Carl Larsson - Swedish Painter

When I wrote about my roots in Derbyshire, I mentioned that Wright of Derby and his painting of the Orrery had been a great influence on me as a young girl. The other painter that I really loved was Carl Larsson.

I had a print of this painting in my bedroom, and used to imagine what it would be like to live in such a beautiful room. I decided that when I grew up I would have a home just like it.

I loved the Gustavian furniture, the pots of plants wandering along the windowsill, the wooden floor scattered with rugs, and the window open to the views beyond without the need for curtains.

Flowers on the windowsill

Many of his paintings are actually based on the house he lived in with his wife Karin, and their 8 children. Karin and the children were Carl's favourite models. The home is still owned by their descendants and they keep it open for visitors each summer. It is situated in the picturesque village of Sundborn approximately 230 km from Stockholm.
For me his paintings convey such a strong sense and atmosphere of Sweden and Scandinavian countries in general. This is particularly true with regard to the quality of light in his paintings, his gift for portraying interior design and the lively family life depicted in his watercolours.