Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Little Pumpkins

Every autumn I stock up on cute little pumpkins and gourds which can fit the palm of my hand. Lasting for several months, they make perfect home decorations, not to mention them being great models for painting:) 12''x9'' on Fabriano watercolor paper.

The Rowan Tree

I saw this beautiful rowan while visiting Leavenworth, a small town on the east side of Cascade Mountains. It was a warm September day and leaves had just barely started to turn colors. Gentle autumn sun showed through the clouds, making the place glow with a soft golden haze, so I decided that using wet-on-wet technique for my painting would be the best way to capture that enchanting light and atmosphere.

Roses

Summer flowers painted in fall colors. This is exactly how the rainy autumn behind my window looks like right now: rich greens and orange with a slight hint of gray to them. 10x7 on Arches watercolor paper.

Rainier cherries

One of my summer sketches for those who miss the time of sweet cherries like I do.
Btw, a few months ago I started a photo blog on Instagram under the nickname cmwatercolors. It is filled with some of the nice things that come across my eyes. New paintings in progress also show up at times. So come visit me there!

Baby pineapple

10''x7'' on Arches watercolor paper

A new journal

A new piece for my collection! Amazing handmade journal came to me from the Punjab region of India. The first time a saw that beautifully textured watercolor paper with deckle edges, it completely blew my mind. And no need to say that painting in this journal is even more excitement!

Favorite subject

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that the earth laughs in flowers and it was such a neat quote. Painting flowers is something I always enjoy and never get bored with. It is so much fun - be it a quick sketch from nature, or a watercolor from reference photo I took somewhere in a botanical garden, or a small alla prima artwork from my imagination, just like this one!
10''x7'' on Arches watercolor paper

A fluffy one

This cute guinea pig is wishing all of you a wonderful weekend filled with love and happiness :)
7''x10'' on Arches watercolor paper

Mussel shells

I found these mussel shells a year ago at the coast of northern California. Now, the mini-installation on the pages of my journal brings back a lot of precious memories. I close my eyes and see the dark blue waves crashing into the rocks. I recall spectacular headlands covered with wildflowers in bloom, secluded sandy beaches and miles of trails winding along the cliffs. A beautiful, idyllic place that is good for your mind, body and soul.

Bell pepper and artichoke

Whenever I find myself running out of good themes to paint, all I have to do is take a trip to the nearest grocery store. Inspiration comes from everywhere! Even something as simple as a vegetable aisle can provide a bunch of sketching ideas. This time my eyes were caught by the juicy bell peppers and ripe artichokes, so I brought them home and painted in my brand new W&N Cotman sketchbook.

Stonecrops

Did you know that stonecrop leaves are edible? Though I never tasted them, this fact made me thinking of all those flowers that are more than just delight to our eyes. Unforgettable gourmet breakfasts served with edible flowers in a small and cozy B&B on the California coast... Pancakes topped with rose petal jam... Some flowers could even be used for wine crafting! My goodness, these thoughts are making me hungry for real! :)
Anyways, no flowers were harmed or eaten in the making of this watercolor, since I painted it from my memory, after having a lovely afternoon at the nearest botanical garden.
16''x12'' on Arches watercolor paper

Cupcakes

I know you saved some room for dessert :)
7''x10'' on Arches watercolor paper

Winter birdies

What do you think of when I say winter? Here is the list of things that pop into my head:
A lot of fluffy, sparkling snow
Winter holidays and waiting for a miracle
Ice skating and downhill skiing
Cozy evenings at home with a cup of hot tea and homemade cookies
Bright and clear stars in the night sky
Cold mornings and frost patterns on a window
Puffed-up birdies and snowflakes falling softly