Nadia Kissel/ Summer Issue

The works in this series are a visual diary of my daily walks along Diani Beach in Kenya. The Indian Ocean is never the same; it is in a constant state of transformation, changing its colours, moods, and rhythms with the shifting light and tides. Alongside these coastal observations, I have included paintings inspired by the visit to Tsavo National Park. The spectacular sunrises and sunsets, together with the richness of the landscape, create an ever-changing palette of extraordinary colours and forms.

Watercolour feels like the most natural medium for capturing these fluid and transient environments. Its transparency and unpredictability mirror the movement of water, the softness of the sky, and the fleeting qualities of light. It is also my preferred medium when travelling, allowing me to create an improvised studio beneath a tree or directly on the sandy shore, immersed in the landscape that inspires the work.

I consider these paintings to be an emotional diary; a record of moments spent in close dialogue with nature. They reflect my sense of wonder and deep appreciation for its beauty, power, and constant transformation. Through these works, I hope to share with viewers the quiet joy, contemplation, and connection I experienced while painting, and to invite them to pause and rediscover the poetry of the natural world.