Final edition of Summassaari postcard

This postcard shows the small but most beautiful Orthodox church, dedicated to Archangel Michael, situated in Summassaari village, Saarijärvi, Central Finland. The process lasted over half an year and began after a short discussion with Father Alexander - he has taken a photo of this tsasouna and sent it onto the website of our local Orthodox parish. I got the right to use it as a model for the work of my own (thank you, Father Alexander!). After some months of "not-so-regular" evening sessions with paper and colour pencils, I carried the finished drawing to my friend Eira who scanned it and printed four versions of it on a beautiful cartonboard, having a slight shade of yellow (thank You, Eira, too!). Discussions with Eira, my wife Sanni and Vicar of our parish, Father Timo (many thanks to all!), led me to the agreement about the superiority of the darkest alternative among the four different brightness levels. It will reproduce the colour of the timber in a right way and also give the best impression of the depth in the landscape. This version is, like I tend to say, "much better than the original"! This modest postcard of the Summassaari tsasouna is now for sale in Christ's Resurrection Church, Jyväskylä. Only the manufacturing costs will be excluded from the price and all the cents earned this way will be directed to the benefit of Anastasis Choir, singing in services. There are other artists in our choir, too (greetings, Erna!) and we have already sold some cards of our own during the Eastern week at our church.

JYVÄSKYLÄ ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE Spring Exhibition

The annual exhibitions of Jyväskylä Adult Education Centre have opened their doors in several sites all around the city. Arts as well as ceramic and textile works, created during winter term 2011-2012, will be seen in "Vanha Pesula" (Old Laundry") building, Lehtisaari island, which is situated in the middle of Lake Päijänne, south of the city center.

A demonstration of colour pencil drawing was also included in the program of the first exhibition day. Several techniques were included: oil and acryl on canvas, pastels, charcoal, ink, colour pencils... The blog writer with his fellow artist in front of her very impressive painting, presenting the change of Winter to Spring!

The exhibition of "Vanha Pesula" is open 21.-22.4.2012 11:00 - 16:00. Welcome to see our works!

Orthodox Church in Summassaari, Saarijärvi, Finland

This small, self-built (!) Orthodox Church is situated in Saarijärvi, Central Finland. I was joining its opening ceremony in summer 2011. All of its constructions were made in an excellent way! It follows the traditional features of Carelian churchs.

I started this work with a pencil and continue with colour pencils. Only light brown (of the timber itself) and light blue has been used for the decoration of this small temple. In opposite, a wide variety of beautiful flowers are surrounding it.

Final version of this work will be published in this blog soon.

"Would you like to know a secret...?"

It is most fascinating to watch ladies, telling secrets to their best friends. These two girls were drawn with calligraphy felt-tip pens, some years ago, in Isola, Slovenia. Colours were added just yesterday. Without knowing any word of Slovenian language, I could understand that they were really telling big secrets to each other.

"Postcarding" continues....

Some new color pictures are under work. "Night shift" with pencils therefore continues.

"Postcarding"

Some models of my postcard drafts. First of them, a drawing of sleeping Aarne (Golden Retriever), is already printed with the aid of my friend. Techniques: color pencils and calligraphy felt-tip pens.

Two drawings of Petäjävesi Church, Central Finland

The old Petäjävesi Church is a cultural target, protected by UNESCO. I like to visit it on warm, sunny summer days because the fine, old buildings and the tranquil churchyard, located on the shore of the lake. Petäjävesi is situated some 30 km westward from the city of Jyväskylä - I'll recommend a visit there if you are travelling in Central Finland!