I’m glad I took the time to journal on this trip to Italy. It does take some effort to make time to write things down each day, but it’s amazing how quickly we forget the details if we don’t record them in some way. Each day blurs into the next and you can’t rmember where you went or what you ate or even what day it is!
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| 10″ x 7″ ink & watercolor in a Handbook Field Watercolor Journal |
And a travel journal with sketches is even better than one without, don’t you think? Just looking at this sketch of our last sunset in Manarola takes me back there. Dining at a restaurant high up on the hill above Manarola, with all of the houses below glowing in the setting sun, the sky turning every shade of pink, orange, and blue – it’s something I’ll never forget.
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And don’t you forget about our DECEMBER GIVEAWAY!
Enter for a chance to win a set of five American Journey Interlocked Synthetic Brushes (a $38.69 value) plus a handy Cheap Joe’s Folding Brush Holder (a $14.69 value) to keep them all in, courtesy of Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff.
To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment on one or all of the seven sketches I’ll be posting between November 27 and December 7. You may enter multiple times. Just leave a comment on all seven posts.
The drawing will be held on December 3, 2016.
Each day I’ll ask a question that you can answer in the comments, if you like. Today’s question is…
Leave a comment below. Good luck!
40 Comments
No contest entry, Leslie (I have more brushes than I know what to do with! Although, I may have to check out the short travel version you mentioned in the first Manarola post; they look nice!), but I wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your Italy sketches. I'm enjoying the journaling, too, and getting to learn a little more about the area.
It does make it more personal, doesn't it, when you can read the story that goes along with the sketches? And it really helps me remember some of the little things I saw or things that happened. Or the amazing meals!
My husband! He has always been the best husband to me and father to our children and grandfather. He has a kind heart, has been a great provider, and has a wonderful sense of humor. i think I will keep him!
You're a lucky girl! And it sounds like you know it. 🙂 I think he's pretty lucky, too.
My Dad. He is an amazing artist who has passed those genes onto his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. He raised all of us with unconditional love, making each one of us feel special. He has a wonderful sense of humor and taught all of us to find the good in every situation. He is 93 and still prays over each of us every day.
I love your sketches!! They are beautiful!
Your dad sounds like a one-of-a-kind treasure. You're so fortunate to have had him in your life for so many years. I feel the same way about my mother – she's in her 80s now, and I can't imagine life without her.
My mother. She's 93, 35 years a widow, and keeps on going with a smile on her face and joy in her heart.
My mother is a great inspiration to me, too, Sandra. Aren't we lucky to have them in our lives?
What a nice way to remember a sunset! You're work is an inspiration, Leslie. Thanks … I need all the inspiration I can get.
Thanks, glad I could brighten your day with my sketches.
(this might be a duplicate – I was halfway through typing and my comment disappeared!) I admire all artists who are dedicated to depicting their world "on the spot", be they sketchers or plein air painters. Their works (including your awesome Italy sketches) are a great source of inspiration and keep me motivated to keep sketching and painting!
I'm inspired by the work that others share online, too, Gayle. It's great how we can all learn from each other.
the words and sketches express so much more than one without the other ever could. Even though we the viewers didn't experience it with you , I feel as though I could have thanks to your words and drawings. And… you captured that glow!!
Thanks so much, Karen.
I admire my daughter, she is a floral designer and inspires me with her beautiful work and can-do attitude. Thanks for sharing with us Leslie!
What a lovely sky accompanied by a story! I wish I could write as neatly as you do!
Love your sunset painting of Manarola–makes me want to be there having dinner and a glass of wine. I admire both of my grown children! Both my son and daughter have finished college and found careers that they love. Both are married and chose wonderful spouses—all living useful, caring, meaningful lives.
It must be so satisfying to know that they're both happy with their lives.
Totally love your blog/sketches/watercolors Leslie! Really motivates me to update my own book..my admiration is my Mom, although she is in the throes of Alz Disease now, she always has been my mentor. As a woman who raised 5 children by herself, her strength, character & can figure it out attitude has provided me with guidelines for living a good life!
She's leaving you with a wonderful legacy – my prayers go out to you and your mom, Sara.
My admiration list is always changing, adding people who overcome difficulties in life. I admire those who although their trials and struggles are horrendous they don't complain. They don't whine. They see the positive side of everything. My dad with a terminal cancer diagnosis woke every day thankful that he was still alive. My mom, even though she was physically and emotionally beaten by my step-father still always smiled and took great pleasure in serving others. The list goes on and is always being added to. I love seeing your journal pages. They are so pretty and thoughtful.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, April.
I admire the many artists like you who selflessly share their talents and methods with others in order to nurture the creative spirit we all have within us.
Thanks so much, Pat.
I love how you painted the water in this, something to learn from for me, thank you!
I admire people who are kind despite adversity, giving when it seems as if there's nothing left to give, make lemonade out of life's lemons. They are all around me. I talk to folks where ever I go and find regular people doing these things. I admire them….
You're so right, Susie. People who persevere and manage to find satisfaction in their lives, despite great challenges – that's the kind of everyday people I admire.
Thank you for the chance to win! I have to say that I admire my daughter. She has begun home schooling her children and I admire her dedication to excellence and her steadfastness. She is constantly coming up with inventive and creative ways to teach them. She works hard within her budget and makes learning a fun and enjoyable experience for all involved! ~Gin K.~
That's a tough job, and it's even tougher to do it well. I homeschooled our two children for a total of seven years, and I wouldn't have traded that time for anything, but it was pretty much all-consuming. Your support and encouragement must be a great help and comfort to your daughter.
I must say I admire my granddaughter. She works a full time job and is mom to 5 children. She's also going to school to become a medical technician. God bless her. I don't know how she does it!
Wow! She must be an amazing woman.
My sister-in-law… she's unflappable! Can cook for 2 or 20 seemingly without effort. She's the glue for her whole extended family.
Unflappable – what a great way to describe someone! 🙂
I admire my husband. Coming from a family that never showed affection or praise, he has become the most loving husband and father.
That's so sweet, Nancy. He must be a special guy.
So many people to admire! I admire people who are organized, enough to make time for art – which I cannot seem to do.
I read a quote a few years ago that really spoke to me: "If you don't make time, there will never be time." That quote was instrumental in helping me to make the decision to close my custom sewing business and take up art fulltime. It was one of the best decisions I've made. Take time today to do some art. 🙂 You'll be glad you did.
A tough question as many are admired for a variety of reasons. But I have to say one stands out. My mother-in-love, Peggy… who passed away some years back. Just when her husband had retired and they had begun to live out their dreams she was found to have pancreatic cancer. In the face of such horrendous news I would have understood anger, bitterness, depression… but she did none of these. She bravely accepted the situation and was as kind, gentle and good as ever. She relished time with her family, and played her favorite music and never complained though often in great pain. I admire her deeply.
We all wonder how we would react to a diagnosis like that. Would we have the courage to face it with grace? Thank you for sharing a little bit about Peggy. I'm glad you have such good and inspiring memories of her.
I admire my husband: he is my best friend and so supportive.
I feel so glad to have met my husband and to have spent so many wonderful and happy years with him!
Elaine in Bradenton, FL