One of the works I am most proud of is a large triptych depicting a family of reindeer crossing a snowy landscape while the northern lights illuminate the sky. This painting took me months of work, but it perfectly encapsulates what I feel for the region: breathtaking beauty, wild and relentless, yet also calm and peaceful. The seasons have a strong influence on my work. Winter, with its endless nights and northern lights, inspires a palette of deep blues, emerald greens, and intense purples. Summer, on the other hand, with its endless days, pushes me to use stronger colors to capture the golden light of the midnight sun. Each season brings its own challenges and opportunities, and I am always curious about how they affect my art.

I particularly remember a commission I received a few years ago. An elderly woman named Ingrid asked me to paint a portrait of her late husband based on an old photograph. Ingrid and her husband had been married for over fifty years, and she wanted something that not only captured his appearance but also his soul. It was a touching and challenging task, as I really wanted to honor his memory in the best way possible. I worked on the portrait for several weeks to ensure that every brushstroke reflected Ingrid's love and respect for her husband. When she saw the finished painting, she began to cry and said it felt as if he had come back to life. Moments like these give my work deeper meaning.

The Kiruna community has always supported me in an incredible way. The people here understand the challenges that come with living in such an extreme region and appreciate how I depict this reality in my paintings. My shop has evolved into a meeting place where locals can gather, converse, and share their stories. I love listening to these stories because they often inspire my upcoming works.

In addition to selling my paintings, I also want to share my knowledge with others. I regularly organize workshops and painting courses for both children and adults. It is incredibly rewarding to see young people discover the joy of colors and textures and to help them develop their own artistic style. It's my way of giving back to the community that has supported me and given me so much.

The older I get, the more I realize that my art is not just a passion but a true mission. I want my paintings to continue telling the story of Kiruna, its people, and its incredible nature long after I have left this world. My hope is that they will inspire future generations to value and protect this unique region.

My journey has not always been easy. There have been moments of doubt, times when sales were low, and I questioned whether I had made the right choice. But every time I looked out my studio window and saw Kiruna's magnificent landscape, I knew that I could never devote myself to anything else. Art is my life, and Kiruna is my muse.

Today, at 60 years old, I am more passionate than ever. Every day offers a new opportunity to create, explore, and share the beauty of the region with the world. I am deeply grateful for every brushstroke, every completed canvas, and every smile of those who see my work. Life as an artist in Kiruna is a constant adventure, a quest to capture the essence of this Arctic land. And it is a task I gladly undertake, one painting at a time.

Artist Tools: My Favorite Instruments and Materials

Art Materials: My Favorite Tools and Accessories

My Favorite Paintings on the Web Casino

My Favorite Materials

Choosing the Right Materials for Art Projects

In Summary

The choice of materials is a crucial step in the creative process for every artist. By carefully selecting brushes, paints, and canvases, you can not only improve the quality of your work but also ease your artistic practice. With my favorite tools and accessories, which I have meticulously chosen after many years of experience and experimentation, I can capture the beauty of Kiruna and its people with both precision and emotion. I hope these tips help you find the right equipment and take your skills to new heights.

The Northern Lights: An Endless Source of Inspiration

To me, the northern lights, or "aurora borealis," are more than just a visual spectacle. They are a testament to the magic and mystery of the universe, a constant reminder of the beauty that can emerge under extreme conditions. Living in Kiruna gives me the privilege of witnessing them regularly, and each time they appear, they are unique, with a new palette of colors and a new dance across the night sky.

It is precisely the diversity and unpredictability of the northern lights that make them so exciting to paint. They remind me of the importance of being flexible and open as an artist, always ready to capture what is in front of me in an authentic and immediate way. This philosophy guides my work and infuses my paintings with energy and dynamism that many of my customers seem to appreciate.

Capturing Ephemeral Events: Artistic Techniques

Painting the northern lights presents unique challenges. Their fleeting nature and constant movement require a special approach and adapted techniques. Here's how I transform these celestial phenomena into works of art.

Before I begin painting, I spend a lot of time observing the northern lights. I make quick sketches and color studies to understand their tones and movements. Using sketchbooks and watercolors, I can quickly capture my first impression of the northern lights. These preliminary studies are essential as they capture the essence of what I see, which I can later develop in the studio.

