July – August 2025
Welcome back !
It is nice to be back connecting with you ! We have been enjoying a busy Summer, travelling with my family, enjoying time together at home, taking part and planning some art events that are coming very soon.
We have been in Norway enjoying a family holiday and I am sharing the trip with you. The featured artists of this issue is my lovely friend Monica Silver; a great abstract artist, a fantastic friend and an amazing person. Coming from Chile and having lived in so many places in the glove, she chose Shrewsbury to settle with her family a long time ago. Also, I added the list of future events, in order to keep you updated and invite you to take part.
As always, your ideas of what would you like to see and read on future issues, as well as any comments on any of the topics / articles of the newsletter, are most appreciated – please comment here or contact me directly on info@giselarobinson.com. I am really looking forward to hearing from you !
If you haven´t yet, please subscribe for free by clicking here, to receive this monthly newsletter, and as an appreciation, you will get a downloadable present !
So, here we go !
In this newsletter you will find:
Enjoy!
A Summer Road Trip Through Norway:
Sun, Fjords, Family Adventure & Creative Fuel
Hola amigos! My family and I just got back from a sun-drenched road trip through Norway, and I have to say – we are exhausted, but still glowing (a bit from the sun, mostly from fond memories and inspiration).
I’ve always associated Scandinavia with snowy vistas and muted palettes, but this trip? Bright colours, warm lakes, lush mountains, and golden light that lasted 24 hours. Total mind reset and creative dreamland.
Spoiler: This isn’t the typical trip to Norway … as any of our trips – in fact – , and I will tell you why. My husband has spent years traveling the world for work, and that’s actually how we met – when he was working in Buenos Aires !
All that travel has definitely shaped the way he sees the world and experiences different cultures. So, one thing’s for sure: holidays with him are never boring. He’s an incredible trip planner – the absolute best – and honestly, he’s the only person I’d trust our holidays, in this life or any other!
So, of course, our trip to Norway was carefully thought out. In just two weeks, he managed to create an itinerary that gave us a real feel for the country – its beauty, its charm, and yes, even its famously unpredictable summer weather.
Let me take you through the highlights of this summer escape – full of family adventures, sketches, swims, and plenty of visual joy.
Oslo – touch and go
We flew into Oslo, but didn´t spend long there – not yet. We picked up our hire car at the airport and set off on a two week-long loop through mountains, waterfalls, villages, and waterfront towns, sketchbooks packed and snacks in every backpack pocket. It was hot – between 25°C and 33°C every day – and Norway in summer was a total dream. Sunlight throughout the day, clean air, cold fjords, and landscapes that made all five of us stop and stare.
First stop was Gailo, 220 km west of Oslo. A ski resort transformed for summer, with streams and hikers replacing ski runs and snowboards. The roads were steep wining – a bit scary for me but with views to die for. It seems that rock falls are a common event around there and we could certainly see the aftermath. In fact, for one we had to join a convoy to navigate what was left of the road that one had left behind.
Bergen stole all our hearts. Colourful houses in Bryggen (UNESCO heritage), buzzing summer energy. We popped into some small galleries featuring local illustrators and textile artists.
We went up to the mountings first thing in the morning, and saw the mist lifting to reveal Bergen and views out across the islands of the coast to the Noth Sea; and it didn’t disappoint.
Then come the Fiords !
We left Bergen and drove into the mountains where we encountered the dramatic and famous fiords. We took a ferry for three hours that left us enchanted with this fairytale landscape filled with waterfalls, improbable cliff faces, and impressive mountains.
Next stop was alongside Sogndalfjorden, for that we climbed up and down mountains through corkscrew tunnels and even around a couple of subterranean roundabouts.
We went up to the very top of the mountains to another ski resort where special visitors like sheep and mounting goats sounded their bells hanging around their necks.
Stryn gave us major mystical landscape vibes. We passed glaciers and turquoise rivers that looked digitally enhanced, but they weren’t. We stopped so many times just to take pictures and catch our breath.
One of our shared highlights was the floating sauna as a family! It was off a private dock by the Fjaerlands fiord. We got the sauna for ourselves and it was well worth it. It was mostly glass which allowed us to admire the beautiful landscape while sweating in the sauna’s heat and balancing at the soft rhythm of the water. From time to time, when the heat became almost unbearable, we opened the sauna door to catch the breeze; jumping into the water was only for the brave.
I could only enter the water through the steps and only for a few seconds before feeling the pain in my legs from the low temperature (13 degrees). On the other hand, our not so little ones, jumped in from the sauna roof and enjoyed every bit of it. It was a lovely moment for all filled with fun and laughter.
Another ferry took us on the way to Bjorli, a winter sports town, but even in summer it has a magical empty feel. I took my sketchbook into the forest and show through textures bar and cloud shadows.
It was like an artist retreat in the wild. Another ski resort, this time at the base of the mounting give us refuge from the heat. We had a lovely water adage in the outdoor jacuzzi of the rented house, before preparing our meal.
