Mamas who paint – justbluedutch

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!

Flower Art therapy

May 10, 2017May 11, 2017ART + FORM, MY INSPIRATION11 Comments

FullSizeRender (54) — My First attempt to do some Flower Art Theraphy

Who doesn’t love flowers? I’m sure most of you does, just like I am.Flowers and Art can go very well together! I admit I can go crazy over a simple bouquet of spring flowers! The allure of Spring is so into me that I think I cannot get over with my recent Tulip coma and bicycling over and over again through the Rapeseed fields! Everytime I visit the Fresh market, I can’t resist getting some new blooms to add to our little garden as well.

When I check my feed, I always see posts about flowers, and different images of nature. There has never been a day that I don’t see photos of nature, especially now that Spring season is in full bloom. For me, there’s no such thing as ” too much flowers“, or “ green nature overload “. Every single one of it has its own enigma.

If you are following me in this Blog then you must know that I love painting. The other day, I have tried experimenting doing some water-color Flower Art. I admit that I’m not very good in making flower patterns , let alone sculpting the petals and leaves. I guess my curiosity is the one that drives me to create something and I personally want to immerse myself in some kind of flower art therapy.

What is Flower Art therapy?

“Art therapy is an incredibly basic, yet effective way to calm your emotions and thoughts.”

Just start drawing and painting. There are certain types of art therapy that can address certain feelings and needs. Give them a try!

When you’re tired, draw flowers. Drawing flowers helps re-energize your mind and clear brain fog.

Some people loves Adult Colouring, some are into gardening. Some just collect and design bouquets! You can even visit the garden houses and flower shops nearby your area to get some inspiration.I opt to do the watercolor fun part.

Combined with some rugged lettering, I experiment making some more flower art.This time, I tried making some floral patterns into cards. Now that Mother’s Day is coming up, I created some free patterns. I’m telling you, it can be addicting, at the same time, it helps me to learn some basic flower art styles.

Want some ideas about what to give to your dear friends & family this Mother’s Day? Try doing some Watercolor Flower Art!

Here are some of the sample of cards that I’ve made by using flower art. What do you think of them?

If you have a paint, ink or a simple watercolor palette, you might want to try it for yourself. Who knows, it could turn out to be a hobby. I used some watercolor paper and cut them into the sizes that I desired. If you don’t have an artist’s grade paper, it doesn’t matter, but if you wanted to create a card that you wanted to give away to your friends and family, you can consider getting a good quality so it won’t warp or cringe once you painted on it.

FullSizeRender (55) — Creative Flower Art cards

You can make a simple ornament out of your creative flower Art.If you need some inspiration, try browsing some samples in Pinterest or this great piece for example.

If you have the materials then it’s so easy and fun to do. The options are limitless, you can create as many flowers as long as you want in any media that you use.Try it with colored pencils, pastels, acrylic, or even a simple ink pens.

You can create a single wreath, or just a frame full of spring flowers! The photo above is the first one I’ve made and I put it into the white frame and I love the way it creates a ‘Spring feel‘ inside our home!

FullSizeRender (58)

Are you looking for a DIY ( Do it Yourself) creative project which you can share with your kids or just for an outlet of your creative self? Why don’t you try doing some watercolor Flower Art therapy and you won’t regret it!

This projects is one of my Spring Bucket List, to create something inspired by Spring! Remember, anything personalised and hand-made is always special, so if you have the time, give it a go!

What’s in your Spring Bucket List?

If you like this post, make sure to check out my Instagram to see some of my Artwork!

Artwork : Mothers of Daughters

March 30, 2017ART + FORM1 Comment

Mothers of Daughters original painting (36 cm X 48 cm aquarelle // justbluedutchArt)

“Kids make life the best kind of busy… “

This artwork is inspired by my current 24/7 lifestyle : being a mother, one of Mothers of Daughters series of paintings.

