Photos by Katja Mueli. Waldhaus is a five-star hotel located in the Engadine Valley, surrounded by enchanting forest with views over the lakes and surrounding peaks. A family run hotel, and has been since its conception and opening in 1908. The decendants of Joseph Giger and Amalie Giger-Nigg have since continued...
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A Beautiful stay in the Swiss Countryside This Week I am staying at the 'Art Nouveau' Hotel Paxmontana to paint the hotel and its surroundings. It was built in 1896 and is a listed building which has kept its charm and stylistic exterior. Easily distinguished by the detailed red and...
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I’m now back home, after 2 months painting the Isle of Skye and Anglesey. Travelling with my camper van and bicycle to paint some works in preparation for my solo exhibition in August 2023.
How to paint a Master Copy. Daniel shows his process and thoughts after painting a Copy of Lady Agnew at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh....
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This painting diary is from my recent trip to Arolla. I'm stayed in a fantastic hotel surrounded by pine forest and snowy mountains. The start of the week consisted of skiing and walking about the region to discover the views and see what inspires me the most. ...
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For many a portrait artist, the main inspiration is light. The beauty of a great painting is often found in the artist’s study of chiaroscuro. Take portrait artist Rembrandt for example, Vermeer & Monet, too. They all depicted light in their own way but what remains constant is that the lighting within their paintings is often the first most striking element pulling us in to look further.
It took some time. We had a plan, but it’s surprisingly hard to get enough consecutive days of similar autumnal weather. High up in the Alps on the Axe Apollon – Saint-Michel where every side of each peak has its own micro-climate.
Finally, just before I need to head to Wales again we get a window.
Georges Lambert is a talented jeweller, living and working in the Center of Geneva, a city more known for the number of Swiss banks, Lake Léman and high street shopping. Georges offers a welcome contrast to this, making handmade jewellery in his small atelier at the heart of the old town. I sat down and had a chat with Georges to find out how this all came about, what inspires him and what sets his works apart from the rest.
Champery was the first Swiss mountain resorts I ever visited. Back when I was racing mountain bikes at about 19 years of age I had stopped by on a road trip with some friends. After visiting for a week or so I knew I wanted to come back again. Skip 3 years and I was working as a ski instructor for the Freeride ski school in Champery.
For Centuries artist have been fascinated in painting people, the face, the self portrait and figures. Life is constant inspiration and portrait painting is something I do firstly for myself. I try to paint exactly what I want, whatever inspires me at the time.
You might not think that a bespoke bicycle and painting have much to do with each other, but this bike changes everything. I have been painting ‘en plein air‘ for a few years with an idea in the back of my mind. Often painting in the mountains I would would arrive at the top, tired and wishing I could stay and start another canvas without having to walk back down, then up again.
To begin painting in the Swiss Alps I first need to get there with all my stuff. This time I take the train, with a pair of skis , 3 canvasses, my backpack and a large roller bag. Then finally from Sierre I hop on the funicular, then finally a bus to my destination.
Painting Pembrokeshire is on my radar but I need to wait for the weather to agree with my plans. I can’t believe it’s taken me two years to put all these paintings together. With my largest welsh exhibition on the horizon things are getting exciting now.
A Welsh Prince built Powis Castle in the thirteenth century. Following the end of the Welsh Wars (1282) and for his loyalty to Edward I, the King permitted Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn to begin building Powis Castle circa 1283.
This whole idea was spurred on by an old refurbished victorian frame I recently bought that had some lovely detailing with an oval window in the centre. It had been lying around, waiting for me to paint a portrait that would fit.
Over the course of painting this new exhibition I have decided to change the name, so what started as ‘Painting the Welsh coast’ will now become ‘ North – South, A very Welsh Exhibition’. This is Mostly due to the fact that whilst at the coast I began venturing in land. I couldn’t resist. There are so many fantastic places to visit throughout Wales.
Behind the scenes, painting along the Welsh coast for my upcoming solo exhibition.
Ever since painting Barmouth Bridge a year or so ago I have been inspired to paint a collection of works along the Welsh coast. Working my way from North to South, following the coastline heading inland, here and there as and as I fancy. (This was the rough idea at least)
It’s been a great summer for still life painting. I’ve had the pleasure of discovering some lush, colourful gardens with an abundance of inspiration to paint my still life commissions. This year has also seen seen an increase in the number of demands for personal, still life commissions. So with that in mind I thought I would continue with the theme from the last blog. This week I take you through the simple process of commissioning your own still life painting.