The colors of the northern lights are incredibly varied, from emerald green to deep blue and delicate pink and red shades. To do justice to this chromatic richness, I use a wide range of high-quality pigments. Oil paints are often my first choice because they allow for subtle blending and provide exceptional depth in the colors.

I also use glazes, transparent layers of color that allow for layering and creating light effects. This technique is particularly effective for capturing the brightness and transparency of the northern lights.

The light of the northern lights seems to radiate from within, and to capture this effect, I use glazing and layering techniques. I start with a dark base color, usually deep blue or black, to simulate the night sky. Then I apply successive transparent colors with soft brushes and gentle strokes, gradually building up the brightness and depth in the painting.

These glazes create a sense of depth and lightness that is difficult to achieve with opaque paint. Each layer must dry completely before the next is applied, requiring patience but essential for achieving the desired effect.

The northern lights are in constant motion, and capturing this dynamism is one of the most challenging but also rewarding aspects of painting them. I use wide brushes and sweeping strokes to suggest the movement of the light. Sometimes I add a medium to the paint to make it more fluid, helping me create softer transitions and enhance the sense of motion.

Palette knives are also useful for creating textures and light effects. By scraping and building up paint in layers, I can simulate the colors and pulsations of the aurora.

Contrast is a crucial factor in images of the northern lights. The dark night sky highlights the brightness of the lights. I enhance the contrast by using deep black areas and playing with the brightness of the colors. Pure white is used sparingly to capture the brightest points of light, making the aurora's glow truly stand out in the painting.

Painting the northern lights is not simply a technical exercise. It is also a deeply emotional experience. Each painting is an attempt to capture not only what I see but also what I feel when observing these phenomena. There is an intimate connection between the artist and the subject, a dance of emotions reflected in every brushstroke.

I have often noticed that my paintings of the northern lights touch people in a special way. They evoke wonder, humility in the face of nature, and contemplation. The northern lights remind us of our place in the universe and the exquisite beauty of our world. As an artist, it is an honor to be able to convey these emotions through my work.

Sharing the Magic: Exhibitions and Meetings with Art Lovers

Over the years, I have had the honor of exhibiting my northern lights paintings at several exhibitions, both in Kiruna and internationally. Each exhibition is an opportunity to share this magic with a broader audience. I love seeing people's reactions to my works, hearing their stories, and learning about their own experiences with the northern lights.

Meeting other artists and art lovers is also very rewarding. They give me new perspectives and ideas that I can explore and experiment with in my work. The artistic community in Kiruna is small but dynamic, and the exchanges are always inspiring and refreshing.

The northern lights are an endless source of inspiration for me. Their beauty and mystery continue to fuel my creativity, encouraging me to constantly push the boundaries of my art. Each painting is a new journey of discovery, a new attempt to capture the elusive and share this magic with the world.

Painting the northern lights is a challenge, but it is one I am ready to take on every day. Through my paintings, I hope to convey at least a fraction of the awe and wonder I feel when I see them. For in the end, it is this feeling, the connection with nature and the universe, that gives art its true power and meaning.

Portraits of Locals: Stories and Inspiration

Portraits of familiar faces cover the walls of the "Aurora Art of Einar" studio, located in the heart of my Kiruna. Each portrait tells a story, a life, a unique personality. I am Einar Abelson, a passionate painter, and in this article, I want to share the stories behind my most well-known portraits and describe the process I follow to create a personal portrait.

Historier bakom berömda porträtt

Ingrid och Sven: Evig kärlek

Ingrid är en äldre kvinna från Kiruna som förlorade sin man Sven för några år sedan. Deras kärlek var legendarisk i vårt lilla samhälle, och Ingrid ville hedra Svens minne genom att be mig måla hans porträtt. Hon gav mig ett gammalt foto från deras bröllop, gulnat av tidens gång men fortfarande fullt av liv och lycka.

Det här porträttet var en känslomässig utmaning. När jag samtalade med Ingrid fick jag höra om de intima detaljerna från deras liv tillsammans – äventyr, stunder av glädje och sorg. Jag strävade efter att inte bara fånga Svens utseende, utan även den kärlek och ömhet som genomsyrade deras berättelser.

