I see myself as a maker, someone how is very creative and how can do allot of different crafts. Seeing myself as an artist is a bit harder. All the painting I did last year did help to clear that image of myself. Today I feel more like an artist and that means I take myself more seriously. One example of that is that I bought a paper pad by Arches.  

A paper pad you say, what is so special about this paper? In the world of watercolor Arches is the top brand and they make amazing paper, but it also cost more. So I have only every bought the cheaper brands, thinking I wasn't good enough. That I couldn't handle this paper. that it would be wasted. That the cost of it was to high for what i painted. So when I finally, after allot of hesitating, decided to buy it something shifted. Not only did my work look better (imagine that, it looks better on better paper...) but I also felt better that I'm one step closer to be the artist that i want to be. 

 If you read between the lines here, you know that in this case being brave is not about buying good quality watercolor paper. It's about the fact that I took myself more seriously, decided that I was worthy that cost of an Arches paper pad.

This year I'm trying to be more brave. painting more, shearing more and doing more. I don't want to sit in my pretty (and rather chilly) studio and not daring to try new things. I don't want to come up with new ideas and thinking; "I'm not good enough to paint that". I want to at least try. To be brave.

Love Julia

I have this little sketchbook where I do nothing good. I have it to play and try new things in it. It feels so good opening this book knowing I can do anything. Yesterday I was inspired by a house in our village. It's an old traditional Swedish keyhole-house.

 It's a rough and fast sketch in gouache and colored penciles but I had so much fun while doing it.

Love Julia

I recently got a notebook. Not a fancy one but perfect for play and just to have fun in. I work in it those days when I just don't make it out to the studio but still want to paint something. This book is not meant to be "good" but a place where I can draw my faces and try a new medium; gouache.

 My thought on gouache is that I think I really like it! I like the look of it together with watercolor and that it is so opaque. However I feel that when I paint with these Panduro Gouache that something is wanted. That they are missing something. I know that when it comes to paint you get what you pay for and in this case I think that is very true. So on my Christmas wishlist this year; a set of gouache paints, a nice set!

 I  have come up with a few steps that I follow, a receipt if you will, in this sketchbook:

1. watercolor background

2. Pencil in the face 

3. Paint the lady with gouache

4. Add details with color pencils. 

5. Start over... 

 I'm having so much fun testing out this new, to me, medium. I love the look of all of these different mediums coming together and just how opaque the paint is!

 I love the end results of my ladies with the different layers and texturs. I'm having so much fun testing out different colors, shapes and stiles!

Love Julia

The 30th July I had my first open house in my new studio. The space is in our stable that dad is re-building, so cleaning that took days!. I have to say I was a bit nerves, thinking that maybe no one would show up, the fika to run out or you know, just nerves. How ever it went great! Here is how it looked before everyone came:

"Wildlife" wall

 fika table with 3 different traditional cookies and coffee. 

 the swans

 Inside my studio to the right

 Studio though the door, just love how clean it is!

 and to the left

It really was fun, many came and many of my painting got new homes. I also got a few custom orders. That was really great so now I have so work to do!

Love Julia