I know just how you feel! I lived in Bruges for a year but could never do it justice in my sketchbook and totally gave up trying. I love how you have combine photos and memory - I want to go back now with my bicycle and sketchbook and camera!
Yessss! Gosh this resonates so much with me. I too went to Netherlands, in awe of so many beautiful streets and buildings. Dying to pull out a sketchbook or canvas to paint what I saw, yet I was so busy being enthralled by the scenes and feeling so guilty at the same time. Because I just wanted to take it all in. I knew when I got back I would be inspired by all my memories and all my photos that I would create the best paintings. Did I? No! I just couldn’t find my inspiration from them, regretting it now so much.
Ah I really struggle with urban sketching. I feel the pressure to create something worthy or else it's a waste of time. Then of course the pressure of someone watching. Did you meet up with Ema or any other Dutch illustrators whilst out there?
It's so interesting you should say this. I always get excited when I'm going away to a new place. I pack my sketchbook, all my supplies and very often come away with nothing or nothing I like anyway, for much the same reasons as you've said - glad to know it's not just me and i'll definitely give the photo/memory idea a shot next time :)
Beautiful drawings - including the ones you did on site! I’m very inspired to return to the Netherlands now - you’re not the only sketcher to have reported back from there this summer! I’ve not had the chance to venture beyond Amsterdam before as there’s always so much to see there in the time available.
My strongest art medium is definitely photography itself--it would be such a treat to see how different photos could combine into an illustration! Thanks for this lovely, thought-provoking letter.
Anna! Thank you so much for this! It is perfect! I have past photos and memories of Europe. I want to go back and relive it all, while I create a sketchbook, but I just wasn’t sure how to accomplish it. You have totally inspired me!! Since you explained so much, it also helps me to understand where the depth of your sketches come from and how you achieved it. Thank you sooooo much! Donna
Thank you so much for addressing this issue! I have so many photos from travels and have never used them because of the "thou shalt not", but now I feel there is permission to try!
Thank you so much for addressing this issue! I have so many photos from travels and have never used them because of the "thou shalt not", but now I feel there is permission to try!
I relate to this dilemma so much, the ‘must do all the things’ but also want to do them ‘properly’ 🙃 Never mind what to do with a non-drawing travel companion.
I think you’ve found a magical compromise, and created some gorgeous scenes. Love it!
I know just how you feel! I lived in Bruges for a year but could never do it justice in my sketchbook and totally gave up trying. I love how you have combine photos and memory - I want to go back now with my bicycle and sketchbook and camera!
Your artwork is just so whimsical and charming. All of the texture and details. ❤️
I’m so glad you shared how you came to terms with using your photos. 😊
Yessss! Gosh this resonates so much with me. I too went to Netherlands, in awe of so many beautiful streets and buildings. Dying to pull out a sketchbook or canvas to paint what I saw, yet I was so busy being enthralled by the scenes and feeling so guilty at the same time. Because I just wanted to take it all in. I knew when I got back I would be inspired by all my memories and all my photos that I would create the best paintings. Did I? No! I just couldn’t find my inspiration from them, regretting it now so much.
Ah I really struggle with urban sketching. I feel the pressure to create something worthy or else it's a waste of time. Then of course the pressure of someone watching. Did you meet up with Ema or any other Dutch illustrators whilst out there?
It's so interesting you should say this. I always get excited when I'm going away to a new place. I pack my sketchbook, all my supplies and very often come away with nothing or nothing I like anyway, for much the same reasons as you've said - glad to know it's not just me and i'll definitely give the photo/memory idea a shot next time :)
Beautiful drawings - including the ones you did on site! I’m very inspired to return to the Netherlands now - you’re not the only sketcher to have reported back from there this summer! I’ve not had the chance to venture beyond Amsterdam before as there’s always so much to see there in the time available.
My strongest art medium is definitely photography itself--it would be such a treat to see how different photos could combine into an illustration! Thanks for this lovely, thought-provoking letter.
What a delight to open up your email! So full of joy and inspiration- a real pleasure to read.
Anna! Thank you so much for this! It is perfect! I have past photos and memories of Europe. I want to go back and relive it all, while I create a sketchbook, but I just wasn’t sure how to accomplish it. You have totally inspired me!! Since you explained so much, it also helps me to understand where the depth of your sketches come from and how you achieved it. Thank you sooooo much! Donna
Thank you so much for addressing this issue! I have so many photos from travels and have never used them because of the "thou shalt not", but now I feel there is permission to try!
Thank you so much for addressing this issue! I have so many photos from travels and have never used them because of the "thou shalt not", but now I feel there is permission to try!
I relate to this dilemma so much, the ‘must do all the things’ but also want to do them ‘properly’ 🙃 Never mind what to do with a non-drawing travel companion.
I think you’ve found a magical compromise, and created some gorgeous scenes. Love it!
Charming illustrations! You would never know that they weren't painted on the spot from life.