Nobody warns me that being a parent can be tough.Most of my friends have a teenager by this time and they are through with the long and winding road of raising tiny toddlers.The thing is, parenting has no day off, it has no monetary appraisal. It doesn’t come with a job description, I can’t resign, nor I can’t slack off. Pre-baby, there has been no apprenticeship. No on-the-job training.

Motherhood is a l-i-f-e 24/7.

Mothers of Daughters ( Aquarelle original painting )

One of the subjects I love to work on in my artwork is doing my version of a Mother & Child painting. I love things that resonates life and something that I could relate into. I am not that good (yet!) , I am still a work-in-process on both fields– being a mother and as a visual artist. I don’t even think that my artwork could get attention from others who are far by better than what I am doing. But I am truly humbled whenever I get compliments. I still have a lot of things to learn. Everyday as I play with my brush and colors, I discover techniques that works best with the result that I wanted to achieve. Sometimes it becomes a lot of mess, disappointments, my fingers hurt and my mind gets tired. But then, I don’t quit. I continue to create the thoughts in my mind into images.

Same goes with motherhood & parenting, everyday, I am faced with challenges, but there’s no turning back. I know that having a toddler is just a temporary stage, that soon she will be independent on her own, and that I, have my own life to tend too.

Mothers of Daughters ( JustbluedutchArt)

It is ~~not easy~~ being an Expat Mother.

There are times I feel isolated and it’s a real challenge to live independently, without your immediate family and relatives to ask for support, especially my mother.We only rely on online chats and messenger the most. It’s our lifeline for being separated miles apart. I have learned to act upon instincts and be strong. For about 9 months now, I am glad that I have found new friends here in Germany , ( and they are all wonderful!) and that my daughter is doing well. She had precious milestones lately that really took us by surprise! It’s just great to be able to break the language barrier and felt that I belong here now, although still I feel not totally 100% at home, but at least I don’t feel like a visiting tourist.

Yes, mothers of daughters are something special to me.

The great thing is— I need to remind myself that apart from being a mother, I am still a person, woman, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. My life doesn’t end the moment my kid came into my life and Yes– I am capable in other fields in life too.

If you don’t have a child, then this post might not interest you. Or you are still single and you can’t relate to this post, or you’re through with having babies and that you’ve passed this stage already.You are through with raising kids. But for someone who have high hopes of having a child someday, I hope someday you experience the joy that I am having now while raising my tiny human and not so much of the sacrifices that goes with it. It may not be the most comfortable lifestyle, but soon, this stage will pass.

If ever I would raise a child again ( not that I am hoping for a 2nd! ), but what If I have the chance to re-do the Parenting process, what about then?

What would I do ;

“I’ll build self-esteem first and tidy up the mess later “

“I’d finger-paint more and point the finger less “

“I would do less correcting and more connecting “

“I’d take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes “

“I would care to know less and know to care more “

“I’d take more hikes and walks with her “

“I’d stop playing serious and seriously play “

“I would run through more fields, jump in muddy puddles, and gaze at more stars”

“I’d do more hugging and kissing and less tugging “

“I would be firm less often and affirm much more “

“I’d model less about the love of power and more about the power of Love “

One question for you, what would you do if you’ve given a chance to raise your children once again?

Any thoughts ?

Also, let me have your opinion about this artwork. I really appreciate comments and feedback so much.

If you’d like to see more of my artworks, you can check it out Here or follow JustbluedutchArt in Instagram.

Sky and Galaxy effect Artwork

March 20, 2017ART + FORM8 Comments

Galaxy skyArt adorns one corner of our home

Watercolor is one of my favorite painting mediums to work with because it renders transparent, delicate, and ethereal results. At the same time, watercolors dry fast and you can finish a painting in a few hours. If you don’t have much experience with watercolors, take your time and enjoy the ride as I did.

The other day I decided to clean out my palettes and I don’t like to throw away the left over paints. I come up to this idea of Galaxy and Sky effect painting and men, I love it!The results are far better than I expected. I’m a newbie and this technique is easy to work with, if you have the patience and determination to create patterns by motivating the flow of color in your brush, then this might be your kind of Art theraphy!

