One of the things I often do when traveling is carry along a deck of postcards made of heavy watercolor paper. I use them to do pen and wash pictures of various portions of the trip, write a few words of greeting on the other side and drop them in the mail. My family and friends love to get a painting from somewhere like France, complete with foreign stamps. At first the idea was simply a way to keep working while away from the studio, but I find that it's also invigorating and challenging, especially if time is limited, as it sometimes is during a "leisurely" vacation. Another nice thing is that you don't have to take much along--a small set of pan watercolors, waterproof pen, and a block of watercolor postcards doesn't take much space. And these little paintings provide a dose of discipline. That is, they're a chance to quicken my pace, choose emphasis carefully, and (I hope) economize with the brush.
A few of these I did on the spot, but often made only the drawing (or part of one) and a reference photo as time permitted, then finished them later when I was able.
Here are a few.
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| Arch of Tiberius, Pompeii, 2001 |
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| Pantheon Afternoon, Rome, 2001 |
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| Rainy Day, Passau (Germany), 2013 |
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| Street in Buda (Hungary), 2013 |
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| Paris Streetlamps, 2012 |
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| Avignon from the Rhone, 2012 |
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| The Chain Bridge, Budapest, 2013 |
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