ART + FORM – justbluedutch

Expat wanderings with Art + Forms /PPAC

July 11, 2021July 11, 2021ART + FORM, WP-PHOTO CHALLENGES4 Comments

The Blue Art project which features Blue colored sheeps which I really find so unique and fabulous,plus, they are a big hit for kiddos! If you wanna know more about them, check it out here on my other Post.

Public arts and nature are some of my favourite subject to photograph. Whether I have a proper camera or just my Iphone in my hand, I always made an effort to take a photo that pleases my eye. I dunno, but I really enjoy taking photos of them.Here are some snaps of my random favourites of my expat wanderings .

Who says Beer Gardens should be utterly boring? Not so, in fact, some take us all the way to Middle ages where Knights are having the privilege of having a drink after a bloody fight.

What do you think of this Knight? Probably he loves the Bavarian Biergarten culture so Prost!

Another headturner when did a hike in the area of Riedenburg and Essing is this Mural, a very sassy Ritter (or Knight) with a beer Mug , hugging a Beer barrel .Perfect theme for a Beer garden near a Middle Age castle.

And what about painted cows from 3 different countries?

Painted cow I spotted in the Netherlands

Of course, we live in Germany so this famous **Fraternal Kiss (Bruderkuss)** should make it to **PPAC Challenge**!
“*my God, help me to survive this deadly Kiss* ” located in the East Side Gallery in Berlin, done by **Dmitri Vrubel**
Meantime, while in Berlin, we did wall bombing with this little rascal which plays my travel Buddy.

And who says Market halls should be boring? I don´t think so. This giant hall “Markthalle” in Rotherdam, Netherlands is super cool. The market hall is painted and is somewhat famous called as the “ Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam“.The artwork shows strongly enlarged fruits, vegetables, seeds, fish, flowers and insects.

And what about this humungous sculpture in front of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam? This unique sculpture of black mice by New York artist KAWS for the ArtZuid exhibition on Museumplein square, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Black Mice sculpture in Amsterdam, by New York artist , KAWS

And here´s some dramatic statues I have seen in Nürnberg here in Bavaria. The amusing yet pragmatic images of the Bittersweet marriage Carousel (Ehekarussell) —which depicts the happiness, horror , tragedy of Marriage. Quite interesting and well done.It is actually a fountain with these large statues and a famous attraction in the city.

Bittersweet Marriage Carousel in Nürnberg, Bavaria, Deutschland; work by Jürgen Weber

Bittersweet Marriage Carousel in Nürnberg, Bavaria , by Jürgen Weber

While exploring Nürnberg, I stumbled upon this another unique lpublic Art. Das Narrenschiff. A 3.6-meter-high bronze sculpture of a boat with seven people, a skeleton and a dog in it. The sculpture is based on Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut illustrating the 1497 edition of Das Narrenschiff (first edition 1494 ) by Sebastian Brant (1457-1521). It depicts a boat – a nutshell with two fools masks at front and rear – as a metaphor for the threatened world.

Some wooden sculptures I saw in Trier, Germany

I took a bike ride last week and spotted this new Grafitti art just a few kilometers from home. Medusa is everlasting, it´s already the 21st century, pandemic times and she´s still soaring? So much respect for the whole project of the Le Grande Schmierage .They really did a great job painting the walls of our city.

Sculpture spotted while I was walking along the beach in Kuwait

Lastly, a tribute from my last visit to Manila, Philippines where I´ve seen this Contour Sculpture done by Filipino American artist Jefre Figueras.This red carabao sculpture stands for hard work and strength.This and other giant animal sculptures of the Philippine Eagle, Tarsier and the Rooster are all located in SM Aura Sky park deck in Manila.

Do you also have a favourite Public Art from where you live?

What kind of Public Art have you viewed lately?

This post is inspired by Cee´s PPAC; Photographing Public Art Challenge with her co-host Marsha Ingrao of Always Write. These two amazing ladies are really worth of praise.Do check their pages to grab some inspiration, perhaps you might tempjted to join this fun challenge…after all, sharing is caring!

Until then, be safe everyone. Tschüss.

Getting to know your Art, messy ever after

April 28, 2021ART + FORM, JustbluedutchArt7 Comments

” How we choose what we do, and how we approach it…will determine whether the sum of our days adds up to a formless blur, or to something resembling a work of art” –Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

I started my art journey when I was 7 or 8 years old. This is as far as I remember.Of course at this age, my preceptions of Art is very limited to crayons and skizzes. I don´t even know what is an abstract art or what is the style of Mondrian.If a child draw something on a paper, whether it´s a circles of colors or a big chump of black pens, it´s always a masterpiece.You need to compliment the child and yes, encourage them.That masterpiece should end up being posted in the fridge or hang in the wall. Every work of art deserves and an audience and applause.