Jag började med blyertspenna och fokuserade på att fånga hans blick och uttryck. Därefter byggde jag upp bilden lager för lager, med tunna lager av oljefärg för att förmedla djupet i hans ansikte och känslan i hans ögon. När jag till slut visade porträttet för Ingrid, var hennes glädjetårar den största belöning jag kunde ha hoppats på.

Erik är en välkänd smed i Kiruna, känd för sina unika metallarbeten och sin starka karaktär. Han är en imponerande person, med händer märkta av åratal av hårt arbete och ett ansikte format av den kalla arktiska vinden. Att måla Erik var en möjlighet att fånga styrkan och motståndskraften hos en man som är djupt rotad i vårt samhälle.

För det här porträttet valde jag att använda mörka, jordnära färger som speglar hans arbetsmiljö och robusta personlighet. Detaljerna var avgörande – varje rynka, varje ärr berättade en historia om beslutsamhet och passion. Under poseringarna delade Erik med sig av berättelser om sitt arbete och sitt liv, vilket gav mig djupare insikt och inspiration för mitt arbete. Slutresultatet är en hyllning till en man vars inre och yttre styrka kan kännas i varje penseldrag.

Anna, lärare

Anna är en pensionerad lärare, känd för sin vänlighet och sitt starka engagemang för sina elever. Hennes silverfärgade hår och vänliga leende speglar den visdom och det tålamod hon gav generationer av barn i Kiruna. Att fånga Annas innersta väsen i porträttet var en hyllning till hennes milda anda och hennes förmåga att påverka så många människors liv på ett positivt sätt.

För det här porträttet valde jag en ljusare och mer levande färgpalett, med inslag av ljusgult och mjukt blått för att återspegla hennes lugna och tröstande natur. I bakgrunden inkluderade jag element från skolan – böcker och pennor – för att placera hennes identitet i sin miljö. Anna poserade med ett fridfullt leende, och varje session var fylld av nostalgiska berättelser om hennes långa karriär. Porträttet är ett vittnesbörd om en extraordinär kvinnas ömhet och vänlighet.

The Process of Creating a Personal Portrait

Creating a personal portrait is an intimate journey between the artist and the subject. I follow these guidelines to ensure that each portrait becomes a faithful reflection of the person's personality and story.

It all begins with a meeting. I take the time to talk with the person who wants to be painted or who has commissioned the portrait. This conversation is crucial to understanding the person's story, emotions, and expectations. During the meeting, I also have the opportunity to make quick sketches and take reference photos. I ask questions about style, color choices, and specific preferences, and I always encourage sharing anecdotes and memories that can enrich the portrait and make it more personal.

Based on the information I have gathered, I create several preliminary sketches. These sketches allow me to explore different compositions and perspectives. I then share these with the person being depicted to receive feedback and fine-tune the project according to their wishes. This step is a collaboration and aims to ensure that the person's vision and expectations are respected and met.

The choice of color palette plays a crucial role in expressing personality and emotions. I choose the palette based on the initial discussions and the subject's unique characteristics. For example, warm, earthy tones may suit a person with a strong and resilient character, while softer pastel colors may better reflect a gentle and caring personality.

I usually start with a monochromatic base to define the main shadows and highlights. I then build up the painting in successive layers, gradually adding details and nuances. The technique varies depending on the subject: for a highly detailed portrait, I use fine brushstrokes and delicate glazes, while a more expressive portrait may benefit from broader and bolder strokes.

I often arrange several poses on-site if possible. This gives me the opportunity to capture aspects of the subject's personality that may not be evident in photographs. It is also a time for connection and exchange, where the subject can become familiar with the process, and I can adjust and refine the portrait based on their reactions and feedback.

In the final stage, I polish the details and add the finishing touches that bring the portrait to life. I pay special attention to the eyes, as they are often the focal point that best captures a person's essence. Once the portrait is finished, I present it in a session dedicated to the subject. It is an emotional moment, where the person's reactions often confirm that the work has succeeded and that the portrait truly reflects their unique soul.

My painted portraits are much more than just images; they are vignettes of life, personal stories captured on canvas. Each portrait is a journey of exploration and discovery, both for me as the artist and for the subject, seen through my eyes. By sharing these stories and my creative process, I hope to offer insight into the intimacy and reflection present in each work, and invite everyone to appreciate the depth and richness in every painted face.

