Space to Paint

7"x 5" watercolor sketch, ©2011

"Swan Brocade 1"7"x 5" oil on gessobord, ©2011

Well, after seven weeks here in Munich, I managed to get one painting reasonably finished. I am amazed at how much time it has taken for me to get settled. Of course we moved from the first apartment the first of November, so that did put me back some extra time too.

I love the second apartment. It has a south facing balcony and there was room enough for me to set up a small painting space that I can leave out on the desk in the bedroom.

I have seen much that has been inspirational, but I have had a real fascination for the swans in the park. I grew up with grey geese on the canal at home, and charming as they are, I wanted to try painting some swans.

My idea was to incorporate the Bavarian swirls and patterns I see on the buildings here as part of the rippling water. On the watercolor sketch, I added some of the English Garden roses. I couldn't decide if I wanted them on the final piece or not. Honestly, I am not completely happy with the painting right now, but I decided it was best to just post it and move on. I may change it and post it when I figure out what it needs,

The landscapes are changing from fall to winter and I know there will be more ideas to consider. Now that I am started, I want to keep up the momentum!