Well, not really.I never have those times.I don´t have any favourite artists at all, since during those times, I can´t recall having many books related to art. I didn´t even know what kind of art I was making. Because of constant move, I lost all my childhood drawings and I don´t have tangible recollections of my old drawings. But then I am sure, I painted a lot of fields,landscapes, mosaic and doll like perspectives.

Getting to know my Art style was hard for me in the beginning. It didn´t came easy. Puberty is also a crucial time and life itself offers daily obstacles to find the person who I want to be. In school there´s always an Art competition but it it doesn´t guarantee of winning always.I am exposed to an environment that doing better in Academics is better than paints, crayons and sketch pads. Drawing is a hobby, not a field to excel. So up to that time, I never really encouraged myself to do better art or even excel in it. I am just bent on at least getting a medal, or at least in the top 5 of graduating class. I could give so many weak excuses but at this phase, I haven´t get to know my art style…no, not yet.

I find this totally different from children nowadays. My daughter had a drawing exhibition at age of 5. She is constantly active in her Kindergaten years both in sports activity and drawing. She draw almost everyday.One time she came to me and said :

” Mama, please check in my Math book, in page 61, you will find there something that you will like. There is the famous painting of Wassily Kandinsky, the” Weiches Hart“: This painter is also included in the 50 famous Artists Book ( 50 Berühmte Künstler in der Welt).

I said to myself…Okaaaayyy. My God, she´s only 6. How on earth does she knows it?

Does she even knows the art style of Kandinsky?

In the end, she mumbled ” I also wanted to be in that Book Mama…”

I am sure she doesn´t know what she want in her life either.This phase is yet too fragile. The metamorphosis of growth,changing behavious, dreams and attitude and so on seems so infinitely wide.The journey is still far…

Getting to know my own style of art came actually late in my life. I am also a late bloomer in everything. The only thing that I am early is when I wake up in the morning because I am actually a morning person.I started drawing more and paying attention to details. I took noted on which Artist´s styles appeal to me and what elements of design is present in my creations. I pushed to maintain my patterns and made my own voice.

The flood of compliments and encouragement came I was reassured. I heard the voice signalling me to continue and hone my brushes and create something unique.I started an Art journal and watch my progress.

Looking back in Highschool I started joing poster making contests.Sometimes I skip it because I haven´t prepared well & my materials are limited. I got intimidated and success of winning doesn´t come quickly. My ideas were so little and I feel insecure of my art.I didn´t know that it requires patience and I haven´t really push myself to get out from my boundaries. I was too busy concentrating on life, studies, and other fields of survival. I got distracted again by the dust of everyday life.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life ” …-Pablo Picasso

Then I started to pay more attention to myself.I startted taking care of myself and doing what makes me happy.I searched in my soul and in my creativity bank to polish what I can and what can I do to make it better. I tried experimenting with different mediums and explore other dangerous, risky subjects. It feels more like getting to know what kind of coffee I would like to order, the type of bag I wanted to bring… a journey to being an Aesthetes.

I am always motivated by visual pleasure and I would trade a place inside an Art Gallery and admire the masters.I have dreamt of having an original artwork piece of my favourite Artist. I spend and spend more time and money on art than most people, or other material things.I go to exhibitions and join them If I can afford it and have the time for it…

I took risks, and developing my own art style didn´t come out from thin air.

I am still not even there, I am still a project in motion, a work in progress.

Everyday, I am still getting to know myself and my Art and at the end of every painting session, my hands are dirty.

I am happy though that it´s always messy ever after.

” Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures..” -Henry Ward Beecher

What type of Art do you love?

Do you still remember what you wanna be when you were 10 years old ?

This post is inspired by Lens Artist Photo Challenge “Getting to Know You, a great subject introduced by the witty Priscilla of scillagrace. If you have time to kill, head on to her page and see the other meaningful interpretation of this Theme.

Until then, Tschüss.

Es war eine Mutter ( Art + Work)

February 8, 2021ART + FORM, Expat Mamas around the World, JustbluedutchArt, Modern Parents, SHOPLeave a Comment

Original Aquarelle Artwork “Es war eine Mutter” /JustbluedutchArt 2020

This post is actually inspired by recent events in my life. I recently had this painting done inspired by current situations and I thought it might be a good idea to relate it to ” a day in the life of a Mother”. I have done quite a lot of painting to survive the lockdowns and so far, it has taught me great lessons about motherhood as well. Now you know why I love this subject for my artwork.

Maybe not everyone can actually relate to Motherhood subjects and all about Mother and son/daughter stories but then at least it´s our own story. Mother and daughter is not always full of sweet moments, reality can be tough, it can also be stressful, chaotic, tiring, and yes, just too much to handle.

All parents love their children, there´s no question about that but how to teach them to learn without the classroom. For a fact that in Germany, Homeschooling is actually illegal since 1919 ( European Court of Human Rights).But not in the times of Corona.This article even had quite notable explanations.

