Really happy hour
Posted: September 23, 2022 Filed under: Uncategorized 47 CommentsAnother workshop tour starts for me in Athens in a couple of days, but in the meantime, I’m enjoying being a tourist in the city. I had read that our hotel has a rooftop view of the Acropolis, but I didn’t realize that it had an AMAZING, PANORAMIC view of the Acropolis, at a restaurant/bar where you can plunk yourself down at happy hour and draw the whole city including the Acropolis.
In all the years I have been sketching, this will probably go down in memory as my all time favourite sketching experience. When you see that view of the ancient temple on that hill with the clouds behind it and modern Athens below, it’s a scene of such drama and beauty that it takes your breath away. You can do nothing but gasp.
I worked on a double page spread, so my sketch is quite large, probably around 22 in. X 8 in. During the time I drew, which was probably a little over an hour, the light changed dramatically. It was overcast when I started and about half way through the sun came out which made modern Athens a lot more dramatic.
I probably could have spent more time making the sketch more detailed, but for me the pleasure was all in the experience and not so much in the outcome. And when I get home and look at my sketchbook from Spain and Greece, this one will bring back memories of a very happy Happy Hour.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Wow! Wow! Wow!😊
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I wish you had been there too Lori!!
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I know that view from a long time ago; once seen never forgotten. Just to sit and look at it is a privilege but to be able to sketch it and look back at it in the years to come is extra special. Thank you for sharing!
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Darn, you always including a few words in your comments that I wish I had thought of as a post title. This time is is “Once seen never forgotten”. I’m saving that for another time and place. Yes, so happy this is in my sketchbook.
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Excellent drawings of Athens!!
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Thanks Shawn!
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Wonderful paintings. I’ve never been there but have always been fascinated by photos I have seen. Studied it in art history and not really sure why but I fell in love with it. How fortunate for you that you are really there.
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When you are there Judy, you can’t help but fall in love with it. It is so spectacular in person. I am still pinching myself that I got to do this. Thanks for writing, as always.
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Shari, thanks so much! Would you mind sharing the name of the hotel? Trying to get there next year! Many thanks F
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Sure. The hotel was the Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel. Very nice rooms and stellar view.
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Spectacular, thanks for sharing!
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I enjoyed sketching Greece with your sister and niece. Next time you have to come along.
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I love your spirit of adventure! Beautiful sketches ❤️
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Thanks so much Karen!
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Love this Shari! I was there in 2018 and after a long day, we went to a rooftop bar to celebrate my husband’s birthday. We had a fabulous view of the Acropolis at night. Your view looks a lot like my photo! I do not sketch but I love your work!
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Gloria, I’m so happy that I’ve brought back some good memories for you. I won’t forget this either…
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Looks spectacular. My question is: When you get home do you make another painting of the scene? Looks like a wonderful trip.
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Susie, that’s a good question. I always think I will paint the scene again when I get home, but that rarely happens. I do often paint other things that I see but not often from the same sketch. I would love to do a big painting of this scene though!
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Your artwork is beautiful, Shari. I was in Greece many, many (many!) years ago. Wandering among those ruins, I felt like such a tiny speck. They are mind boggling.
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That is so true Lois. This time I did not make the climb to the top but we did go to Delphi which also had some incredible ruins and wide vistas. I will post those sketches soon.
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How wonderful that you had such a great, unobstructed view of the Acropolis with modern Athens below it. Serendipity!!! I have been to the Acropolis twice and was able to sketch there the last time I visited. It was a special experience.
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Joan, I’m so happy you were able to sketch there too. It’s unforgettable, right?
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W O W!
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Rita, thanks!
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Shari,
You are so generous to share your experiences and your beautiful artwork and skill with us. Thank you so much for that gorgeous afternoon!
AK
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Katherine, this is so wonderful to read. Much appreciated.
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Wonderful sketch and a great memory for it to record. What hotel was this?
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Heather, this was the Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel. Nice rooms and unforgettable view.
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Shari: I will be in Montreal for two nights in early October. Can you recommend a few must see attractions and places to eat?
Thanks
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Hi Fred, It is early October so I am probably too late in responding. You are probably already enjoying my beautiful city. Hope you found a great view of the city from the chalet atop Mount Royal, walked in Old Montreal and visited my favourite Jean Talon Market.
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Visited Ol Montreal, Plateau area, Schwartz’s deli, Latin Quarter. Very nice city. Quebec City beautiful also. Thank you
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Wow! I love everything about this sketch but the best is the story. I will be in Athens in a month. What hotel did you stay at? Maybe I should make sure to book a room there!
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Isa, we stayed at the Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel. Rooms were great and the view unforgettable!
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Wow, what a treat! This is just wonderful. And I agree, the memories evoked by this sketch and experience will be the very best part. I find that more and more, looking back on sketches. For sure – a really happy hour. Thanks for sharing this.
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And thank you for having a look Iona.
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Your rendition is always more beautiful than the real thing!
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Annie, thank you.
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Just a warning…they will NOT let you sketch at the site of the Acropolis and they are apparently quite …umm…firm about this. Just FYI
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I did not climb up this on this trip so I’m happy I had a good seat at my hotel. But I know what you mean since we weren’t allowed to sketch at Delphi either.
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Bravo, Shari! What an experience that must have been!
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Many thanks Barry. I won’t soon forget this view.
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As others have already said… wow! And how wonderful that when you look at the sketch in years to come, the experience will seem just as fresh as it did when you were there. I’m really quite jealous : )
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Anna, I bet you are right about that. I will be dreaming about this view for a long time.
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I love the Acropolis and
Your sketch!
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Thanks so much Brenda!
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Wow what a view!
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This must have been a special trip – I hope it was wonderful.
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