Probably my most favorite city in all Europe is Vienna in Austria. Stayed there often over the years and arrived by most means of transport too. By air, by bus, by car and by river boat. Stayed in an apartment a few times and also in some of the great hotels such as the Sacher in the center and the Bristol and possibly my favorite these days, the Imperial on the Karntner Ring. But here I show some paintings and sketches of Vienna.
Hofburg
When staying at the Imperial Hotel on the Karntner Ring I used to often walk along it until I reached the State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) on the other side of the Ring, then take a right down Karntner Strasse to the old Sacher Hotel for what else but a Sacher torte (coffee and cake). I remember too that I occasionally would go roung the back of the Imperial to the old and wonderful Musikverein Concert Hall for opera, ballet and music in the evenings. This is a sketch -
WienMusikverein
Another reason for the location of the Imperial being good for me was that just a few steps away was and is (I think they are still there) the Vienna Philharmonic Office where I had some business at the time. But Vienna or certainly the old part and center is not large and is very much a city for walking and so many wonderful and interesting buildings and places of interest are easily accessible.
Downtown Vienna - fauvism style Impression
I have posted above this particular painting way back at the start of this blog site, being one of my favorite images of the center of Vienna. It shows the bustle and vitality of the crowds shopping in and near the Graben pedestrian area. Used multilayer techniques and strong brush work to covey the wholeness of the scene.
In Vienna you will also see quite a few horse drawn carriages. There a few pick up points around the city where the “Fiaker” carriage can be hired. Originating from around 1700 there are perhaps now around 100 of these and a great way to leisurely see around the smaller streets of the city.
Horse drawn carriage at the Hofburg
The above is a sketch of one of the many horse drawn carriages you will see around the city, though whether this one is a true “Fiaker” is debatable as the driver is not wearing the traditional hat. I personally guess he’d just taken it off for some reason, but we’ll never know.
Here below is a typical square in Vienna center which is managed in a sketch style showing the small fountain and sculpted figures and the wonderful buildings around. In fact I think from memory that is the MichaelerKirche in the background, one of the many landmarks of the city.
Typical square in Vienna center
Vienna scene
I think the above one is just along from the Sacher Hotel to the right as I remember Starbucks was on my route to that hotel from the Imperial. Have not been in Vienna for a couple of years now, the last time arriving by river boat which was quite odd. Didn’t recognize anything until we more or less arrived. But each and every time I visit, it gives me enormous pleasure and I always seem to manage to relax here very quickly and that can’t be bad!
I have many, many images, pictures, sketches and paintings of this city and I never tire of it – can’t wait to return.
