TRAVEL WITH MY ART #39- STJEPAN FORTRESS BLAGAJ (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)

Hello dear readers and fellow bloggers! In this post, I'll share another destination painting of mine. You know what that means- it's time for another TRAVEL WITH MY ART post! Today I'm taking you to Herzeg Stjepan Kosaca fortress. This stunning historical fortress overlooking Blagaj in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a sight to behold. Trying to capture its magical beauty in a painting was a challenge!

 The medium for this painting is acrylic paints on cotton canvas. The painting process was actually quite long and tedious. I've worked on this painting since Autumn and I only finished it towards the end of Summer. I rushed the painting towards the end, because I wanted to participate in the joint artist exhibition. There was a submission deadline to meet, so I submitted this canvas not feeling confident it's actually finished. If you happen to visit Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you'll be able to see my painting hanging in the Stjepan Kosača gallery for the next month or so. I love how these posts make everything look easy! Painting this one was anything but easy. I might actually go back to this one and finish it, because as I said; I'm not entirely satisfied. 

So, I've prepared this post not only to share the painting process with you, but also to chat about the location and my impressions of it. TRAVEL WITH MY ART is a feature devoted to sharing my art inspired by different locations and destinations. Most of the time this feature features my art inspired by places I visit fairly regularly, but occasionally I will illustrate a place I haven't actually visited but I'd like to. Scroll down to see and read more. 




WHAT I WORE TO SUBMIT MY PAINTING? A SIMPLE SUMMER STYLING!

The photographs above were taken when I was taking this painting to the gallery. I decided not to frame it for now, because I plan to work on it when I get it back after the exhibition. On the photograph above you can see me posing with this painting an outfit that is all about shopping my closet. You can see me wearing my trusted old white sandals, an old light beige maxi dress, a statement necklace, a mini beige bag, and a denim vest with DIY embroidery. I wore a very similar outfit years ago (more precisely in 2016) for a wedding anniversary dinner. 






I VISITED THE GRAND DUKE STJEPAN FORTRESS BACK IN 2O21! 

I visited this fortress three years ago and let me tell you- the views from it are amazing! This fortress has a fascinating history as well. Below you can see one of the photographs from my visit to Blagaj fortress. I'll also share links to my previous posts. 




THE OLD FORTRESS IN BLAGAJ HAS A PROTECTED STATUS. 
IT IS STATE PROTECTED.  
IT WAS DECLARED NATIONAL MONUMENT OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA. 



THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS CITED FROM WIKIPEDIA

Location, 

Architecture and Archeological research

The old Blagaj Fort was built on a high, inaccessible karst hill, at an elevation of 310 metres (1,020 ft) above sea level and 266 metres (873 ft) above the source of the river Buna. Blagaj Fort is 275 metres (902 ft) above sea level.

Unlike other fortifications that were also rulers’ residences in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Blagaj fort is on a naturally flat site above vertical cliffs to the south, west and north. The ground plan of the fort is an irregular polygon adapted to the configuration of the terrain. The approach route, a steep serpentine bridle path 2 metres (7 ft) wide and 900 metres (3,000 ft) long, leads to the entrance in the thickest (east) wall of the forecourt. The walls of 12 or 14 metres (39 or 46 ft) in height have remained largely preserved, and range in thickness from 1.5 to 2.0 metres (4.9 to 6.6 ft), while on the south they are no thicker than 1.5 metres (4.9 ft). The inner defended space is a relatively small area of about 1,700 square metres (18,000 sq ft), similar to the Jajce fort.

The entrance to the fortified town was protected by an outer forecourt that is now hard to discern, a forecourt (VII, measuring 10 × 11.5 m) and a gatehouse (VII, measuring 10 × 7 m) as the final obstacle to attackers. The walls of the gatehouse are noticeably more solid and higher than those of the forecourt.

