Sketch-booking in Italy - Part 1 - Painting & Drawing Tips

How can I be Home ALREADY!!

I have been planning, packing and dreaming of my trip to Italy.  Suddenly it is over.  Yesterday, cleaning my teeth in Venice, today in my bathroom.  This. Can’t. Be. Right.

 

Sketching inside the Facciata del Duomo d'Orvieto - built in 1300's

 Don't get me wrong.  I am happy to be home but oh, it was lovely tramping around Italy without a care in the world.  I went with my two sisters, we had an awesome time.  Sightseeing, wondering around, shopping, relaxing, and of course for me, a chance to add new adventure to my sketchbook.  

Yes, I did climb up that Big hill to the Civita di Bagnoregio - Awesome Day!

I admit, I am a bit of a nut when it comes to my sketchbook.  I have several, one for any occasion. And my trip to Italy required a special one!  (Read more about prepping my sketchbook, getting an awesome kit together and a test run, starting with Is Your Sketchbook Ready to Roll. )

Sketching in the Roman Forum - nice to have a shady spot after walking around in the sun all day

I know, you probably aren't going to Italy this year but you do have plans/activities.  Making your art  part of your experience can be a challenge.  I know how you feel.  

You struggle to keep committed and want some ideas to keep you going. 

You fear you wont  keep up the momentum once you are away.

You cant visualize how to be consistent with all the demands on your time. 

There is no one answer but here’s how I handled my trip.  I hope it inspires you to find success on yours. 

Pen and book were ready so captured a few different tidbits as the day unfolded.  Some colour was added later.  

 1.       Be prepared: On our trip, my sisters and I traveled to 5 different parts of Italy by train - Rome, Orvieto, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice.  There was no time to fiddle around.  My materials were packed, ready and I was very familiar with them.  See my previous posts on my Art Kit, Prepping My sketchbook and Test Runs for more on this. 

Of course I had to draw something at the Roman Forum, there was so much on the grounds.  The statue was from one of the statues at the Vatican

2.      Set Priorities with yourself and other group members ahead of time:  I knew I wanted to sketch something from each area we visited.  I was always on the lookout for something I wanted to draw, each day of our wondering.  This meant as our day unfolded, I could insert my stopping to draw into a workable schedule that all could live with.  When we were wondering the grounds of the Rome Forum after out tour, I found a spot I had seen on the tour and set to work.  My sisters found washrooms, visited a few other spots on the grounds and relaxed in the shade.  They were ready for a little down time and were happy to accommodate my 30 minute stop. 

The Statue and the Flower Stand were in the main square where we had dinner a few times.  I was able to work on these right from our table. 

3.      Have your materials ready: We generally ate dinner at restaurants, our big relaxing meal of the day.  It is so easy to leave your place by 9ish and soon it is 7pm.  You’re tired, thirsty and just want to relax for a bit over dinner.  It is wonderful there.  They have these great squares, with outdoor restaurants.  So easy to see interesting things while you dine.   After ordering or after eating, I pulled out my book and pen and ‘went to work’.  No fiddling for materials, no remembering they were back at our rooms, just pulled out my pen from my nifty pocket on the leg of my pants and cracked open my book.

The view from the Spanish Steps and Back at the Market 

The pages seemed to fill up faster and easier as the trip went on.  I think that is because I got into a rhythm and also gained confidence in what I was doing.  The pages in this post are from early in my trip.  Next post will be Part 2 - with pages later in the trip and a few more ideas of what might work for you.  It will be interesting if you see a difference.

Of Course you have to go on a Gondola Ride in Venice - My sister, Maureen and I

Special Thanks to my sister, Sherry for doing lots of 'Photo Shoots' for my blog.

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

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Join me for a morning of  Outdoor Sketching: 

Small group Outdoor Sketching Classes on Tuesday morning, July 30, August 6, 13, and 20.  The classes will be small, max  5.  We will meet at 10-12:30 in a few of the local parks in North Surrey.  ie. Bear Creek Park, Tynehead Park.  The cost is: $45 tx incld.per session  Book all 4 sessions for $150. Bring your own supplies
Contact Me to register.  

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy