Chateau St. Jean Garden Sculpture

Seven members of the drawing group Rural Sketchers of Sonoma County met today at Chateau St. Jean Winery in the Valley of the Moon, Sonoma County, CA. The weather was perfect, the gardens were beautiful, and I drew this statue that was near a fountain. I used an SKB “James Jean” pen with my moleskin sketchbook. The SKB pen is perfect for drawing because of a feathery line quality  can be achieved with a light, brush like stroke. I had some difficulty making the drawing look like a sculpture rather than a real person because the sculpture looked so lifelike.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Walking to the top of the Acropolis, I notice only a quarter of the people that were here the first time. I’m not sure what has changed in the last week but it’s a welcome sight. I pass the Odeon theater, which was built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus as an indoor auditorium but over time has lost its wooden roof and is now used as an outdoor theater. More recently, the musicians Yanni and Sting, and the Greek singer Nana Mouskouri have all held concerts in it. Now, where to sit? I could spend at least a week up here drawing and painting. Let me check my trail mix supply.

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Last year my wife and I went to Vegas to celebrate our anniversary. We happened to catch two shows: the Cirque du Soleil’s “O” show and the ever funny Bette Midler. While Marilyn was enjoying swimming at the pool, I was out sketchbooking. That’s right, not gambling, not drinking, but sketchbooking. It may sound like a strange thing to do in Vegas, but I found Caesars Palace to be a real joy to draw. The neo-classical architecture that showcases the hotel’s elegance is a pleasure to look at, but what really interested me were the life sized Roman sculptures scattered throughout the hotel. Upon our arrival June 25, we found out that Michael Jackson had died which added a very surreal feeling to the day.

I drew this while lying out at the pool on a lounge chair looking up.

The drawing on the left shows the Three Muses sculpture that is the center piece to Ceasar’s lobby. The drawing on the right is an unfinished drawing of the dome covering part of the pool area.

On our last night we had nice dinner at the Circo restaurant located at the Bellagio Hotel. We were lucky to be seated by the window which overlooked the famous fountains along the Boulevard. The following morning, I was out early before it got too hot and drew the restaurant as seen from the Boulevard.

Map of the Greek Mainland

While it was difficult for me to believe that only a week had past while traveling around the mainland of Greece, It wasn’t hard to recognize how much fun I was having drawing and painting. My only regret was not having enough time to stay a night in Thebes as well as Sounion. Both cities looked interesting enough to spend a day exploring and finding places to draw and paint.

Temple of Poseidon at Sounion

Sounion, one of the more complete temples I’ve seen, is perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean. I’d hoped I would be able to paint this ruin with the sea in the background, but I can find no angle to accomplish that. I find a spot with a traditional three-quarters view, sit on an ancient block of marble, and begin to draw. I’m tired from the day’s drive that, unbelievably, started in Delphi, so at this point, I’m just going through the motions. I need a break. I’m finding that being an artist on the road is not just about the drawing. I did a lot of driving today, and all my other energy resulted in only two paintings. Driving, not painting, took up most of the day. But drawing is now relaxing me, allowing my mind to slow down enough to soak up the surroundings. I’m in rhythm with the land once again, and I can smell the salty sea.

Entrance to Brauron

As we drive to the archeological site of Brauran located near Vravrona, Greece, I notice the countryside feels like my home in California’s Sonoma County. Vravrona is an agricultural area with head-pruned grape vines growing in the fields. We pass several farm stands at road side, selling fruit and vegetables. The unassuming site of Brauran tucks neatly off the side of the road, blending in with the surrounding landscape. With no parking lot or signs to distinguish the site, we drive right past it and have to turn around and park.

Brauron’s Ancient School for Girls

In Classical Greece, Brauron was a school for girls, many of whom came from Athens. Several columns of its stoa are still standing, surrounded by a manicured lawn. At the far end of the site, I notice a gardener, just finishing his lunch under a tree, as he stands up to begin raking leaves.

After walking through the site once, I choose a place on the far side, looking back toward the entrance, set up my chair, and prepare to draw. This location is perfect, not only for its view of the ruins, but also because of the large shade tree. After baking in Delphi’s sun all day yesterday, a little shade sounds good.

Espresso-to-Stay in Thebes

While in the town of Thebes, I notice a nearby coffee shop with an older man in the back and a young girl working the counter. I could use a good cup of coffee. As we enter the shop, I nod to a couple of Greek men drinking coffee and chatting it up on a couch in the corner. I walk up to the girl at the counter, say hello, and politely ask in English for a cup of coffee-to-go, but unfortunately, she doesn’t understand me. This is the first time since I’ve been in Greece and encountered a language barrier. I suspect it happens often when traveling off the beaten path. With a few smiles and gestures, I’m able to communicate my order, or at least I think I have. Instead of the coffee-to-go I requested, I actually get an espresso-to-stay. I probably look a little surprised when she hands it to me, but I smile and thank her. Ah well, my fault for not speaking Greek. It’s a delicious espresso with an almost sweet, nutty flavor and includes a glass of water with a little piece of chocolate on the side. This break offers a moment to pause during this busy day, stay off the crowded streets, and slow down enough to enjoy the moment with a luscious, rich, and foamy espresso.