Artwork – justbluedutch

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?

Friendly Friday : Electric

September 20, 2019Ingolstadt, KUWAIT, LIFE IN PHOTOS, WP-PHOTO CHALLENGES2 Comments

It’s Friday once again and I can’t almost smell the weekend. Here in Germany it’s Dirndl and Lederhosen time because Oktoberfest opens this weekend! Who’s coming?!

The mood for Friendly Friday Photo Challenge calls for Electric and here’s some photos I wanna share to interpret this mood.

Have you ever been “electrified” by cool Graffiti Artworks?

I am always fan of Art, in all forms. I love painting in different mediums but not tried Spray. I think this technique requires great talent, control and electric motivation.I find Graffiti artwork very moving. It has a silent message, a radical expression I must add. It requires a lot of attention because our senses are easy to deviate from its message. Some call it only a fuzzy mess, some says it’s vandalism.

Some says it’s an aggressive way of expression. What do you think?

But then, it can move you. It catches your attention and maybe, maybe out of the blue, it can be “electrifying”.

Do you like Graffiti Art?

Graffiti Art in Ingolstadt
La Grande Schmierage V (Hall of Fame Graffiti Art Spray , Ingolstadt )
Artworks in a Wall
Cool drawings, electrifying colors, stunning mediums, what’s not to love about Graffiti Art?

Just another “Electric “corner down the road
Electric House?

But I am never fan of an piss-off electric attitude.

I piss the wall {East Side Gallery, Berlin, 2019}

And yes, sometimes, it pays to have an electric attitude.

I used to wear electric shoes in Kuwait to combat sandstorms!
(Desert area, Kuwait)

Happy Friday everyone!

Neptunbrunnen in Berlin

April 29, 2019September 15, 2020BERLIN, EXPAT TRAVELS, GERMANY, LOCAL SIGHTINGS1 Comment

Berlin is a beautiful city. It is world renowned for its history and eccentricity, its dark past and colors. It’s hard to describe Berlin to someone who has never been to this important city because what you will see in this place needs to be experienced, or rather personally and visually perceived. Photographs doesn’t even do justice. But anyway, I am trying to document every memory that I had from my Berlin visits and this post is another story.

What catches your eyes from a place?

I love marveling through sculptures and statues and relocating here in Germany really paved way for me to see these wonderful works of art. I have high respect for artists who did Sculptures, and I admire the craft and creativity behind every piece, be it out of stone, bronze or ice and other material. Take for example the eye-catching “Bittersweet Marriage Carousel “, in Nürnberg , Trains to Life, Trains to Death, or the unique Cannons with Lion-heads , these are actually some of my favourites, not to mention that aside from their interesting story behind it that is worth telling, they are also built with a reason.

From our last visit to Berlin last Easter, I discovered another beautiful fountain with lots of statues in it and it didn’t only made me admire, it made me linger and stay a bit more longer.It is hard to focus when I keep on running after my daughter who keep on climbing the statues. The first time we saw it, the fountain was empty, but on the next day, there was water in it became more interesting. Also, it was busy and crowded. So many tourists, and everyone wants to photograph it.It was actually hard and I can’t get a good angle to photograph the whole fountain but I did try my best. One thing I love to to do while visiting a different place is to really get into details and not just the top sights to see.

Anyway, Neptunbrunnen or Neptun Fountain is so explicit beautiful. It has so many details it that it really invites me to linger some more. The facial expression and the allegory of the statues really made me think what does it mean. Common in many fountains, it has a great combination of two elements– statues (figures) and water, they have a great “flow” together. The sound of music beside art can never be beaten. The “Neptunbrunnen“(or Neptune Fountain) is located in Alexanderplatz, in the large square where the “Fernsehen Turm“(Television Tower) , St.Mary’s Church (Marienkirche) and the old Red Town Hall ( or Rathaus) is also located . The location is really a plus. Locals called it Forckenbecken which I don’t know why .

Stay a bit longer and linger in Neptune’s Fountain

We discover it by chance because our hotel was located just nearby Alexanderplatz and Nikolaiviertel but during our first visit, it was cloudy, windy and grey so I didn’t enjoy it much. Early spring in Berlin can be chilly and and grey so its also very good to schedule the time of your visit.

