZZE/W1oGBWf8PFI/AAAAAAAAJBg/_6f7aTXn1VUiQVmyg4go9FgF2oEqcbcLwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9304.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Even the Orangerie is absolutely massive. A little palace in itself. I liked the old model of it on display inside. Whoever made this must have had a wicked sense of humour!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-baC8eeTqKq0/W1oGB9Y2yDI/AAAAAAAAJBk/_swkR8Znt34gPvQF86UAp8OFIgZB4ECdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-baC8eeTqKq0/W1oGB9Y2yDI/AAAAAAAAJBk/_swkR8Znt34gPvQF86UAp8OFIgZB4ECdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9307.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1hf_soHlas/W1oGCAu3OTI/AAAAAAAAJBo/4ZtYXLyxFAAPOWp95uIGplstNp3EGb7mgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="649" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1hf_soHlas/W1oGCAu3OTI/AAAAAAAAJBo/4ZtYXLyxFAAPOWp95uIGplstNp3EGb7mgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9321.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWlYH2o2Qpo/W1oGCdFEUkI/AAAAAAAAJBs/M3aB9cnIytAm7gbYBAcBSicWBYetjB4FwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWlYH2o2Qpo/W1oGCdFEUkI/AAAAAAAAJBs/M3aB9cnIytAm7gbYBAcBSicWBYetjB4FwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9330.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnTETWVtNbM/W1oGCs0vXPI/AAAAAAAAJBw/6WZPgAXTl2AWwUgo1vBwmzLgH0Hk9g0mwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnTETWVtNbM/W1oGCs0vXPI/AAAAAAAAJBw/6WZPgAXTl2AWwUgo1vBwmzLgH0Hk9g0mwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9335.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm sure there must be some story behind this funny sculpture in the city square outside the palace gates, but I haven't investigated it so far. Maybe it was made by the same person as the Orangerie model...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQD2G3_E7mQ/W1q4sP7YkwI/AAAAAAAAJCs/i7B9_jeqACciytnv2SzH5sAG5pcKogsngCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_9337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQD2G3_E7mQ/W1q4sP7YkwI/AAAAAAAAJCs/i7B9_jeqACciytnv2SzH5sAG5pcKogsngCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_9337.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
Hopefully, next time I'll have more art to show again. But I'll also have loads more photos....<br />
Have a wonderful weekend!</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-9151776372633020902018-06-29T15:49:00.004+02:002018-06-29T15:49:55.394+02:00Direct Watercolour challenge, Weeks 3 & 4 - The End<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 30x30 Direct Watercolour challenge is almost finished, one more day to go. I started very well, for the first 12 days, I managed to paint every day. But then I just didn't quite have the energy for a few days, and the last two weeks have been quite busy, so painting became a bit more sporadic. But I'm still pleased with result. I might not have 30 paintings done on 30 days, but I have 24 paintings altogether (I did more than one on some days). Many of them were quite quick and simple, like the ones here, but still, it's all practice, and I certainly painted much more than I usually did. And I know now that I can very well fit in a bit of painting in the evenings, after work. And I intend to do that much more often. So all in all, it's been a success. But now, I'm just looking forward to my holiday, which starts tomorrow. I really need a holiday now!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xltDQnpzuM8/WzUpmH3z5CI/AAAAAAAAI8k/WeZZgjM45oULHrPLrW1AaESE6DMh3_3LwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_LemonWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xltDQnpzuM8/WzUpmH3z5CI/AAAAAAAAI8k/WeZZgjM45oULHrPLrW1AaESE6DMh3_3LwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_LemonWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qR65b0ycqw/WzUpmNOyz4I/AAAAAAAAI8o/eR3U85EyEzssXxF2qY_smL4VvZKa94brwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_GreenGrapesWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qR65b0ycqw/WzUpmNOyz4I/AAAAAAAAI8o/eR3U85EyEzssXxF2qY_smL4VvZKa94brwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_GreenGrapesWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8QniyLeV6A/WzUpmPR1eWI/AAAAAAAAI8g/9B76Ot_jZ4g-g0vQb2yP8JC3nyRs-LMhwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_RedGrapesWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8QniyLeV6A/WzUpmPR1eWI/AAAAAAAAI8g/9B76Ot_jZ4g-g0vQb2yP8JC3nyRs-LMhwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_RedGrapesWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QJku0usyPY/WzUtc5EcJ-I/AAAAAAAAI9Y/98Liq71GRs45P1f48snvolEY9Fr3VXICACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_YellowApple650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QJku0usyPY/WzUtc5EcJ-I/AAAAAAAAI9Y/98Liq71GRs45P1f48snvolEY9Fr3VXICACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_YellowApple650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1OXzVprMII/WzUtMxRPFfI/AAAAAAAAI9U/kqy0apgbegUqmeodTnXKdy4lWiEWqXsNwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_SnowballMelon650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1OXzVprMII/WzUtMxRPFfI/AAAAAAAAI9U/kqy0apgbegUqmeodTnXKdy4lWiEWqXsNwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_SnowballMelon650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FadkXtHQe-A/WzUtrZt_cOI/AAAAAAAAI9g/OJJ0v-fHdMgyvzzY9EBIv0rK1w1Q1L3oQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Watermelon650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FadkXtHQe-A/WzUtrZt_cOI/AAAAAAAAI9g/OJJ0v-fHdMgyvzzY9EBIv0rK1w1Q1L3oQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Watermelon650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NUv4qqUvTM/WzUuUFLrRII/AAAAAAAAI9s/3LeXTaJl-Kgk8b7wtN4oFvZDxPpWjE4CgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatermelonSlice650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NUv4qqUvTM/WzUuUFLrRII/AAAAAAAAI9s/3LeXTaJl-Kgk8b7wtN4oFvZDxPpWjE4CgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatermelonSlice650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQeTdw-KBX4/WzUvHrFBXSI/AAAAAAAAI90/ucNIW-Yxao495PHnpvZ-SYFAhZ0hOQynQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatermelonSlice2_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQeTdw-KBX4/WzUvHrFBXSI/AAAAAAAAI90/ucNIW-Yxao495PHnpvZ-SYFAhZ0hOQynQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatermelonSlice2_650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-70478660810933095342018-06-15T09:38:00.002+02:002018-06-15T09:38:32.999+02:00Direct Watercolour challenge, Week 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second week hasn't been quite as productive as last week, although it started well. Evenings after work are definitely a bit of struggle sometimes, especially towards the end of the week. But I'm so glad this challenge is encouraging me to take time to paint. Even if it doesn't turn out as you wanted. On Friday, I tried something different. And it was an Epic Fail. I tried it twice. And both - an absolute and total disaster. So much so, that I even considered glueing together the two pages to make it disappear. Now, it just makes me laugh. For the moment, I'm going to leave it, and hopefully, one day I can look back and see the progress I've made. Or maybe I'll eventually gesso over it, and draw something else.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_rXDjAaFgc/Wx6Co9rI6rI/AAAAAAAAI78/PsIbMs_HPqwbkFhMGCDL7AdsAbh9qVmjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_FreshGarlikWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_rXDjAaFgc/Wx6Co9rI6rI/AAAAAAAAI78/PsIbMs_HPqwbkFhMGCDL7AdsAbh9qVmjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_FreshGarlikWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't have the energy to do another painting, so I had to make up for
it on Saturday. I went back to the fridge ad its content, sketching
the ingredients for my lunch before they became a mushroom pasta sauce. I
deliberately bought the fresh garlic, because it is so much prettier,
with all it's purples and greens.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3Q3jmr1tnU/Wx6CpAURY0I/AAAAAAAAI8A/VtpnUOG6rEw6KKvhRNG2OeVrThv29yIwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_MushroomsWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3Q3jmr1tnU/Wx6CpAURY0I/AAAAAAAAI8A/VtpnUOG6rEw6KKvhRNG2OeVrThv29yIwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_MushroomsWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I meant to have one of these bananas for breakfast on Sunday, but it took me too long to sketch them so I had to go without breakfast. The sacrifices we make for our art... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaOVlTPl7VI/Wx6Cn4r4NmI/AAAAAAAAI74/4fJjhFCKJhUz5XSnubyyUDdyWpUKSA02ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_BananasWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaOVlTPl7VI/Wx6Cn4r4NmI/AAAAAAAAI74/4fJjhFCKJhUz5XSnubyyUDdyWpUKSA02ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_BananasWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also had these delicious cherries, which needed to be eaten, so I made another one for Sunday. Apparently, this year is a good year for cherries.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvzvG4unCsE/Wx6Cn2pSoWI/AAAAAAAAI70/i7cC193us08V0Pb-uq-dL2mLKVjFlon5QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_Cherries1_WC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvzvG4unCsE/Wx6Cn2pSoWI/AAAAAAAAI70/i7cC193us08V0Pb-uq-dL2mLKVjFlon5QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_Cherries1_WC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With all the fruits and veggies gone, or already sketched, I tried something different again on Monday. A couple of stoneware bottles I have in my studio, which have been waiting forever to be drawn and painted.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCfwKzLDnno/Wx6Cn8dG2KI/AAAAAAAAI7w/GP6ziyhXMbkr-yR1_h2zI4I0FWO6s3CnQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_BottlesWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCfwKzLDnno/Wx6Cn8dG2KI/AAAAAAAAI7w/GP6ziyhXMbkr-yR1_h2zI4I0FWO6s3CnQCEwYBhgL/s640/Nordljus_BottlesWC650.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And that's all I've got to show for the second week. I did a sketch on Tuesday, but still haven't scanned it. And for the last two days, I have been so tired and my neck and shoulders are so stiff and painful, that I just didn't feel like sketching. Last night, I had a hot bath and an early night instead. The weather we're having at the moment, humid, hot, cold, sun, rain... is just the perfect weather to catch a chill, if you aren't careful. Hopefully I'll make up for the days I've missed at the weekend, and have more energy again next week.</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-82666350560713256532018-06-08T07:54:00.002+02:002018-06-08T07:54:56.730+02:00Direct Watercolour challenge, Week 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first week of the challenge is over, and so far, I've been keeping up. Well, I still have to do today's sketch, but on work days, I'm doing them in the evening. And keeping them quick and simple. My fridge happened to be full of all kinds of juicy fruits at the beginning of the week, so I decided to start with sketching them. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-co6b8juInbw/WxZyT7nCigI/AAAAAAAAI6s/UfpPRcZyV0clFF8TC6JwXFP6msjO3Wu5QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_CherriesWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-co6b8juInbw/WxZyT7nCigI/AAAAAAAAI6s/UfpPRcZyV0clFF8TC6JwXFP6msjO3Wu5QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_CherriesWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With some, I made more than one sketch. With these apricots, I tried a more realistic version, using layers. I wasn't quite happy with how they turned out, they seemed to become more and more dull in the process. So I made another sketch, very quick and loose. They turned out much fresher and brighter. I'd like to combine the two and achieve more realistic paintings, that are still bright and fresh. Lots to practising to do....