Homeschooling is not so “cozy” as it sounds. Because of Covid-19 Pandemic, we´ve been through so many Lockdowns, before and after Christmas actually. And now, in the middle of Winter, with zero public life, schools stays closed along with playfrounds and libraries. Lockdown is supposed to end by Feb.14 but there´s no bright lead yet when will our lives return to normal.We are waiting…

I realized that I don´t even have the right to complain.Afterall I only have 1 child. There are more parents who juggles between their dayjobs and household responsibilities, and yes, they are bearing more load than I do.I do have high respect for them. I´ve known a friend who even had twins, and had more children to handle.A dear friend of mine just had her baby recently born, and she also have another Grade schooler, a very active one.She bears all these with her two full hands.How do they do that is simply amazing and praiseworthy!

But imagine the chaos…. the “heartfelt” agony.

Homeoffice seemed to be the newest trend nowadays. Working from home has its own benefits, but hey, have you ever tried working while your kid shouts and screams on your videoconferences? Funny as it may sounds but with us, life and struggle during Lockdown is real. I am sure I am not alone in this.

The moment we sit together in the table to go with Home study program doesn´t eventually ensures success in every subject.There has been fights, screaming, yelling and yes, pencils and papers flown in the air. The drama is real and so as the dilemma. The biggest problem that we faced is maintaining her focus and this has been challenging for both me and my daughter.

When I was in college, I did a part-time job tutoring kids from 6-10 years old. I normally help them with the main subjects and help them with their homework. The stress was different. With this Lockdown, the challenge was different as well.

No I was not blaming the virus. Honestly ,sometimes I blame myself as well. Maybe I was not prepared for this and my patience limit is so small that I excuse myself for a meltdown as well. I am tired and in need of a break but yes–motherhood knows no such breaks.I don´t like this isolation anymore and I wanted it to end.

Anyway,one time while we are learning about the seasons of the year ,we encountered this song ;

” Es war eine Mutter” song by Nena ( originally in German)

Es war eine Mutter ( There was one Mother)
Die hatte vier Kinder ( She had 4 children)
Den Frühling ( Spring)
Den sommer ( Summer )
Den Herbst und den Winter. ( Autumn and Winter)

Original Watercolor Artwork / JustbluedutchArt 2020

So motherhood and seasons of the year have one thing in common, right or maybe I just carried away by nature that I correlate them with Homeschooling and everything.The great thing is, life evolves and I was reminded that this too, shall pass and everything should not be permanent.Soon, everything will be over and chapters of our lives will also evolve, in other words, we are in a journey together.

Homeschooling might feel like Autumn and Winter right now.Parents struggled as well as children but then its not the end.Spring soon will come and Summer too.

Der Frühling bringt Blumen ( Spring bring flowers)
Der Sommer den Klee (Summer brings clover leaves)
Der Herbst bringt die Trauben ( Autumn brings the grapes)
Der Winter den Schnee. ( Winter brings snow)

Und wie sie sich schwingen ( and how they swing together)
Im Jahresreihn ( all year around)
So tanzen und singen ( Dancing and singing)
Wir fröhlich darein. ( we are all happy with it..)

Original Aquarelle artwork “Mutter” / JustbluedutchArt 2020

Homeschooling and on line learning is something that we´ve all embraced this year.There were more time spent in front of computers and tablets instead of actual class participation.Here in Germany, I must say that they had quite handled the crisis well when it comes to distance learning.My daughter spends almost 8 hours in a mask at school before.Washing their hands and divided in groups were her previous routines, then she was confined at home, with homeschooling and with me. I am grateful that the school had a precise plan for this crisis and have given us enough support that we´ve needed and another thing is, we have an access to technology which can be challenging in other countries.We received a weekly Plan for each lessons, and even with a timetable to achieve every day. There was enough Learning Platform offered and the activities listed are varied ,so children won´t feel bored and too squeezed. I particularly appreciate the online help and daily accountability as well. Some of the apps that helped us go through Homeschooling is Antolin app and Sofatutor.They even have Tablets to lend if families are without so everything comes handy.

Mother and son original Watercolor Art by JustbluedutchArt

Lessons learned and experiences gained, so as struggles were credibly overcame.Yes, we´ve been tired and fatigued, but we´ve never given up.As a mother, teaching my child is like feeding them. Its like nourish or undernourish them.Once again, it´s the choices that we make that affects us the most.We´re not yet there but I am sure, the end of the tunnel is not far behind.

Have you had any experience about Homeschooling? How was it?

Painting through Pandemic (Art +Work)

January 29, 2021ART + FORM, DIY CRAFTS, JustbluedutchArt, SHOP11 Comments

My own Artwork hangs in one corner of our little apartment

If there´s something nice, memorable and practical that came out of this Pandemic, I would say that its my Artwork. During Lockdown and everything, I coudn´t survived it without painting. I had made many Artworks, busied myself with lots of painting and making cards , and even more digesting DIY craft things.At home, I don´t need to wear mask, and I don´t worry about social distancing.I normally paint alone, solitary and always been sticking to my hobby journal.My Supplies are not that fancy, yes they could be expensive but then these Artist-grade materials are made to last .