In the 6th century, most of the walls were increased in height although their dimensions remained the same. During the medieval period the entire mass was considerably increased by these additions, and it is not impossible that some of the lower parts of the tower collapsed. The breastworks may not have been built up fully to their original height, but somewhat lower (Basler, 1983, 32). In the late 14th and early 15th century, the walls were reinforced and thickened. About ten meters from the fort yet another wall was added giving that space the impression of a trench. The east wall was badly damaged in the 18th or early 19th century when a large quantity of gunpowder exploded in its middle tower. Repairs were carried out rather clumsily and considerably altered the original appearance (Basler, 1983). Anđelić, who carried out excavations in 1965, writes: “As a detailed result of the excavations, it turned out that the fort had no remains of antique or late antique architecture” (Anđelić, 1965, 179).

Among the architectural features discovered, the most significant were the remains of a palace (XV), of irregular rectangular outline.

A comparison of the walls' structure enables one to track the various stages of construction and repair - from the earliest beginnings of the fort in the fourth century. The walls of the first stage of construction are of quarry stone laid in horizontal layers (opus incertum), similar to the palace in Mogorjelo. In the second stage, which lasted between 535 and 600, the walls were repaired and in places built up to a height of 1 to 3 metres (3.3 to 9.8 ft), using the technique of stone laid slantwise (opus spicatum). This construction technique is associated with the reign of the Emperor Justinian (527–565). Repairs to the central tower of the east wall date to the 6th century. The type and extent of the interventions dating from the 7th to the 15th century are hard to determine because of later repairs, conducted in opus incertum up to the 19th century. After the 16th century, all works on the fort were carried out by local 'dunđeri' (all-round builders who would turn their hand equally to masonry or carpentry), which is ascribed to the abrupt decline in the strategic importance of the fort .....

In 1965, systematic archaeological excavations were undertaken with the supervision of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. An area of about 1,000 square metres (11,000 sq ft) was investigated, that is, more than one-third of the area enclosed with ramparts. The archaeological layers were generally characterized with considerable thickness (0.50 to 3.50 m) and by the sparsity of art materials. However, in the medieval stratum pottery and small iron items were discovered, along with pieces of glass and charred grain. A large quantity of lead—about 700 kilograms (1,500 lb)—was unearthed in the ruins of the palace. In the archaeological stratum dating from the Ottoman period, the only finds consisted pottery shards and small items of ironmongery used in construction. As a result of the excavations, it was concluded that Blagaj had no remains of antique and early mediaeval architecture because there was no any archaeological material from that period. However, a few shards of Illyrian pottery and a few small fragments of Roman roof tiles indicate the presence of Illyrians on this prominent site (Anđelić, 1965, 178–180).[4]



HOW TO GET TO THE HERZEG STJEPAN'S FORTRESS IN BLAGAJ? Once you drive up hill from Blagaj, you'll get to a parking zone of sorts and then you just need to follow the path up on foot. The path is a bit steep but not too much. There were quite a few elderly people and children when we visited (it was a national holiday of some kind) and I didn't notice anyone having difficulties with the climb, so you probably won't have issues either. So, I'd say it's an easy climb. If you go all the way from Blagaj, you'll walk a bit longer, but all in all, it's fairly easy to get there.


BACK WHEN I VISITED THIS FORTRESS, I REGRETED NOT PAINTING IT YET...LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT I'LL DO THIS AMBITIOUS DEPICTION OF IT!

OTHER MEDIEVAL FORTRESSES WORTH VISITING
I will ALSO link up some of my old travel posts featuring fortresses. 

 STOLAC FORTRESS (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA) 

(STJEPAN'S FORTRESS), LJUBUŠKI (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)

KLIS FORTRESS (CROATIA)

FORTICA FORTRESS (CROATIA, ISLAND HVAR)

VRBOSKA, CHURCH FORTRESS (CROATIA, ISLAND HVAR)

KAMERLENGO FORTRESS (CROATIA) 

STON FORTRESS WALLS (CROATIA)








I STARTED WORKING ON THIS PAINTING DURING AN ART COURSE!

I took another art course, but I didn't really follow instructions or attend regularly, just because I have been so busy with work. I only managed to attend the painting workshops a few times, so I basically finished the painting at home. There were some new art teachers there, and they were trying to be helpful. However, these new art teacher basically gave me beginner tips. I'm not advanced, but I'm not a beginner either. I wasn't sure what I was trying to do myself, so I didn't really explain my painting style. I'm afraid that it looked a bit like I was ignoring them. I wasn't, I just didn't have the time to talk. 

