Postcards from Italy: Original Watercolors and Oil Paintings
My travels through Italy, from the streets of Florence to the banks of the Arno, left a permanent mark on my sketchbook. Here, I have captured the light, the ancient stone, and the quiet streets in watercolors and oils.
The famous Ponte Vecchio bridge on the Arno River in Florence. This watercolor on Baohong cold press paper was developed from a sketch I did on my trip. It's a challenge to switch between oils and watercolors, but I plan to do more in this series.
A small preparatory sketch of the Ponte Vecchio. I often create these small watercolor and ink studies to plan a larger painting and capture memories from my trip to Florence.
My half imperial watercolor painting of the Florence skyline, featuring the Duomo. This piece was created from a photo I took on my trip and was exhibited at the Fabriano in Acquarello festival in Italy.
The painting of Florence as it was displayed at the Fabriano festival.
A friend and fellow artist taking a selfie with my Florence painting at the exhibition in Italy.
I can't get over Florence. This is a small sketch of the city's skyline in my sketchbook. I'm planning to paint this one in a bigger format soon.
Peeping through a narrow Florentine street to see the majestic Duomo. This structure left an everlasting impression on me. I did this small watercolor sketch in my sketchbook to end my day in the studio with something meaningful.
A quick watercolor sketch of the Duomo in Florence. I use these thumbnail sketches to practice and plan for a larger painting.
Remembering the River Arno in Florence. This is a panoramic watercolor on Baohong cold press paper, capturing a quiet moment from my travels.
A street in Florence, painted on a half imperial sheet of Baohong cold press paper. I love working on a larger scale to capture the grandeur of these cityscapes.
About Postcards from Italy: Watercolors and Oils
Sketching on location is how I capture the moment. Whether it is the Duomo or a quiet bank along the Arno, I start with ink and watercolor studies. Transforming that raw, immediate sketch into a layered oil painting in my studio is where the real challenge lies, but it is how I keep the soul of the place alive.
How These Paintings Come to Life
When I travel, my sketchbook is my most important companion. I do not just paint from photos. I sit in the heat, watch the light change on ancient architecture, and make quick, messy ink and watercolor sketches. These aren't perfect, but they hold the memory of the place.
Back in my Delhi studio, I turn these initial sketches into larger works. This is where I switch mediums. I use Daniel Smith professional watercolors for that loose, vibrant flow, or I switch to my favorite Gamblin oil paints when I want texture and depth on linen. Switching between these mediums is tricky, as they require completely different mindsets, but it keeps my work honest.
Why You Will Love Them
- Authenticity: Every piece here is an original, hand-signed work. There are no prints or mass-produced copies.
- Quality Materials: I use acid-free, 100% cotton paper for my watercolors and primed, artist-grade linen for my oils. These pieces are meant to last.
- The Story: These are not generic landscapes. They are my memories of Italy, exhibited at festivals like Fabriano in Acquarello. When you buy one, you are bringing a piece of my personal journey into your home.
If you are looking for a piece of fine art that feels human, raw, and alive, you are in the right place.
Juhi Kumar
I'm Juhi. I paint to preserve the small joys of my travels, especially my time in Italy. I don't just capture a scene; I try to bring home the feeling of a sunlit afternoon in Florence or the hush of an ancient stone street.
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