Monday, November 9, 2015

Watercolor Plein Air Painting in İstanbul

I am away from home, so I couldn't find enough time to post lately.  About ten days ago we came to Istanbul, the city where I am from originally. Usually I take with me a watercolor set for longer trips. This time a pocket travel watercolor set was gifted to me on my arrival. (see below) I haven't tried this new set yet, but I would like to show you how I prepare this light pack for plein air painting.

Travel watercolor pack

Last Sunday the weather was great. Still having the ''Indian summer'' in the city. So we visited a nice neighborhood called ''Ortaköy,'' where I used to live in the early 90's. I used my watercolor set sitting by the port. Enjoyed painting and being outdoors. İt was crowded overall but I preferred using a simple composition. (see below)

work in progress

work in progress

''Fisherman in Ortaköy'' by Birsen Ozbilge, watercolor, 12 x 17 cm

Last Saturday, we were at the famous ''Galata Bridge'' having a tea break. I always carry a small sketch book with me. I did a quick sketch drawing of the new bridge. (see below)

work in progress

''New bridge on Golden Horn'' sketch

Last week on Thursday, we visited a collective exhibition in Göztepe area.  It was very nice to see the works of my old University classmates.

Visit to my old classmate's collective exhibition at Gallery Ark (Recep Batuk, 
Yiğit Yazıcı, Hakan Kamışoğlu)