Mărțișor – Spring Traditions in Romania

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Lucy

That time of the year, once again! Welcome back, spring!

Yes, the first official day of spring, is finally on its way, and in Romania we celebrate the beginning of the new season, in a special way, so I’ve decided to share a few thoughts on the local customs, as I’m pretty sure not everyone heard of them.

Mărțișor is what we call the Romanian holiday (taking place on March 1st), symbolizing the first day of Spring; the diminutive of marț (Martie for March in Romanian), which means little March.

The custom is believed to have Daco-Thracian origins, dating back 8,000 years! As during the Roman Empire times New Year’s Eve was celebrated on March 1, this day symbolized a new beginning. March (‘Martius’) was named in honor of the god Mars, the god of war but also agriculture, suggesting the rebirth of nature, huge celebrations taking place to mark the new start of the year.

Mărțișor is also the name of a talisman, tied to…

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The Self Portrait Challenge

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Lucy

In my entire career as a painter, nothing was ever harder than painting portraits. For some reason, I can’t get pass the human, in order to focus on colors, shadows and shape, like I usually do, when paintings landscapes and animals.

This makes is extremely hard, and it’s the main reason which kept me away from ever getting myself into trying to paint humans.

As in the past year I took a few challenges in order to become a better painter, why not giving portraits another chance?

Even if not exactly a self portrait, but more of a portrait, I’m happy I gave it a chance. With a bit of guidance, the shapes and shadows are definitely on the right track, and I’m confident some more practice would definitely get me there.

self portrait

Ok, it was a lot of fun, but I must admit, it takes a lot more than this, to get me out of my favorite type of painting: nature and animals 🙂 Still, for a first try, I’m more than happy with it!

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Kisses for the Doggy

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Lucy

Adopting a dog from a shelter is a very kind gesture. Opening your heart and home to an older dog, gives a very special pup a second chance at a normal life. And why not? All dogs deserve one!

To celebrate Doefes’ adoption, I made this painting for my friend, of them two enjoying a nice day in nature.

I wish you both a wonderful, long and happy life together, full of amazing adventures! Good luck, dear Doefes and have a great time with your new mommy!

charlotte and doefes