Dead orchid bloom

We have a beautiful white orchid at the office.

I call her Simone. That name just seems to suit her.

Last time she bloomed, she looked so wonderful that I couldn't throw the dead stalk away when it dried out (she has a new one growing as I type).

So I decided to stick it in a pot that I still had there.

It has a sort of ikebana-type of appeal, I think.

First splashing attempt

Sketch walk around Amieira

As the cold days are announcing the arrival of winter, I like to remember warmer and sunnier days spent in Portugal.

I go Amieira, the village where my father grew up and later built a house, every year and this time I took some time to sketch a little around the place.

This little abandoned house is probably my favourite. You can find similar ones all around the region, this one is just falling apart. If I could, I would buy it and renovate it. Leave it as it is. I think it just fits in the scenery perfectly.

To be renovated!

Just a short walk up the hill you can find this cute little chapel. I like the colour combination with the house next to it a lot.

And there was no one around...

Last but not least, my parents' house, which they built and improved over many years. It was their dream when they migrated to Luxembourg. I feel I did not do it justice, specially the roof. But I can try again next year.

Accident in magenta on the left...

Happy birthday sketching

Yesterday was my birthday. And a very sunny one it was.

Which doesn't happen frequently on my birthday, so I just had to take advantage of it and leave work early in order to do some quick sketching before going to my parents' for dinner.

And try out my new colour pencils, a present from my very friendly and thoughtful coworker.

Agence Caisse d'Epargne on the Avenue de la Liberté

On the bus

As the weather is getting colder, there are less occasions for me to draw outside.

Luckily there is public transport.

And drawing people is always interesting.

Deep in thought

Deep in sleep

Deep in study

Virtual Paintout November 2013 : Iceland

I stumbled upon this blog called The Virtual Paintout ages ago and have been wanting to participate ever since.

However, I somehow never got to do it until now.

The concept is very easy: every month a specific country or city is chosen and you have to use the Street View function on Google Maps to find a location which will be your reference for a drawing or painting.

Here is my submission for this month, Iceland :

And here is the link to the reference I took for my drawing: http://goo.gl/maps/YZPkn.