FullSizeRender (42) — Galaxy and sky art painting

Painting is expensive. The equipments and paint itself are costly.The good thing is, I used the minimal tools, mostly the ones that I already have. I don’t like complicated process in painting (not yet!) so I always opt for easy and handy tools.For beginners, make sure you have these on hand.

Water
Profimaler ( Professional) Watercolors or Professional/Artist Watercolors (For more information about watercolors/which watercolors to buy, see All About Watercolor Paints)
Watercolor Paper
Paintbrushes (Size 1 for the details, and sizes 3 and 6 round brushes to paint)
A Paper Towel (to soak up excess water and paint)
White and Black Acrylic Artist’s Ink
Salt ( I used the big grain)
Liquid Frisket {Art Masking Fluid works too}
Ruler

IMG_0013 (1)

For this project, I did a lot of wet-on-wet washes, that is applying colors on a wet surface. You need to make sure that you have the ‘shiny’ effect of the water before applying your brushes. Once the glistening effect is gone, your brush will just make a mess.I also apply on a colored surface many times especially if I wanted to highlight certain areas.

I know I can’t be the only one who had never thought to use watered-down white ink to achieve a halo effect around stars. I am in love with the creativity behind the watercolor art tutorial that I used as my guide. I’m telling you, this is all self-taught. I realized that If you really wanted to create something, you will be driven to learn things.

The finished project is impressive, but the project itself is wonderfully simple to make! There are times that I felt really good after I finished doing a painting and this is one of them.

I created some postcards and some A4 as well as in A3 sizes. Now all I need is to find a nice frame to perfect the effect. These are great to display in your walls,especially if you are like me who likes minimal decor. There is something surreal about seeing your artwork adds definition in a room.

There’s something ethereal about nigh skies with lots of stars, and the creative image of galaxy always brings fond nostalgia to me. I love astronomy and the beautiful world up there and I am so glad that I could create something like it. Sky is the limit, your colors, your strokes, and your imagination will mold the patterns into a masterpiece.

Do you fancy this kind of painting? If you have the chance to purchase one piece of artwork by masters, which one you wanted to have?

Also, any thoughts on this painting? I would love to hear your comments!

If you love this post and would like to see all my other Artworks, you can check out JustbluedutchArt in Instagram and If you’d like these babies to display in your living room, let me know!

Artwork in progress

February 25, 2017ART + FORM5 Comments

“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously..”

Faces in the crowd { instagram : justbluedutchart }

I have made this artwork while I am struggling with a sick body. I am battling a nasty cold and cough that made me restless from the past days. I couldn’t get enough rest that I needed because I feel lethargic. Fortunately, we have better days now, the sun is up, shining and we have clear sky that gives me just the right mood boost. The weather is perfect, still chilly but fresh and no use to complain about it. As the saying goes ; “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak ..”, but when I am sick, I felt sluggish each day.

Fortunately, my mind is still active and I managed to draw out some inspiration from painting. Here are some photos I wanna share with you.

I am still trying out different techniques in painting and I am learning a lot through the process. I am a work in progress and perfecting everything through constant practice. Everytime I draw out some portrait of faces, the most exciting part is when the face finally evolves into a personality. It’s like they have a hidden message through their eyes, expression and mood.

What can you say about this painting?

Peacock , my inspiration to strive not to settle for being ordinary

Are you in Instagram? If you want to follow my Expat life and see more photos like this, please follow my artworks in Justbluedutchart and my personal posts Here.

fullsizerender-35 — “Bedtime stories” {instagram : **Justbluedutchart**}

For me, everything just looked so vibrant with colors! What are you up this weekend? We are looking forward to celebrate Fasching ( Carnival season in Germany ) tomorrow and my daughter is too excited to wear her costume, (so am I) . I am also excited to have a look at this festival here so sure thing I am gonna write about it and share some photos so stay tuned!

Hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy it to the full. Tschüss!