Sketching Venice
When I was making my Venice Sketchbook, I folded two strips of watercolor waste paper so I can do some preliminary sketching from photos. These are mainly photos that I took on previous visits, before I started drawing again. Scroll down to yesterday's blog post for information about the Venice Sketchbook.
I adore Venice, but worried that I could be overwhelmed by the architecture (very complex) and water (which I don't really know how to paint). Here are the three sections I did so far.
I love this architecture - and sketched the upper balcony from a photo of the Doge's Palace.
My first attempt at dealing with Canal water, and what better for drawing than the Rialto Bridge.
I love the masks that are historically significant in Venice and as a physician really think the Plague Doctor costume is fantastic. The beak contained medicinal herbs and other things to try to prevent contracting plague.
The Campanile was another architectural challenge and a time for me to see if I have some of the right colors of paint and watercolor pencils. The bricks were painted with a mahogany Caran D'Ache watercolor pencil.
Comments
Lovely sketches. I also just love this accordion style sketchbook!
Posted by: Barbara B | January 16, 2012 3:42 PM
Venice is one of my most favorite places -- decadence, opulence and decay all at once -- and you are doing a wonderful job of capturing it!
Posted by: teri Flemal | January 16, 2012 10:59 PM
I think these are wonderful pages! You handled both the architecture and the water beautifully! This may sound silly, but the time I painted water the best was when I was thinking the whole time as I painted - "wet, wet, wet, water, water water." Sounds strange, I know. Try it and let me know if it works for you.
Posted by: Dan Kent | January 17, 2012 1:45 PM
You have nothing to worry about, water and buildings are terrific.
Posted by: Pamela | January 17, 2012 2:15 PM
I think the sketches worked out fine, and it looks like you had a fantastic trip there. Great way to capture sights and memories from travels. I like the book you showed the pages out of (looks like graet older looking photos). Water is tricky to paint at the best of times, but it will all come to you : ) But I think it looks fine!!!
Posted by: Mari | January 17, 2012 4:21 PM
great job on your watercolor journal of Venice! wonderful bridge and costume...love the folded pages too.
Posted by: Dianne | January 18, 2012 12:06 AM
Remarkable work Shirley! =)
Posted by: Alex Tan | January 18, 2012 5:38 AM
You're off to a good start, just choose little bits of buildings rather than tryng to do the whole thing if you feel overwhelmed?
Posted by: Cathy Holtom | January 18, 2012 4:34 PM