Before I move on to the next stage of my journey in Italy let me talk a little about my tools and materials. Over the years I have learned less is better. The burden of lugging heavy or cumbersome supplies can take the joy out of any adventure. Easels are not needed for sketching. As for a sketching stool, Italy is pedestrian friendly which means I can usually find a bench or shady corner to tuck into. If I can’t find a place to sit I am likely to seek out an outdoor café. I always enjoy a gelato or cappuccino while I sketch.
During the days we explored the villages of Cinque Terre I traveled very light and carried minimal art supplies. If it didn’t fit in my purse I left it behind. In side my purse I had a sketchbook, small palette, water-brush, waterproof pen, camera, girly stuff, and Euro. I enjoyed the freedom of not be bogged down with stuff. I had so much fun exploring the tiny villages, sketching, hiking, shopping, dinning, and riding the train.
…next time I’ll share sketching and exploring Tuscany!
Happy Sketching!
Brenda
Home again, Home again!
I have been to Italy four times before... but something was extra special about this trip. I don’t know if it was my physical need of relaxation (to recharge and heal from a recent neck injury), people, food, location or all of the above.
Five days before my workshop began I spent time in the Liguria region of Northern Italy. I enjoyed sketching, hiking, relaxing, eating and sightseeing. I traveled with a good friend/family member, Sheryle. Our destination was the quaint area called, Cinque Terre (5 hill town on the sea). I have been to this area twice before but only on day trips. We stayed in the middle village called Corniglia. 
We stayed at Le Terrazze. Our apartment was amazing in every way. Each of our bedrooms had dark green shuttered doors that opened onto a balcony over looking the aqua blue sea to one side and to the right buildings of yellow, peach, and tan dotted against the terraced hillside. Each morning I woke to the sound of church bells playing a hymn. It felt like heaven! Each day we chose a different village to explore. Some days we hiked and the day we were too sore from the prior days hike we took the train. 
The hike from Corniglia to Manarola was hot and long and not for the faint of heart…not only was it a “bun buster” but the path was narrow, steep and a slip could be fatal. We visited all five villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso) and my sketchbook was my constant companion.The colors of the region are like eye candy to the artist. I am in the process of scanning my sketchbook journal from the trip and I can’t wait to share it!
On the 6th day we said good bye to our charming little apartment and boarded 
the train for Pisa. Here we were met by our bus driver Beppe and other members of our group. We traveled by mini-bus (forty-five minutes) to the hill town of Lucca. For the next 11 days was stayed in a beautifully restored 15th century farmhouse named Selva…
I hate to leave you hanging but it was too great of a journey to share all at once. I will share pictures and sketches next time. Stay turned!
Happy Sketching!
Brenda
Before I move on to the next stage of my journey in Italy let me talk a little about my tools and materials. Over the years I have learned less is better. The burden of lugging heavy or cumbersome supplies can take the joy out of any adventure. Easels are not needed for sketching. As for a sketching stool, Italy is pedestrian friendly which means I can usually find a bench or shady corner to tuck into. If I can’t find a place to sit I am likely to seek out an outdoor café. I always enjoy a gelato or cappuccino while I sketch.