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xDsVFxZroM/WxZyTaDxqCI/AAAAAAAAI6g/uVl9hv6gA0AiptQQyNrk0EWbxm08g49KwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_ApricotsWC1_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xDsVFxZroM/WxZyTaDxqCI/AAAAAAAAI6g/uVl9hv6gA0AiptQQyNrk0EWbxm08g49KwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_ApricotsWC1_650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_kE12CqcWQ/WxZyTYI4H6I/AAAAAAAAI6o/RqG4ebkc_jMHxpM29SCGoe7dRq460tSEACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_ApricotsWC2_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_kE12CqcWQ/WxZyTYI4H6I/AAAAAAAAI6o/RqG4ebkc_jMHxpM29SCGoe7dRq460tSEACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_ApricotsWC2_650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really enjoyed painting these strawberries. I wanted them to be quick and loose, but with the texture they get from those little seed thingies. So I decided to use salt. The first one I did in the Hahnemühle Watercolour Book that I'm mainly using for this challenge, the second one in my normal sketchbook, that doesn't have watercolour paper, but takes a bit of watercolour quite well. I played with the different formats of the two sketchbooks (landscape and portrait), and lined the berries up. They were also delicious to eat afterwards.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoP7U-UuBhk/WxZyY2GSj8I/AAAAAAAAI6w/Qi6xM2pqTqAU6G-QBVZZNzEXLDlcaKS1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_StrawberriesWC900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="900" height="227" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoP7U-UuBhk/WxZyY2GSj8I/AAAAAAAAI6w/Qi6xM2pqTqAU6G-QBVZZNzEXLDlcaKS1wCEwYBhgL/s640/Nordljus_StrawberriesWC900.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6KPGRpLEEw/WxZyY326koI/AAAAAAAAI60/Pl_LyEqyngkIIveNuKWCxC2MXaCknNxEACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_StrawberriesWC1_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6KPGRpLEEw/WxZyY326koI/AAAAAAAAI60/Pl_LyEqyngkIIveNuKWCxC2MXaCknNxEACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_StrawberriesWC1_650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Blueberries are a big favourite of mine, and the perfect subject for a quick sketch. The hot, humid and thunderstormy weather we're having at the moment leaves me feeling so tired, I just didn't have the energy for something bigger.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f747UjerXP0/WxZyTdQC4pI/AAAAAAAAI68/vWyPTo8y-iQSywCohoKHT0f9hJaslsLqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_BlueberriesWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f747UjerXP0/WxZyTdQC4pI/AAAAAAAAI68/vWyPTo8y-iQSywCohoKHT0f9hJaslsLqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_BlueberriesWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eventually, all the yummy fruits were sketched and eaten. These bright red radishes were perfect to sketch next.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSI1kyDy6hQ/WxZyq1_9hKI/AAAAAAAAI7M/HBqI91zM3TUzGgculW9UKlj72qRWdKDgwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_RadishesWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSI1kyDy6hQ/WxZyq1_9hKI/AAAAAAAAI7M/HBqI91zM3TUzGgculW9UKlj72qRWdKDgwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_RadishesWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Wednesday evening, I needed something very quick to sketch. This ice lolly was a very suitable subject, for obvious reasons...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMsPb8Aq_lY/Wxi0CkdPmII/AAAAAAAAI7Y/LXPi24rAEjkIyt2E0Ea2LoKbwtbsCK9DwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IceLollyWC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMsPb8Aq_lY/Wxi0CkdPmII/AAAAAAAAI7Y/LXPi24rAEjkIyt2E0Ea2LoKbwtbsCK9DwCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IceLollyWC.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm glad this challenge makes me take time to sketch in the evening. It's so easy to find excuses, when you're tired, and just spend the evening on the sofa, staring into the tv before you fall into bed. It's so much more rewarding to take the paints out, switch off and play with your paint. But sometimes, the result just isn't quite as you'd have wanted to, and maybe what you could have achieved on a Sunday morning, with more energy. The greens on these tomatoes turned out quite heavy. But that's okay too. Some days are just better than other. And you can always paint it again, and learn from your mistakes. And my scanner messes up all my sketches too...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOx2i_vVkqU/Wxl76Xq8D1I/AAAAAAAAI7k/LUrFThsRnyAr2MWPS1c36aK4915TJ4bKQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_tomatoes1WC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOx2i_vVkqU/Wxl76Xq8D1I/AAAAAAAAI7k/LUrFThsRnyAr2MWPS1c36aK4915TJ4bKQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_tomatoes1WC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-32409016376266582512018-06-01T09:51:00.004+02:002018-06-01T09:52:34.898+02:00A new challenge for June<div style="text-align: justify;">
After my disaster with The100Project (I probably lasted less than 10 days altogether), I'm foolish enough to embark on another daily challenge. The <a href="https://citizensketcher.com/2018/05/15/announcing-30x30directwatercolor2018-lets-do-30-paintings-in-30-days/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">30x30 Direct Watercolour challenge</span></a>, hosted by Marc Taro Holmes of <a href="https://citizensketcher.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Citizen Sketcher</span></a>. 30 days of daily direct watercolour painting. Direct simply means that you don't use a pen or pencil to draw your subject first, before adding watercolour, but instead just paint directly with watercolours. Although, if you need a little bit of help from a pencil first, that's okay too. There's a very lively Facebook group with lots of info and helpful tips, and where you can share your paintings. And it starts today, so there's still time to join :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhkRU1y5Ves/Ww6osHrqpXI/AAAAAAAAI5w/Cg-aoQuhNNsnS21lbiVbfHm5B7NJj-O0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_LemonLime650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhkRU1y5Ves/Ww6osHrqpXI/AAAAAAAAI5w/Cg-aoQuhNNsnS21lbiVbfHm5B7NJj-O0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_LemonLime650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So far, if I attempted any kind of daily challenge (and there haven't been many), I usually chose a medium that allowed me to easily work on it during the day, such as 5 minutes during my lunch break at work. In other words, mediums like pen and pencil, and no paints. This challenge means, I will have to do it in the evenings on work days. And that will definitely be a challenge. But then again, my main goal isn't the number but the practice. What I want to do is to practise watercolour, as often as possible. Every day would be great, but if I miss one or more days, that's fine too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love watercolour, but I'm still struggling with it, a lot. The amount of water to use, the different techniques, which brushes... And that's why I'm going to try and attempt this challenge. It's a good motivation for practising, and as we all know, practice makes progress. (I read that somewhere a while ago, and liked it much better than the more common version. Perfectionism certainly isn't doing me much good...) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vEXNulR-1Qs/Ww6osP9Ci3I/AAAAAAAAI5s/zVcdL-DYs0gdLUg5ts9n2HkltY9TGxi-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_TomatoesWC650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vEXNulR-1Qs/Ww6osP9Ci3I/AAAAAAAAI5s/zVcdL-DYs0gdLUg5ts9n2HkltY9TGxi-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_TomatoesWC650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The above sketches are just warm ups, I haven't done the first one for today yet, that'll be my plan for tonight. I've also been busy playing with my watercolour pencils. I went through all my art supplies and got out all the pencils I have (and I've made lots of colour charts, which I will share another time). Watercolour pencils really are a very clever medium. They allow you to draw your subject very carefully, if you want, and when you add water, all the lines disappear and what you're left with is a vibrant watercolour painting. But of course not very appropriate for this particular challenge... As with watercolour paints, you can layer the pencils, but I soon found out that in my non-watercolour-paper sketchbook, that didn't work very well. One or two layers of wet medium is okay, but not more. What works really well, though, is painting a base using watercolour pencils and water, and then add more layers with normal coloured pencils, which gives you vibrant colours and also allows to add more details.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRTVIu-Ow1Y/WxBAf8JRDbI/AAAAAAAAI6E/z-P-iF73z8ANOeS4ZMvRpR1MSSEY4cTJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_LemonLimeWCP%252BCP650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRTVIu-Ow1Y/WxBAf8JRDbI/AAAAAAAAI6E/z-P-iF73z8ANOeS4ZMvRpR1MSSEY4cTJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_LemonLimeWCP%252BCP650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
In my watercolour journal, the watercolour pencils work a lot better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnHo2DxlMoE/WxBA26uRGWI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/6YOBup86d7k4w1q3UzbeRXSNVnC49epegCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_LimeLemonWCP650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnHo2DxlMoE/WxBA26uRGWI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/6YOBup86d7k4w1q3UzbeRXSNVnC49epegCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_LimeLemonWCP650.jpg" /></a></div>
It's also a good exercise to draw the same subject several times, and by using different mediums, you can really explore it, and compare how they differ and what works better or not so good for you, and when and how.</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-32841659019301209312018-05-25T08:33:00.001+02:002018-06-06T15:15:43.300+02:00Supracolor anniversary edition, and a visit to a special place<div style="text-align: justify;">