I managed to sell quite of them, which I am super grateful.Grateful to those people who managed to appreciate my artwork and go to lengths of buying them…yes, even in the time of Pandemic. People who bought Art during Corona times are heaven´s sent…they are truly a blessing!

I mean, why would you buy an Art during Pandemic?

It means I could get more new Art supplies and paints, every penny counts!And the great thing about it, I have decided to fully embraced my life to be totally creative and doing everything handmade.I can´t recall the time that I bought from a store a card or decorative art piece or something….all the things I sent to my friends and families are all handmade.This thing called Art talent is in me so I am going to use it as long as its in me.Better to nourish it, than lose it.

Blue , gold and lots of Texture are very dominant in this piece

I have lots of unfinished paintings that sits in our bedroom and in other parts of the house.I don´t have enough space to place them but looking at them is just okay.It reminds me that I need to work on them once the inspiration kicks.The great thing about being a self taught Artist is that I never thought of myself being contained in one idea.I am actually free in my techniques and I can easily adapt to the basics and Art essentials whether its the form, color, size, gradient and intensity.I can use whatever medium I would like and not feeling guilty. That should be Art be….Free, brave and bold!

A relentless pursuit of making my artwork better and more soulful is what driving me to persevere.If I am going to do something in my life until the day I grow old then it would be this.I would be painting lots and lots of Abstract pieces, and get edgy with watercolor.When I stayed at home and the schools are closed, I struggled a lot to find time for myself.I tried running more, doing it more often despite of the cold weather and it helped me a lot to managed my stress.But nothing beats when I finished a painting…

I watched online what other people are doing and I am always inspired. i think its like Blogging, nothing really happens when you don´t do anything.People won´t read yours if you don´t write.So I guess that no matter what, keep on writing, keep on doing something that gives you life.

People got into gardening, which I have been very interested since I came here in Germany.Plants had become my children. Living with plants had change my life as well and I don´t think I can´t live without my plants either. Some call it funny but hey, it is something that plant lovers only understand.I have a devoted time for them and it´s my second nature to see any plant problem with my naked eyes.I think the top expenditures I have is my painting materials, then comes plants, and the rest are just plain bubble of life´s journey.

Art is a language that not all understand.I remember in my childhood days that not everyone in my class are good in drawing.I was helping my daughter with a drawing in our Homeschooling the other day and it really struck me like lightning.She is crying and telling me ” I want to have a life like you, I can´t draw that good, but I wanted to…I can´t draw cars, and my drawing of people sucks..” I note an agony in there. Art is misunderstood. It becomes a chore now, a homework to be done, a task that needs to be completed.

Naturally Art can be learned and even a kids artwork is a masterpiece, but the thing is, not everyone can really understands it, let alone Abstract pieces.I stopped worrying about Art. I just let myself go, and express what I think, what I feel and what my visions are.As I decide on which colors I used, the brush and pinsels, and the mediums that I will incorporate, there I am learning to communicate with my canvas.

Sometimes the communication within the painting is not clear, the subject is surreal, the colors are not complementing each other, it looked like a mess. There are many times I needed to breathe in and stop. making breaks and a pause so I can make everything fall into pieces into their form and gradients.Too much or less less texture it doesn´t matter.In the end, I can only say that the painting is done.

I knew it exactly when its time to drop the brush.

Nothing was easy during this Pandemic.It´s almost now in a year.This coming Spring we don´t know yet if life returns to normal, amid the long wait for vaccines and zero new infections.I have learned that ” nothing happens when you´re not working…”

Many times , out of frustration, I called myself a FAILED ARTIST. I failed many times and I almost give up. I doubted my own capabilities and become ungrateful of my talent. I stopped drawing, and I did not paint for a while.The end result : I lose. I became more frustrated and I learned to survived. This Pandemic have taught me to go back to my passion, to what really means to live, to give more to others…

Quitting is never really an answer.I always tell the people who buy my paintings that every painting has its story.Every single piece is really unique.One piece can take a year, one masterpiece can be done in 20 minutes. Everything has its own story and that I spent many hours in my kitchen painting and in isolation.I have made many different life changing stories there in my kitchen countertop, creating something that came out from my own world.So when I packed a painting to its new home, I always write ” Thank you for giving my Art their new Home…”

Painting through Pandemic is a radical step to being vulnerable.That creating something should not be hindered by isolation and stress.I learned that through my art, I have known things ,not until I have seen and made them.Art creates and dissolves boundaries and even through crisis and stressful situations, I could make Art.

