Work in progress. Part#2

I had big plans for my painting today.
But due to my washing machine breaking down and having to go get a new one, I only manage to get one more layer down.

Here is the third layer: 

Work in progress.

I started a new painting yesterday.  

The size is a little frightening, since it's the largest canvas I have ever worked with: 100x120 cm.

I just need to be brave and go for it!

Here are the first and second layers:

More pictures tomorrow.

Easter in Belgium. Part#2.

Our easter vacation in Belgium continued with a day trip to the city Brugge, a one hour train ride from Brussels.
Brugge is on the World Heritage site of UNESCO, and I have no problem understanding why.

This is a beautiful city. We decided to take the boat trip on the Canals, so we could get a good view of all the old architecture.
I had a hard time keeping up with my camera. Where ever I looked, there were photos to be taken… just incredible!

We went in to a Café to have some of the famous Belgium Waffles…delicious!

Belgium is also known for making some of the best chocolate in the world, and there were small Chocolate Boutiques everywhere. They were decorated for easter and everything looked so good.

We had such a great time in Brussels and Brugge, and I hope to go back again to enjoy more of what Belgium has to offer.

Easter in Belgium. Part#1

This year my husband and I were fortunate to spend easter in Belgium.

It was my first time in Belgium, while my husband had been there before. 

I must say... I was not disappointed.

Grand Place:

I must admit that I have a weakness for cathedrals. I'm a big fan of Ken Follett, author of "The Pillars of the Earth".

So of course, I just had to visit the Cathédrale of Saints-Michel-et-Gudule.

Just beautiful!

The stained glass windows were incredible.

We stayed in the Saint-Catherine area, known as "the real stomach of Brussels" (according to Jamie Oliver).

This area has a lot of great restaurants. 

 

 La Marée. This one we stumbled upon by coincidence. 

They had the most incredible fresh fish and mussels.

La Villette. 

Great Belgium food.

Brussels is a great city to visit if you love architecture, art, chocolate, beer and good food.

Spring is in the air.

Remember my plan from Tuesdays post: to do a blogpost every day for 30 days?

Well, that plan went out the window yesterday. The reason was as always: distraction.

During my morning walk with our dog Stevie, I got a rush of inspiration. Spring is in the air here in Norway. 

The birds are singing, the sun is shining and the sky is blue… so nice after this long and cold winter.

I went straight home to my easel and picked out some of my favorite Golden Fluid Acrylics:

Cobalt Teal

Turquois (Phthalo)

Cerulean Blue Deep

Green Gold

Sap Green Hue

Paynes Gray

Titanium White

Iridescent Silver

This is what I created. I finished it late last night!

I have never completely finished painting in only one day before.

I learned a lesson yesterday. You can't plan when to get inspired. When you get a rush of inspiration you need to go for it! 

This morning Stevie and I found yet another sign of spring, some small beautiful blue flowers.

Spring really makes everything and everyone blossom.

Stevie.

Meet our dog Stevie.
He's a 3 year old Jack Russell Terrier.
The best dog in the world!

Challenges.

Sometimes things happen in life, that totally distract you. This has been the case with me for the last two months.

Two weeks ago, my brother-in-law died after fighting cancer for almost 4 years. He loved life, traveling, good food and wine. To se him fight so bravely has really put life into perspective.
We never know what lies ahead.
So treasure life's little moments, be grateful for the people you love and for good health.

This morning I read Flora Bowley's blogpost: 30-Day Blog Love Affair.
Her post was about the commitment to do a blogpost every day for the next 30 days.
It's not a challenge to write long blogpost, but to post something (picture, photo, quote etc.) so you will be able to get back into the flow again.
What a great idea!

In the end of January I was fortunately able to take a new painting class with the amazing Flora Bowley: BLOOM TRUE- Brave intuitive painting.
It was a five week E-course, and has been the most incredible painting adventure .
I have learned so much about Flora's painting process, how to let go and be bold with colors and let your intuition guide you to make big brave paintings.

Here are some of my paintings, created in class:

I can really recommend this class if you want to learn a new approach to painting.