I prepared a long post for today, but very annoyingly, Blogger has completely messed up my posts. When I wanted to add the finishing touches yesterday, it had disappeared, and instead, I had two identical copies of another draft. I don't know what Blogger has done with my post, and I can't really understand how this could happen. But it certainly is most annoying. I thought that technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but I feel that in the past two or three years, it has just become more and more complicated and annoying, and more expensive. But I better don't get started about it all....</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFlx73WjsA8/WwecZw6fy8I/AAAAAAAAI34/_E4c5ucc9BIDwO0sjgkF__VtM2tS-GXxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="649" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFlx73WjsA8/WwecZw6fy8I/AAAAAAAAI34/_E4c5ucc9BIDwO0sjgkF__VtM2tS-GXxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So here's a shorter version of my post for today. In my last post, I talked about the S<a href="http://nordljusfollowyourstar.blogspot.ch/2018/05/the-end-of-100-day-project-some-travel.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">chmincke limited edition metallics watercolour box</span></a>, and today, I'm showing you another special edition that I got the other day, the Caran d'Ache Supracolor limited edition anniversary box with 30 new colours.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUHExzvAg5Q/WwecZ2xJSgI/AAAAAAAAI4A/QjHcUqcjQZUHHuuoUPBnAp-kHverIKq3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUHExzvAg5Q/WwecZ2xJSgI/AAAAAAAAI4A/QjHcUqcjQZUHHuuoUPBnAp-kHverIKq3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Actually, I'm not really too fond of limited edition art supplies. But I simply couldn't resist this box. I do love Caran d'Ache products, and living in Switzerland, I grew up with them and have been using them all my life. They are readily available here, and are among one of the very few things that are actually cheaper here than pretty much every where else.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAg0rqDQxuk/WwecZ1SQD-I/AAAAAAAAI4M/nBcNhkjsRkY58amuuvhwmrlry_jJbypFACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAg0rqDQxuk/WwecZ1SQD-I/AAAAAAAAI4M/nBcNhkjsRkY58amuuvhwmrlry_jJbypFACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE3.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The problem with limited edition art supplies is, well, obviously, that their availability is limited, and once they're gone, they're gone. With something like the Schmincke metallic watercolours, it doesn't bother me too much, because I won't use them much anyway. I bought them just for fun, and I might play around with them occasionally, but I doubt I'd miss them once they're used up. But with other supplies, if something works for me and I like using it, and get used to it, well, I want to be able to buy it again. So basically, if I know that something isn't available, I'd just rather not use it at all. It may well be that the colour charts below are the only time these gorgeous pencils will ever be used.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXT30mD38Xs/Wweca9SnXZI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/vXGPlFSloM8v2D6cOQUjPRJae03CUn2VACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXT30mD38Xs/Wweca9SnXZI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/vXGPlFSloM8v2D6cOQUjPRJae03CUn2VACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE4.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Actually, I am a bit confused about these. On the box, it says that they are exclusive colours and on the pencils themselves, it says Limited Edition. But on their website, it also says that to celebrate the 30 years of Supracolor, they are "enriching the Supracolor<sup>®</sup> Soft colour palette with thirty brand new colours in addition to the 120 existing shades". So maybe it's just this particular box that is limited edition, and the colours will eventually be available? It seems a bit of a shame to create so many new colours and then not actually sell them. I guess we'll have to wait and see.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqIPjSWwuU/WwcN-T16E6I/AAAAAAAAI3g/YuVNTdWnoFAGskrS6I5cse4ZgHUHi-HmgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE6_900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="924" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqIPjSWwuU/WwcN-T16E6I/AAAAAAAAI3g/YuVNTdWnoFAGskrS6I5cse4ZgHUHi-HmgCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_SupracolorLE6_900.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ0rY4-8Wgk/WwcN-a9idfI/AAAAAAAAI3c/gsykksR3HvM_DeD_2mLhwrGEgJw8otAQACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE6_870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="877" height="302" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ0rY4-8Wgk/WwcN-a9idfI/AAAAAAAAI3c/gsykksR3HvM_DeD_2mLhwrGEgJw8otAQACEwYBhgL/s640/Nordljus_SupracolorLE6_870.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The lighter ones also work very well on darker backgrounds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfrGpI25sLw/WwcOEHD7_mI/AAAAAAAAI3k/NuUQmAFAUNEckWbnJIRnvLd0CdNcfy29QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_SupracolorLE5_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1200" height="488" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfrGpI25sLw/WwcOEHD7_mI/AAAAAAAAI3k/NuUQmAFAUNEckWbnJIRnvLd0CdNcfy29QCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_SupracolorLE5_1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Making these colour charts has inspired me to take out and try my other watercolour pencils again. I like them, and I think they could be really useful for sketching outside, if you don't always want to take a proper watercolour box with you. I like how they come alive once you add water. But I haven't actually used them very much, so I'm now trying to get the hang of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z28LxqyiYac/WweqSmAWSkI/AAAAAAAAI4Y/3fgBXJ9W5mkDinvD31sKUPDQHKh42z59ACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_tomatoeCP.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z28LxqyiYac/WweqSmAWSkI/AAAAAAAAI4Y/3fgBXJ9W5mkDinvD31sKUPDQHKh42z59ACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_tomatoeCP.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last Monday, I got to spend the morning at one of my favourite places, a nearby park famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas. A truly gorgeous, peaceful and tranquil place. Well, until lunchtime, when the masses started to arrive. I've never seen so many people queuing at the entrance when I left. But then it was a public holiday, and the first day of really fine weather in quite a while. There used to be a decent connection but unfortunately, they changed the bus time tables a while ago, which now makes getting there by public transport a real pain in the neck (1 hr 10 minutes, whereof 45 minutes is just waiting for connections, vs 15 minutes by car), otherwise I would go there much more often.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zeum6PWeNmQ/WwesWE3QqVI/AAAAAAAAI4k/PI9-3t37w4syq-AoSNnQKpgGDoS84XwHwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zeum6PWeNmQ/WwesWE3QqVI/AAAAAAAAI4k/PI9-3t37w4syq-AoSNnQKpgGDoS84XwHwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig7HHYTLINQ/WwesWK9jY-I/AAAAAAAAI5M/BDAqz16kUYg-26Rc1Dw4oo1swrEJB3FTACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig7HHYTLINQ/WwesWK9jY-I/AAAAAAAAI5M/BDAqz16kUYg-26Rc1Dw4oo1swrEJB3FTACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sUpFMkXlRw/WwesZIhd2UI/AAAAAAAAI5g/Ds5ntiCoAxcHSvb_aKOJBRqyEjjB2dhDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sUpFMkXlRw/WwesZIhd2UI/AAAAAAAAI5g/Ds5ntiCoAxcHSvb_aKOJBRqyEjjB2dhDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor8.jpeg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJEr3V5nvSU/WwesXHOVMmI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/U-TIGlDgBL8BosgZz_9XUhiJHVCXqnyNACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJEr3V5nvSU/WwesXHOVMmI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/U-TIGlDgBL8BosgZz_9XUhiJHVCXqnyNACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor4.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ_HcEFmcWQ/WwesWEguY5I/AAAAAAAAI5Q/Wx9dmRmO_RM_d0p8TeUEGreMOd9-PbHKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="649" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ_HcEFmcWQ/WwesWEguY5I/AAAAAAAAI5Q/Wx9dmRmO_RM_d0p8TeUEGreMOd9-PbHKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor.jpeg" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW9GUlfhblc/WwesXk42H4I/AAAAAAAAI5U/VWt1fSZaEpstgZ6tnHvun21ddDusGo1owCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW9GUlfhblc/WwesXk42H4I/AAAAAAAAI5U/VWt1fSZaEpstgZ6tnHvun21ddDusGo1owCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor5.jpeg" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-qWCpTW9pM/WwesW3HcTQI/AAAAAAAAI5g/KWlgDP9nlOw0lAhurUcA4i4J8OgI7qRZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-qWCpTW9pM/WwesW3HcTQI/AAAAAAAAI5g/KWlgDP9nlOw0lAhurUcA4i4J8OgI7qRZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor3.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Wags8ZSFNs/WwesYj_Bs5I/AAAAAAAAI5c/Y0Enbq00UPkG4f-0ME3mol-TKUX7B01ygCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Wags8ZSFNs/WwesYj_Bs5I/AAAAAAAAI5c/Y0Enbq00UPkG4f-0ME3mol-TKUX7B01ygCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_SelegerMoor7.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-37186336820998032532018-05-11T07:27:00.002+02:002018-05-11T07:27:24.500+02:00The end of the 100 Day Project, some travel sketches, and two new palettes<div style="text-align: justify;">
I knew, when I decided to take part in The 100 Day Project, that I wasn't going to do it every day, and that my holiday would certainly be a problem. But I ended up doing so little while I was away, that I decided there really just was no point to pretend and continue. So I'm just back to my normal goal of trying to draw daily, or least as much as possible. So these sketches where the last I did for the challenge before before my holiday. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuFlICCwhgI/WvQBWxqLMaI/AAAAAAAAIzU/cVMzWylicuEbqf1ufPuAT02mcWXSPi3eQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Kiwi2_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuFlICCwhgI/WvQBWxqLMaI/AAAAAAAAIzU/cVMzWylicuEbqf1ufPuAT02mcWXSPi3eQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Kiwi2_650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLQDZerpTwE/WvQBWVxej7I/AAAAAAAAIzM/2ncAMAvBJqsOZhwsChaJwq7IJnA5m3F5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Kiwi1_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLQDZerpTwE/WvQBWVxej7I/AAAAAAAAIzM/2ncAMAvBJqsOZhwsChaJwq7IJnA5m3F5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Kiwi1_650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i85oBRaR3kg/WvQBWoWxVKI/AAAAAAAAIzQ/FnjUlh4k_CgF4sU70SdDAvCGs4drtOrbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_PinkFlamingo650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i85oBRaR3kg/WvQBWoWxVKI/AAAAAAAAIzQ/FnjUlh4k_CgF4sU70SdDAvCGs4drtOrbwCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_PinkFlamingo650.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before my holiday, I put together a new watercolour palette, big enough to contain 24 colours, compact enough to carry around with me. It took me ages to put it together (I'm not good at making decisions....) but finally I came up with a selection I was happy with. At least for the moment. Some colours might not be essential, and admittedly, I chose them mainly because I liked them. That's the problem with colours. You really don't need that many to achieve a lot. But they are just so beautiful. Irresistible. We'll see how useful they will proof. That's the nice thing with watercolour palettes. You can always change and adjust them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2t9U_A8w3k/WvQBXJsm0nI/AAAAAAAAIzY/vBUL0ciQFyMwoEwNdso3HVJ65IlBf2YKACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatercolourPalette650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2t9U_A8w3k/WvQBXJsm0nI/AAAAAAAAIzY/vBUL0ciQFyMwoEwNdso3HVJ65IlBf2YKACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_WatercolourPalette650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My goal of doing some outside sketching on my holiday wasn't very successful. I really only managed two times, at the beginning, when it was still warm. In the second half, the weather got rather cold and very windy. Certainly not the kind of weather to take out your art materials. At least not for me. But I got some drawing done, at least.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqLa5i7Tf_Y/WvQJVR008LI/AAAAAAAAI0U/GlQq6oVbqx8y0But7WkjsfWbl4sFvBgBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_BluePool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqLa5i7Tf_Y/WvQJVR008LI/AAAAAAAAI0U/GlQq6oVbqx8y0But7WkjsfWbl4sFvBgBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_BluePool.