Last Sunday was magical. I was predicting pretty cold weather, and have been eagerly checking my weather app over and over again so that I won’t miss the best opportunity for a field trip.

And I hit the jackpot, baby.

The air was crisp, the sun was shining and Stockholm looked like a winter postcard. Insanely Beautiful! This was exactly what I’ve been waiting for, as I need some photo references for some new upcoming paintings.

Enough said. I packed the camera, found the warmest clothes I could find and headed out in the foggy morning.

I haven’t quite used the camera outdoors yet, so I was thrilled to see how suitable it is for photographing nature. Well, it wasn’t too shabby I must say, I just need to practice more so that we click better (mjehehe, saw what I did there?).

You know I mentioned that one of my goals for 2018 was to get out to see nature more often? I’m not meant to visit a nature reserve at least once a month, and this time I chose to visit  one in Ängbyplan, in Stockholm. I’ve been here twice before(Thank you Sabina, for showing me!) but have only seen the forest during summertime. Now I’ve sene the Narnia version as well ;)

I walked along the path around the big frozen lake, and explored some of the paths that led into the actual forest for a couple of hours, until my body said “Nope” and my shoulders started to ache. Dam, one can really tell that I’m not 20 anymore… I really need to get back to the gym to lift heavy things.

Back home to the drawing tablet

The photo session Went pretty well, and I now have a bunch of nice photos to use as references. Made a collage of my favorite ones so I can use them while sketching. Currently working on a new sketch that I will record the painting demo of, to show my favorite Photoshop brushes. Stay tuned for that one.

Again, I’m so glad I actually Went outside instead of being stuck on the couch for Another day. I’m very easily distracted, and often lose myself in something while the hours pass. Then suddenly when I look up from my screen, it’s pitch dark outside. But not this time! Not last Sunday. Well done, Andrea.

It would be fun to bring some paint when once it’s warmer outside, so I can try some plein air painting. Never done it, and I admire those who get out and do kickass paintings on the spot. Looks so cozy :)

 Have you done plein air studies? Any tips?