Sweden

Next, two weeks in Sweden. Stockholm was beautiful with its iced-up harbour and snow-covered buildings. Really enjoyed seeing a couple of Anders Zorn paintings. We took a flight up north, above the arctic circle, to visit my uncle and went to a Saami festival (freezing! -30C) in Gallivare. The Saami clothes and shoes were beautiful, handmade from reindeer skins and leather. I really enjoyed trying to capture the overwhelming softness and brightness of the white artic landscape. It was not at all dark and heavy like I had imagined.

London

Two weeks in London was spent in galleries and trying to sort out new passports and visas for Russia. The National Gallery was a stand-out and seeing the Velázquezs there is always an amazing experience. Had a great afternoon looking at Turner in the old Tate Museum. His late paintings, almost completely abstract, blow me away.