Hello!

I have been busy this weekend giving the blog a fresh little makeover. I have added some cute buttons on the right so that you can easily follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest and added a direct link to my Etsy shop in case you feel like purchasing original watercolor paintings for your home or as a gift for your loved ones this Christmas. 

I took a break from the blog for a while to look after my little baby. Being a first time mum is crazzzy! Especially when you are living in a foreign country far away from your family. This past one year and a half has been one hell of a roller coaster ride but so worth it all. 

And during this time I rediscovered my love for watercolors. I don't know why I have been shying away from it. If you have never worked with watercolors before then do try them out, trust me you'll love it! 

I also finally managed to set up my online store. When you are a stay-at-home mother to a tiny, super active toddler, and are trying to keep it all together - the mayhem of what we call the parenting or family life - you need an outlet that help define you as a person; a person outside the realm of a mother. Painting for me is that outlet, something that keeps me sane amidst the whirlwind of raising a toddler and keeping the family life running smoothly. And my little online shop is an icing on cake :)

Landscape painting, that got me started on watercolors again

That's all for now. Thanks for reading. Have a fabulous week you all! <3

In case you are wondering where I have disappeared...

I am working on another landscape painting and hope to finish it by the end of next week *fingers crossed*

xx

Autumn Colors of the Apricot Tree - Painting

I love color

and good food

And the  best way to spend an afternoon is with a

 + some paints

Source

 AND an empty canvas!

My source of inspiration for the painting was a calendar photograph portraying the natural beauty of lower Swat. And as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to paint this wonderful autumn landscape in a symphony of greens, yellows and oranges.

I started off with a quick sketch -jotting the main features of the composition. Then outlined the main parts of the painting with a wash of Ultramarine Blue + Cadmium Yellow + Crimson.

Next, I painted glimpses of sky between the branches and leaves and painted the rocks in the foreground.

I continued with the under painting..

slowly building up the foliage and painting the trees and branches.  I decided to use strong acrylic colors to help convey a riot of autumnal color.

Next came highlights and shadows.

And finally more detail in the foreground - the fallen leaves.

Here's my finished piece (and some close ups)!

xx