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1U5VZrHZco0/WvQJUXiO9sI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/1RW4-gYEXvQ5R27X9bZYBQcpp_qhJghGgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Dippy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1U5VZrHZco0/WvQJUXiO9sI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/1RW4-gYEXvQ5R27X9bZYBQcpp_qhJghGgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Dippy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lUXMIIdgwU/WvQJVaFIT8I/AAAAAAAAI0Y/jVDRdXBEhi8LHXlpPvjTnG0AvDZmwyeLACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_SouvenirKnollBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lUXMIIdgwU/WvQJVaFIT8I/AAAAAAAAI0Y/jVDRdXBEhi8LHXlpPvjTnG0AvDZmwyeLACLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_SouvenirKnollBeach.jpg" width="443" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then, although I've decided that I really have enough watercolour palettes now, and I really, really don't need another one for a while, I bought another one. I'm afraid I just couldn't resist. It's a limited edition from Schmincke, with twelve metallic colours and six metallic golds. I probably won't use them very often, the colours are quite subtle, but it'll be fun to get them out from time to time, and you can also mix them with your normal colours to add a bit of sparkle. And they come in that special square-ish palette, which is always useful to have.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRJhPyBDcTo/WvQCrorfxjI/AAAAAAAAIzo/brZcpYxWi9Yqbu2OOO7xmCoacHrrJza-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRJhPyBDcTo/WvQCrorfxjI/AAAAAAAAIzo/brZcpYxWi9Yqbu2OOO7xmCoacHrrJza-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5172.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's difficult to catch the sparkle with the camera, but they really do shine and sparkle on paper.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXLgsOdk880/WvQD6U9n0FI/AAAAAAAAIz0/TkEJDcllcEUsLPdZCWJg9QNsPQ_pa3t6wCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXLgsOdk880/WvQD6U9n0FI/AAAAAAAAIz0/TkEJDcllcEUsLPdZCWJg9QNsPQ_pa3t6wCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5177.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv8a5gJKdbA/WvQEpKkR8kI/AAAAAAAAIz8/Wg64E124tzMRdfjvs1-1tUGykKlT7YngQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv8a5gJKdbA/WvQEpKkR8kI/AAAAAAAAIz8/Wg64E124tzMRdfjvs1-1tUGykKlT7YngQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5180.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoYK4Xpzj80/WvQFEBTfjOI/AAAAAAAAI0E/_8LRyMEDE_cVCPLknUuc_brF-3SpgsRLQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoYK4Xpzj80/WvQFEBTfjOI/AAAAAAAAI0E/_8LRyMEDE_cVCPLknUuc_brF-3SpgsRLQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5181.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-89769503593281453482018-04-13T07:28:00.000+02:002018-04-13T07:28:02.338+02:00Art materials, travel brushes, your inner critic & a new art challenge<div style="text-align: justify;">
Where's the time gone? I started writing this post almost a month ago. The time seems to be just flying, I can't believe that in a couple of weeks, one third of the year will already have passed. I feel we should still be somewhere at the beginning of February. Ah well. But I'm afraid this is going to be a very long post...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrY2z07ZqUY/Ws-pO2oEFjI/AAAAAAAAIyM/buG77NeCupos-diJQq6Cgz5UbScinS1hQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Strawberries1_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrY2z07ZqUY/Ws-pO2oEFjI/AAAAAAAAIyM/buG77NeCupos-diJQq6Cgz5UbScinS1hQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Strawberries1_650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Art materials. Aren't they great? All those fabulous colours, watercolour boxes, brushes, pens, sketchbooks... Yes, art materials are great. And yes, finding something new can be inspiring and useful. But let's be honest, art materials can also be a bit of an excuse for avoiding to make art. We try something, it doesn't work out the way we wanted it, we're frustrated... and then we read about someone's palette, brushes... and we convince ourselves that if we just add those colours, buy that brand of paints, get a new brush, that useful little travel watercolour box, then, yes, then, all would be perfect and we'd spend our days happily making art every after. But as soon as that new ultimately perfect thing arrives, we've already read about an even more perfect thing that we first have to get before we then, finally, can produce the art that we're meant to do. And if that doesn't work out quite as we expected, it won't be long until we stumble upon another inspiring blog post, with some different paints, colours, brushes...I am certainly guilty of that, I sadly have to admit. And a result, I have a ridiculously large collection of brushes, paints, watercolour boxes, sketchbooks...</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A lot of this has to do with our inner critic. That voice in our head, that constantly crushes our fragile confidence, that tells us that we're rubbish, that our drawings are silly, bad, ridiculous, that we're not good enough and never will be, just look at all the other's work, and who do you think you are for thinking you could do that too? You're just wasting your time. And money... I have found myself admiring a sketch for its style, simplicity, looseness, wonky lines and everything, and had to admit to myself that if I had made that very same sketch, I would have been frustrated, would have found it not good enough. We so easily judge ourselves so much harder, have far too many expectations that we cannot meet.</div>
<br />
I came across this TED talk about your inner critic by Danielle Krysa, who gives some useful tips and tricks about how to deal with it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-3dEkLpeSZc?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I especially liked the idea of naming your critic. I named mine Septimus. Imagine an old Victorian bah-humbug type of man with a top hat. Bitter, shabby, miserly, misogynistic, prejudiced..... I mean, who would listen to someone like that? Let alone take him seriously and letting it affect you in what you do? He definitely is just a big old Jerk.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started a little reference book with art materials for sketching, to remind me of the stuff I have. And of course sketching everything means that I'm actually sketching. And by using your materials, you will find out what actually works for you and what doesn't, which allows you to reduce your materials to your personal essentials - rather than your art hero's. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z3s5fz42yE/WqvANwZKEAI/AAAAAAAAIxs/i30YyqFOlJcTE0-w00xrE2W94YvzseaigCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Travelbrushes650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z3s5fz42yE/WqvANwZKEAI/AAAAAAAAIxs/i30YyqFOlJcTE0-w00xrE2W94YvzseaigCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Travelbrushes650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And here's another little trick that I was reminded to by someone on social media, to silence your inner critic for when you mess something up: just glue a piece of paper over the area, and draw over it. Certainly much better than putting away your sketchbook in frustration and not touching it again for weeks and months...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pclnu2jhLTw/WqvoYXOumUI/AAAAAAAAIx8/rrAZCkflmF0joiJven5CutPUn-xooQQGACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Champignons650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pclnu2jhLTw/WqvoYXOumUI/AAAAAAAAIx8/rrAZCkflmF0joiJven5CutPUn-xooQQGACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Champignons650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And last but not least, a new art challenge: Last week, <a href="https://www.the100dayproject.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">The 100 Day Project</span></a> started. The idea is to commit to something you want to do for 100 days and then, well, do it, and share it on Instagram. It started on April, 3 but you can jump in any time. It's also okay if you miss a day. I know from experience that I am very bad with these kinds of challenges. Especially the sharing part. It's not just that sometimes you produce a drawing that you don't really want to share, but it's all the photographing, scanning, editing and uploading involved. So I'm focusing on trying to draw or sketch or paint as often as possible, preferably every day but no pressure. And I'm sharing what I feel comfortable with and when I have the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So here's some of the sketches so far, done in various mediums, like watercolour, brush pen, fountain pen with a Fude nib, coloured pencils, quick sketches, blind/line drawings...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WRmSpTBqCk/Ws-qEVqC2WI/AAAAAAAAIyg/Cgkj1F2hBbI1Ud-72TafO6mY47W3McfPgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_ArtSupplies650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WRmSpTBqCk/Ws-qEVqC2WI/AAAAAAAAIyg/Cgkj1F2hBbI1Ud-72TafO6mY47W3McfPgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_ArtSupplies650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjPE4KM5NvU/Ws-qFnK3nDI/AAAAAAAAIyo/QjJw7priaKweqpwNVnAtdxABN9SZm5AugCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Palette650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjPE4KM5NvU/Ws-qFnK3nDI/AAAAAAAAIyo/QjJw7priaKweqpwNVnAtdxABN9SZm5AugCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_Palette650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbU8fVP0mS4/Ws-qGOPuzHI/AAAAAAAAIy4/YiappiOvsB8IM2hNpeOy0IjcZyfScxt6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_Strawberries650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbU8fVP0mS4/Ws-qGOPuzHI/AAAAAAAAIy4/YiappiOvsB8IM2hNpeOy0IjcZyfScxt6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_Strawberries650.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ9MU7xKvZo/Ws-qEVVLscI/AAAAAAAAIy0/eOPHyt-YdQcw-0_nTlA4lVxVmHsk3ShUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_Asparagus650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ9MU7xKvZo/Ws-qEVVLscI/AAAAAAAAIy0/eOPHyt-YdQcw-0_nTlA4lVxVmHsk3ShUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_Asparagus650.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqg5MfGiXDk/Ws-qEwzRySI/AAAAAAAAIy4/ODY9e9awfvw9B67qvL5BCJVBDb_k-vO7QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_BrushPenPortrait650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqg5MfGiXDk/Ws-qEwzRySI/AAAAAAAAIy4/ODY9e9awfvw9B67qvL5BCJVBDb_k-vO7QCEwYBhgL/s640/Nordljus_BrushPenPortrait650.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvhOEGNB8qA/Ws-qEPEFyVI/AAAAAAAAIy0/lSyhOaD7_wYWOlQLSp57VHquFy8-iVRzQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_BrushPenPortrait1_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvhOEGNB8qA/Ws-qEPEFyVI/AAAAAAAAIy0/lSyhOaD7_wYWOlQLSp57VHquFy8-iVRzQCEwYBhgL/s640/Nordljus_BrushPenPortrait1_650.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EM_JfttnfII/Ws-qGk2Ef4I/AAAAAAAAIyw/RkTu5JMtXC0YejxkpSvOLLttLDWttODXACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_Watercan650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EM_JfttnfII/Ws-qGk2Ef4I/AAAAAAAAIyw/RkTu5JMtXC0YejxkpSvOLLttLDWttODXACEwYBhgL/s640/Nordljus_Watercan650.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I'm off for a holiday at the end of the month, and hopefully I'll be able to keep up the drawing, and maybe even get some outdoor sketching done.</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-22472889355471232922018-03-01T09:49:00.000+01:002018-03-01T09:49:01.211+01:00It's been a while<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a while since I've been here, and in the mean time, not only another year has ended, and a new one begun, but spring is almost upon us as well. Not that it feels much like it at the moment. It's the coldest it's been this winter, -6 degrees Celsius max yesterday, and today it0s snowing like mad. It's not that I haven't done anything in these past three months. I've been working through a couple of online classes, doing some lunchtime sketching at work, but none of it particularly share-worthy. And my energy level has been about as low as the temperature at the moment, making it a struggle to pick up a pen at all in the evenings and at the weekends. But hopefully, things will pick up again soon now.