TRAVEL WITH MY ART #22: MAKARSKA TOWN, CROATIA

 Hello there! Happy Sunday! How's October treating you so far? Here in Dalmatia (Croatia), it's rather warm and sunny. There are still tourists around and who could blame them? Now is probably the best time to enjoy one's vacation, especially if you don't like the crowds and like to have your personal space to yourself. You could say it still feels like summer, especially mid day when the sun is so strong. The painting I will share with you today is also bathed in sunshine. Yes, I have another painting to share with you.  A few months ago, I started an art feature with the goal of sharing my paintings and illustrations of different places. So far, I have painted more than 22 paintings and took you to many places along the way, most of them located in Croatia (because that's the area I know best) but you never know what might inspire me next. Today I will share another TRAVEL WITH MY ART POST. I shared one yesterday, but I feel like continuing on an art note, so why not? Let me tell you about this new painting of mine.

This time my inspiration was Makarska town in Dalmatia (Croatia). Once again, I used my own photograph as a reference. As you know, I usually use either my own photographs or those taken by my husband. There is this photograph that I took in Makarska back in 2019 that I really like. That was my inspiration for this painting. I love the framing of this photograph and the light. I like the way boats look connected and the sea in the distance. I feel like it really captured the moment. When I see it, I remember that sunset walk and the chat we had with the local fishermen. I don't think of myself as a photographer, but if I were one, this is the kind of photography I would go for and aspire to. Anyhow, recently I have across this photograph of mine again and decided to turn it into an acrylic painting. The art supplies (professional acrylic paints and mixed media paper) used to make this painting are both by Royal Talens brand.  For any inquiries about purchasing my art, you may email me. Scroll down for more details and to see the reference photography. 

THE MAKING OF AN ACRYLIC PAINTING- BOATS AT SUNSET

Like with my previous two paintings, this one was made in about two days and six hours in total. I didn't time myself, but I would say that it took me about six hours to finish this painting. The first thing I did was to sketch these two boats and the background with a graphite pencil. After that, I started adding more and more paint layers. Finally, I added the finishing details, such as ropes  and other details on the boats as well as light reflections. I did some small corrections along the way on the boat, but mostly I followed my initial sketch and work from there. I'm pretty happy with how this painting turned out. 

As I said, it's one of my faster paintings. I'm trying to challenge myself to paint quicker. It doesn't mean that I'm giving up on those plus 100 hours, thought. I will go back to those eventually but for now I want to explore this. Trying to paint something faster or slower is a good way to test our technique and reevaluate it. Plus, it is good to know that sometimes you can work fast even when you're working with oil or acrylic paints. Not every painting needs to be super extremely consuming. Sure, often the more time you invest, the more real the painting gets, but it is good to challenge one's self to work faster. 

Bellow you can see step by step painting process. I know some people find those kind of collages interesting. This way you can see the making of the painting in stages. I mean there isn't anything really revolutionary about the materials or the techniques I'm using, but I think some still might find these collages useful or at least interesting. Work in progress photographs can be interesting to reflect on as well. Isn't it interesting to see a painting come to life? 

MAKARSKA TOWN- THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS PAINTING

Makarska city is a well know Croatian destination and as soon as you set foot into this town, you will understand why. Once you have a look at the majestic mountains overlooking this town, and see for yourself how beautiful the beaches are, you won't have to ask why is this place so popular. This whole area is a top destination, so if you want to visit it when it not crowded with tourists now is the perfect time. If you want you can also check out my previous visits to this place ( a visit dating back to March 2016 and a night visit to Makarska). As far as accommodation in Makarska is concerned, it is quite versatile. From luxurious hotels to more affordable ones, from private accommodation to camps, you should be able to find something to suit your desires. Finding a place to stay can be challenging during the summer season, so if that is when you're visit, it is best to book a bit ahead of time. I don't think you will have issues finding a good place to stay in right now.

This town is a short drive away from the Split, albeit this might depend on the traffic. During the summer, the traffic might be heavy and the drive not so close.  Like most Dalmatian cities, Makarska has got some gorgeous historical buildings and fantastic views. One thing that is really eye-catching is the the impressive mountain range that tops it. If you decide to visit it, please keep in mind all the things you should when heading into mountains. Because of the sea vicinity, some people don't take the altitude of this mountains seriously and do not prepare for it. If you're visiting the mountains, dress appropriately and warmly. 

MAKARSKA: THE MAIN CITY SQUARE 2019

DESTINATION MAKARSKA MARCH 2019

...and keep in mind another place worth visiting that is right near by is TUČEPI

Now, let's get back to this painting. As you have seen, I haven't framed it yet. It's still in my sketchbook. What kind of frame should I choose? Any suggestions? I might sell it at some point, but I will probably frame it first anyway. I'm not in a terrible rush to sell my art. 

MORE TRAVEL WITH MY ART POSTS (LINKS BELLOW)

#1 PALERMO ISLAND SICILY (ITALY)

#2 BAY MALA STINIVA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#3 IRKUTSK, SIBERIA (RUSSIA)

#4  MATEJUŠKA, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA)

#5 HVAR CITY, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#6 ZENTA MARINE, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA)

#7 ZAVALA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#8 SUCURAJ, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#9 MALA STINIVA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#10 HVAR TOWN, ISLAND HVAR ( CROATIA)

#11 JELSA TOWN, DANCE O THE SAILS (CROATIA)

#12 ZAVALA, ISLAND HVAR, (CROATIA)

#13: SUCURAJ, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#14: BAY BRIZENICA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) 

#15 BAY LOZNA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#16 BAY VEPRINOVA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#17 BOL, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#18 PLANINICA, (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)

#19 SUCURAJ, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#20 BEACH SOLINE,VRBOSKA,  ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

#21 STARI GRAD, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)

AND A FEW MORE PHOTOGRAPHS OF MY PAINTING TAKEN UNDER NATURAL LIGHT (DIRECT SUNSHINE).....

Thank you so much for visiting and commenting!