I returned from Europe at the end of June and I have some take-aways I'd to share about sketching and documenting your trip that are EASY for any level artist.
I think of travel sketching as truly "seeing" what's in front of you. We live in a world of fast paced glances and scrolling hundreds of images a minute.
When we travel, we are trying to slow down and soak in the new and exciting scenes before us.
But we still only get to experience it for a moment of two before we are back to our regular busy lives.
So... Here are some ways to both see the places you go better, and remember them longer even after you're home!
The Tip
This week I want to share a great way to "see" the world better when you're on an adventure. Whether it's a weekend trip to the in-laws, or you're galavanting across a new continent, it's hard to slow down and really LOOK.
So here's what you do! Pick something you'll see a lot of.
For example, when I was in old cities I saw a lot of windows.
I could have also picked street lights, doors, cafe signs, or nearly anything else!
If you're traveling somewhere more nature immersed you could pick rocks or even the hiking clothes of passerby-ers.
Once you've decided on what, you collect a bunch of photos of that same kind of thing. Once you take a break or have down time, you look back at those photos and start to sketch!
When we draw something, we really truly get to see it better. We notice each little line, the texture, where the shadows fall, and more.
Drawing our adventures helps us see and notice the details, as well as engrain it into our memories.
The Tutorial
This week I've got a new episode of my Watercolor Windows series up on YouTube. Follow along with me here while I take one of my sketches I made in Europe and break it down step by step.
Just like I recommended in the tip, I decided to take pictures of cute and interesting windows all over Europe, and man, those old buildings have some character! Then when I had downtime on travel days or in between activities, I scrolled through my photos and drew and painted those windows.
This was such a fun way to admire the unique architecture of each city and see the "normal" more intentionally.
The Tool
When sketching, a good pen is a must. I have a favorite brand of pen I've used for YEARS.
Micron pens.
Hopefully you've already heard of them. (I'm not the only one who's in love with their permanent no-bleed smooth lines 😍)
They come in a variety of thicknesses. My favorite is probably the 03 or the PN size that's great for casual sketching or younger folk since it doesn't bend or break as easily.
Shop these pens through my Making Art list in my Amazon storefront!
These pens can be used before or after painting, making them a great companion to watercolor.
I hope you found this week's Tip, Tutorial, and Tool helpful! Make sure you're on my learn to paint mailing list to get next week's and every one after that :)
Happy Painting!
-Alyssa
