A Walk on the Pier - The Inspiration Behind My Work
There’s something quietly magical about a slow summer walk by the sea. The sound of the waves, the sunlight dancing on the water, the gentle sway of the boats - it’s the kind of moment that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and just take it all in.
For me, the pier in Varna has always held that kind of calm. It’s one of my favourite places to go when I need to reset or simply enjoy the beauty of the day. I never really plan to sketch or paint while I’m there, but somehow that walk always plants seeds for future paintings. I leave with a phone full of photos, fresh air in my lungs and a head full of colours, textures, and light I want to capture.
A few pieces in my recent collection were born directly from those quiet, joy-filled strolls.
“St. Anna” was inspired by the gentle presence of a sailboat rocking on the water, moored just off the pier. It was such a peaceful moment. I remember just standing and watching - how the ropes moved with the breeze, how the boat seemed to rest with its own slow rhythm. That calm became the soul of the painting. It’s not just a boat, it’s a feeling, a pause, a summer memory with my family that I will cherish for years to come.
St. Anna - Original Watercolor Painting
“Wind” came from another moment, this time watching the reflections on the sea. This boat was so superior that I was instantly blown away by it`s size, beauty and the beautiful reflections in the water. There was so much movement in the water, but it all felt soft, fluid, and balanced. The light, the motion, the breeze—everything blended together. I tried to echo that sensation in the brushstrokes and watery layers of the painting.
Both of them styled together.
And then there are the wave paintings. A few of the calming seascapes I’ve made recently were also inspired by that same walk. The sea has a thousand faces, but that day, it was soft, serene, full of color and rhythm. Thousands of speckles of light was dancing on the surface of the water and all I wanted was to just sit there, take a few photos and soak up all the calming energy. I rarely paint on location, but even if I didn’t paint right there, those moments stayed with me until they gently flowed onto the paper.
That’s what I love about watercolor - it doesn’t demand control. It lets moments drift back when they’re ready, and they become something new.
If you’ve ever been to Varna in the summer, maybe you’ve felt it too. If not, I hope these paintings carry a piece of that peaceful beauty into your own space.
With love,
Rali xxx
PS: You can see some of the original wave paintings below the post and some of the reference images.
Wave paintings:
Still Waters - Original Watercolor Painting
Turquoise Adventures - Original Watercolor Painting
A Touch of Wind - Original Watercolor Painting
Inspirational photos:
The photo inspiration behind “St. Anna”.
One of the photo inspirations behind “Wind“.
This will definitely be one of my upcoming paintings. I can`t wait to paint it.
Here are few more photos from this day.
You are allowed to use all of the reference photos above for a painting inspiration as long as you mention Ralitsa Arnaudova from @ralice_at as the author. Those are all raw and unedited photos. Feel free to edit them.
* For commercial rights, contact me here before use.
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