If you have more time to kill, Here´s more of my Art Journey ;

My very own DIY Bamboo Lamps

Fluid Art is the new Art

Fluid Painting , Malachite Hues

Faces in the Crowd, my watercolour´s Journey

Little Women Mosaic Aquarell Artwork series

Watercolor Monday and more Galaxy Art Paintings

November 23, 2020ART + FORM, DIY CRAFTS6 Comments

Hand at work, absorbed in a chaotic painting mess called Galaxy Art

The thing about watercolor is that it is so-minimalistic.I only need a bottle of water, my color set, my brush and yes, very important, a good, acid -free watercolor paper.Before I got hooked with Acrylics, I also worked a lot with Cray pastels, but my first love was really watercolors. In college, we used so much air spray paints and water -on-water techniques in renderings is my favourite part.Even until now, it still is…

With Galaxy art paintings, I can be easy. I love to be on freehand and not restricted. The watercolor techniques in here are effortlessly naive and uncomplicated process. Even a toddler can do magic with it. My daughter always watch when I am doing some and she is enamored by it.

The question is, are you willing to let go of your inhibitions and play with water and let the magic begins?

A sprinkle of imagination and creativity

The thought of Galaxy Art always made me interested. At first I could not get a good pallette that really sets my mood, but with few trials, I finally got a hold of it.

Here´s an example of a simple project: A dark sky with , stars and a Autumn, winter mood.Imagination is the key, you just need to imagine the magical skies in your dreams. I think its seldom that you really see them, unless they are snapsshots from NASA ! But that is what imagination and creativity is all about. Sky is the limit.

Into the Woods / Original Watercolor Art ( JustbluedutchArt)

Using a very simple pallete of Utramarine blue, paynes Grey, a touch of ochre yellow, a dash of red & violet, Black and white then you can create a mood like this.

This pandemic have given me more time to pay attention to my Art. It´s a very good way to do some self nourishment, deep mindful activity like doing a creative teraphy. Although it is never easy to start because of daily routines and chaos, but still, having time to create an Artwork is one of my priority.I dodn´t care how long will I ever finished it, its better than doing nothing. With watercolor, drying and (waiting!) is the one who kills your time. Normally, I do multiple batches of background washes, and while waiting for them to dry, I can start with fine details or work on another piece. I just really love to multitask!

I don´t like couching, but I love that my artworks do the couches more!

I received many compliments and inquiries about Galaxy Art pieces that I made. I guess it´s not just me who love the touch of imaginary skies and playful pallete!

Christmass simple greeting cards I made out of watercolor Galaxy art paintings

I have so many left over materials and I do various tiny projects with them.The best thing about doing watercolor galaxy art project is that you are really free, and that is how Art should be.It should have no boundaries and no restrictions!…well at least no social distancing! Another good thing is that, let your Art draw you closer to people. I have been using my artwork to connect and stay close to people, at least in my circle. It is a great tool to navigate from self-love to doing something beneficial as well.

Nowadays, I let go of my worries freely, I throw them freely in the skies and just do what I can do, at least give my best.My Art has been a great help to get a grip of my sanity and I still wonder how would I live without it.

Are you still thinking of doing something different in your free time? Why not try painting a Galaxy Artwork?

Hope all of you are staying well, safe and healthy! Tschüss!

Little Women Mosaic Watercolor Artworks

October 27, 2020ART + FORM, JustbluedutchArt5 Comments

Little Women original watercolor Artworks / JustbluedutchArt 2020

Finally it´s Autumn…!

Lately I have been admiring the works of Alexej von Jawlensky, and I must say that He, among others as well, is the inspiration behind these latest paintings that I did.If you are an art nitwit like me, you must have realized that there are so manyyy talented Russian painters ,with extraordinary mind and brilliant art philosophies!Alexej von Jawlensky is part of the Blue Rider group, and later the Blaue Vier (the Blue Four) and is part of the New Munich´s Artists Association.Part of his life was also spent here in Germany.

In my free times, I love to read about the Gallery of the Masters of Art, especially the Classic Modern Art from 19th to 20th Century. I still cannot forget how moved I was when I saw the ” Nightwatch” by Rembrandt which is by far one of my favourites from the Baroque Dutch Golden Age era. And now, since I am also into Abstract painting, I decided to play more with colors and textures. I love it, I think I finally found the forte that I ´ve always wanted to do with my abstract pieces.As a self-taught artist, I love to widen my craft by learning more about the Art masters.I think there´s no harm in doing that, after all, there is no “must” in Art, cuz it´s free.

My favourites from Alexej´von Jawlensky´s paintings were the “Spanierin,1913 “ and the other piece of his painting of a lady in red holding a bunch of red flowers called ” Die Pfingstrosen” as shown below beside the portrait I have made. I love to paint women´s portraits combined with elements of nature and a bit of playful imaginary mosaic patterns.Big eyes, colorful burnt orange skins, proud noses and lots of bold accentures makes it all unforgettable!

