Classic Lo Scrittoio Journal

Just realised I did not mention this classic Lo Scrittoio Journal cum Sketchbook I bought from a charming shop in Florence in 2001. It was my very first organised journal or travel sketchbook when I was in Italy and USA from 2001 to 2003. The paper is not suitable for sketching or watercolour work but it had served me well, thank you for your company and fond memories. 

Need to to a post on the sketchbooks of various formats that I used, also another post on the loose papers: 

1. Lo Scrittoio 

2. Midori Journals
3. Daler Rowdney 
4. Muji Sketchbook 
5. Laloran Sketchbook 
6. Sennelier Sketchbook 
7. Seawhite Concertina Sketchbook 
8. Moleskine Sketchbook 
9. Moleskine Japanese Album pocket and large

Old Sketches from Tuscany

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Thinking of Tuscany

I was so busy lately but the landscape of Tuscany by Alessandro prompted me to post one of the sketches from my travel sketchbooks. I never got tired of vineyards after vineyards and olive trees after olive trees in Tuscany. The skyline of Tuscany was just breath taking when I first arrived at San Gimignano. Instead of sketching the tall towers of San Gimingnano, I wanted to capture the Toscana spirit. My mood at that time? "To live life alla Toscana, you cannot rush...."

also blog at urbansketchers

The Wall at Lucca

This is the drawing of The Wall which is above the mediaval fortress or city wall. The Wall, erected in the 16th - 17th centuries, never served as protection against enemy attack - rather, it is instrucmental in preventing the Serchio River from flooding and conserved medieval Lucca virtually intact for three hundred years. A pleasant way to tour the city is to walk along the approximately four-km long tree shaded avenue which runs around the city.

I often use this drawing to explain to my friends and students how do I make a simple view interesting by applying different tones into three layers of foreground, mid-ground and background. With the three layers of tones and shapes of darker tones for the shadows, you are already working towards capturing the mood of the place.

Lucca

I hope I have a chance to visit Tuscany again but it is getting harder for me to return. When I see urbansketchers posting sketches on Tuscany, I got really excited. There is an urge to post this sketch on Lucca where I attended a summer programme for about six weeks. I visited most of the major cities in Tuscany except Sienna till today I am still regretting. You can see my other sketches on Lucca at my flickr Please feel free to leave your comments there.