Tiny little details of Neptunbrunnen in Berlin

Neptun Fountain in Berlin was built in 1891 and was designed by Reinhold Begas but it was Architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel who suggested the construction of it as a gift to Emperor Wilhelm II of Berlin.If you know the Roman Gods then i’m sure you are quite familiar with the name Neptune, or Neptuno, the God of fresh waters in Roman religion.He is the counterpart of the Greek God “Poseidon“. In Greek mythology, Neptune was the brother of Jupiter and Pluto. These three brothers ruled over the realms of Heaven, the earthly world, and the Underworld.

This fountain is quite large that it took me two visits to fully see every detail. If you got a kid then don’t try to tell them to get off from it because you will not succeed. They will climb over it.Many times. All over again.It has sharp edges especially the horns of the animals so I cannot leave my daughter alone poking through the statues.

There are so many figures and interesting details that can be seen in this fountain like crocodiles, goat, fishes,octopus, giant turtles and odd looking little boys. With Neptune in the center, it’s surrounded with four women symbolizing the four main rivers in Prussia – the Elbe ( figure with fruits and ears of corn), the Rhine ( figure with the fishnet and grapes ), the Vistula ( figure with wooden blocks that symbolizes forests) and the Oder ( figure with goats and animal skins) . The Vistula is now in Poland where it forms the border between Germany and Poland. Its a good thing that it was not completely destroyed. It survived wars and renovations.

Details of the women symbolizing the Rivers of Prussia

If you’re planning to visit Berlin and this is your thing then make sure to visit and take a closer look at this fountain and I’m sure you’ll not regret it.
The Neptun Fountain is located in the Mitte district, right on Alexanderplatz. The Berlin TV Tower is also in the same square with a height of 368 M and is the main landmark so when you spot the tower then you are headed on the right direction.If you want to see the Berlin panorama then you can go up the tower on a tour. If you walk a few meters you are at the World Time clock as well.Berlin has so many facets and I am hoping I have all the time to write every single detail that fascinated me. I am also happy that through this Blog, I could be able to share with you my thoughts about this place.

Address : Rathausstrasse 1, 10178 Berlin within the vicinity of TV Tower

Connections : S+U Alexanderplatz station ( S5,S7,S75,U5,U8,U2) By Bus : 100,200,248, (S+U Alexanderplatz station), N5,N65 (U Alexanderplatz station) By Tram : M2,M4,M5,M6 ( S+U Alexanderplatz Station)

Until then and stay tuned for more interesting sights in my Berlin trip! Tschüss!

The diameter is 18 m (59 ft), the height is 10 m (33 ft).^{[citation needed]}

There was another well-known Neptunbrunnen in Breslau (nicknamed “Gabeljürge” or “Georgie Fork” by the locals), but it was destroyed during World War II and the city was later transferred to Poland

The mood of a Landscape painting

October 18, 2017ART + FORM2 Comments

Looking back from the time I started with my journey with Painting last year, I have received numerous requests of doing more Landscape artwork. People always have a thing for replicating nature—like flower fields, mountains, seascapes, mountain views, and yes, even the skies. I have received many compliments when I am doing the Galaxy-effect sky painting, from which I viewed only as an intermediate attention. I won’t lie, but I created that piece accidentally when I only wanted to use up my leftover paints.

I have the impression that choosing a particular piece and subject of artwork is definitely a personal thing. Like for example, some of my friends cannot appreciate any Abstract piece, while here in Germany, most of the people I knew value my Abstract pieces. But I have learned that as a self-taught artist, you created what you love. You paint what your emotions and mood dictates, from your brushes to your pinsel. the medium that you used is totally depending on where you feel most comfortable with delivering your thoughts on your work. Doing artwork for the sake of making money out of it and pleasing your audience is something offensive to an artist’s creed. It forsakes your own talent, your own mantra of creating something that personify yourself. Not unless you decide to become a full-time Artist and you rely solely on painting to pay your bills. That would be a different story.

IMG_3366 (1) — Messy pallete –Out from this mess, I create something good.

I have collected some pieces of my moody landscapes paintings and would like to share it with you here. To give you an idea, I personally loved landscapes, but I am definitely need a lot of learning more to do to make the best of this, especially when I am working with watercolors. These paintings are inspired by the beauty of landscapes that surrounds me. I tried my best to use my watercolor pallete to bring out the hues and texture to give an attitude to these paintings.Notice that they are moody, almost surreal and I used varying shades to re-create a view from my mind.

Here are some paintings I did for Moody Landscapes paintings in Aquarelle.

