I have not blogged for months, and the good news is that today all people in my immediate family are hale and well. I have painted, even painted en plein air on the streets and parks of my hometown, Stockholm, Sweden.
There is a whole island which once was a royal hunting ground, called Djurgården. The zoo Skansen and the amusement park Gröna Lund are on this island, and so is the 17th century ship Vasa. It is a very popular recreational area.
Many years ago, one king decided to open the park for visitors, and put up a gate. This gate is still preserved, even though it has been moved several times, the latest to a place very close to where it was once raised. It has been freshened up, and this landmark is called The Blue Gate. Which it is. Vividly. A pure bright cobalt blue, which made a beautiful contrast to the summer foliage of an urban landscape. When nature is solidly green, I prefer to paint in structures that are man-made, to supply variety and interest. And when the structure has grace and beauty of its own, it is perfect.
Look at the larger picture of the impressionist painting The Blue Gate (Blå Porten) on my website.
