Watercolors by Celia Blanco

Watermelon sketch The last days of September mark the end of summer in Rome. The longer days of summer, full of always unbearable heat, allow to do things I normally don't have time for.  I took a moment to flip through my sketchbooks, I would like to share some of my impressions.  A chance to explore new places in my town.  Observing the clouds from my window.   Planted something green and watched it grow. Spent quality time with whom I love. Visited new places.

Daydreaming Summer watercolor on paper 8.5" x 11.5"/21.5 x 29 cm. It has become rather cold and dreary. I thought this would cheer me up, hopefully it will you as well! Happy New Year!   

  From My Garden watercolor on paper   8" x "8" Here are the last two paintings part of the gift to my parents. This is the final bloom from my Hibiscus bush, it is hard to believe it has kept blooming as far as December. The pink tones have a bluish hue in the autumn light. "August Window" is from a photo I snapped during the Italian holiday of Ferragosto , celebrated the 15th of August. It is a very hot part of summer, it is very uncommon to see an open window in the midday sun. I attempt to convey this feeling from a special, rather quiet time of year.   August Window  watercolor on paper 8" x 9" This is the final project: what it will look like on display.... all lined up and finished ! M y friends, I wish you much joy and happiness this Christmas !

White Hibiscus  Blooms watercolor on paper 30.5 X 23 cm. available I love the delicate contrast between the pink and white of this hibiscus. As an added bonus a little bee flew into my frame right when I snapped the photo. I did a preliminary sketch. White flowers are tricky in watercolors...I feel like I say it about every flower. It really helped me to get out my ideas about the colors in a rough sketch first. I added many layers of color in the background before working on the flower itself.  Thank you for stopping by!

 sketch of a copper pitcher and plant on Cartiera Magnani hot press paper I am more into the summer feeling now with the present month. Days are busy, my girls are home, out of school, there is much activity at home. I love the longer days summer brings even if I feel like I have a difficult time getting into the mindset for painting. Working in my sketchbook is offering me with a great alternative. I feel like it is an easy thing to grab my sketchbook and set up my supplies. I don't have a formal work space at home, this way I am not in anyone's way. I have also organized a dedicated art supply pouch just for my sketchbook. Like this I will always have everything I need at hand.  I love the immediacy and free feeling of working in a sketchbook. If a painting doesn't work or if I don't manage to finish it, I just turn the page. Enjoy your long summer days! Who's eating the last cupcake? Green tea brewing Sandwhich  on fancy plate