Autumn Reflections — 40 x 50.8 cm ( 16″x 20″) Aquarelle painting in 300G/M2 (140lb) Cold-press artist grade paper.

landscapes 1

Waves in Turmoil – 36 x 48 cm (14.2″x 18.9″) Aquarelle Landscape painting in Artist Grade paper.

landscapes 2

Prelude to Dusk – 36 X 48cm ( 14.2″ x 18.9 “) Original Watercolor/Aquarelle painting

Magical Spring Garden – 36 x 48cm ( 14.2″ x 18.9″) Original Watercolor/Aquarelle Landscape Painting

landscapes 4

Let’s Go to the Tropics – 36 x 48cm ( 14.2 “X 18.9”) Original artwork in Watercolor/Aquarelle .

IMG_3392 (1)

The “Autumn Reflections“is displayed in one corner in our living room before shipping to its new owner.

Some pieces were already commisioned for purchase and I am excited that my artwork will find new home.There’s a feeling of happiness whenever I create something and people would actually wanna buy it! I, myself haven’t purchase any original artwork in my life, so I truly respect the people who wanted to invest in my talent. It is a great encouragement and tool for motivation to continue mastering your craft. I guess that the best job in the world would be the kind that you really love doing, like a combination of your hobby or passion, and you got actually being paid to do it.

I don’t even have my own studio. I used our kitchen counter when I do some messy work and oftentimes, I am in our dining table to do what I love. Sometimes I do things simultaneously while waiting for other paintings to dry. I visited Art shops looking for art supplies and using the translator app in my phone (since almost all labels are in German), I make both ends meet. Many times, when I am painting, I am also doing some house work, looking after my child, and taking care of other tasks. If I give in to complacency, then I wouldn’t be able to do what I want to do.

There is really no excuse if you want something to be done.

I write this because for me——every piece of artwork is personal. Painting is something that I wanted to do until I grow old and that my hands can still grip on a brush.

What is your opinion of these landscape artwork? Do you like landscapes?

Feel free to share your comments, I would appreciate it!

Thank you once again for reading my friends!Until next time!

Tschüss!

Fluid painting : Malachite hues

October 18, 2017ART + FORM4 Comments

IMG_3444 (1) — The art of Fluid painting : Malachite hues

From time to time I squeezed some time to do what I love to do and that is painting.This one is one of my favorite pallete , the color scheme of green, teal, blue, white and grey—if you are going to ask for the name of the shade in an art shop or artist, you could simply mention Malachite.

Here are some of the photos of the paintings I did trying out the art of Fluid painting , by doing once again dirty pour technique using acrylics as a medium. This one is inspired by Malachite–the kind of hue I am obsessing about. This color is so rich , so trendy, and probably one of the great hues to work with fluid painting. I don’t know but when I see this shade in any interior or artwork, I am immediately drawn to it.

I am no interior decorator, although I love decorating, and making our home “homey” by incorporating the minimalist approach. I love the green hues as well, as I am a self-confessed plant-lover. I use this natural green in plant forms to decorate as I hate clutter. But if you have a kid, this is an understatement Ha ha! Recently I am finding happiness by growing plants and creating my indoor plant sanctuary. But green infused with more variants of greens and malachite mineral hues, is something, a statement of piece. A definite win-win. Depending on the hue, inspired by malachite minerals and gemstones you can choose wonderful color design for your ceilings, floor and walls and create peaceful and strikingly luxurious or unique and relaxed interior design and decor.

But what about creating an artwork mimicking this shade?

When I mixed these paints, I’ve never imagined that the result would be like this. This is the thing about fluid painting, its always a surprise. The formation of cells is one of the things that I find so fascinating as an artist.From the moment I see a cell cluster, I feel the excitement, and watching it transform is something that I always try to capture.

These images remind me of the aerial view of the ocean. These patterns are totally beautiful don’t you agree?

IMG_3437 (1) — This is the image from the time I poured out the paint, still wet and the patterns are just forming.

Malachite, the hue, is the colour of various copper compounds, some specimens of Jade and certain leafy vegetables. The Jade element is associated with China and New Zealand.The sea has a great many colours depending on the weather and the depth. This is the colour of the shallow sea on a sunny day. This colour is be typical of waves close to the shore. If you like landscapes with a sea nearby , then you must appreciate the waves against the azure bluish color of the waters. A truly work of nature’s art!

These gorgeous green colors work well for any interior and design style, creating a calming effect and adding personality to any room. From dark green to turquoise green, these colors are perfect for any room painting ideas, home furnishings or decorating with modern wallpaper. Green colors in malachite hues make perfect bathroom and bedroom designs. Dark green colors bring vibrancy into living rooms and dining room decorating.

