The “Art” of Travel

Traveling begs photography.  One usually returns from atrip with a raft of photos on their cell phones as souvenirs.  When my friends and I travel together we also like to incorporate some kind of art into the mix.  This includes anything from painting, sketching, art journaling, and collaging.  Forget about the notion of being good or not.  This is just an adventure with your hands interpreting what the eye sees.  Sometimes the most primitive attempts evoke the strongest memories.

My first attempt at travel sketching was many decades ago.  I packed a fresh sketchbook and a new set of watercolor pencils lined up like soldiers at attention in a tidy tin box. Several sketches later I declared them horrible and I quit.  Over the years I’ve come across those sketches.  They bring back memories and emotions that no photograph can.  I feel the wind in those drawings and the mood of seeing grazing horses in a summer field.  The thing about art – it has soul, emotion, and heart that most snapshots miss.  I’m so glad I didn’t throw them away.  

My travel art supplies are simple and small.  I carry them in a pencil box and a felt, zippered pouch that includes watercolor “sheets,” a water pen (or colored brush markers, or colored pencils), and a postcard pad-sized watercolor paper and/or sketchbook. A glue stick and small pair of scissors are handy for collaging those travel brochures and tickets.

You don’t need much.  At the very least, bring a pen, paper, and a sense of adventure.

Sedona, Arizona was our last adventure this past April.  Pictured are a few things we brought home…

Cool art supplies from my favorite local art store, Merri Artist in McMinnville, OR (merriartist.com)

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