Close up details of Little Women, original Watercolor Art painting /JustbluedutchArt

Alexej von Jawlensky´s works are full of wonderful sense of colours, just like his colleague, Wassily Kandinsky, also one of my favourites, Their masterpieces were colorful, vibrant and lush and at one point in time, evolving. I find it very fascinating that He also, loves to paint women´s faces in particular. Red is a very dominating color and the expressions in his paintings are gripping in my imagination. I love this type of style that moves me to think.

I began painting Women´s portraits I think last 2 years ago. I love the fact that women are great art subjects and it can convey so many different emotions and characters. Unfortunately, I cannot do any male portrait!

Here´s another piece which I highlighted a woman´s face and I remember looking at her eyes as if I was seeing a different character which reminded me of earlier years of my life.

Woman and a Child , Original watercolor Art /JustbluedutchArt 2020

Woman and a Child with Alexej von Jawlensky´s “Die Pfingstrosen”

Hard times let me escape from reality and dream of colorful world of Art. I guess my Art reflects of my dreams, emotions and experiences.I love different tints of colors, I seldom paint black and white or mono chrome tones.For me, colors play a huge part in delivering the emotions behind the painting, just like the lyrics which feed the poetry in audience´s ears.

Little Women original Aquarelle Artwork /JustbluedutchArt

Bring back Summer , Original Watercolor Art / JustbluedutchArt 2020

I would love to gather all these women in the future and bind them in a book. That would be a great refuge for me in the old days. Sometimes I dream that I have met all these women in my life and they have been part of me.It is like they are all in me and they all came alive in my canvas.But right now, I am still bent on creating more portraits of women with characters.I would still love to play with different kinds of forms and shapes and blend them in the background, just like depicting the life they live in. Many times, I think my art let me realized that contradictions are great push-overs to magnify your boundaries and edge of reasoning. When someone asks me to describe my art, I just let them view it as they please. I cannot dictate it´s meaning because my work has a deep magnitude for me. Maybe for others, it´s different, or maybe none at all.

” Color is the keyboard, the eyes the harmonies, the soul is the Piano with many strings. The Artist is the hand that plays, touchig one key or another,to cause vibrations in the soul.”- Wassily Kandinsky

DIY Unique Bamboo Stand Lamp

August 29, 2020ART + FORM, Bavaria, DIY CRAFTS7 Comments

Today I was inspired to make some DIY creative project. I wanted something handmade, unique and of course from my own ideas.It is a raining weekend over here in Bavaria, so after I did my usual grocery shopping, I busied myself doing something that I have been itching to do——that is to make a handmade DIY Bamboo Lamp. I was really inspired by a fellow creative Blogger, Emily of Dossier Blog who gave me also awesome tips how to enhance the groth of my Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant.I will definitely share that on another post because my FLF plant is really growing, thanks to her! If you need some green thumb tips on your green babies, check out her page Asap!You´ll never get dissapointed.

My DIY Bamboo Stand Lamp created with Bamboo sticks

We have a stand lamp with bendable stand that stays in a corner.I seldom used it because I prefer normal bright lights so I thought of doing an upscale to make it more trendy, and have a natural ” Asian” look by using Bamboo sticks.

It was quite a simple project actually, nothing complicated and I think even kids can do this. But naturally with a little guide with the glue gun and mounting will do.I did not used any machine or whatsoever. Only with a pair of clippers and handsaw, Gluegun and string, plus the copper spray paint, then I was all set. I got the set of Bamboo sticks from a thrift shop ( Phillips & Hörnbach) which I usually used as a support for my plants.I have plenty of leftovers so this Lamp is actually one of the many Bamboo themed Craft projects that I have in my mind.

First I removed the old covering of the lamp and scrape the adhesive around the frame.It´s like cleaning off the dust to make sure the glue would stick well with the Bamboo sticks.You just need to do a simple estimate of how many sticks you would be needing depending on the circumference of your lamp and how much you want for coverage.The process is quite simple ; Glue, attach, and dry. After covering the whole lamp with the Bamboo sticks, I let is dry for a while then clean the glue residues. Once it all sets, I just sprayed it with my leftover Copper spray and done!

Bamboo sticks, Glue gun & Stick, string and the lamp head for Upscaling

I am loving the whole new look of my stand lamp. I love how the way it turned to be. It gives such a warm welcoming glow beside my plants and I love the whole concept of bamboo and native materials.The bamboo sticks creates a decorative light patterns in the wall and ceiling just like our center copper ball lamp.I think its perfect for late summer nights and lazy weekends while reading or just sitting in the couch.

You can also do this with any lamp that you wanted to do a makeover.I am planning to make a pot with a bamboo covers as well !

Bamboo home decors and lamps are very trendy, sought-after but very pricey nowadays.I noticed that most plant lovers prefer these to accesorize their Urban jungles and green spaces, because why not–-It´s Bamboo! I love Bamboo plant as well and been looking forward to create a small zen corner in our garden.

