As the year slowly comes to an end, the days grow shorter and quieter. Outside, the landscape softens under a thin veil of winter light, and everything seems to pause for a moment. This painting marks the beginning of my Winter Challenge 2025/2026.

Winter has always fascinated me in watercolour. Fewer colours, fewer details—yet so much atmosphere. Snow simplifies the scene, but it also asks more from us as painters: restraint, timing, and trust in the medium. Letting the paper speak becomes just as important as applying paint.

This challenge is not about perfection, but about observation and consistency. About showing up, even on grey days. About learning from each attempt and enjoying the quiet process of painting winter scenes, one by one.

Thank you all for being such a supportive and inspiring community throughout the year. Your comments, shared work, and encouragement make this forum a special place to return to again and again.

I wish you all a peaceful end of the year, and I look forward to painting—and learning—together in the coming winter season.

Warm regards, Oliver & Edo The demo or inspirational video you can find here. https://youtu.be/kmYJKF36FAc