Malachite hues/ Justbluedutchart painting in canvas

This result really inspire me to create more paintings with same shades and texture, and much bigger.Here are some of the paintings I did recreating these hues.

If you are learning to paint and love to work on this technique, don’t be intimidated! I , myself have learned all these things only by researching, watching videos and tutorial about Acrylic pouring & painting. I am no expert and yes, you might not have the given talent but then everything can be learned if you are determined to educate yourself.

Well, it has been a productive week for me. When I looked at what I did for my free time then I am most happy. I hope you enjoyed this post and would appreciate if you share your opinion about this artwork. If you are interested to see more artwork like this, please follow me on Instagram. I post my paintings there and other craft things. I think they are worthy of following! Until next time!

Tell me something, what’s your creative outlet?

Tschüss!

Painting with leaves

October 8, 2017ART + FORM9 Comments

IMG_3213 (2) — These leaves say it all : It’s Autumn

It’s that time of the year once again, Autumn is here, probably my favorite time of the year because of all the amazing Fall colors I see everywhere. I live in a very green city and our region is transformed into a haven of colorful foliage at this time. I am Asian and this season is totally absent from where I grew up so I am very grateful that I see this beauty. Before, the magic of experiencing Autumn is unknown to me, not until I moved here in Germany and live with this season of cold, wet, rainy and yet fascinating metamorphosis of nature colors.

I’ve always been interested in the color-changing process of leaves during Fall. I knew its science and natural phenomenon but still, I am susceptible to its charm. I find it totally relaxing to watch nature and its beauty in its simplest form.

Even more rewarding when combining this with my favorite hobby : Painting.

There is something about doing what you love and enjoying it at the same time. It is always a win-win situation!

All you need is a head full of imagination and creative enthusiasm and you will be on the right track. My Blog is full of my rendezvous about my Expat life here in Germany, as well as my personal journey of mastering my own craft. Painting is a journey. It is a lifestyle of discovering of what you are capable of doing and not inhibited by insecurities. At the beginning of Fall, I have created new abstract paintings inspired by Fall colors using Acrylics. It’s something that I have never done before.

Many times, when I don’t know how to do something or I haven’t mastered yet a certain technique, I am hesitant, and always making excuses not to do it in the first place. But then I’ve learned that the only way to find out is to try. I have never tried painting with leaves before but I got an inspiration and wanted to replicate the natural leaf patterns that a dried leaf has by engraving them through watercolor paints.

IMG_3224 (1)

The whole process is quite easy. This is a great DIY Home project especially if you have little kids and wanted to engaged into a creative project. The materials are quite handy. If you have the free time and willingness to learn, then its one of the things I recommend you to do .You might even develop a hobby out of it.

Materials needed :

Fall leaves in different shades, shapes and colors of your choice.
Watercolor paper ( you can prepare it in postcard or in any medium paper you like but it should stand heavy watercolor washes and wetness, so I recommend an artist-grade paper.
Watercolor paints or Acrylic paints
Sets of brushes

How to do it?

First,clean and make sure your leaves are clean and free from dirt like mud or sand.
Create the background wash for your card or poster by brushing your preferred color as a background. I choose warm tones like red, burnt sienna and light browns.
Once the wash is dry, arrange the leaves in the paper and make sure they are flat. You can start by brushing the other side of the leaf with high-consistency paint and then flip them over to the paper, just enough to lay them flat. This is very important in drying and getting the patterns engraved in the paper in the drying process.
Once you arrange all the leaves and pattern you desired, you can add more colors, just to create a more liquid, or more texture to the painting. You can intensify the colors by painting all over the leaves, making it more wet. Make sure not to add colors that makes a “muddy” appearance or the colors blending to each other.

Place your painting in a place where it will not be touched or moved so that it will dry fast and the leaves remains intact in the paper.I do this overnight and remove the leaves once I saw that it becomes loose from the paper.
Remove the leaves slowly.
Add more color or enhance your painting with other effects to highlight the texture and tone.

autumn painting 1

Remember, PATIENCE is the key in creating a wonderful, personalized and unique artwork. It doesn’t need to be expensive,it just takes a hand full of creativity.

Have you enjoyed reading this post? I hope so and l look forward to hear your feedback if ever you have tried it. What was your approach?

I hope you enjoy this wonderful time to do something creative like this. If you need more inspiration, make sure you follow my Instagram feed, I post there some creative ideas and DIY projects I do . Have a lovely week, my friends!

