In the summer of 2012 I decided to take a road trip, for 5 weeks, from Toronto to the Maritimes, ending at Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. While on this trip I wanted to chronicle the journey in sketches: no cameras, no computer assisted imagery, just pen, paper, the open road and my skills. Inspired by Shel Silverstein's book, Around The World, and of Walt Stanchfield's philosophical views on drawing, from the books, Drawn To Life, this is my travelogue of a few areas of the Maritimes seen through my eyes and drawn by my hand. Enjoy...
This is what my sketch book looks like at the end of the trip.
It becomes well worn, wrinkled, beat up, and I earmarked the trip
by adding some travelogue memorabilia.
I usually leave the first page of most sketch pads for a write up or two.
In this case it was more appropriate to chronicle the journey
with a little philosophical engagement: as all good journeys do.
Cows living on Cheticamp Island come down to graze by the water.
The good Ol' Crab Shack. Actually its a tourist information centre.
The homes in Grand Etang, Cape Breton are built to contour the landscape.
This is beautiful Woodstock, New Brunswick. The historic part is more
interesting to sketch and to hang out in. Historic Woodstock is close to the
water and I usually stop into the local farmer's market for interesting finds.
I discovered Montmagny, Quebec this trip. What a beautiful city. I intend
to explore this place more in the future on the drive out to the East Coast.
I do enjoy Quebec for their appreciation of the arts. It's a wonderful
place to be for an Artist like me.
Stopping in Ottawa where my sister lives before heading back to Toronto.
Back in Toronto. Concluded the sketching with a few boats
down by Harbourfront. What a change from fishing boats...
Managed to do two paintings while on Cape Breton Island. Although
the main focus was sketching, I couldn't resist using my portable paint set.
Painting certainly takes longer than sketching. I used a water colour pad
rated at 90 Ibs. Good general use paper for quick washes.
Wouldn't recommend this weight for more sustained painting.
Here I am sketching the falls in Montmagny, Quebec.
Here I am with my son Atticus enjoying a treat in Moncton.
Below are pictures where I'm well camouflaged. Can you find the
artist in the next two pictures? Most days I would plank (no not planking) myself
down and get to work. Other days I'd be working in the time frame of minutes.