 Anyway, I've just brought a photograph as a reference and went from there, applying several layers of paint before I took the painting home...where I eventually finished it months later. 

What I learned from this experience is that I cannot expect myself to work 10- 12 hours and then go and paint for a few hours. It's just not realistic. My work hours are just too long and it's not like I sit at work and check out social media. It's perhaps best to leave art courses for less busy times. I need some time to figure out some things on my own as well. 


THE MAKING OF THIS PAINTING - HOW IT STARTED AND HOW IT ENDED? 



Look, I'm wearing the same denim vest I wore when I finished this painting! 

What makes this fortress so gorgeous is not just the fortress itself- but the views. The panorama from the fortress is mighty inspiring. Seeing all those mountains in the distance just gives you such a serene feeling. I'm very keen on such landscapes. 

As you might know I'm not originally from Herzegovina. I started living here part time about the time I met my husband, and ever since we met, I sort of lived between here and Croatia. However, my region in Croatian (Dalmatia) borders Herzegovina, and not surprisingly it is quite similar to Herzegovina in many ways. The climate is Mediterranean and the mountains are everywhere to be found. So, I feel just at home. 

Absolutely beautiful landscape aside, this painting presented a challenge- and that challenge was light. What initially attracted me towards painting this motif was exactly that- the light. However, it wasn't so easy to paint. This is a stunning fortress, but under the right light, it just glows. The photograph I used as a reference is was printed on an invitation to some event my husband received. The photograph shows the fortress partially covered with this amazing golden sunlight that makes it look like it glows. I don't know who photographer is for the reference. I also checked out my own photographs and memory obviously, as I visited this location in the past. However, I mostly relied on that one photograph reference. I might do another painting of this fortress with my own photograph as a reference. 

Another thing that was a challenge were the stones. Not just the stones around the fortress, but the ones used to built the fortress.  I do like to paint stones! Moreover, I'm fascinated by stones and the way light gets reflected from them. I've had my hands full when it comes to painting these stones and rocks. So many shadows, so many different shades of the selected colours.




Looking back at these 'work in progress' painting, I can see that I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do. I wanted to capture the light on the fortress. I wanted to capture the details. I didn't know how much time it's going to take at this point....

Looking back, I can also see how important it was for me to capture those gorgeous yellow and orange tones on the trees and the grass. That's something that I tried to do as well, but again I had no idea how much time I will truly need....

Looking back, I can also see that the background was all wrong. The proportions of the mountains, the colours, everything....I painted over that sky at least a dozen times. I corrected the mountains about four times as well. 

Finally, the summer came and the deadline...and I set to finishing this painting. Do you want to see what that looked like? Scroll down. 




AND SOME SIX MONTHS LATER FINALLY ADDING FINISHING TOUCHES....

With deadline close, I tried to hurry it up as much as possible, but the painting this ended up feeling like it will never be finished.

The first third of the painting is where I spent endless hours. I wanted that part to be perfect. I wanted the eyes of the viewer on it. 
I wanted to make the trees and the grass look alice. 

I laboured so hard trying to make the background forest look distant. I mean the background forest in the first part of the picture, the one right behind the towers on the left. I would paint with a light acrylic colour over the forest in the background to create that hazed look, and then wipe it away until I reached the right amount of haze effect, I guess. It was a try and error kind of thing, but I got it right eventually. 


TRYING TO CAPTURE THE DETAILS TAKES TIME....

The same goes for the rocks and the vegetation in the first third of the picture. I really wanted to capture them in detailed and for the most part I managed.

I also did a lot of experimenting with colours and shades. The fortress itself was no joke to paint, especially since I decided to paint and emphasize the individual stones it was built with- or at least try.

When my husband caught me counting the stones from the photograph- he laughed, but yes that's what I did. I counted them and I tried to paint them. 