Abstract painting : The rhythym of Crimson

September 19, 2017ART + FORM13 Comments

IMG_2753 (2) — *Abstract Artwork : Rhythym of Crimson ( 40 X 40 cm Acrylic painting on canvas , JustbluedutchArt 2017)*

“People, even those who don’t like abstract art, know art when they see it..”

Have you ever looked at a cool abstract painting and said to yourself ;

“I can make a painting like this myself “!

or I can do better than this!

and yes, even a 3-year old toddler can make that! ”

Oh yes, I know it’s not only me, I heard you and I can totally relate. Just like you, I’ve said it to myself a million times. But to tell you frankly, as a self-taught artist, when I started my journey in creating an abstract, I was also squeezed between this dilemma.It is not just all about splashing your favorite colors into your canvas. Not all people love Abstracts and many have raised their eyebrows, trying to decode what does it mean. In fact, there is a scientific study about this matter and based on the statistics, people, even those who cannot appreciate an abstract piece, knows a good art when they see it.

Before I thought it was that easy. As we all know that Abstract artwork can be a complicated artwork, sometimes they might look carefree, boundless, but also confined. But each piece shows a statement of the artist’s personality. Others see it as an organised chaos.

But how you squeeze an idea out of it?

When I started making an abstract painting, I said to myself that it’s gonna be an easy-peasy job. I remember visiting the Museum of Concrete Art and I saw this big painting in bold, plain pink and green paint, and I really thought, what is this?

Abstracts can be just splash of colors, few strokes and that’s it. I was wrong!I was disillusioned to the fact that I have made many bad paintings, muddy ones and I call a crap. It didn’t stir any feelings in me. It took a lot of time for me to finally create something that “pleases” my senses and feel a satisfaction with it. I’m still an amateur, a beginner and I still have a lot to learn.

IMG_2752 (1) — “Gone Fishing ” ( 50 x 70cm Abstract / JustbluedutchArt 2017 Acrylic painting on canvas)

I personally observe as well that artistically inclined persons tends to enjoy more abstract than people who only “see “it at a glance. I have tried to ask opinion of my mother or my friends about my work and their opinions are all varied. Someone even said “Why is the color like that? or What figure is that? It’s totally different when I have conversations with my fellow-artistically-inclined friends. Not that their opinion is biased, but their comment is really more than the normal “I like it, or It looks so nice “.

Wassily Kandinsky, a widely credited as the first abstract artist, called it the ‘science of the soul‘ and his art explored the relationship between colours and form. I personally believed in this because I consider my artwork very personal, but it needs to follow the trajectory of technical skill. For me, I think it’s just impossible to create something “moving” without putting your heart into it, no matter how talented you are!

Shades of Autumn, plum, scarlet red, blacks, and mauve, Burnt sienna and lots of texture.

But how can you really tell a good abstract from a good one?

What makes an abstract a good one?

Visual Art Collage : Koleidoscope world of Abstract Acrylic paintings

Take for example this piece I have made last week. I called this set the “Rhythym of Crimson“, a 40 x 40 Original acrylic on canvas which is inspired by the scarlet skies, mauve reddish plum autumn colors. I used a lot of layers and colors of red, burnt sienna, black, white, yellows and burgundy. I painted with various strokes of brushes, but I achieved the texture using a pallet knife. When I was making this, I don’t have any concrete figure in my mind, I just let the mixture of colors and composition says what I wanted to impose. The metamorphosis of autumn, the natural course of changing colors and them decomposition of matter.

What is your opinion of this artwork?

acrylic abstract 1

I remember the time I walked through the Gallery of the Dutch Masters inside the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands. For me, that was one of the highlights of my artistic endeavors. To be able to see the works of the famous works of Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, Vincent Van Gogh, and Johannes Vermeer leaves me in awe. Their painting moves me. Their works are ethereal and considered as legacy. But talking about Impressionism, you learn to appreciate an artwork because the subjects are clearly noted in the painting, the story can be clearly seen and even so much more insights comes to those who took time to study a certain artwork.

But with abstract painting, you have the fundamental elements of design like size, shape, color, texture etc. that compose together to create a statement. Well I am not going to talk about the theoretical fundamentals, I simply wanted to share my own experience how do I view an abstract artwork and what difference does it made to me when I decided to plunge into “creating “one.

How do you distinguish an abstract to be a good one?

If you might want to know, I consider an abstract artwork a “good”one if it stirs me, if it has the “moving factor”that catches my attention. If it holds my stare and made me hold my gaze further, longer than expected, and that my feelings are affected. Sometimes it made my mind travel into deeper context and start creating a story out of it. It’s like a puzzle I need to put together.

