And so it begins...again ~ 2010 travel adventure!

As I sit here reflecting on the last year of my life I realize my granny (my father’s mother) was right. The older you get the faster time flies. I always knew she was one smart cookie. (She made the best cookies too...and cakes and donuts and...!!) She was born here in Canada but her family roots were from Finland. 

My grandfather (my dad’s dad) was born in England but his family was from the Isle of Man.

My mom’s birthfather was from Dublin, Ireland and her adoptive family from Italy. (I met these relatives last September) I guess this varied background makes me a Heinz 57!  

I will write more about her birthmother and my other family connections in future entries.

The reason I mention these things is because I am now on my way there. I am writing this from the Chicago airport and will be arriving in Dublin Ireland soon. Over the next month I will be making my way around Europe from Ireland to Isle of Man, Finland and some Italy too. I know what you’re thinking.....I was just in Italy! The main reason for going there is because of temperature. I want to be able to write and paint outdoors and in the spring it’s simply too wet and cool to do so in the Ireland area. I hope to find a small quiet fishing village to do my work as I won’t be going into the busier cities this trip. I have decided to write a book about my family roots including my paintings, poetry and hopefully some interesting and inspiring stories. I really don’t have an agenda except to let the days unfold and allow my imagination the freedom it needs to explore myself and the world around me. My goal is to have 1/3 of my book written by the time I return.

Please join me on this next adventure as I keep you up to date with my progress. Now to get busy again with the brush and pen! Yippee!! 

Cheers!

New Friendships ~ Italy 2010

It has been a long time since my last entry and I do hope you haven’t given up on me! My store has demanded much of my time as we prepare for the Christmas Season ahead.  My plan is to update every week or two, so it seems I have some catching up to do!

I was reading my journal from my trip to Italy and came across some stories that included two new friends I met when in Sorrento. Devon is from California and Tara from New York. They were touring Italy together and as fate would have it we all arrived at the hotel on the same day. We met during breakfast the next morning and shared plans we had for the rest of our trip. They were only staying in Sorrento for a couple of days.  I shared with them my ten day plan to paint and write and make my time here productive and relaxing.

The next morning they told me they changed their plans to stay. We ended up on many adventures together touring around the Almalfi Coast, taking a train to the ruins of Pompeii, and even took the little tourist train around Sorrento Old Town. We also enjoyed many meals together sharing stories from our lives.  It was great fun to get to know these bright, fun girls. Tara (Miss Wall Street) works in advertising on Wall Street and Devon (Miss California) has an advertising firm in Los Angeles.  I was known as Lady Connie...much easier than trying to remember my last name! I will always appreciate their views on life. It was a good reminder for me to look for opportunities to learn from the people who cross my path...no matter their age or their place in life, they have much to share.

It was great to get the younger perspective as we toured around. We talked of our work, life and future aspirations. They have left quite an impression on me and reaffirmed in me the importance of being open to the day. Thank you ladies! And remember...what happens in Italy stays in Italy!!! :)

Back to Reality



Doorway to the Past

 

I have now arrived home and still trying to get my sleep patterns back on track. The luggage has been unpacked and clothes washed. Again I took too many things and vow not to make that mistake again!

It’s back to work for me this week and I have to say the biggest adjustment has been to not have a pen or brush in my hand every day. I do hope for this one day to be my reality, but in the meantime am happy to get back to my “real” job. There is much to prepare for the busy season ahead and again would like to acknowledge my Northwoods staff and my family for picking up the slack so that I could pursue my creative dream.

Of course the bookkeeping part of my reality I could do without. That really is the other side of the brain stuff!!

Ancient Window

I have gone through my sketchbooks now filled with images and words. I met so many interesting people along the way and there is still much I would like to share with you about my latest adventure.

I have decided to keep this blog going and invite you to come back for future updates.

In the meantime here are a couple more sketches I completed while in Italy and Croatia.

Enjoy!

Making Lemonade ~ Croatia

Well what can I say....when you have lemons, make lemonade!