So, the time came to complete it. I finally managed to paint the sky right (or close enough) for my liking. I worked hard finishing the fortress, and making it look like every individual stone is reflected in some way. However, I'm not entirely happy with the painting of the big rocks on the right side, the one that the fortress stands on. I must admit that I run out of the time, and I couldn't paint them as realistic as I wanted.  Nevertheless, I managed to paint the background pretty well, so that fit in. The finished painting is still far from perfect, but at least it's ambitious and it has taught me a thing or two. 


THE FINISHED PAINTING - OR IS IT FINISHED? 

As I explained, I'm not sure this one is really finished as I might want to touch up on it. 



WHAT DO YOU THINK, IS THE PAINTING FINISHED OR NOT? 


ART ALLOWS US TO TRAVEL TO DESTINATIONS UKNOWN....

 This artistic feature on my blog enables me not only to share my paintings of places that inspire me, but to write about them as well! 


VISIT OTHER TRAVEL ART POSTS AND TRAVEL WITH MY ART!



There's a story behind every painting and there's certainly a story behind every art piece posted in this travelling art series. The painting of the Palermo beach was a painting that started this series. As in many of my paintings, the attention is on traditional fishing boats. A very long time ago, I lived and worked on this magical island. 

This was a nice scene to paint. I'm not sure have I done these gorgeous colours justice with my painting but I tried. 


This is the only place in my travelling art series that I have painted my haven't actually visited. In my third post, I shared this a watercolour pencil sketch of a place I never visited: a church of Our Lady of Kazan located in Irkutsk, Siberia (Russia). 


The fourth painting I shared is one of a location in my hometown. This watercolour pencil landscape was inspired by Split city, Croatia. More specifically, it was inspired by one of my favourite sights in Split city and that would be these absolutely gorgeous historical stone houses in immediate vicinity of Matejuška port

There is more art inspired by Split city that I shared before I started this series, for example these two posts :  1)  EN PLAIN AIR SKETCHING (2021) & 2) OIL PASTELS VS WATERCOLOUR PENCILS AT FIRULE BEACH (2021)



 For my fifth post in this series, I illustrated a historical Franciscan monastery on island Hvar with watercolours. As some of you might remember, I lived on island Hvar. Having had enough time to study this beautiful island, now I feel confident in illustrating it.   


Every painting is a different memory. For my sixth painting in the series, I illustrated a scene from my hometown and once again it's all about the boats. I distinctly remembering sketching this one. The medium was watercolour coloured pencils on sketchbook paper and format A4. This painting was also gifted to someone I know, so I occasionally have a look at it.



The seventh post in this series was my personal favourite. I love how I captured sea in this post. I still often revisit this painting to admire it. It was also gifted, so it's not available for sale. This time my painting took  to beautiful Zavala on island Hvar, a place I visited a couple of times. You can read my original posts about Zavala here and here


In the eight post in this series, I shared a canvas painting of Sucuraj. As usual, I used one of my own photographs as a reference for this acrylic painting. The painting was purchased by a friend of mine from London, and that is where it happily resides. I just love it. I'd say that I also took me from 50-100 hours to complete. 

For the the ninth post in the series, I repeated a location. It must be a special location, you might be thinking and you'd be right. I'd already illustrated bay Mala Stiniva on island Hvar once, when I decided to paint it again.  Can you blame me for wanting to paint this magnificent bay again? 



My tenth painting in the series saw me returning to magical island Hvar. In the centre of this painting there is a 12.5 meters long traditional wooden fishing boat and in the background you can see Hvar town (where we first spotted this boat about a year ago). I invested a lot of time and effort into this painting. 

In my eleventh post in the series, I returned to Jelsa on island Hvar to paint a nightscape. The medium was acrylic paintings on canvas. This painting was also gifted, so it's not available for sale any more (even if the original post implies it is). This is the second night seascape I made (you can see the first one here). 




For my the twelfth post in my series, I returned to Zavala to paint another acrylic seascape canvas. I typically invest more time into my canvases, as opposed to landscapes painted in my sketchbooks. 


The thirteenth painting in the series is more of a sketch. I wasn't completely happy with it and wasn't sure where I went wrong. Maybe it was the number 13 that brought me bad luck. 