Have you ever experience this feeling when you walk into a Gallery or into a museum and you see a painting that is so striking and instead of just passing through it, you’ve stayed?

A good art can be a matter of good concept or excellent skills in execution, but I think a great art touches the mind, heart or soul of the viewer. No matter if you’re an art enthusiast, a collector, a housewife, a carpenter or just a random stranger. Art is art when you see it. That moment when you just can’t take your eyes off from it. But as a budding artist, It takes one to know one.

“Everyone wants to understand art. Why not try to understand the song of a bird? …people who try to explain pictures are usually barking up the wrong tree.” ( Vincent Van Gogh)

acrylic abstract 3 — 20 x 60 cm Abstract paintings /JustbluedutchArt 2017

Now the opinion of the viewer is totally different from the Artist itself. Many times, I asked my husband what does He thought of a certain piece and his opinion is totally different from my views. There are just some things that I can perceive that He can’t .This made me understand more and more how I see Abstract.

I respect the fact that my works can’t be accepted by others, or other people might not see it as an artwork either. Abstract for me is never subjective. It’s something that you see that strikes your soul to the very depths, that opens your eyes and your mind to the beauty of it.

How about you, how do you appreciate an abstract painting? Do you like it?

Let’s get connected! Please don’t forget to visit my Instagram page for more updates of my Journey with Acrylic Painting. Oh do you fancy Acrylic pouring ? All my artwork are available for purchase and I can do some commisioned artwork or customed-made pieces.For inquiries, please send me an email at justbluedutch@gmail.com!

Thank you so much for reading , looking forward to read your comments and wishing you all a lovely week !

Acrylic pouring and why its a Thing!

September 12, 2017ART + FORM7 Comments

acrylic painting 1 — **“Bluecrush ” Acrylic Abstract painting on canvas**

Do you like acrylics?

Lately I indulged myself in experimenting with another medium, one that is still strange for me, Acrylics! This time, I got my inspiration from a fellow friend who also paint with acrylics and pushed me to try it.Also, in my Instagram , my feed is flooded everyday with all these gorgeous, vivid and exceptionally creative artwork done with Acrylic pouring. This technique is unknown to me since I am working more with Aquarelle, or watercolors and as a self-taught artist, where I don’t have a formal learning about art, it’s just all in my mind and my own creative drive. I did some research , look into some other artist’s works and observe. Watching video tutorials really help especially about the technicalities of mixing paints. This process reminds me of my previous work where I also mixed many powder coatings in different shades to create designs. I just realized that colors, chemistry and creativity revolves continuously in my life.I am all about colors and that’s why I’m so happy that I finally be able to share all the bits and pieces I’ve been learning so far from painting.

Acrylic Abstract painting for beginners!

Soon ,I saw myself hauling and hoarding for acrylic supplies and stuff. I got tubes and pots of pots of the primary colors, more whites and blacks, and some metallics. This time, I wanted to paint on canvas so I got canvasses of different sizes to try on. I am super excited for this new adventure of creativity.

IMG_2699 (1) — Creative art : Wouldn’t this look great as a throw pillow case ?

At first the idea of using acrylics intimidated me, but then I give it a go. It’s not that easy to get the paints and supplies that I specifically needed. I’ve searched many art shops here locally but I can’t find almost everything.When you are just a beginner, you can try on student’s grade paints first and small canvas, or if you can get it online, it all depends on your budget and preferences.

Just look at these magical colors, all stunning! IMG_2672 (1)

I love the pouring process where you see crazy patterns, cells developing and the sheer shine of the paint forming into a myriad of beautiful artwork. Gravity knows its way!

“Bluecrush” ( Justbluedutch acrylic painting on canvas )

Acrylic pouring is simply mixing different acrylic colors and pouring it directly on the canvas, rather than using a brush or other painting technique. This involves using a medium like an acrylic medium to make the paint more fluid and flow easily to create patterns which called “cells”. There is a chemistry behind this process but I can’t tell you more since I am just starting. I find the whole process so challenging. In watercolor, I am in control of my brush and the degree of strokes I wanted to make, but this time, I let the time, gravity and the chemistry do the creative part. The thing is, the agitation and the flow of paints during the mixing part is also something that you need to master.

You think acrylic pouring is easy? I don’t think so…

Pouring is a great way to smooth out unwanted texture, get marbleized effects, rich colored glazes, and add some fun to many painting process. Although pouring is a relatively simple technique, ( as people say it) , it is not always easy.