All about Trolls
The next morning, we embraced our longest car trip of the holidays; around six ours through the Trollveggen, or The Troll Wall — a place where mountains meet the sky in the most dramatic way.It is the tallest vertical rock face in Europe. We’re talking about a jaw-dropping 1,100 meters (over 3,600 feet) of sheer cliff, rising almost straight out of the valley floor. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, crane your neck back, and just stare in awe.
Legend says the cliff was once home to trolls who were turned to stone when caught by the sun – hence the name. Whether you believe the stories or not, there’s something undeniably mystical about the wall’s rugged silhouette and its surrounding peaks, especially when clouds roll in or snow dusts the tops.
This afternoon we reached Trondheim, Tucked along the Trondheimsfjord in central Norway. Trondheim is a city that knows how to blend the old with the new in the most charming way. It’s Norway’s third-largest city, but don’t expect a bustling metropolis. Instead, Trondheim feels more like a welcoming village with a big heart and a rich soul.
We spent the day there, said good bye to the car and spent a night in a hotel, before taking a six hour train to Mo I Rana. This small town, just south of the Arctic Circle, is full of contrasts: it’s industrial and wild, quiet and adventurous, a little mysterious and totally welcoming. From there, my brave husband would once again picked up a hire car and drove us to our last destination before looping back to Oslo: the Polar Circle Station.
Nestled right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the Polar Circle Station is one of those unique places that feels like a step into another world. Imagine standing in a spot where, for half the year, the sun never sets, and during the other half, it barely rises.
This station isn’t just about its location, though. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and mystery of the polar region. It offers a glimpse into a life surrounded by vast, snow-covered landscapes, deep blue skies, and a quiet stillness that you can only find in the far north.
We came back to Mo I Rana, where we spent the night and said goodbye to the car for good, to embark in a scenic train to Oslo, with panoramic views and a quiet and relaxing way to admire the amazing landscape.
The train ride south was six hour long, peaceful – a time to rest, sketch, and reflect. Our eldest sat quietly with headphones, watching the mountains roll by. It hit me then – this summer is a kind of ending and beginning. A beautiful, sunlit chapter before big changes.
Back to Oslo, this time to explore it
We returned to Oslo for our last three days with a very different plan. Away from cabins, high snow peaks, glaciers, nature and raw beauty, Oslo provides the modern architecture, museums to explore and vibrant city vibe. We were overwhelmed by the variety of places to visit and this is what we did in this short time:
National Museum
Home of one of the versions of Munich’s The Scream (yes, it’s still overwhelming in person). Huge, inspiring, and a great mix for the whole family. I spent ages in the textile and furniture sections with the classic modern minimalist designs typical from Norway.
MUNCH Museum
My very favourite. All of us were moved in different ways here. It’s more than just paintings – it’s an experience. Raw, emotional, and beautifully modern. It goes deep, not just about Evard Munch, but a whole experience of expression, psychology and vulnerability. Curated by emotions with colour moods and sounds that take you through Munich’s life and experiences.
It’s modern architecture with views to the sea and the city is impressive and makes the visit easy and comfortable. Also home of modern international artists who exhibit there temporally, the building alone is worth visiting.
Kon-Tiki Museum
The Kon-Tiki Museum is a poetic ode to human curiosity and the audacity of adventure. Nestled on Oslo’s Bygdøy Peninsula, it houses the original balsa raft that Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl sailed across the Pacific in 1947 in an act of daring that challenged conventional wisdom and bridged ancient worlds. The museum’s immersive exhibits, from the reed boat Ra II to underwater installations and cave replicas, invite visitors to drift between myth and science, art and anthropology. It’s a place where the spirit of exploration is not just preserved, but celebrated as a creative force.
Akershus Castle
Perched above the Oslofjord, Akershus Castle is a medieval fortress that whispers centuries of Norwegian history through its stone walls. Built in the late 13th century, it has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and even a prison. Today, its moody halls and panoramic views offer a dramatic backdrop for reflection and sketching – perfect for artists drawn to stories etched in architecture.
Nobel Peace Center
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century train station, the Nobel Peace Center is more than a museum; it’s a tribute to courage, dialogue, and change. Through immersive exhibitions and multimedia installations, it celebrates the lives and legacies of Peace Prize laureates. For creatives, it’s a place where design meets activism, and where ideas ripple outward like brushstrokes on canvas.
Norsk Folkemuseum (Old Buildings Museum)
Step into a living tapestry of Norwegian heritage at the Norsk Folkemuseum, where 160 historic buildings – including a stunning 13th-century stave church – tell stories of rural life, urban evolution, and cultural identity. The open-air layout invites you to wander through time, sketching timber facades and imagining the lives once lived within them
Final Thoughts: Sunlight, Sketchbooks & Family Memories
As someone who is always between cultures – Argentinian at heart, living in the UK, craving sun but loving fog – I found Oslo to be this strange, beautiful middle ground. This trip wasn’t just about discovering Norway, admire its art, landscape or collecting visual inspiration; it was also about spending time together before our family shifts shape a little. As our eldest prepares to head to uni, this trip felt like a summer of transition, captured in sunshine, swims, scribbled sketches, and a thousand little moments we will carry with us.
