Written by Hi, my name is Celia Blanco. I grew up in Northern Virginia, and currently live in Rome, Italy with my husband and two daughters. I love to paint and sketch with watercolors. Drawing and painting has always been the base of everything I do in life, from a very young age. I took a break from these activities when I started a family in order to devote myself to raising my two girls. I was abandoning painting altogether until the Internet gave me a nudge.
I came upon many artist blogs’ such as Belinda Del Pesco’s, “Fine Art Tips with Lori Mcnee”, “Daily Paintworks”, “Artist Daily” where I found a wealth of inspiration. I especially felt a connection through reading their stories and seeing their process unfold. It hit me after awhile: “I could spend less time reading about other artists, doing instead something myself …”. Despite my busy life, I purchased a little watercolour set. I started painting mostly still life in my kitchen, when there were a few minutes to spare. I then bought a new sketchbook for drawing.
I started finishing many pieces, summoned the courage to share my art on various Internet sites and forums. I made many online friends. The encouragement I received from them is always priceless. I paint exclusively with watercolors; I feel a real passion for the medium. In my sketchbooks I allow myself some room for experimentation, I always go back to watercolor anyway. A sketchbook is vital because it is where I push my ideas and build my skills. I like to practice my skill to find improvement and to experience the freedom to make mistakes. This often leads to a new way of approaching an old idea or technique.
I carry a small bag for my sketchbook and pen. Repeatedly I will find myself waiting somewhere with a few minutes to devote to sketching. There are many ways to approach sketching. I love the idea of keeping it as a journal of events or memories by using a theme, such as dinner. Observing nature or architecture, the possibilities are endless. Decisively, it is very important to draw from direct observation. I have been taught to look more at the subject while drawing, than at your paper, this much has stayed with me.
Currently my supplies consist of Fabriano Artistico, cold press is my favourite paper. I also like that it is made locally. My watercolors consist of Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton products. My favourite brush is Escoda Versatil. I do like da Vinci Casaneo brushes. For urban or plein air sketching I usually work with water brushes or synthetic brushes, water soluble pencils, pens, watercolour markers and a small pan set. My sketchbooks are mostly homemade versions. I like Coptic style binding because it is easy to open.
I share my experiences in the field through my blog: “Watercolors by Celia Blanco” and I also offer my works for sale on Artfinder and VIDA.
Thank you, Charlie, for the opportunity to be a guest!
Celia Blanco
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Lovely! 🙂
Thank you very much!!
Very welcome! 🙂
Beautiful! If my computer was working I would be following right skippy!!
Thank you Susan!!
Pretty colors! There must be so many beautiful things to paint in Italy!
Thank you Teresa, I really appreciate your comment! Italy is a painters dream, I feel privileged!
Cells Bianco – her work is amazing, how wonderful to be so talented. Thanks for sharing this.
What an amazing compliment, thank you for your nice words Georgiemoon!
I like especially the layered landscape. Great colors. (K)
Thank you Memadtwo!!
Those hibiscus look engaging, and your teacup and saucer make me want to go and have a cuppa right now. Lovely work, Celia!
Thank you very much JMNOWAK!!
Lovely sketches and beautiful paintings. The loose brushstrokes and layered colors add a very nice depth to the works. Delightful feature post, thank you for sharing.
Thank you ARTANDMOONDREAMS for your very kind words!!
Glad you continue painting , so we could enjoy your lovely picture, a precious one that can’t find in photo.
FUKUSTORY, thank you! It really means a lot to me to hear this!
Very nice work! I love flower paintings!
Thank you M.L. KAPPA!!
Celia your art is always so inspiring and I so enjoyed reading all about you. Didn’t realize that you grew up in Virginia. So glad to know more about your artistic journey.
Hi Debbie! Thank you for reading my post and for being a very supportive friend! Hugs!
Nice painting! 😀
Lovely!!!
I love the hibiscus – beautifully painted!