The painting is created from life right from the center of the celebration!
Painting at a city festival is a whole different beast compared to sitting quietly by a birch tree in the woods. It’s a hundred times harder! When there’s a massive crowd, noise everywhere, and everyone can see what you’re sketching, you feel a bit "on the spot." But oh man, what a rush! It’s way more exciting than a quiet setting.
in the Netherlands. It’s the monarch’s birthday, and the entire country literally goes crazy for the color orange. Why? Because the King’s last name is "Oranje" (Orange)!
Naturally, I’m in on it too. I dug out everything orange I’ve hoarded over the years, right down to my socks. The streets are pure madness: orange pants, wigs, hats... I even saw someone dressed as an "Orange Pope"! 🍊
I remember when we first moved here, my husband (who is quite the introvert) told me: "Whatever you do, never go outside on King’s Day!" He probably traumatized himself with the crowds in Amsterdam. But in our little town, it’s much more manageable and cozy. I even managed to squeeze in a dance to "Bloed, Zweet en Tranen" (their favorite anthem)!
But I didn’t just come here to grab a beer; I came to paint! I parked myself by a small fountain where it was a bit quieter, pulled out my gouache, and started... I was literally catching these little orange people and balloons with quick, fragmentary strokes. The goal was to capture the vibe; I’ll "brush it up" and finish the details at home.
While the adults were busy enjoying their beer, kids kept running up to me to peek at what was happening in my sketchbook.
Sure, you get a little shy when people come up to watch, but the result is totally worth it. The party was a success, and I’m already loving how the work is looking.
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