Norway in summer is a dream for families, explorers and art lovers alike – wide open skies, long golden days, creative energy in unexpected places, and space to just be.
If you are still here, apologies for the length of this – difficult not to get carried away with excitement while reviving this experience, or that’s my excuse 😉 Thanks for coming along on this little journey with us, and if you’re planning a creative adventure, I’m always happy to share ideas. I would love to hear from you: What family holidays do you recommend, have enjoyed or planning to do soon?
Un abrazo,
Gisela
Featured Artist
Monica Silver
In a ping pong chat, we sat down with my amazing friend Monica Silver; an artist whose work radiates depth, texture, and a quiet kind of boldness. Coming from the end of the world – like me – and having traveled and immersed herself in a tapestry of cultures, Monica brings a global sensibility to her art, echoing the places she’s lived and the stories she’s gathered along the way. Her pieces feel like visual poems – layered, expressive, and deeply personal. Whether she’s working with abstract forms or delicate details, Monica invites us into a world where intuition leads and beauty follows.
Let’s dive into her creative process, inspirations, and the stories behind her art.
Monica, tell us something about yourself.
I’ve been doing art as long as I can remember. The need to create is something that I Iove and cherish.
How would you describe your artistic style ?
Pure indulgence. It´s free style – I just need to experience it , enjoy it; and you can decide what it means for you.
Favourite media ?
I don’t have any preference., however I like to find my own way of using any media.
Inspiration
My inspiration usually comes from Nature, but lately I have been inspired by old books.
What role does your background and culture play in your art ?
Definitely, my travels inspired everything I do.
How do you stay motivated and inspired, specially during creative blocks ?
Visiting art galleries and book shops , meeting new artist. I have been a lot more focus thanks to my local artist friends .
What are you working on at the moment ?
I have been working on a black and white London city landscapes. Very different to my full of colour and shapes painting which I have been doing before this series.
What do you hope that people take away from your art?
Enjoyment is the main hope. If possible, to provide inspiration to anyone that would like to do art, but lacks confidence.
If you would like to know more about Monica, you can explore her art here. If you are around Shropshire, you can see her artwork displayed at VAN Gallery, Darwin Centre – Middle Level- , Shrewsbury.
Events
Here you can see the events that I will be taking part in the following months. Hope that I can see you around !
Drop-In Open Day to Meet the Artist
HIGLY FLAMABLE STUDIOS
I’m excited to be taking part in one of the DROP-IN OPEN DAYS to Meet the Artist at the Highly Frammable Studios in Shrewsbury.
These drop-in sessions organised by Highly Flammable Studios, welcome anybody who would like to meet local artists, connect with creative folk, and try some new creative skills. I will be doing some watercolour basics and you can have a try. I will be with some friends artists in different stations, so you can try several techniques on the same day. The sessions are free – contributions towards materials are appreciated.
Highly Flammable Studios
1a Roushill Bank, Shrewsbury, SY1 1PN
Wed 27th August – from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Whimsy & Wonder
EXHIBITION
This Exhibition is an evocative collection which brings together portraits of literary authors, playful creatures in bottles, people entwined with animas and so much more.
Free admission. Come and visit!
Theatre Severn
3rd September & 31st October
Frankwell, 3rd Floor, SY3 8FT
Mon to Fri 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sat to Sun 90 mins before perfomances.
Stop. Coffee Shop – St Julian
MINI EXHIBITION
I’m so happy to share that my artwork is now on display at Stop. Coffee St Julian in Shrewsbury, as part of the Shrewsbury Art Trail celebration! Nicola has kindly set up a lovely spot for me, where I’ll have a Wall Gallery featuring some of my favorite pieces.
If you’re nearby, swing by for a yummy coffee and a little treat — the food is fresh and delicious, and the vibe is super welcoming! I’d love for you to check it out!
If you would like to purchase one of the framed artworks of this exhibition, click here.
Stop. Coffee Shop
3 St Julians Crescent, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1UD
Shrewsbury Art Trail
ART EXHIBITION IN THE PARADE
A celebration of our vibrant local arts community and really shows off what makes our county such a lively and welcoming place for culture lovers.
I’m thrilled to have been chosen to display one original artwork “Sunset on the Hills” at The Parade, alongside some incredible local artists.
Come and enjoy Shrewsbury’s amazing burst of art this summer — it’s a treat you won’t want to miss!
Shrewsbury Art Trail
The Parade
1st of June & 31st of August – St Marys Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1DL
For more events, click here and keep updated.
If you are still here, apologies for the length of this – difficult not to get carried away with excitement while reviving our experience in Norway , or that’s my excuse. Thanks for coming along on this little journey with us, and if you’re planning a creative adventure, I’m always happy to share ideas. I would love to hear from you: What family holidays do you recommend, have enjoyed or planning to do soon?
Also, if you are not already subscribed to this newsletter, and you would like to receive it, click here to subscribe. It is free and I promise that I won´t spam you ! Plus, you will get a downloadable present by mail !
Un abrazo,
Gisela
Until next time!
GISELA ROBINSON 