Acrylics is a water-based paint so the ratio of mixing with water depends on the amount that you need to use for a painting. Normally, and as per experience, I don’t dilute the paint not more than 30% of the paint or else it will lose its binding properties.

Colors and acrylics are always a marvel to watch!

The luminous sheen created by pouring paint

What I’ve enjoyed much is the “pouring part“. I did the swipe method where I poured the paint and swipe it all over the canvas to cover all areas, then adding paints as the flow goes, and the other one is the “dirty pour“. This time, you mixed all the paint in one cup and pour it on top of the canvas one time and let it flow to create patterns. The thing with acrylic pouring painting, the idea that you squeezed in your mind is solidify only when the painting dries. You don’t have a control over the course of the flow. That is why every artwork is unique. Yes, patterns maybe duplicated with similar parameters but it’s never the same as the other. To master repetition, you need time. This is one thing I have learned while doing the Acrylic pouring painting ; learning to paint with time on my side. If you rush, then you miss out on its essence.

Over the next days, I will be sharing more of my paintings with you .Stay tuned. Meanwhile, please don’t forget to check out my Page for some artworks that I am doing while I squeeze time to paint.My artworks are available for purchase if you want to have one and I can also accept commissions. Just drop me a mail at justbluedutch@gmail.com.

What about you, have you ever tried Acrylic painting?

Oh did I tell you its getting chilly over here! Sweater season is definitely back. It is almost Fall season here in Germany, my favorite season as it brings the fire in the skies with the lovely colors and the different shades of trees. Soon my whole neighborhood will be transformed once again into another world.

What are the first signs of Autumn do you have in your area ( if you are having one..)?

Hundertwasser and Kuchlbauer Tower : When Beer and Art meets

August 16, 2017ABENSBERG, ARCHITECTURE &BEYOND, ART + FORM, Bavaria8 Comments

tower 1

Beer and Art? Why not, Welcome to Bavaria! the world’s Beer capital and home of amazing architecture! As we continue with our trip to the Romantic & Historical roads of Bavaria, after Regensburg and Walhalla, our next stop was the quaint town of Abensberg.

Have you heard about Hunderwasser?

If you love Architecture, then I am sure that the name Hundertwasser rings a bell. He is one of the most successful painters of the 20th century. The famous and legendary Artist/ Architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser made it possible when He conceived from his amazing talent the birth of Abensberg’s famous landmark of Kuchlbauer World of Beer : the Kuchlbauer Tower.

The KunstHaus in Abensberg ( Designed, planned and built by Peter Pelikan, as inspired by works of Hundertwasser. )

IMG_1900 (1) — The Beer garden with the view of the Kuchlbauer Tower

The Kuchlbauer Turm ( Kuchlbauer Tower) originally a 70 metre-high tower, planned by Hunderwasser for Leonhard Salleck, the owner of the Brewery, but the tower of this height could not be built. After his death, his plans became the inspiration for his long-standing Draftsman, Peter Pelikan who re-designed and planned the present tower. One look from these structures will tell you that they are crazy, and yet amazing work of art , a Beer Art Tower, architectural project which has becomes Abensberg’s most famous landmark as of today. It’s no wonder that this tower has been incorporated into Abensberg’s town logo giving it a distinct sense of obligation and responsibility. It’s not just a tower of Brewery, it is a symbol of legacy, a pride of Bavaria, and a tourist’s magnet.

My Little Travel Buddy enjoying the view and the colorful artwork of Hundertwasser inside the KunstHaus

A tribute to Bavaria and its breweries, the tower symbolizes all the elements of beer and the art of brewing from which the region of Bavaria is world-famous for. Beer and Art is a perfect combination, actually a great design concept to create something that art enthusiasts called “Masterpiece“and truly a work of Art. This is how I describe this place when I saw the Kunst Haus and see some of the works of Hundertwasser. If you want to know the tower’s conceptual meanings and symbolism, look into this. The Kuchlbauer Tower is also the place for Abensberg’s Christmas Market and attracting tourists from different parts of the world during Christmas season.