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the weekend in any case, I felt inspired to pick up my (new) pen for a quick pre-lunch sketch, before the pepper and courgette went into my curry. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CrMFVG0lUw/WpO5oeAk3bI/AAAAAAAAIwI/RhRuXd_T2poFyuFbmhDN34F-T1FXeRfjACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_CurryIngredients650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CrMFVG0lUw/WpO5oeAk3bI/AAAAAAAAIwI/RhRuXd_T2poFyuFbmhDN34F-T1FXeRfjACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_CurryIngredients650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've started a little illustrated recipes book almost four years ago, but haven't added a lot of recipes. I don't like to cook. I only cook because I want to know what's in my food and don't want to eat processed and ready meals. I don't enjoy it, so cooking has to be quick and easy, something to get over and done with so that I can spend the rest of the time doing something I actually enjoy. Because I'm such an uninspired cook, I usually don't know what to cook. And that's why I've started this book. So that I have a number of quick and easy recipe ideas at hand. And while I don't enjoy the cooking itself, at least I had some fun drawing the recipe. I first started cooking this delicious Thai Yellow Curry a few months ago, and when I cooked it this Sunday, I realised that I had forgotten to buy a tomato, and I couldn't remember how much fish sauce went into it - was it one table spoon or one tea spoon? So I decided to spend the afternoon adding the basic recipe to my little book. Hopefully, more recipes will follow soon.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJdES1ZgGnM/WpO5zFU2aKI/AAAAAAAAIwM/UoAE56IoKooBQTk7N0AXa-Sg7i3jU41ZQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_ThaiYellowCurry650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="1000" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJdES1ZgGnM/WpO5zFU2aKI/AAAAAAAAIwM/UoAE56IoKooBQTk7N0AXa-Sg7i3jU41ZQCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_ThaiYellowCurry650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In January, N and I spent a lovely holiday together here in Switzerland. Lots of relaxing and going for walks in the area, but of course we also had to go on a day trip to the mountains for my birthday. This time we decided to head to the canton of Wallis, to Zermatt. From there we took the train up to Gornergrat at 3100m. There isn't really much you can do up there in winter, if you're not skiing, but it was a quite mild day with lots of snow, sunshine and a deep blue, cloudless sky, and so we ended up spending about 4 hours up there anyway. The views all around were absolutely spectacular. 29 mountains over 4000m, the Monte Rosa massif with Switzerland's highest peak, the Dufourspitze (4634m), the alps second largest glacier, the Gorner Glacier, and a few more, and of course the star of them all - Switzerland's most iconic mountain, the Matterhorn.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8Hb556KoAw/WpPcVXSkiEI/AAAAAAAAIwg/HqCxtmV3mh8VjBiaUAdWebfgIKZsJvWXACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_6965-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8Hb556KoAw/WpPcVXSkiEI/AAAAAAAAIwg/HqCxtmV3mh8VjBiaUAdWebfgIKZsJvWXACEwYBhgL/s640/Nordljus_IMG_6965-3.jpg" width="439" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matterhorn from up Gornergrat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI_q-CtYja0/WpPeq1KMkZI/AAAAAAAAIw0/3wMNaRoMAx0ebE-WaIpyYnDeNz5ElFP9gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_7055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI_q-CtYja0/WpPeq1KMkZI/AAAAAAAAIw0/3wMNaRoMAx0ebE-WaIpyYnDeNz5ElFP9gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_7055.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monte Rosa Glacier and Border Glacier with Dufourspitze</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What else? After I stopped going to Swedish classes a year ago, I wanted to learn something new and I found this fun app <a href="https://www.duolingo.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Duolingo</span></a>. For the past few months, I've been doing my (almost) daily lessons (they only take about 5-10 minutes) and I can now say that <i>Ik spreek een beetje Nederlands</i>. Well, I guess it's a bit of an exaggeration, it really is only a tiny number of (not always very useful) sentences. It will definitely be quite a while until I can read my copy of <i>Jip en Jannecke</i>. Until then, I just look at the beautiful illustrations by <a href="https://www.fiepwestendorp.nl/fiepamsterdam/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Fiep Westendorp</span></a>. But it's great fun anyway.<br />
<br />
And then here's a film I want to go and see at the cinema - <i>Ex Libris: The New York Public Library</i>. Hopefully one day I'll have the chance to actually visit the library itself, but until then, this films looks like well worth watching. And as a librarian, I guess it is a bit of a must :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ddjnbbjl0kM" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-6700735545664050122017-11-23T15:14:00.001+01:002017-11-23T15:14:16.840+01:00Inktober 2017 - The End * and a bit about inks and nibs<div style="text-align: justify;">
This post is long overdue, the end of November is already in sight! I must admit that the air went out completely for the last couple of days of Inktober. But I wanted to fill this sketchbook, and in the end I did. Here's the last two drawings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ2jlToHh0o/WhKCLFAxwPI/AAAAAAAAIvU/Mk2uANGmX00hlcd5JUR4QDA23PyzIFTCgCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ2jlToHh0o/WhKCLFAxwPI/AAAAAAAAIvU/Mk2uANGmX00hlcd5JUR4QDA23PyzIFTCgCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day30.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I enjoyed drawing every day. Well, most of the time. It can be difficult to fit in time for drawing during the week when you have a day job. I am constantly trying to do some drawing in my lunch breaks, and while I think it's a lot better to draw for only five minutes a day than not at all, I also find drawing for only five minutes a bit frustrating at times. I'd prefer to spend a bit more time on drawing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OynUyv6xeAg/WhLFdgyeBzI/AAAAAAAAIv4/RwlPFXL1rAoHJjc1h6O3GRkxo_HGCv5XACLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OynUyv6xeAg/WhLFdgyeBzI/AAAAAAAAIv4/RwlPFXL1rAoHJjc1h6O3GRkxo_HGCv5XACLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day31.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During Inktober, I planned my evenings to fit in an hour or so of drawing. That is a habit I really wish to take away from this challenge, even though I have already sorely neglected it this month... <br />
What I can definitely do without, though, is having to scan, edit and post the drawing every day. When everything worked out and the drawing turned out alright, it was fine. But when it didn't, it became stressful. There have been days when I spent more than an hour altogether on one drawing that just didn't work out only to then make a five minute one afterwards to post. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What I really liked about the challenge was the focus on a particular medium. It made me try out all kinds of different inks and nibs, and I really enjoyed drawing with dip pens. I got my old nibs and inks out, and bought some new ones too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9m96Yn-ROiE/WfcEAdCMR8I/AAAAAAAAIuA/Oujsqxasrzkc14oNYUnA07sWPZhfeAgigCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_6248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9m96Yn-ROiE/WfcEAdCMR8I/AAAAAAAAIuA/Oujsqxasrzkc14oNYUnA07sWPZhfeAgigCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_6248.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My favourite inks are the Rohrer & Klingner Ausziehtusche (Drawing ink). I especially like the bistre. The Zeichentusche (Calligraphy ink) is nice too, and comes in a great variety of colours. All of them are water proof.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sennelier inks are lovely too. Their India ink, or China ink, as it's called, is a nice deep black. The colour ones have a glossy sheen if applied thicker. There's some very nice shades of browns, including bistre and burnt sienna, which are very different from the R&K shades of the same name.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I like the Winsor & Newton India ink, but I'm not a great fan of their coloured ones, to be honest. I only bought the two browns, peat brown and nut brown, and I have to say, I can't really see the difference. Maybe as a wash, but certainly not in a line. I used them with a paint brush as a wash, and it didn't really work that well either. For me, they are just too transparent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1y7KFklQ8o/WfdKBZw8RyI/AAAAAAAAIuo/P9X_bwsdymoiiWcUcBC3JaaUeydfg926QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_6261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1y7KFklQ8o/WfdKBZw8RyI/AAAAAAAAIuo/P9X_bwsdymoiiWcUcBC3JaaUeydfg926QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_6261.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
There are so many nibs that it can get a bit confusing. Even more so to identify them (a magnifying glass is very helpful here!) and remember which one's which once you put them in a pen holder. I looked for both drawing and mapping nibs, and I discovered that although some seem to be from different manufacturers, they are actually the same. The 'Manuscript' nibs I bought in England turned out to be the same as the 'Standardgraph' nibs I got here in Switzerland - they are both 'Leonardt' nibs.<br />
<br />
To make things easier, I made two reference sheets, one for inks and one for nibs, which I glued into my studio journal. While there's a great variety of beautiful pen holders for the larger nibs, unfortunately for the smaller ones, there seems to be only one - a simple red wooden one. As many of the drawing nibs are the smaller ones, you quickly end up with a whole bunch of almost identical looking pens. I used Washi tape to distinguish them so that from now on, I know exactly which nib is which. Hopefully, this will help me use them a lot more from now on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUTgIrHtKms/WfdJwTyWBNI/AAAAAAAAIuk/X3DNq5zKJ0ImhC3WaqjoBHmyaNhUirZDgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_6258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUTgIrHtKms/WfdJwTyWBNI/AAAAAAAAIuk/X3DNq5zKJ0ImhC3WaqjoBHmyaNhUirZDgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_6258.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I also went through all the nibs I already had at home, tried each and every one out and threw away the ones that didn't work form me. Among the keepers are these specialty nibs: the George W. Hughes Redonda pen that gives a double line, and the two Speedball Steelbrush nibs that are great for lettering.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hn69c7QFWU/WfcEAeF5wUI/AAAAAAAAIuE/9SkNXh7zOwYEYLOH5ZYzuRJReyo94mHrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_6254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="650" height="588" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hn69c7QFWU/WfcEAeF5wUI/AAAAAAAAIuE/9SkNXh7zOwYEYLOH5ZYzuRJReyo94mHrgCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_6254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-85121288514207833932017-10-29T10:21:00.002+01:002017-10-29T10:23:41.999+01:00Inktober 2017 - Week Four<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are nearing the end of the month, and with it, the end Inktober challenge. Only a couple more days to go. I'm not complaining when it's over, this week, it really is becoming a bit of a struggle now.</div>
