Sustained Investigation #3

Sustained Investigation #3: "Ett Svenska Flicka"

Watercolor on Canvas

12" x 9"

My painting took inspiration from the landscape of Sweden's countryside (near Borås) and from the swedish traditional dress (folkdräkt) . The scenery in the background depicts lingon bushes and birch trees- both an important part of Swedish natural ecosystems. The abundance of lakes and small, red farmhouses are also recognisable qualities of Sweden. I tried to choose a more typical scandinavian look for the child and added some typical Swedish dress like the folkdräkt (white buttoned shirt with colorful dress and white head covering) and hair done in the traditional two-braid style. I chose to focus on this subject/culture because Swedish traditions are very much prevalent and celebrated within my family, and the natural beauty whenever I visit the country is a great inspiration to me.

I completed this piece using Watercolors on a Canvas.

I decided to try using the familiar medium of Watercolors on the completely new Canvas to better learn how it differs from paper and so that i could use it with more skill in the future. I began by drawing an outline with graphite on the canvas and then adding watercolor values to the background and then the subject. To improve upon this piece I would get more familiar with canvas more in order to execute it with more skill, and I would try to have a larger or put the subject father back so that I could show more of the folkdräkt.