Postcard catch up

Well I was behind a couple of weeks but had a bit of a catch up session over a lunch break where I once again headed to the local library, grabbed some books and did some sketches! Then on returning home I managed to get them painted in a couple of sessions one before m came home from school and one after she went to bed... Much easier to get paints out without her wanting to make a big mess if she isn't there!

Anyway first up is Canada.

For this I found a picture in a Canada travel guide of a whales tail disappearing back into the water and thought it looked so tranquil... This is my sketch and painted version. I've used watercolour paper and some new pan watercolours from a little travel box that was discounted in WHsmiths as the brush was missing and the packaging was damaged.

And the message...

Boston
I am still so confused by your messages and very torn about whether to continue our correspondence. My choice in February, although none of your business, still preys on my mind and it is for this reason that I choose to still write to you. I thank you for your comment that I was right though, it does help me.
Florence.

Next up is Netherlands.

Now I have a particular affinity with this country as I count my Dutch friends as family and love the country as a second home.

But I was torn in how to depict my love for the country and in the end grabbed a Van Gogh book for inspiration. I fell upon a sketch he had dne very early in his career or a windmill and figured although cheesy it was something I might be able to do my own version of.

I sketched it out from the picture in the book and then when I decided to paint it gave it a wash in a very light brown. Then I decided to add more depth with the additions of other browns.

And the story continues...

Florence
I am so pleased you have decided to continue our communication, I would be upset if you hadn't. I value this so much as you help me feel connected to the time. I am keen to know more about you than I already do, I know nothing of what you have been doing since you read my first note. But first I will tell you a little of me. I travel ... A lot! But not just across the continents. I have many tales I wish to tell you of the things I have seen.
Once again a thank you, and I send you best wishes for your forthcoming birthday.
Boston

And now to bring me up to date ... Israel

Now this was a difficult one. But decided as I had with China to try some writing as I find Hebrew such a beautiful written language.

I chose a language book and this time had to bring it home as lunch break was over.

After scanning the book I decided on the most obvious word of all ... Shalom (hello/peace) I made the school girl error of following the sketch but forgetting that Hebrew is written right to left but never mind! I did this in my india ink pen and then added the flag as the background with pro markers.

And Florence's latest message ...

Boston
I am feeling more positive about your last message and feel less like you are somehow knowing everything about me. Please promise that if you were to have the opportunity to see my diary again you wouldn't read it. I did manage a nice birthday this week, but have been feeling a little tired over the past few weeks. Maybe it's my time to accept I have to start to slow down?
I wonder where you are now and am curious by your comment about not across the continents.
Florence

And so I am all caught up with the lovely Darcy's postcard challenge... I encourage you to go and see what everyone else is upto with their stories and journeys around the world. Either use the badge up on the top right or see here for Darcy's blog.

Thanks for visiting and hope to see you again soon.