<br />
Day 22: Dip pen & ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc3TSKWP3SA/WezlwROumfI/AAAAAAAAIr4/Z82aAOOpH3wm4DatUD4kljT46J2KczW-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="650" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc3TSKWP3SA/WezlwROumfI/AAAAAAAAIr4/Z82aAOOpH3wm4DatUD4kljT46J2KczW-QCLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 23: Ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhSd9u6rXZo/We3oxBDZaJI/AAAAAAAAIsI/K3kwXtZUPTAQGlI6eCzl61xAZ6zpKzB5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhSd9u6rXZo/We3oxBDZaJI/AAAAAAAAIsI/K3kwXtZUPTAQGlI6eCzl61xAZ6zpKzB5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day23.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 24: Brush pen, pen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKBIk0sWnUw/We-dvooQ3lI/AAAAAAAAIsY/_HI5wDKFwn4iKvWpAz9WuQTKK4VpS2jSgCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKBIk0sWnUw/We-dvooQ3lI/AAAAAAAAIsY/_HI5wDKFwn4iKvWpAz9WuQTKK4VpS2jSgCLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day24.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 25: Fude pen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h__9IgQoTTA/WfF8rrnbpnI/AAAAAAAAIs4/YZCdNnVJGWgFtbGSZuANO9DudsvyMmgBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h__9IgQoTTA/WfF8rrnbpnI/AAAAAAAAIs4/YZCdNnVJGWgFtbGSZuANO9DudsvyMmgBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day25.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 26: Fude nib fountain pen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qCrlS1iqeE/WfIkTUI-ThI/AAAAAAAAItI/_vtWV8-N0GMXP2SJNMxMvjI0hZYY1TiaACLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qCrlS1iqeE/WfIkTUI-ThI/AAAAAAAAItI/_vtWV8-N0GMXP2SJNMxMvjI0hZYY1TiaACLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day26.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 27 & 28: Dip pen & ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awxVgTGOGWU/WfS4gFBSurI/AAAAAAAAItY/WN5jnGI9CR0J-EZ0CMnSXm22kTHekz_mwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Days27%252B28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awxVgTGOGWU/WfS4gFBSurI/AAAAAAAAItY/WN5jnGI9CR0J-EZ0CMnSXm22kTHekz_mwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Days27%252B28.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Thoughts and insights:<br />
<ul>
<li>Our brain and how it works is absolutely fascinating. And slightly scary...</li>
<li>Drawing with dip pen and ink is so different than with pens. Somehow it makes you draw differently. And it certainly looks differently. Or is that just because of the ink?</li>
<li>The same colour can look completely different from one manufaturer to another. Just look at Rohrer & Klingner's and Senneliers bistre. Both are nice colours, though</li>
<li>It's useful to make some sort of ink colour charts for reference</li>
<li>It's also useful to find a system to remember which nib is which...</li>
<li>It's becoming a bit of a struggle now. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUwotXVdSoU/WfWeA5zzFtI/AAAAAAAAIts/gxKimseMB2oXkCdwwYcOGdhcvUC4A__QACLcBGAs/s1600/1a3376e13f4f86c6-weblogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="389" height="317" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUwotXVdSoU/WfWeA5zzFtI/AAAAAAAAIts/gxKimseMB2oXkCdwwYcOGdhcvUC4A__QACLcBGAs/s320/1a3376e13f4f86c6-weblogo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-14109223965446540152017-10-22T10:35:00.002+02:002017-10-22T10:50:09.432+02:00Inktober 2017 - Week Three<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's the third week of Inktober and I'm still keeping my daily drawing habit up. In fact, it's becoming easier, and more and more day, I'm looking forward to the evening, when I can sit down and draw.</div>
<br />
Day 15: Dip pen & ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHYZRDBNYHQ/WeT_BXZqBHI/AAAAAAAAIqU/_3H1aqekrfgDM52LUhXZumnl9TRSTLHjACLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober_Day15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="650" height="624" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHYZRDBNYHQ/WeT_BXZqBHI/AAAAAAAAIqU/_3H1aqekrfgDM52LUhXZumnl9TRSTLHjACLcBGAs/s640/Inktober_Day15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 16: Fineliner pens<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl8ac-QIDCk/WeT_HvdbtPI/AAAAAAAAIqY/nSpB5zedbf4k1vcj-zfHZAsrTdoM_EO5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober_Day16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl8ac-QIDCk/WeT_HvdbtPI/AAAAAAAAIqY/nSpB5zedbf4k1vcj-zfHZAsrTdoM_EO5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober_Day16.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 17: Pens<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYHTPh_2dmE/WeZaLRJQnqI/AAAAAAAAIqs/a0Wb64e2sI4DJ5yYpmT84KGW4FN0PILVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYHTPh_2dmE/WeZaLRJQnqI/AAAAAAAAIqs/a0Wb64e2sI4DJ5yYpmT84KGW4FN0PILVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day17.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 18: Dip pen & ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Le22PVEz0k/WeZaRuVvvfI/AAAAAAAAIqw/CrCuan6HcOseK6RXCJS00TDAk1NMcrfzgCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Le22PVEz0k/WeZaRuVvvfI/AAAAAAAAIqw/CrCuan6HcOseK6RXCJS00TDAk1NMcrfzgCLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 19: Pens<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMEBRegJMUA/Wej72ypqKsI/AAAAAAAAIrE/4tBd-05h_18MP5KwMdCpTJWriU_WoX8awCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMEBRegJMUA/Wej72ypqKsI/AAAAAAAAIrE/4tBd-05h_18MP5KwMdCpTJWriU_WoX8awCLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day19.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Day 20:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgMjEc_U-mU/WesNh5unNNI/AAAAAAAAIrY/EyL1YHs78HUPN3AIfPc4P2iujJEaoEsUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgMjEc_U-mU/WesNh5unNNI/AAAAAAAAIrY/EyL1YHs78HUPN3AIfPc4P2iujJEaoEsUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day20.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 21: Dip pen & ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jb5HarRQYQ/WetDoE4zUOI/AAAAAAAAIro/DcNoBi9qCVspnAQeo-ZqsZRWqwlFcJf5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jb5HarRQYQ/WetDoE4zUOI/AAAAAAAAIro/DcNoBi9qCVspnAQeo-ZqsZRWqwlFcJf5ACLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day21.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
Thoughts and insights:<br />
<ul>
<li>Did I mention that I love dip pens?</li>
<li>Crosshatching is a bit like watercolour - it looks easy and simple, but it's not</li>
<li>I wish I was better at drawing from imagination and didn't have to rely on reference images</li>
<li>But then I guess that's part of trying to get into the daily drawing habit</li>
<li>Because of copyright reasons, it can be really difficult to find reference images for some subjects</li>
<li>Some drawings therefore just have to remain practice pieces only, without being shared</li>
<li>But then, not everything always needs to be shared</li>
<li>It's all about practice in the end</li>
<li>And about enjoying it</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUnaOONY0vo/WeT-6KhU58I/AAAAAAAAIqQ/p4l4hrB9EVgf-q0WQbzcol0iFDmDPFf8wCLcBGAs/s1600/1a3376e13f4f86c6-weblogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="389" height="317" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUnaOONY0vo/WeT-6KhU58I/AAAAAAAAIqQ/p4l4hrB9EVgf-q0WQbzcol0iFDmDPFf8wCLcBGAs/s320/1a3376e13f4f86c6-weblogo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-5372477759849172972017-10-15T06:44:00.001+02:002017-10-16T20:52:03.100+02:00Inktober 2017 - Week TwoAnother week of daily drawing.<br />
<br />
Day 8: Pen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnBMWy1CIE0/WdpD-rpZpEI/AAAAAAAAIoo/QRRfUZQjhBQGJ9n9SMbTZqQGeixUC5QoQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnBMWy1CIE0/WdpD-rpZpEI/AAAAAAAAIoo/QRRfUZQjhBQGJ9n9SMbTZqQGeixUC5QoQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day8.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 9: Dip pen and ink, and pens<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xztcOa0onXs/WdpEHzvXbKI/AAAAAAAAIos/geBGS2Z-AaY_UKyNCXBdMdZtA-oBuKqpQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xztcOa0onXs/WdpEHzvXbKI/AAAAAAAAIos/geBGS2Z-AaY_UKyNCXBdMdZtA-oBuKqpQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 10: Pen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddj3AR40I6I/Wds2ltb8hvI/AAAAAAAAIpA/fqCtzcC11p8S0YiURL4D-Wyif6WeDc7PQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddj3AR40I6I/Wds2ltb8hvI/AAAAAAAAIpA/fqCtzcC11p8S0YiURL4D-Wyif6WeDc7PQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day10.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 11: Dip pen & ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTUCKjF1oRE/WeBMNuZcVmI/AAAAAAAAIpc/DFLD_x9wjnAV4smPv26WNcjeSiEN-GNjwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTUCKjF1oRE/WeBMNuZcVmI/AAAAAAAAIpc/DFLD_x9wjnAV4smPv26WNcjeSiEN-GNjwCLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day11.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 12: Dip pen & ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef6QNE_-RWs/WeBMTVnO8kI/AAAAAAAAIpg/FUZG97EdUaYT1bqHOMtLXtNx6tiL1qTbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef6QNE_-RWs/WeBMTVnO8kI/AAAAAAAAIpg/FUZG97EdUaYT1bqHOMtLXtNx6tiL1qTbwCLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day12.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 13: Dip pen & ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkuV1-bsoG0/WeLmzvPXtMI/AAAAAAAAIpw/BqDcdD-ruAAjwohAiyWczPp0TwwAzd1kACLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="650" height="498" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkuV1-bsoG0/WeLmzvPXtMI/AAAAAAAAIpw/BqDcdD-ruAAjwohAiyWczPp0TwwAzd1kACLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 14: Dip pen & ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwyV1CbRP8E/WeLmzz6TR8I/AAAAAAAAIp0/_u8G3bAx7DULBRskbF7TIfCXI7sl9L0awCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="650" height="386" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwyV1CbRP8E/WeLmzz6TR8I/AAAAAAAAIp0/_u8G3bAx7DULBRskbF7TIfCXI7sl9L0awCLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thoughts and insights:<br />
<ul>
<li> I figured out how to change the setting on my scanner so that it now scans the entire page. Yay!</li>
<li>Stippling is so much fun with a dip pen!</li>
<li>Inks are so versatile, you can use them for drawing, washes and even mix them together</li>
<li>I love dip pens!</li>
<li>So many different nibs! I'm going through the ones I have, adding ones, and throwing out the ones that don't work for me. No point hanging on to them. I only want what works</li>
<li>An excuse to go to the art shop :)</li>
<li>Drawing every day is good, but finishing and posting a drawing every day is quite stressful.</li>
<li>But I'm not giving up</li>
<li>Done is better than perfect </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YST_Tr5k0Es/WdpDk2qE5oI/AAAAAAAAIok/7O04EIHD-zg6R4ZBuQQnmbN7pJeDRP6kgCEwYBhgL/s1600/1a3376e13f4f86c6-weblogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="389" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YST_Tr5k0Es/WdpDk2qE5oI/AAAAAAAAIok/7O04EIHD-zg6R4ZBuQQnmbN7pJeDRP6kgCEwYBhgL/s320/1a3376e13f4f86c6-weblogo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-57203489331500258112017-10-13T09:04:00.001+02:002017-10-13T09:04:40.698+02:00A walk in the (Tier)park<div style="text-align: justify;">
