My daughter and I have planned to spend a weekend in Prague together for over a decade but somehow our diaries never seemed to coincide, until we recently discovered we both had a completely free bank holiday. It was very short-notice arrangement and a whistlestop tour because we only had two full days in the city and there was so much to see. We were travelling light so I just took my usual sketchbook and a minimal watercolour kit. There was a multitude of attractions to visit and so many exciting painting possibilities in such a short time; I had to make good use of my camera to record images to paint back in the studio. Prague is an ancient and intriguing city of magnificent boulevards and narrow alleyways, vistas along the riverbanks and an amazing skyline both during the daytime and at night. So much to see and so little time, we shall have to return again soon! There are some interesting galleries including one dedicated to the work of Alphonse Mucha, and amazing architecture from so many different periods all juxtaposed so intriguingly throughout the city. It’s definitely possible to see all the highlights of the city on foot and there are plenty of cafes, parks and other spaces where you can sit and paint undisturbed. I started this sketch sitting on the riverbank in a park where there was a very civilised music and wine festival taking place (how pleasant) but quickly realised that I had set myself quite a task because of all the detail. I managed to finish the ink sketch en plein air and added the watercolour later from a reference photo. Even though I only managed to complete one sketch while we were there, I think I successfully captured the vibrant colour and atmosphere, and I’m looking forward to starting some more considered paintings from my photos as soon as I can. I’ll be off to Shell Island in North Wales with my grandchildren for our annual camping expedition so my next blog will be from there. Meanwhile, happy painting to you all.