But this project only cost me a few euros! Most of the things I used are already in my Craft box! In my homeland, in Philippines, bamboo is such an indigenous material and I took it all for granted. Now I am drooling for everything native—from rattan chairs, lamps, pot baskets, plant hangers and even macrame crafts! I wish I could bring them all here in Germany without spending a fortune…

But now, I am enough content with this little unique piece in my home.

ArtBlog : Infinitynets Abstract Paintings

May 28, 2020ART + FORM, JustbluedutchArt5 Comments

A close up detail of one of my artwork InfinityNets where I used net packaging from Lemons that I buy during the anxious times of Corona Pandemic. Nothing is wasted, only creating a beautiful twist of gold, blues and great myriad of textures.
(JustbluedutchArt/InfinityNets 2020)

It´s been a while since I posted about my artworks. I have been busy as usual juggling everything about life. Actually I have done many paintings nowadays and still so many things are not yet done.Quarantine or not, life for me as an Artist is quite the same. I am so glad that staying at home during the Corona Lockdown has done me good. Time is one of the necessities for me so I am glad that I´ve got it especially when I am driven to create something.

Another close up detail of the net incorporated as an added texture in my abstract paintings.It is the little details for me that really counts. Never put a limit to your imagination because the horizons of Art is endless.

Speaking of creating, I´ve been experimenting a lot with my artwork nowadays, testing new techniques and mediums. I am working a lot with Acrylic nowadays, I do mostly Abstract paintings but this time I am using Nets as as added texture medium. Yes, you heard it right, I am using nets from the packages of onions, garlic and lemons that I buy especially during Corona times. I developed a habit of drinking warm lemonade with ginger every morning so I tell you, I have lots of nets in my kitchen.Bow I have found another worthwhile use for them instead of throwing them in the trash.When life gives you lemons, create a painting inspired by it, as they say.It came true to me at least…

At first I tried only a small cut piece of net and pasted it with modling paste and paints, I waited for it to dry then I started to create layers. I saw that it creates a nice effect on the canvas with all the other layering and textures that I incorporate using paste and Gesso so I continued. I find it so wonderful that I got carried away, then I decided to create a series of paintings! Then that paved way for my series called InfinityNets!

It´s called Infinity because the options are endless, it requires no borders. No single painting is the same as the other. Though I used the same hues, the endpiece is unique from the other.

“The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes, and, ironically, the more real.” **Lucian Freud**

I am using lots of Aquamarine blues, cream, gold and copper accents, carribean hues and an illusion of oceans and islands in my creation. The sea and tropical hues have a very big impact in my paintings. I think blue is such a dominant color that I always use it in all my work.Without blue, I think a painting can be dull. What about nets? I think the texture of nets against the canvas is perfect to create the gradient that I wanted to achieve.Sometimes I´m thinking that I would want to catch a wave and dive back into my childhood or the other way around.

I also love to create small paintings where I love to arrange in rows.With it I have the chnace to play the hues, tints and contrasts with the nets that I used.

It is not always easy to create an abstract painting.My friends always asks me why do I keep on painting, what a stupid question ,right? For me, it becomes a second breath, I feel happy when I´m doing it. Personally, I also never know when to start and when to end it. As I start my first coats and layers, adding the textures and painting again, this repeat process is what makes the painting more special to me.I only know that it is time to stop when my senses tells me to do so.Many people I think are intimidated by Abstract art because they fail to understand its course, its meaning and sense. On the other way around, I think we should not try to understand it, rather let your senses perceive as it is.It defies the norm, it is not normal hues, it is an explosion of unreasonable chaos , but in a colorful, defiant way of Art. If an artwork doesnt disturb you then I think it cannot move you.It´s the same thing with me.I love looking at other´s work, but only a few moved me. Every artwork is different as well as it has different impact.

“The painter must give a completely free rein to any feeling or sensations he may have and reject nothing to which he is naturally drawn.” **Lucian Freud**

What about you,what is your opinion of Abstract paintings?

Do you like it?

What do you perceive from a first glance?

My very own Wall Art at home where I have to hang my paintings for a quick PhotoApp for postings.

I would respect your honest opinion about my work.Anyway, this post is not an advertisement or any kind of promotion of my art.It is just a journal of my thoughts on how I create something from nothing, from a blank white canvas into a visual art of my thoughts and emotions.I would appreciate though, if you tell me what you think about it.

I am happy to be alive as long as I can paint…

In the end, my own mind tells me that my paintings requires a little mystery, some vagueness, and some fantasy. Sometimes if you always make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people because it seems repetitive and obvious….I always tried to make it Less, so it can become More.

Thank you once again for dropping by …Until next time, Have a great day, Tschüss!