A visit to the nearby wildlife park is always a great way to spend an afternoon. Many years ago, the park started to rebuild the outdated enclosures of the past to make them bigger and resembling the animals' natural habitat. This means that you not always see the animals. Which in turn means that there's always a good reason to go back again and again. Because you never know what you are going to see. All of the animals are, or have once been, native to this country.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The horses are some of the few animals that you always see. They are part of a programme that re-introduces the wild horses in Mongolia, where the became extinct decades ago. We were lucky to get to the fox enclosure at feeding time. A family of five, two adults and their three youngsters. Seeing a bear is always a privilege. My favourite anmials, though, are the moose, which this time were too far away in the woods for my camera this time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwIPP8HUbwg/WdnpBEitmHI/AAAAAAAAIn4/8lmOazFZCncpSxd896BDv91u_vYOQKD5gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwIPP8HUbwg/WdnpBEitmHI/AAAAAAAAIn4/8lmOazFZCncpSxd896BDv91u_vYOQKD5gCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4708.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSR5mYiu3S8/Wdno0nb3b4I/AAAAAAAAIn0/ChpJxxrb448eRxS9s1sW3vdUobC0Tcr0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSR5mYiu3S8/Wdno0nb3b4I/AAAAAAAAIn0/ChpJxxrb448eRxS9s1sW3vdUobC0Tcr0wCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_4772.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7XhaqkHCII/WdnpBKQ5TiI/AAAAAAAAIn8/-1QjAaXrPuwm-aTrQHpj3od9HBWEBiSBACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7XhaqkHCII/WdnpBKQ5TiI/AAAAAAAAIn8/-1QjAaXrPuwm-aTrQHpj3od9HBWEBiSBACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4787.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But even if you don't see that many animals, a walk in the park (and a hot chocolate in the café/restaurant) is always a pleasure. There is so much else to see, if you look closely, and for every season, nature has a special display. And autumn is certainly one of my favourite, even if it was a bit early yet for the full autumnal colours.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhx2Ztki5wY/WdnpM5sMfMI/AAAAAAAAIoE/6e_JylDNSv8VEr8wq_e8PDaK3FYAfZABwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhx2Ztki5wY/WdnpM5sMfMI/AAAAAAAAIoE/6e_JylDNSv8VEr8wq_e8PDaK3FYAfZABwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4681.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Biw9dyr2dUU/WdnpMxK3yGI/AAAAAAAAIoA/prw-c0qLYsU1UiX5rNZuMXOyjQgzTcBfACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Biw9dyr2dUU/WdnpMxK3yGI/AAAAAAAAIoA/prw-c0qLYsU1UiX5rNZuMXOyjQgzTcBfACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4676.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6H-TeIlu0GI/WdnpMzKPXtI/AAAAAAAAIoI/g4TykxO3AYgpLr32ah1KzWbzHpaxJWphACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6H-TeIlu0GI/WdnpMzKPXtI/AAAAAAAAIoI/g4TykxO3AYgpLr32ah1KzWbzHpaxJWphACLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_4714.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuBbfP2B6WA/WdnpNAWrxEI/AAAAAAAAIoM/YOUtBMhWCh4jwajJ5zQ4cz3t-OTn_dUWACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuBbfP2B6WA/WdnpNAWrxEI/AAAAAAAAIoM/YOUtBMhWCh4jwajJ5zQ4cz3t-OTn_dUWACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4738.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWAIg0wY6p8/WdnpNVEz3qI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/LVRTidwxFvImWnEg0sbcDjRe_QQaV2nxwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWAIg0wY6p8/WdnpNVEz3qI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/LVRTidwxFvImWnEg0sbcDjRe_QQaV2nxwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4760.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eUscb_PNLUU/WdnpNcK5OpI/AAAAAAAAIoU/uxd0a_tMgZ4-rMCHmWRINyF3r8DTtnbmgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eUscb_PNLUU/WdnpNcK5OpI/AAAAAAAAIoU/uxd0a_tMgZ4-rMCHmWRINyF3r8DTtnbmgCLcBGAs/s640/Nordljus_IMG_4765.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-48695255657562316692017-10-08T10:55:00.002+02:002017-10-08T17:29:43.121+02:00Inktober 2017 - Week One<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm taking part in the <a href="http://mrjakeparker.com/inktober" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Inktober challenge</span></a> this year, for the first time. It's been around for a few years, and I've wanted to do it before, but something's always come in between. Usually holidays. Which, of course, is a nice thing, like last year, when I spent the first week of October in <a href="http://nordljusfollowyourstar.blogspot.ch/2016/10/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">art retreat in Scotland</span></a> (I can't believe that that was already a year ago!), and the second relaxing in lovely Dorset. But this year, there's nothing on in October, my holiday is already over, and it's high time to get back into a regular drawing habit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided to start a new sketchbook for the challenge. I went through my (far too big) stack of new sketchbooks and found a Strathmore one, about A5 size, with thick mixed media paper that should take bottled ink and ink washes, and with enough pages for 31 double spread, should I decided to do that. To prepare for the challenge, I did a warm up page on the last day of September.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Front/Warm up page: Pens</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTbFaFzL-ZI/WdSO1LoHJfI/AAAAAAAAImg/1FpGgRSmX98NvHSzdoQP4e8xQkowG3mtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_WarmUp.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="644" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTbFaFzL-ZI/WdSO1LoHJfI/AAAAAAAAImg/1FpGgRSmX98NvHSzdoQP4e8xQkowG3mtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_WarmUp.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Day 1: Pens <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oeh9cjH2Y1A/WdSM1BhizzI/AAAAAAAAImA/K87s5t1VV443Ix1qok8JAy4Mklc0tHLiACEwYBhgL/s1600/Inktober2017_Day1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oeh9cjH2Y1A/WdSM1BhizzI/AAAAAAAAImA/K87s5t1VV443Ix1qok8JAy4Mklc0tHLiACEwYBhgL/s1600/Inktober2017_Day1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 2: Dip pens, brush, inks<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xV47fgjGtE/WdSN7iwAozI/AAAAAAAAImU/XmoTnUF5tk4aDT022X-5j8PhcKATamMnQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xV47fgjGtE/WdSN7iwAozI/AAAAAAAAImU/XmoTnUF5tk4aDT022X-5j8PhcKATamMnQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 3: Pen<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbvdHYJiRSU/WdSOCaYtrGI/AAAAAAAAImY/-q-N4_267PcBoTjxoAJnDDuxLq8itHtzACLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbvdHYJiRSU/WdSOCaYtrGI/AAAAAAAAImY/-q-N4_267PcBoTjxoAJnDDuxLq8itHtzACLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day3.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 4: Brushpens<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFfOlNABBT4/WdUsGWzMWbI/AAAAAAAAImw/tVvf52W9BhIOySJcBTMKT_Gj3cw0dwLUwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFfOlNABBT4/WdUsGWzMWbI/AAAAAAAAImw/tVvf52W9BhIOySJcBTMKT_Gj3cw0dwLUwCLcBGAs/s640/Inktober2017_Day4.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 5: Dip pen and ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhPQsEIVNCQ/WdnkWFCrjgI/AAAAAAAAInE/N0jzzsfecYMeSm8Y0twwj5xahsF_iT7TwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhPQsEIVNCQ/WdnkWFCrjgI/AAAAAAAAInE/N0jzzsfecYMeSm8Y0twwj5xahsF_iT7TwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 6: Dip pen and ink<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5F0VNIE1oA/WdnkVngEFtI/AAAAAAAAInA/oeqdMKMjYbcnHiX_FT8GkwKwvukllqKngCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5F0VNIE1oA/WdnkVngEFtI/AAAAAAAAInA/oeqdMKMjYbcnHiX_FT8GkwKwvukllqKngCLcBGAs/s1600/Inktober2017_Day6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 7: Dip pen, ink, pen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_3kzGfIRUI/WdnkWJBd-CI/AAAAAAAAInI/vrqGnqBW60QXJ_ekSGK7z1To3j6fzDikACEwYBhgL/s1600/Inktober2017_Day7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_3kzGfIRUI/WdnkWJBd-CI/AAAAAAAAInI/vrqGnqBW60QXJ_ekSGK7z1To3j6fzDikACEwYBhgL/s640/Inktober2017_Day7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Some thoughts on the first week:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>It's good to try out something completely different</li>
<li>Sometimes it takes a LOT longer than you thought it might, and it's perfectly okay if you don't finish it in time</li>
<li>Some inks just don't work very well on (certain) paper. It's worth taking a bit of time to try out what works and what doesn't</li>
<li>Bottled fountain pen inks make lovely washes</li>
<li>Even if it looks like rubbish at one stage, don't give up but keep working until it starts coming together. It usually does</li>
<li>Some days, it just doesn't work, and that's fine. Just splash some ink on a page play around instead</li>
<li>Dip pens are great to draw with, it's fun trying out the different nibs and inks</li>
<li> Finishing a drawing, then scanning and posting it every day is had work, and sometimes it might just be too much</li>
<li>My scanner is driving me mad, it tries to scan individual images instead of just the entire page, and I don't know how to change that </li>
<li>The most important thing is to draw, and to have fun</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YST_Tr5k0Es/WdpDk2qE5oI/AAAAAAAAIok/-_EESf26St0fgoUqV4KZfoI2ynrP7XLPwCLcBGAs/s1600/1a3376e13f4f86c6-weblogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="389" height="317" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YST_Tr5k0Es/WdpDk2qE5oI/AAAAAAAAIok/-_EESf26St0fgoUqV4KZfoI2ynrP7XLPwCLcBGAs/s320/1a3376e13f4f86c6-weblogo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-33728743178456753612017-09-28T18:45:00.002+02:002017-09-28T18:45:25.434+02:00Happy - tidying up and using up stuff<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm tidying up my studio. There's just so much stuff that has somehow accumulated over the years. Some of the stuff I haven't used in ages, as my style and preferences have changed over the years. I've been hanging on to all that stuff, because... you never know, maybe one day, they might be useful.... But enough of that. If I haven't used them in all those years, the chances that I am doing so now is very little. So it's all going out. Or most of it anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzQttRGpSJ0/Wc0k51ISRuI/AAAAAAAAIls/BvoM04n0F-gUA_o-9mJ9vkb5A6DA-XDEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzQttRGpSJ0/Wc0k51ISRuI/AAAAAAAAIls/BvoM04n0F-gUA_o-9mJ9vkb5A6DA-XDEACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePeuIHczCng/WbZQnS54WaI/AAAAAAAAIkI/LqI6JGZC2Og55-k08xS-MNtXJaTfZWghACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePeuIHczCng/WbZQnS54WaI/AAAAAAAAIkI/LqI6JGZC2Og55-k08xS-MNtXJaTfZWghACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4620.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work in progress - first layers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I found these papier maché letters in one of the boxes, and I had this 20x50cm canvas board that I had bought for a project that I never got round to do. Not a very convient format, but - the letters fitted perfectly on it, so I glued them on to it and added paint.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYzc0wX64Wo/WbZQndw5zUI/AAAAAAAAIkM/PHcohnUBO0goW8QDgNagaplYIbPFLTlVACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYzc0wX64Wo/WbZQndw5zUI/AAAAAAAAIkM/PHcohnUBO0goW8QDgNagaplYIbPFLTlVACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4629.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work in progress - more layers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also have far too many paints. Some I've had for ages, but I've discovered new brands that I prefer so they have just been sitting around unused. I've recently taken them all out and painted little samples, and some of them have become all gooey. I've used all those gooey paints for this one, using them up as much as possible before they go into the bin.