Italy sketches, October 2014, part 2

I call this post Italy sketches, part 2, because I didn't want to use the adjectives 'last' or 'final.'

 I am now so thoroughly in love with Italy that I'm superstitious about using such words. I will be back. Italy calls me.

Still, here we are... for now.  A few representative sketches from my last, my final days ON THIS TRIP.

How, again, to render the Dolomites in a small sketchbook? It's a tough one. Here's the best I could do... just the energy, lines, subtle colors, and basic textures. 

Here is the double spread from that day in the Dolomites. I have Photoshopped out the big wire rings from my sketchbook and joined the two pages as best I could.

Can you believe this...those jagged peaks were once coral reefs at the bottom of a sea! This was in the Miocene epoch, 20+ million years ago. I remember it as though it were yesterday.

Enlargement of righthand side of spread:

My friends and I spent one glorious night in a hotel above Cortina. At the bar we drank our favorite aperitifs and I caught a moment on paper of the mother of the family who runs the place. She was looking a bit tired after a long day of dealing with guests.

 

After our trip to the Dolomites, my friends and I returned to their lovely home overlooking the Val Liona. Sitting on their terrace, I sketched Penelope's peach tree, edged by a bed of lavender, with the valley and Eugenean hills as backdrops:

And then it was one last round of coffees together before they drove me to the train station in Vicenza:

 

I miss Penelope and Michael, and I miss Italy. I'll be back sooner rather than later, that I promise.

(Oops, here's a sketch I forgot to include yesterday, the icing on the cake, as it were!)

Comments

[Laura]

Thank you so much, Sue. I hope that whatever was causing you to need a laugh has resolved itself. You are the only person to have noticed my Miocene silliness, as far as I can tell! I've got a few mountain sketches from New Mexico to post, but it's Thanksgiving Day here and there's been lots to do in the past few days. Soon! Please take care.

[Sue Pownall]

I think you have captured the mountains so well.

You did make me laugh with the remembering comment, much needed this morning. Thanks.

The peach tree and cakes are besutifully sketched.

[Laura]

Thank you so much, Tracye. I checked your blog just now and I see you, too, love color! Your work is lovely. Thanks again for your nice comment.

[Dana]

I knew just after a quick glance those were the Dolomites! Small sketchbook or not, you did a lovely job getting their feeling and yours across. Happy to hear you enjoyed your time and found a place that calls to you! (for me that's Prague) All the best!

[Tracye]

This are great sketches, so colorful.

[Laura]

Kate, I can't begin to tell YOU how much I appreciate your saying that! You are so gifted at supportive friendship, in addition to being a genius artist and writer!