Painting portraits of the people of Kiruna is both an honor and a duty for me. Through each portrait, I connect with the individual's story and the community as a whole, creating works that touch and engage those who view them.

Art and Emotions: Therapy Through Painting

Painting as an artistic expression has a fantastic power: it can capture and convey complex emotions. In addition to creating beautiful works of art, painting can also serve as a powerful therapeutic tool, helping people explore, understand, and manage their emotions. In this article, we explore how painting can be used as therapy and share stories of people who have found emotional support through this method.

How Painting Helps Express and Manage Emotions

Painting is a non-verbal form of expression that can be especially useful for those who find it difficult to express their emotions with words. Colors, shapes, and textures can often convey emotions more accurately and directly than words. For example, a vibrant canvas with red and yellow hues can express anger or passion, while soft blue and green tones can evoke feelings of calm or sadness.

The creative process itself can be both meditative and introspective. When we paint, we focus on the present, on the physical sensation of the brush against the canvas, and on how the colors blend. This focus can calm the mind and create space for inner reflection. It is a form of mindfulness that allows us to connect with our emotions with awareness and intention.

For many people, painting can be a way to release suppressed emotions. By giving our inner feelings a physical form, we can better explore and understand them. Painting can act as a catharsis, allowing one to release pent-up tensions and emotions. This process of release can be both liberating and therapeutic.

Creating art can also boost self-esteem and confidence. Completing a piece of art gives a sense of achievement and satisfaction. It can also improve belief in one's abilities, which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from depression or anxiety.

Painting can also serve as a powerful communication tool. Sharing your work with others can create an opportunity for conversations and exchanges about the emotions and experiences the work conveys. This can help build relationships and strengthen social bonds by offering a starting point for meaningful discussions.

Advice for Advanced Artists

Glazing is an advanced technique where a thin layer of transparent paint is applied over an already dry paint layer. This method gives the painting depth and luster. Glazes are often used in oil paintings to create subtle light effects and smooth color transitions, adding an extra dimension to the artwork.

Plein air painting, or painting outdoors, involves capturing natural light and atmosphere on-site. This technique improves your observational skills and forces you to work quickly to adapt to changes in light and weather conditions.

Adding texture to a painting can really bring your work to life and add dimension. Use texture mediums such as gel medium or modeling paste to create relief and three-dimensional effects. You can also experiment with unusual tools like sponges, palette knives, or even your fingers to spread the paint and create unique patterns.

Advice for Advanced Artists

Glazing is an advanced technique where a thin layer of transparent paint is applied over an already dry paint layer. This gives the painting both depth and shine. Glazes are often used in oil paintings to create subtle light effects and smooth color transitions, adding extra dimension and vibrancy to the work.

Plein air painting, also called outdoor painting, involves painting outdoors to capture the natural light and atmosphere of the location. This technique improves your observational skills and forces you to work quickly to adapt to changes in light and weather conditions.

Adding texture to a painting can really bring your work to life and depth. Use texture mediums such as gel medium or modeling paste to create relief and three-dimensional effects. You can also experiment with unusual tools like sponges, palette knives, or even your fingers to spread the paint and create unique patterns.

Impasto is a technique where paint is applied in thick, textured layers, often with a palette knife. This creates three-dimensional surfaces and dramatic light and shadow effects in the painting. Oil paints are particularly well-suited for this technique due to their thick consistency, allowing for rich, textured surfaces that add extra depth and dynamism to the work.

Using mixed media involves combining different materials in a single work. For example, you can start with acrylic paint and then add details with oil, or use materials like glue and ink to create different effects. Mixed media techniques offer great creative freedom and allow for the creation of unique and multifaceted works that take advantage of each medium's special properties.

For experienced artists, mastering light and shadow effects is crucial for creating realism and depth in a painting. Carefully study how light interacts with objects and creates shadows. Use value contrasts (differences in the brightness of colors) to enhance the volume and dimensions of objects, giving them a more three-dimensional and lifelike appearance in the work.

