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| 10″ x 2″, ink & watercolor in Stillman & Birn Beta series sketchbook |
As I rode the train from Vicenza to Venice on Day 9 of my Italian adventure, the colors were soft and muted. Church spires peeked above the fog as we passed by small towns and farms. It was a quiet, relaxed trip, and I had a chance to sketch the pretty countryside as we rambled along.
When we stepped off in Venice, it was another story entirely…
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| 10″ x 7″, ink & watercolor in Stillman & Birn Beta series sketchbook |
As we cruised down the Grand Canal, gaping at centuries-old homes, cathedrals, and public buildings (and boats everywhere!), I found it difficult to take it all in. I was actually in VENICE!!
It was historic, beautiful, busy, colorful, charming, and utterly unique.
The gondolas were gorgeous, and the gondoliers looked pretty spiffy, too, in their traditional striped shirts and jaunty caps.
Although I wrote in my travel journal every day while I was in Italy and faithfully recorded where we went and what we saw, I didn’t always have time to do as many sketches as I wanted. So, I planned ahead and left space for the images I wanted to draw and paint later, making a pencil notation on the page of what the subject matter would be, and drawing a rough border outline of the space, so I knew to keep my text out of that area.
This scene was painted from photos I took that day in Venice as I traveled on the crowded water bus down the Grand Canal. I recorded this time-lapse video at home in my studio…
Hearing the camera clicking away every few seconds always makes me
feel a little rushed and frantic, so I painted this very quickly. Maybe
it’s a good thing though, because it forced me to simplify and paint
more boldly. I hope you like it.
By the way, I’ve added a “Videos” tab, above, where you can conveniently access all my videos.
9 Comments
Loving seeing your Venice painted sketches in a different style than you usually show. I really like the loose style.
I like the loose style, too, Barbara. I don't know why I find it so hard to paint that way most of the time. I think the secret for me is to work quickly. When I dawdle and take my time, I get too detailed. Maybe I should just turn the video camera on every time I paint, since it tends to make me speed up! 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed your vieo painting the Grand Canal. And marvel at how easily you simplify and capture the essence of the place!
Thanks, Shirley. I wish it worked that way every time! 🙂
Delightful travel journal… I enjoyed the video too… thanks for sharing that.
You're welcome, Elaine. Glad you're enjoying my travel journal. It's been fun working on it and remembering the trip. Sure makes me want to go back though!
I am so enjoying your visit to Venice. Isn't it just mind boggling when you step out of the train station and see the Grand Canal and everything? Your sketches are wonderful.
Nothing could have prepared me for that scene when I stepped out of the train station and saw Venice for the first time. I'll never forget it.
hi leslie, wanted to give my opionion on archway! i like it unpainted..focal point seems to be the buildings and beautiful greenery/flowers!