I plan to keep a daily journal while in Africa. Of course I hope to take a lot of photos, but a little journal with hard copy words will be a back up, an old-fashioned way of keeping up with day to day highlights. Several hours during the middle of the day, between game drives, I think writing will be a pleasant pastime....................and something I need to get used to again with no laptop at hand. I'm also taking my box of watercolor pencils and a few markers, and will try to render sketches when I see something that catches my eye. I'm no artist but no harm in trying to draw little items of interest to add some color to my journal.
Do you have any tips for me regarding sketching? I have friends whose journals have delightful drawings on the pages. It seems just a few well-placed lines and curves turn into palm trees, sailboats, street scenes, mountain ranges and meadows. Perhaps the secret is not to try too hard........just a smidgen of detail with a light washed color to give the eye the idea of a cheetah up a tree, an elephant plodding through the grasses, and the green delta stretching out from the camp with hippos bathing in the muddy waters.
BUT..........please, please cameras don't fail me. Photos will definitely show more than any sketches I can bring back from such a huge adventure.
I'm not certain in which direction my blog will go from hereon out. Right now my laptop is at the 'doctor'. Hopefully the virus it caught while I was trying desperately to find a solution to the photo upload problem will be cured! I'm quite enjoying my time away from the computer........I'm doing some much-needed household chores to ready for a new season, also a little decorating consisting mostly of moving things around, and some gardening, sewing and crafting.
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Swift sketches backed up with photos...that way you can always take a look at the photo later when you have time to work on your painting.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a truly wonderful time!
I am sorry to hear about your computer. I will miss your blogging. I really wish I could give you tips on sketching, I am a terrible artist. That is why I started blogging; I wanted to keep a journal of the simple things that I enjoy, but I couldn't draw well enough to do this by hand so I started a blog to add photos. I hope you enjoy your trip and stay safe. I'm sure Africa will be amazing! God Bless! Carla
ReplyDeleteHave a great time and I know what you mean about other people's sketches - but these will be YOURS and they will be perfect!
ReplyDeleteHow much longer tell you pack your bags? I can't believe all of the photo and computer dramas you are having! Hope all is fixed and running smoothly soon!
ReplyDeleteAnna
I think you've already got the right idea about the sketches...and I like Elizabethd's advice about backing them up with photos. Can't wait to hear all about your adventures!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to get away from the computer for a fresh perspective!
Are you familiar with the African journals of Peter Beard?? Oh, pick up a copy before you depart! You'll be enchanted. And inspired!
ReplyDeletestart practicing sketching now, a few minutes a day, so the self consciousness wears off. If you spend a few minutes every day, you will be surprised at how quickly you improve.
ReplyDeleteDear Mary, I am so sorry your computer is sick. How awful. On the other hand a bloggy break is a good thing. I have been so on a break for two weeks or more. Busy with company and a trip to Florida. I here in Fl. now visiting one of my daughters and my grands. We also had a blogging friends meeting this past Saturday.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun. I remembered the fun visits we have had and have been thinking of you so much. I was wondering when you were leaving for Africa.
Take care and enjoy a break from your blog Mary. We need to regroup sometimes.
I think your idea for a journal for your trip is awesome. If anyone can write a lovely journal it would be you. You have the gift of writing. Do some sketches too Mary. What can it hurt?
Thinking of you and hoping all is well.
Love and hugs, Jeanne
Whatever you do in your sketching...you will cherish it in years to come so go for it! What a great adventure ahead of you!
ReplyDeleteHope your computer gets fixed soon, even if we only get a few on/off days of blogging!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of an artist either, but I agree with Elizabethd. However, whatever you do will be special your way, and that is what counts the most, and, a very big and, will be cherished the most in later years!!
Take Care!!!
Ulrike
Your journal ideas are terrific. Good luck with computer solutions. It can be so frustrating.
ReplyDeleteHappy sketching and hope there is nothing too wrong with your computer. I have lost track of how long you will be gone and when you leave. Hope you have a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Dear Mary,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine anything more delightful than sketches accompanying your journal entries. Oh, how I wish you the very best journey possible ... safe, enlightening, fun, inspiring!
Can't wait to see your journal, have a great time in Africa!
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