The cold, rain and wind are making it impossible to leave the hotel today. Our studio is open air with an awning and roll down blinds offering some protection but still a challenge to work in. Many in the group are retreating to their rooms to paint, but there are a few who stick it out. Our fearless leader Karlyn was creative with her lesson today deciding to give us tips on how to paint the huge waves crashing along the shore. It was great fun throwing paint while the awning leaked above me dripping water onto my painting. I think it actually improved the finished results!!

Great fun and am looking forward to seeing the sun again....soon I hope!!

On the Vine ~ Croatia

Today we ventured out to a local vineyard. The weather didn’t cooperate, but we still enjoyed exploring the grounds.

There were stone buildings with walls half metre thick, and red tile rooftops now almost a burgundy colour in the rain.  Here the vines grow row upon row many growing out of stone. These particular plants require very little water and soil. Hard to believe something so tasty could ever grow out of rock!

  

Everywhere I looked there were signs of old and new side by side. The owner gave us a tour and explained their process and the types of grapes they grow. Their vineyard is located in the only area in the world to use GRK (pronounced gerk ) grapes for their white wine. I must say it is VERY good! He also explained how this property has been in their family for many generations. He has certainly taken it to the next level with new equipment and management. Being the largest vineyard in the area he was able to market his product to the cruise ships that come and go on a daily basis. Quite the entrepreneur!

It was picking time when we were there so many long hours were put in by all the workers in the area. This owner in particular was now working for over 24 hours consecutively and still had to deal with one more tour group after us. Hmmm, I thought I worked hard! One of our painting group actually took a morning to help with the harvest and said how great an experience that was.

When we returned to our studio, we worked on our sketches and began some paintings. I have included one that I did. The first image (above) was about the midway point of painting and the second (below) is the completed image. Like the vineyard owner explained their process, I thought you might enjoy seeing the process of my painting.

You can see in the second piece I added some branches to weave throughout the image. I used just enough information to depict the subject, but wanted the background left to be loose and interesting. The magic for me is when the highlights and darks are put in place giving the painting a depth and richness that then says more than just grapes. You can actually feel the warmth of the light as it weaves its way through the vines. You can almost smell the scent of the fruit now ready to be harvested.

Now to sample perhaps a little of the red....

Zivjeli!!

(Cheers!!)

Old is Nice ~ Croatia

As some may be aware I celebrated my 50th birthday on my first day in Croatia. When out with my painting group one afternoon we came across this door with a poster in the window that I thought was rather appropriate. Enjoy. I sure did!!

The Oasis ~ Borghese Gallery, Italy

When I first checked into my hotel in Rome the clerk wanted to know if I would like her to book me a ticket for the Borghese Gallery. It sounded like a good idea since I was told the only way to get in was to book ahead at least one day.  I’m so glad I did, for two reasons.

First of all it was a surprise to find such a beautiful green space in the centre of Rome. Acres of parkland dotted with fountains and winding pathways was such a welcome sight after all of the hustle bustle in this very busy city. (I am, after all the country mouse in this fairytale travel adventure I’m on). I arrived 3 hours ahead of my scheduled entry for the gallery to allow myself plenty of time to enjoy this quiet interlude. I found a fountain to sketch while eating my cheese and fruit picnic lunch. The sunlight filtered through the leaves creating dappled patterns of light adding to the splendour of the day.

Secondly, I was absolutely blown away by a Bernini statue titled Apollo and Daphne in the Borghese collection. The power and passion of this Greek myth forever immortalized in marble has left a lasting impression on me. I settled myself in and decided to try my interpretation of this monumental work of art with my sketchbook. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to finish this and one other sketch before my time was up. I didn’t realize I had only 2 hours to see the complete collection and was now left with two unfinished drawings. I thought I was so clever when I thought to buy post cards, unfortunately they were depicting views from other angles. I have since completed them from memory as no cameras were allowed. The figure has always been a challenge for me and I have found sketching statues a good subject to help me to improve. 

I found it interesting how absolutely no handbags were allowed in the gallery, but they did permit me to enter with a sketchbook and permanent marker.

Off now to find my way back through this labyrinth of streets as the sky now turns to hues of coral and mauve...another day well-lived.

Italy Random Sketches ~ Venice, Florence

 

Here are a couple of sketches I've just completed from Florence and Venice. Florence was done on location and I finished painting the Armories since arriving in Croatia.