Seven hues of Blue Paintings

November 7, 2019ART + FORM, LIFESTYLE, MY INSPIRATION, SHOP3 Comments

Abstract Painting ” Turquoise Dreams” 25 x 30 cm

Finally Autumn had arrived in Germany. Long enough, the “Goldener Oktober”( or Golden October) becomes November rain. Everyday here in Germany , or at least here in Bavaria, it seems that the skies loves to hibernate, clothed in dark clouds and keeps on raining! It’s official : The sun is on vacation and cold Rainy days are doing his massive work.

Funny because I am often daydreaming of warm sunny days. More of Spring actually! While the cold reality is biting me to the bones, I opt to do things that I love. Which is— being productive! Day by day, I try to do what I think I can’t do. I feel lazy many times, procastinating and giving in to excuses, or I am just totally exhausted from daily chores and demands from work. The colorful trees and foliage outside are standing still , braving the creepy cold and probably dreading for the dark Winter to clothed them. Many trees are already bald, but few ones are still holding on, with two to three leaves holding on tight. It seems like letting go for the last phase of seasonal changes takes time.The gush of winds and the mainstay of “regenwetter” {rain weather } and November rains, fog and short days are my constant company, but then, I have suddenly created my series of “Seven hues of Blues ” acrylic abstract paintings. So you see, something positive came out from this gloomy weather.

With my paintings– they are all bright sunny blue! Full of tropical hues, Carribean-sea-foamy textured layers of Turquiose shades, and full of love affair with waves and sea is the mood of these pieces.

It’s been quite always busy nowadays. Juggling family, work and life really makes everyday a rolling ball of energy. This year had been quite a productive year for me, in all aspects! Honestly, at the end of the day I feel so tired that when I sit in front of my laptop, I barely can’t think. Sleep was my daily dose of medicine. When my free days comes, I managed to paint. I still loved to paint my dreams and I am not letting go of it. I was talking with a colleague about my painting and then he asked me “Why do you need to paint and make those?” I just said,” Because it’s what I loved to do.”

What do you loved to do?

Close up details of the layers of colors behind this painting

I’ve been listening lately to Queen’s music, rediscovering their classics. I have always loved classic rock and during the time that I am doing large paintings, these music have helped me, inspired me in a way. Queen’s songs are stuck in my head for days, and weeks. It’s funny because my little daughter is already humming and singing “Don’t stop me now..”or “Another one bites the Dust, and “I want to ride my bike ..”! Similar to music, abstract paintings do not have clear, expressible meanings by words. Actually, as a painter, I couldn’t explain it quite well. It’s always been an enigma to me. So its really up to you to found its meaning.

For me, the process of creating it from the base paint to the series of layers are the most memorable part. I am always excited to what would it look like in the end. In my mind I have an image that I wanted to convey in my painting, sometimes I managed to bring it out, sometimes it takes a long time to express it.
Each piece of painting is a memory, inspired by a specific day, describing my moods and feelings like diary notes.

Each piece carries a bit of me, of my feelings and my emotions that’s why its priceless and special to me.

As of this time, I am still in the process of updating my listings in my shop. It will take quite some time but these pieces will soon be available for you to view in my online Gallery. I have made many new paintings and I am excited to share it all with you.

Feel free to comment below what do you think of these pieces! I would really appreciate it.

Thank you once again and until next time. Tschüss!

For the love of Statues

November 5, 2019ARCHITECTURE &BEYOND, ART + FORM, Austria, EXPAT TRAVELS, LOCAL SIGHTINGS, Salzburg, SNAPS + STORIES7 Comments

I love to take photos of statues. For me, the weirder, the better. Small or huge it really doesn’t matter. The element of story behind it adds a super wow factor.Here in Germany, statues are part of every region, city or vicinity. Each city has its own distinctive statue, most especially famous persons that is being dedicated to.Since this is an Expat Blog, I thought it might be a great idea to share with you some of the things you can see if you happen to admire statues and monuments.

The Ludwigsbrunnen in Paradeplatz here in my old town of Ingolstadt in Bavaria, Germany

But not all statues can get your attention because somehow it just looks like a boulder. It takes something from the carved stone, bronze or wood that really caught your gaze. Then when your gaze is caught, you kept on staring, and searching, and then you look for more details. That’s the point of interest. Well I may not know all the facts about each statues, but anyway, I had fun gazing upon them.

What do you look in particular for statues?

I think travelling allows us to see different statues or by reading. The most common tourist trap is that people would always love to photograph something famous just to put it into journal of memories.Most people loved to pose beside it, making them as endless photo stop-pits. Everybody loves a selfie beside a famous sculpture or statues, because yes, it’s the thing nowadays. It’s a total giveaway saying “I’ve been here”… or “I have seen this!”

What are your favourite statues? Do you recognize them?

A Rooster statue in Garmisch-partenkirchen

Here I wanna share with you a gallery of my photographed statues.I got them mainly from our short staycations here and over there. Some are famous, some are not. Some are great for me, but others really made an impression.The thing is, they have caught my attention and I love the fact that I’ve ever seen them.