A few from the island
Posted: April 12, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 27 CommentsSorry for the delay in posting some new drawings here. We were getting ready for the long journey to Crete which became even longer because of a national strike in Greece (including air traffic controllers) that happened to be on the day we were supposed to land in Athens. We rescheduled our flights to arrive a day early but had to backtrack to Toronto first to get to Greece. Now that we are here, though, all of that is forgotten as we enjoy the sun and the endlessly beautiful views of the Old Venetian Harbour in Chania.
This is not a teaching trip. Just a good old holiday with lots of touring and exploring the island. From our rental apartment I can walk down to the harbour every day with my sketchbook and watercolours. My hope is that I can fill it my book with scenes from Chania, as well as surrounding villages. There’s a lot to see in Crete.
Today I started with a few warm-up sketches of the fishermen having a good gab on the dock. From that same spot I sketched a few of the floats and ropes on the side of one of their boats, and my final sketch on that page was of one of the many well-fed stray cats that hang around the harbour. I know the front paw looks like a chicken leg but that’s just my bad drawing. The cat is perfectly fine.
I sat in the shelter of a low wall, fighting the wind to get in another drawing, this time of the lighthouse at the entrance to the harbour. I have a feeling I will paint this many times from different vantage points around the harbour. It’s interesting from every angle, and there are always people on both the upper and lower walls to give it scale.
I’m glad you get to travel without teaching. 🙂 The colors of the water appeal to me.
Thanks Elizabeth. I am happy about that too.
What great sketches Shari! Glad you two finally arrived:)
Lori
It was a long journey but we made it!!
You are bringing back great memories for me. We stayed near Chania and traveled the island in a rental car. Beautiful scenery juxtaposed with ancient structures.
That’s exactly it, De. So much to take in here.
Your sketches remind me of Chania. Very nice one of the cats. My sister takes care of streetcats. Happily the cat you sketched has normal legs 😀
There are so many cats here! But they are well fed by your sister and others!
I cannot delete this message.. I was a bit too enthusiastic and wish I didn’t mention the name and hotel of my sister. Forget about it.. 🙈
Hi Shari
I love the way you painted the fishermen’s jackets (& the cat in the foreground is really nice). Have a great holiday 🙂
Chris
Thanks Chris!
I’ve never been to Greece, but had fun living vicariously. I went to Google maps and looked at the area you are staying – looks beautiful – have fun and enjoy your trip – Carol
Carol, thanks. It really is amazing. It’s a huge island so we are doing a lot of exploring but there are still areas we will miss.
Your Paintings are wondergul as usual- inspirational. We are heading to Hawaii tomorrow. ill see what i can do! I might ask for details on your travel detailsat some point ie good places to stay and good restaurants.
Thanks Gracie. Have a wonderful holiday.
Enjoy your holiday in Greece.
Thanks Maureen.
Hi Shari have a great time in Greece quick question as a new artist I wondered if you draw your line in pencil as ink is forever if you make a mistake?
Thx very much
Hi James,
I often go straight to ink and try not to worry about lines being in the wrong place. But these were mostly done with pencil only before the watercolour.
Hope that helps.
Shari
I love Crete and your work Shari. Your sketches bring back many happy memories of a holiday there a few years ago.
Ginie, I’m glad I could bring you back there!
I’ve always enjoyed your travel paintings. Places I will never see myself. I especially like the painting of the ropes and floats. Colors and movement are great.
Thanks so much Judy. I hope to post more in the next few weeks.
Shari
Have a wonderful Greek journey. Looking forward to your sketches and paintings. Take care, Carol
Thanks so much Carol!
Hi Shari…So happy for you to be in a beautiful place doing what you love! the sketches are great…love the vibrant colors of the water too..enjoy!
When I’m sketching I always have a problem add figures/people at the finish. Looking at your sketched scenes it seems that you leave an unpainted area to add people later. Thanks for sharing. Jim