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifWd9GHoyS4/WbZQnUOGCXI/AAAAAAAAIkg/JE7R3xIxOuYO60MAS4OemgBkv7gt4UOwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4635-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="649" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifWd9GHoyS4/WbZQnUOGCXI/AAAAAAAAIkg/JE7R3xIxOuYO60MAS4OemgBkv7gt4UOwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4635-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There really is just no point keeping all that stuff if you're never goint to use it. It might be hard to just throw it all away (good if you have arty friends nearby who would be happy to use them), considering that art materials aren't cheap. But hanging on to them might just be counterproductive. At least that's how it is for me. With my shelves full of stuff, getting to what I want often requires shifting other stuff first, and I easily forget what I actually have. And the result: I don't use them at all. And a cluttered space just doesn't work for me, there's no room for inspiration to blossom. Not that I want a bare, clinical kind of space, not at all. But there is a big difference between creative chaos and pure too-much-stuff mess.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXO14h16ASY/WbZQn5JmacI/AAAAAAAAIkg/KJpr-Wv6qWgNwCFIpqyRfnsdnAdTV1KJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="649" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXO14h16ASY/WbZQn5JmacI/AAAAAAAAIkg/KJpr-Wv6qWgNwCFIpqyRfnsdnAdTV1KJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4640.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ResKghzukHk/WbZQoiktnDI/AAAAAAAAIkg/fhb7CiHPAOcc8-LJE-T-58gg3q8oHCjtACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ResKghzukHk/WbZQoiktnDI/AAAAAAAAIkg/fhb7CiHPAOcc8-LJE-T-58gg3q8oHCjtACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4641.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now that my holiday, sadly, is over, I hope to finally get some much overdue planning, organising and change making done. Not to mention more time spent in my little studio and with my sketchbook.</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-23591746129958122682017-09-22T09:21:00.000+02:002017-09-22T09:21:06.929+02:00The magic of mushrooms<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, summer is over, and one of my favourite seasons has arrived. The gorgeous colours of the autumn, the softer light, the cooler, fresher air... Such a relief after the hot and stiflig summer. And I'm on holiday! A relaxing holiday at home with N, with long walks, day trips, lazy mornings, home made fruity smoothies and good food. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The other day we went for a walk in the forest and there were mushrooms, or fungi, everywhere. And so many different varieties! They're so fascinating and magical. Just gorgeous, aren't they? Of course I have no idea what they are all called, but just looking at them, and taking pictures of them, made me happy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmGQRt0fgR4/WcS4nbuXh7I/AAAAAAAAIkw/yZM_ej-kRhQ_5M9hyTFQ_6t7wpw5HVKdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="649" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmGQRt0fgR4/WcS4nbuXh7I/AAAAAAAAIkw/yZM_ej-kRhQ_5M9hyTFQ_6t7wpw5HVKdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4701.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M98LInOx8nU/WcS4ndDxYkI/AAAAAAAAIk4/4sz50CIU50MUz_eZ5xPCHFuuXU2BPXvTQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M98LInOx8nU/WcS4ndDxYkI/AAAAAAAAIk4/4sz50CIU50MUz_eZ5xPCHFuuXU2BPXvTQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4932.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0rRpz2u95U/WcS4nakeWLI/AAAAAAAAIk0/jfAflvdNs0gE9VdlDLBSlH1OXzuXBSerQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0rRpz2u95U/WcS4nakeWLI/AAAAAAAAIk0/jfAflvdNs0gE9VdlDLBSlH1OXzuXBSerQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4956.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8W7RuKJhyw/WcS4n3d0pXI/AAAAAAAAIk8/oeOTDsc3Ag4bkJyl-_i3UjoY2yqO5X5ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8W7RuKJhyw/WcS4n3d0pXI/AAAAAAAAIk8/oeOTDsc3Ag4bkJyl-_i3UjoY2yqO5X5ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4963.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C18iJ02_D40/WcS4oPTNnvI/AAAAAAAAIlA/5LPDetvSqaQlBumEEAZdabwIFDKzGM_ZACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C18iJ02_D40/WcS4oPTNnvI/AAAAAAAAIlA/5LPDetvSqaQlBumEEAZdabwIFDKzGM_ZACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4967.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3aHdrE47Yos/WcS4onZCF7I/AAAAAAAAIlE/71fYpPZDTVYR143obaM32oZquQ00ao6iQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="649" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3aHdrE47Yos/WcS4onZCF7I/AAAAAAAAIlE/71fYpPZDTVYR143obaM32oZquQ00ao6iQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4972.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q07_Z_CpL2M/WcS4pAHJVNI/AAAAAAAAIlI/Z1Qm567FQR8zaN6KeLfaPUPl8ZTBwAksACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q07_Z_CpL2M/WcS4pAHJVNI/AAAAAAAAIlI/Z1Qm567FQR8zaN6KeLfaPUPl8ZTBwAksACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4981.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYvntOdoTEU/WcS4p6xbIjI/AAAAAAAAIlM/j1KkUTsrEjUq4qXUG_wjhhVrTMK3IMaywCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="649" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYvntOdoTEU/WcS4p6xbIjI/AAAAAAAAIlM/j1KkUTsrEjUq4qXUG_wjhhVrTMK3IMaywCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_4982.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytL6iCS1f4A/WcS4qIw5G7I/AAAAAAAAIlQ/Rw3VJzUnBNAr_q4rz-32jkjPWWxhFQ4lgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="649" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytL6iCS1f4A/WcS4qIw5G7I/AAAAAAAAIlQ/Rw3VJzUnBNAr_q4rz-32jkjPWWxhFQ4lgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5003.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSUF8k7N1-g/WcS4qnu7LGI/AAAAAAAAIlU/p38YBvLaqhY4RyXBH0GGklcZNgUVnyHXACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSUF8k7N1-g/WcS4qnu7LGI/AAAAAAAAIlU/p38YBvLaqhY4RyXBH0GGklcZNgUVnyHXACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5018.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZaICagac04/WcS4rMpSiyI/AAAAAAAAIlY/VasV0vKVJBo5WX8TSNcxCSkw44TtqbvuACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="650" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZaICagac04/WcS4rMpSiyI/AAAAAAAAIlY/VasV0vKVJBo5WX8TSNcxCSkw44TtqbvuACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5019.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa8zqNFSzTM/WcS4rh7nOwI/AAAAAAAAIlc/MM8ZIU8luHsmC14rQhp4m9tYvm4HsR8YgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="650" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa8zqNFSzTM/WcS4rh7nOwI/AAAAAAAAIlc/MM8ZIU8luHsmC14rQhp4m9tYvm4HsR8YgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_IMG_5024.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Autumn!</span></b></div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-82781885751450374622017-09-03T20:08:00.000+02:002017-09-03T20:08:02.842+02:00A Month in Polaroid: The August Break 2017 - Final Week<div style="text-align: justify;">
Can you believe that it's already September? August just flew by! To be honest, I'm glad it's the end of summer. August was far too hot and humid for my taste. Now, that the temperatues have dropped 10-15 degrees Celsius compated to last weekend, my energy is coming back and I got more done this weekend than on all the weekends of August put together. But I did finish this year's August Break, and here's the final days of my month in Polaroid:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwgBe75m2mE/WawbAfi5nDI/AAAAAAAAIj4/OCMvss9toTYgs0Q2pwDEbYg_3Ou8bRrQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_AugustBreak2017_FinalWeek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="558" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwgBe75m2mE/WawbAfi5nDI/AAAAAAAAIj4/OCMvss9toTYgs0Q2pwDEbYg_3Ou8bRrQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_AugustBreak2017_FinalWeek.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was fun to think about how to interpret the prompts and find something to photograph. Of course with Polaroid, it takes a bit more planning. But that's the charm of analogue photography. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also made a little Steller story of my Month in Polaroid. I think it used to be possible to include a Steller story directly on your blog, but it doesn't seem to be so anymore. That's a shame, but anyway, you can find it here, if you want to have a look: <a href="https://steller.co/s/7LEWjd9Sqsj?share_token=me4rzxIpGeRsfAHvwMpi6zIhCmjn2Cz3iY9SpaSkZTI%3D" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">A Month in Polaroid 2017 on Steller</span></a>.</div>
Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-83162198474330744552017-08-21T19:24:00.000+02:002017-08-21T19:24:45.511+02:00A Month in Polaroid: The August Break 2017 - Week 3<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's last week's photos for the August Break challenge, again, all taken with a Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1 and a Polaroid SLR 680.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzv2rbM-WnQ/WZsXEdyn2QI/AAAAAAAAIjo/30WkRgf_4RkubeSUddOoZMQOg5TylySAACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_AugustBreak2017_Week3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzv2rbM-WnQ/WZsXEdyn2QI/AAAAAAAAIjo/30WkRgf_4RkubeSUddOoZMQOg5TylySAACLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_AugustBreak2017_Week3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-27409223312159117352017-08-14T17:58:00.002+02:002017-08-14T17:58:43.219+02:00A month in Polaroid: The August Break 2017 - Week 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's my second week of the August Break challenge. As last week, all the photos were taken with my two vintage 1970s Polaroid cameras, a SX-70 Alpha 1 and a SLR 680. If you'd like to see the prompts for the challenge, and these photos, you can find them <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/august-break-2017/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">here</span></a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhT8fq7o7rs/WZHIh53lFUI/AAAAAAAAIjY/s7tSSzDqugEEQ915KKrcXf3NzpUMUJxHwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_AugustBreak2017_Week2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhT8fq7o7rs/WZHIh53lFUI/AAAAAAAAIjY/s7tSSzDqugEEQ915KKrcXf3NzpUMUJxHwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_AugustBreak2017_Week2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819583803044106367.post-52112456422876819282017-08-07T11:03:00.000+02:002017-08-07T11:03:13.023+02:00A month in Polaroid: The August Break 2017 - Week 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been away from my blog for a bit, spending a lovely holiday in Dorset in July and then just taking it a bit slow in the summer heat. But for August, I've taken my Polaroid cameras out of the cupboard, where they have been sitting, unused, for far too long, to take part in the <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/august-break-2017/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">The August Break</span></a> challenge. Some of the prompts are quite challenging, and not made easier by using Polaroid cameras, but it's good to get thinking, trying to get the right photo for it, and get the photo right.</div>
<br />
So here's my first week. I've used my two favourite cameras for this, the SX-70 Alpha 1 and the SLR 680.Y ou can find the prompts <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/august-break-2017/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">here</span></a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghtiBec1sc4/WYgrfsTwP-I/AAAAAAAAIjA/T3lZinlfRz8w62XJk1Bufyv2JDT_ZTa7QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_AugustBreak2017_Week1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghtiBec1sc4/WYgrfsTwP-I/AAAAAAAAIjA/T3lZinlfRz8w62XJk1Bufyv2JDT_ZTa7QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nordljus_AugustBreak2017_Week1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Nordljushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338266771808023458noreply@blogger.com1