In the fourteenth painting in the series, I depicted island Hvar again and this time a bay that is not widely known. In fact, there was no one there when we visited. After we visited it, I found out that Four Season hotel is going to be built there. I decided to paint it to preserve its virginal beauty in a painting. 

In my fifteenth post in the series, I illustrated bay Lozna on island Hvar. Another sketchbook seascape painting that turned out very satisfactory.  I worked on this painting for about two days. 


Another attempt at capturing the sea in the small frame with acrylic paints on paper.


In my seventeenth post, I illustrated island Brač and more precisely to- Bol. 
Something about this painting doesn't feel quite right, even if it's just a small frame ( A4) seascape, so of course it's not very detailed. I actually gifted this painting to someone, but every time I visit I have the urge to take it out of its frame and try to fix it.


 Planinica hill in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You might remember this place from my numerous posts about it. Like Goranci, Planinica is only a short drive away from Mostar. If you are lucky, you might even come across semi-wild horses.  I've been meaning to paint Planinica for a long time.


The nineteenth painting in the series was an ambitious acrylic canvas  that was again all about island Hvar. This time I painted boats in a harbour. Funny thing is that every time I revisit this place, I always find the same boats. Painting this one made these boats imprinted in my brain somehow, I would recognize them anywhere. 


Sometimes nothing beats a quick painting. In the twentieth post in my travelling art series, I shared a quick painting of Soline beach in Vrbovska. The medium for this painting was acrylic paints on paper. I framed it myself and gifted it shortly after completing it.  In contrast, this acrylic painting was done on paper in  A4 format is. 



This painting was inspired by photographs taken in April a few years ago near hotel Arkada, Stari Grad city (island Hvar). Like the last painting in my series, this acrylic painting was done on mixed media paper in  A4 format is. Therefore, it's neither a large painting nor a very detailed one.


Another acrylic on paper. This time my inspiration was Makarska town in Dalmatia (Croatia), but I started painting it while we were in Sarajevo (more precisely Ilidža) and finished it once we got to Mostar. I framed it myself, gifted it to friends and was on overall I was pretty happy with it.


I have put  so much effort into this painting but I think it paid off. What do you think? I love the shallow pool I painted, probably my favourite part of the painting. It's fascinating to paint the sea. There are so many different colours and tonalities you need to know how to use and mix. Moreover, you must be so careful with reflections and shades to get it right. It can be quite hard to make the sea come alive. 




This Žnjan painting was painted on plain air which was a fun experience. I remember one lady approached me to talk to me. I painted it on beach Žnjan in Split city, Croatia. I don't do a lot of painting in the open but sometimes I do venture outdoors, for example HERE.



I used one of my own photographs as a reference. The medium was acrylic paints on mixed media paper.  I'm really not sure how long it took me to paint it because I worked on it twice. Maybe a couple of hours, maybe an hour, I really can't recall.



This was a super quick oil pastel sketch and I liked how it turned out. I used one of my own photographs as a reference. I can't seem to find it just now so I didn't share it with my original post. 
 


This one is a little different because it's more a drawing than a painting. I used my husband's photograph as a reference. My problem with this seascape is that I want to apply water or paints to it every time I see it. I'm more a painter than anything else I guess. So, maybe I need to paint another version for myself. 



This watercolour painting can perhaps be categorized as both destination and fashion illustration. It depicts a certain location- Basina bay on island Hvar, so you could call it a landscape or a location painting. 


In the twenty- ninth post in this destination art series, I painted bay Torac using acrylic paints on canvas. As far as the making of this painting, it was a pretty standard affair. 


In my thirtieth post in my travel and destination art series, I shared an illustration that I made  for and gifted to a friend of mine who lives in Malta. The medium is  water pastels on paper. It's just a quick sketch, I didn't apply water to it, but I wanted to share it anyway. It probably took me about twenty minutes to make. It's not very good, but I might improve on it very soon. 


