This watercolor painting depicts the grid facade of the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie at Parc de la Villette, Paris. The piece is characterized by a precise and rhythmic pattern of intersecting lines, reflecting the structural clarity and geometric rigor of the building. The facade’s steel framework is carefully rendered, emphasizing the repetitive modular grid that defines the building’s architectural identity.
The subtle color palette consists of muted grays, yellows, and pastel tones, capturing the reflective and transparent qualities of the building’s glazed surfaces. The meticulous linework, achieved with micron fineliners, highlights the structural intersections, while the Caran d’Ache watercolors add depth through nuanced shading. The composition effectively balances precision with a softened watercolor texture, emphasizing the interplay between structure and light.
A commissioned watercolor study of the bow of Jaram, a boat moored on the Danube River, captured during the golden hour. The painting isolates a quiet, minimal composition where the glowing reflection of the sunset meets the deep, rippling shadows beneath the boat. The red circle painted on the vessel adds a symbolic and graphical element, contrasting the subdued warmth of the scene.
Executed with layered washes and subtle textures, the piece emphasizes stillness, light, and geometry through restrained detail. Raindrops gently disturb the water in the foreground, adding movement to an otherwise tranquil setting.
Painted with a combination of Caran d’Ache watercolors, Winsor & Newton paints, and detailed using a Rotring 800 mechanical pencil. Brushes by Raphael on Arches 100% cotton cold-pressed paper.
It’s been years since I last touched any kind of pastels, but for my birthday, I received a 36-mini set from Faber-Castell. So, I figured it was the perfect time to try again.
Exploring the Colors – First Studies:
To get a feel for the set, I started with three small nature studies, each under different lighting conditions. I wanted to understand the range of colors and how they interact with each other. It was mesmerizing to watch the pigments blend, shifting and merging effortlessly under my fingertips. One of the things I really enjoyed was how light colors could cover darker ones—and vice versa—something you don’t get as easily with other mediums.
Bringing It All Together – A Sunset by the Lake
After those initial studies, I moved on to a larger piece: a lake at sunset. This painting was an attempt to combine the different palettes I had tested before, layering warm and cool tones to create depth. I have to say, I love how vibrant the colors are—soft pastels really pop in a way that watercolor doesn’t.
Testing Detail – A Close-up Sea Scene
For the final painting, I wanted to push things further and see how much detail I could achieve. I chose a close-up sea scene, playing with a mix of blurry and sharp elements. This was a great test of control, figuring out where I could refine edges and where to let the colors softly transition.
Final Thoughts
Painting with soft pastels is incredibly satisfying—the rich, velvety colors, the tactile blending—but it’s also very messy. If you’re thinking of trying them, just be prepared for dust-covered hands (and probably a desk that looks like a crime scene of color). But in the end, it’s absolutely worth it.
Have you tried soft pastels before? What’s your favorite way to use them? Let me know in the comments!
This weekend, I ventured to Xyliatos Dam for a plein air painting session, eager to test my new Charvin 12-pan travel watercolor set—a thoughtful gift I recently received.
While the dam’s water levels were dishearteningly low after a dry season in Cyprus, the scene was still captivating. The reflections in the remaining water, framed by shadows of dense trees, rugged mountains, and scattered clouds, offered a challenge I couldn’t resist.
The Landscape: Nature in Reflection
Xyliatos Dam sits quietly in the heart of the forest, where the stillness is broken only by the whisper of the wind and the occasional bird song. The water, though sparse, was like a mirror for the world above it. The dark greens of the pines, earthy browns of the mountains, and fleeting patches of sunlight created shifting reflections that felt both melancholic and beautiful. While the lack of water was a poignant reminder of the struggles with drought in Cyprus, it also emphasized the resilience of the forest surrounding the dam.
Testing the Charvin Watercolor Set
This plein air session also served as my first test of the Charvin watercolors. While the 12-pan set offers a charming and very interesting range of colors, I quickly noticed a few quirks:
• The paints are slightly sticky in texture, which made them harder to control for fine details.
• Blues and greens, though vibrant, have a tendency to bleed through layers, even after significant drying time. This was most evident when building up reflections and layering shadows in the water.
• On the plus side, the yellows and earth tones handled beautifully, blending seamlessly into the natural tones of the landscape.
To prepare for the session, I created a small color palette with swatches of each shade, noting how they behaved and their tendency to bleed. I’ll include the palette below for anyone curious about how these paints perform in practice.
The Painting Experience
Despite the challenges with the paints, plein air painting at Xyliatos was a deeply rewarding experience. The low water levels meant I had to focus more on the textures and shadows of the surrounding landscape, letting the reflections tell their own fragmented story. The sticky nature of the paints forced me to adopt a looser style, which brought its own charm to the piece.