A balanced composition is essential for creating visual harmony in your work. Use the rule of thirds to position the main elements in the composition. Also, consider the use of lines, focal points, and the distribution of colors and shapes to create a dynamic and appealing composition.
Varnish protects your painting and can also enhance its appearance. There are different types of varnish, such as glossy, matte, and satin. Glossy varnish highlights the colors and gives a shiny appearance, while matte varnish reduces reflections and provides a more subdued effect. It's important to ensure the paint is completely dry before applying the varnish.
Even experienced artists can greatly benefit from studying the works of the masters. Analyzing the techniques and styles of great painters can enrich your own artistic practice. Copying famous works is also a valuable exercise for understanding artistic methods and approaches. Painting is a rich and versatile medium that offers countless techniques for expressing creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, it's important to continually explore, experiment, and learn new techniques. Basic skills like canvas preparation, color theory, and blending techniques form a solid foundation for beginners. For advanced artists, techniques such as glazing, impasto, and mixed media can open up new creative possibilities and deepen your artistic expression.

Remember that art is a personal and ongoing adventure. Each new technique you master adds a new dimension to your work. Don't be afraid to experiment, let your creativity guide you, and most importantly, enjoy the process of painting. The beauty of art lies in its ability to grow with you, to reflect your emotions, experiences, and unique view of the world.

Collaboration with Sami Artists

Working with Sami artists has been an incredibly enriching experience. These collaborations have not only broadened my artistic horizons but also given me a deeper understanding and respect for Sami culture. These artists carry with them a rich knowledge of their traditions and a unique perspective, which has deepened and enriched our joint creations.

When we work together, we exchange techniques and ideas. For example, I have learned to use natural materials often found in Sami craftsmanship, such as wood, reindeer skin, and natural pigments. These materials add authenticity and depth to my work, and they have inspired me to incorporate more elements of nature into my own creations.

One of the most memorable projects was the creation of a series of artworks in collaboration with the local Sami community. We organized workshops and study circles where both young and old members actively participated in the process. This experience not only strengthened our bonds but also highlighted how important and relevant Sami culture is in today's society.

We also organized joint exhibitions where our works were displayed side by side. These exhibitions not only celebrated our collaboration but also raised awareness among a broader audience about the richness of Sami culture. Visitors got to experience how contemporary art can be inspired by ancient traditions and serve as a bridge between the past and the present.

By working with Sami artists, I had the opportunity to learn techniques deeply rooted in their craft traditions. For example, I learned the natural dyeing technique used to create traditional clothing, as well as the methods used to make shamanic drums. This ancient knowledge has added a unique dimension to my work and inspired me to experiment with more materials and techniques.

Coming Soon: The Exhibition Celebrating Swedish Women

During this dynamic year of artistic and cultural discoveries, I am pleased to announce a very special event being prepared in my studio in Kiruna. The exhibition is titled "Women of Sweden: Strength, Beauty, Endurance" and is a tribute to the influence and contributions of Swedish women throughout history up to today. Through exciting and varied works, I aim to honor these women who have shaped and enriched our society.

Since my early days as an artist in this small Nordic community, I have been deeply inspired by the personal and collective stories of the women who have made Sweden what it is today. Their influence extends across culture, politics, economics, and, of course, art. Each work I have created for this exhibition carries a part of this history, a part of the feminine essence that continues to inspire and guide me in my artistic work.

Swedish women are known for their resilience in the face of challenges, their commitment to equality, and their significant contributions to all areas of society. This exhibition is an attempt to capture and visually convey the essence of these qualities through painting, sculpture, and other visual art forms. Each piece is a unique exploration of the beauty, inner strength, and diversity of women's experiences in Sweden.

The Explored Themes and Works in the Exhibition

Each region of Sweden has unique traditions, often shaped by women. Portraits of historical and contemporary figures highlight this cultural richness, from Lapland to Skåne. The exhibition explores the development of the feminist movement in Sweden and the women who fought for equality. Through artworks and interactive installations, visitors reflect on progress and remaining challenges. Swedish women’s connection to nature and spirituality is depicted through wild landscapes and traditional ceremonies, capturing the harmony between humans and nature.

The artwork portrays a Sami woman in decorative traditional clothing, symbolizing strength and connection to the north. A series of portraits honors Swedish women known for their contributions to science, literature, art, and other fields. Figures such as Selma Lagerlöf, Astrid Lindgren, and Anna Lindh are presented with emotional depth and respect for their legacy. An immersive installation invites visitors to discover the raw beauty of the Swedish landscape through a combination of painting, video, and sound, capturing the calm and power of nature.

The Explored Themes and Works in the Exhibition