This was a commission painting. This is a big painting! The client originally wanted a meter in width and length for the canvas (that is 1mX 1m). I had already made the order in the local gallery Michelangelo when she called me and said she needs it to be 80/80 cm. I called the gallery and they made the canvas with exactly those measures.


This super quick painting was another painting inspired by Zavala on island Hvar (Croatia). It is not nearly as elaborative or challenging as the last piece I shared in my destination art series. Rather, it's a humble A4 sized painting. The medium  is acrylic paints on mixed media paper. I think it'd look quite cute framed. I haven't decided what I will do with it yet. 

#33:TRAVEL WITH MY ART  LOZNA COMISSIONED, ISLAND HVAR

This seascape was another commissioned painting of bay Lozna (the second bay next to cape Kabal) on island Hvar. Some of you might remember I have already painted this gorgeous seascape location with acrylics on a A4 mixed media paper. 


In  the thirty-forth post in this series, I painted a beautiful spot in Vrboska. I was really happy with how this one turned out. The medium was acrylic paints on paper. I gifted this painting. Most of the 'travel' paintings I shared here on my blog are no longer with me, but thanks to technology you can still enjoy browsing them digitally. 



#35 TRAVEL WITH MY ART : BEACH KAMENJARA, VRBOSKA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA ) 2023 

Today I'm sharing with you an A4 acrylic seascape inspired by a photograph taken by my husband. It's a typical quick 'Ivana' seascape. Painted pretty quickly, it is not very detailed. The location is beach Kamenjara in Vrboska on island Hvar (Croatia). I haven't visited island Hvar this summer and I miss it dearly. I do visit it regularly with my art, though.



This painting took me about three months to finish for multiple reasons.  First of all, I didn't work on it every day because- life. Secondly, there were many layers to it. Thirdly, I couldn't set for a certain photograph reference. I started working with one reference but then I actually went to visit the chapel and study it in person.  Once there, we took some photographs. So, long story short- it was a long process.



I used my old photographs as a  reference. I took these two photograph last year while I was walking trough this park. I enjoyed the sea view and thought the panorama looked pretty cool, so I snapped these two photographs. As I already said, I started and finished the painting last Summer as well. If I recall well, it didn't take me an awful long time to finish it. Maybe 20-30 hours in total? I know that I have started it in Split and finished it in Mostar.




The last post in my series was also the last post on my blog! 



AND A FEW MORE PHOTOGRAPHS OF MY NEWEST CANVAS!



AND HERE IS A PHOTOGRAPH UNDER DIRECT SUNGLIGHT (AS OPPOSED AS THE ONE TAKEN IN THE SHADOW ABOVE- BUT ALSO WITH NATURAL LIGHTING)





Thank you for visiting!

Comments

  1. WOW that's a great art and very beautiful pictures.

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  2. Ivana, your paintings are wonderful! I like your fortress!

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  3. Ty pais es muy hermoso al igual que tus cuadros. Te mando un beso.

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  4. Piękne są te podróże z twoimi pracami. Cudownie!

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  5. I have feeling you need to be one of those teachers at the art workshop! Amazing work. Such great details you have learned on your own. I know my back would be breaking to get those details where you want them. So I am glad you get in as much hiking as you do..to keep a great balance. You are certainly full of perseverance in your journey of art and education. Wow, those hands and eyes of yours are amazing! And I can see how it would take time to create something so beautiful as this painting. Thanks so much for showing us the process. Truly, I admire the beauty you see in landscapes as much as the sea. Thanks so much💕❤️💕☀️ Thank you for your comments too!

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    1. Thank you Ellie. I'm not sure I'd be a good art teacher. I think I better stick to language teaching, it's a subject I have a decade of experience in teaching. :)

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  6. Thank you so much for the beautiful post. Amazing art piece! And so much details and how you worked on this piece. I thoroughly enjoyed the post. Wonderful results. I am so glad you continued with it. I am sure I would have given up. Oh, and to see how you paint. I have a feeling it would be crippling..for me. You are so diligent, and I admire how you study. Truly, you take creativity to the next level. All the best to your art and creativity. Thanks so much for being here. All the best to your paintings and much much more. Thanks again for your comments! Happy September ☀️❤️🍏🍎

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  7. Wonderful, you are so talented. <3

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  8. I admire how much effort you put into the pictures. But believe me, it's worth every second and every drop of sweat. Your works are real masterpieces, for me they are phenomenal. Congratulations dear Ivana from the bottom of my heart :)

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  9. Amazing. Thank you for sharing you talent.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  10. Olá, Ivana!
    Belíssimo trabalho aqui partilhas. Gostei muito desta excelente pintura!
    Parabéns pelo talento!