If you’ve visited Xyliatos Dam or have tried Charvin watercolors, I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you adapt to supplies with quirks? Or what’s your favorite plein air spot in Cyprus?
This piece is the result of countless hours of focus and meticulous detail. Inspired by the geometry and rhythm of modern architecture, the grid facade allowed me to explore the interplay of light, shadow, and structure.
One of the greatest challenges in creating this piece was working within the intricate triangular grid without using masking fluid. Each line and shadow had to be drawn carefully by hand, ensuring that the delicate spaces between the triangles remained crisp and clear. It was a test of patience, precision, and a steady hand.
For the shading and textures, I used watercolors to create subtle variations, emphasizing the depth and complexity of the facade. Fineliners were instrumental in defining the sharp edges and giving the grid its structural integrity. The soft, warm tones in the reflective glass panes add a touch of light to the otherwise monochromatic composition, bringing a sense of balance to the overall piece.
This painting is not just about the facade itself; it’s about the process—the challenge of creating something precise, yet artistic, and the satisfaction of seeing the final piece come together. It’s a testament to how even the smallest details, when carefully considered, can create something striking and impactful.
Tools and Materials Used:
• Watercolors for shading and soft textures
• Fineliners for precision work
• Arches Cold Press paper for its texture and durability
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Sketch the Grid:
I began by lightly sketching the grid with a mechanical pencil. Using precise measurements, I ensured that all the triangles and lines were evenly spaced to create a clean and structured base.
2. Paint the Base Layers:
I painted the first layer of colors and greys within the grid structure. Each section was carefully filled, avoiding the grid lines to maintain their crisp appearance.
3. Add Initial Shading:
I started shading the grid itself, giving it depth and dimension. At this stage, I also began enhancing the spaces in between the grid lines, carefully adding contrast and refining the overall look of the facade.
4. Refine the Details:
To further define the facade, I built up additional layers of contrast and detail, focusing on areas that needed more depth. Watercolors were layered gradually to avoid overpowering the composition.
5. Finish with Fineliner:
For the final touches, I added shading with a fineliner to enhance the sharpness and bring out the structure. This step helped emphasize the clean edges and made the intricate details pop.
This piece was both a challenge and a joy to create. If you’re attempting a similar project, I recommend taking your time with each step—precision and patience really pay off! Let me know if you have questions about the process or if you’d like to share your own projects. I’d love to hear from you!
I’m excited to share a sneak peek into my current project: a detailed redraw of the facade of the La Villette Science Museum. This study has been particularly inspiring, and I’m capturing the intricate grid structure with more depth and precision this time, using Arches rough paper to emphasize the texture and fine details.
In my initial exploration, I focused on the striking contrast between the white grid and the dark, colorful facade behind it. Now, I’m diving deeper into the subtleties of light, shadow, and architectural elements that make this structure so compelling.
Stay tuned as I bring this piece to life with careful attention to detail and a renewed appreciation for the interplay of form and function in modern architecture. Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome as I continue this artistic journey!
Timelapse of painting Rooftop, Paris with watercolors and finishing with fineliners
On Site Watercolor Study
Watercolor Painting on ARCHES Rough 300g 18x26cm
This watercolor painting captures the corner view of an iconic Paris rooftop, focusing on the upper floors and classic architecture. Using soft, pastel tones, I aimed to convey the quiet, almost timeless atmosphere that hangs over Paris rooftops. It’s a scene of calm and simplicity, bringing out the beauty in everyday Parisian sights that often go unnoticed. 2024 – Paris
This watercolor captures an intimate view of the boat “Jaram” on the Danube River in Belgrade. The warm sunset reflects beautifully on the water and along the boat’s surface, creating a soft glow, while the cool-colored shadows in the foreground enhance the contrast and depth. I aimed to evoke the serene atmosphere of dusk on the river, where light and shadow converge in a peaceful, harmonious scene. 2024 – Belgrade
This watercolor painting captures the tranquil beauty of a sunset over New Belgrade. The sky, filled with clouds, showcases vibrant pink and yellow hues that pierce through, reflecting a fleeting moment of color against the darkened cityscape. This piece conveys the serene atmosphere right after a storm, highlighting the contrast between nature’s brilliance and the shadowed buildings below. I aimed to evoke a sense of calm and introspection, illustrating the beauty that often emerges after turmoil. 2023 – Belgrade
This captivating close-up pinup watercolor reinterprets a classic Coca-Cola ad, showcasing a girl enjoying a refreshing glass of RAM-Cola. The artwork captures her joy and satisfaction, emphasizing the classic appeal of soft drinks. With vibrant colors and an inviting atmosphere, I aimed to evoke a sense of nostalgia while highlighting the fun and refreshing qualities of RAM-Cola. This piece celebrates the simple pleasure of a cold drink on a warm day, making it a delightful addition to any collection. 2022 – Belgrade