The KunstHaus Abensberg

Beside the Kuchlbauer Tower stands another beautiful work of Art —- the KunstHaus. A beautiful gallery and art museum that was designed and built by Peter Pelikan, a long-standing friend and Draftsman of Hundertwasser and the one who completed this project. He worked closely with Hundertwasser and this structure reflects the Artist’s famous dictum : “Beauty is a Panacea” ( or Schönheit ist ein Allheilmittel). It houses a souvenir shop, where one can buy the famous beer from the Brewery, an art museum which pays tribute to Hundertwasser’s life, paintings and artworks done all over the world. There is a multi-media room at the basement where shows his life and teachings about Art, architecture, nature and life in general. This place is amazing and even though there are many stairs, my daughter loved to follow the colorful patterns in the floor, the models, and the old oven used by the Artist in his home in the province in Austria. Even the bathrooms are super colorful and I am sure that I am not the only one who couldn’t resist to take photos of it. Every corner has a fun, colorful detail and lovely patterns.

For Hundertwasser, art was not to be limited by any framework. An artist’s work should have an effect on all areas of life, be it on clothing or, through articles for everyday use, on daily life. Hundertwasser also created many objects intended to express his quest for beauty and for variety in all areas of life, but also his concern and commitment for the environment and for nature.

IMG_1924 (1) — Nice details on the foot of the tower

A Beer Garden with a View

The tour ended with the visit to the Beer garten just beside the Tower. Included in the fees is a Beer and a Pretzel. How cozy it is to drink beer while we admire the tower behind us. It’s like a page in a fairy tale book. I was even thinking that I am in another world when I looked at the tower. We spent some time admiring the fascinating details of the tower and my daughter busied herself from the play areas in the Biergarten.

Even before seeing this place, I was already inspired by Hundertwasser’s works and detailed approach in painting. I love his natural approach and technique. His style is very original, aesthetically appealing, and always amazed me. I reflect that Hundertwasser wanted to restore beauty and romanticism to their place in everyday life.

I have painted a piece inspired by one of his works and learning more about his life and seeing this place for real makes me realize that even from his early days, his sense of unusual sense of color and form is very dominant. A true artist by heart which made a wide contribution to many parts of the world. I love everything about Mosaic painting and detailed paintings so I am really happy to visit this place. I am looking forward to see more of Hundertwasser’s work and I hope to visit them someday.

For now, I will continue to do my passion, to paint from my heart.

My painting inspired by Hunderwasser’s famous dictum: Beauty is a Panacea

So you see, Beer and Art are two prominent things in life, but art is eternal.

What can you say about Hunderwasser’s work and the Kuchlbauer Tower?

Is it too crazy? or larger than life?

If you love to see more of my personal artworks, make sure you check out my Instagram Page and follow JustbluedutchArt’s facebook page. I want to thank those people who continuously appreciates my artwork, and supporting me as an artist and buying my paintings.

Until then, thank you for reading friends, see you in my next travel stories!

Artwork : She’s a Doer, She’s a Thinker

August 10, 2017ART + FORM6 Comments

Hello Guys! I hope all is well with all of you. I’ve been on a sort of a Blogging break, and I haven’t written a post in a while, but it’s good to be back. Finally I squeezed some time to sit down and write something.

How time flies, quickly and with all the hustle and bustle, days go unnoticed. Couldn’t believe that July passed so quickly, and now we are enjoying the last few weeks of summer here in Germany.

You must know that when its silent, in real life, it’s not always the case.There’s so many things going on over here, and I couldn’t barely have time to sit down and finish a post. I have tons of unfinished drafts. Anyway, here I wanna share another painting I’ve made a couple of weeks ago. Thought I share it here because it’s another personal favorite. Remember what I’ve done with the inspiration from Sicilian Carretto? Now, this is another piece which I worked with lots of details, and another addition to my “Faces in the Crowd”series.

“She’s a dreamer…

a doer, a thinker.

parrot painting 3

She sees possibility everywhere.”

I used a lot of neutral colors, earth tones, and strong burnt sienna, aquamarine blue and paynes grey. When painting, my mind brings me to some nostalgic memories while drawing and this is no exception. My mind travels back to when I thought I can’t even make a single artwork, like every brush stroke is a struggle to create something original, a part of me that cannot see the possibility of it. But then I did not stop, I kept going on and I am glad I did not give up on my self.

parrot 1 painting — She’s a Doer, She’s a Thinker ( *Justbluedutchart*)

Just like anybody else, I strived to be a Thinker, and a Doer.

Painting technical details : This painting is done in fine-grade Artist’s paper (Arches) ,26 X 36 cm ( 10 x 14 inch ) which I really love and highly recommended. It is my first choice for more wet washes and intricate water-color drawings. I love using Van Gogh paints and watercolors and for details, my Da Vinci brushes never failed me.

Tell me your opinion about this painting, Do you like it?

If you’d like to see more of my artwork, please check out my Instagram page HERE, and my Facebook page HERE.