    Deixo os meus votos de um Feliz fim de semana.

    Mário Margaride

    http://poesiaaquiesta.blogspot.com
    https:://soltaastuaspalavras. blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Mario. I'm happy to hear you like this painting.

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  12. It came out beautifully! I'm delighted!

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  13. These are beautiful photos and your artwork is truly amazing! You are so talented
    Julia x

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  14. Your dedication to capturing the beauty of Herzeg Stjepan Kosaca fortress is truly inspiring! The effort and passion you put into your art shine through, making your work a wonderful tribute to this stunning location.

    I just posted a new blog post, I invite you to read. Thank you: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/09/how-to-style-prepreworks-stretchy-slim-round-neck-knit-vest.html

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  15. Your art is so good,, I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on those magnificent stone walls you've captured so perfectly.
    Love your outfit! xxx

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    1. Thank you. The warmth of the sun is exactly what I was trying to capture.

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  16. Interesting post, as always from you! And the painting is wonderful - working on this painting for so long made it amazing!
    Your dress is also beautiful, lacy and elegant. Regards, have a good new week.

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  17. Você é uma verdadeira artista.
    Desejo uma boa semana.
    Abraço de amizade.
    Juvenal Nunes

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  18. Impressive art!! I want to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina :D

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  19. Your painting of the fortress is just fantastic as it is! xxx

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  20. Muito bom, de verdade. Adoro vir aqui.
    Bjus!!!

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  21. Wow the details is amazing. Love your dress as well.

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  22. Boa tarde e uma excelente terça-feira minha querida amiga Ivana. Matéria maravilhosa e fotos incríveis. Se sou apaixonado pelas Fortalezas Brasileiras, está é maravilhosa e a vista linda. Obrigada por dividir conosco.

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  23. Your painting is beautiful, and I love how you captured the fortress. The outfit you wore to submit it looks great too!

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  24. Your painting of the Herzeg Stjepan Kosaca fortress is truly captivating! The dedication and effort you put into capturing its beauty are evident. I admire your perseverance despite the challenges. Don't miss the chance to see this piece at the Stjepan Kosača gallery in Mostar!

    I just published a new blog post. Check it out here: (https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/09/watcher-2022-thriller-movie-review.html). Would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share it if you find it useful.

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    1. Thank you Melody. I appreciate your comments and visits!

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  25. Wow...you are so talented...just love your paintings :-)
    Fine Art and You

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  26. Boa tarde de sexta-feira e aproveito para desejar um excelente final de semana minha querida amiga Ivana. Suas pinturas são maravilhosas.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Herzeg Stjepan Kosaca fortress is indeed a stunning locale. You have captured it marvelously in your painting. Wow the details! It looks finished to me but what do I know ;p

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a great place to visit, for sure. Thank you!

      Delete
  28. Hello
    Congratulations on your participation in a painting exhibition. I think it deserves to be in the exhibition. You put a lot of effort into it, all those details, the complicated drawing of the fortress. I think it was the most complex drawing and painting you've shown us! >I also loved the way you painted the surroundings of the fortress.
    As for your look, I loved the white dress combined with that denim vest! You look very pretty! And fashionable!
    Thank you for this journey with your art!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear Marisa. I missed the exhibition but my husband was there and his family- they supported me and it was really sweet. Thank you for commenting, reading and visiting!

      Delete

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All your comments mean a lot to me, even the criticism. Naravno da mi puno znači što ste uzeli vrijeme da nešto napišete, pa makar to bila i kritika. Per me le vostre parole sono sempre preziose anche quando si tratta di critiche.

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