Sketching Venice, Portico

Sometimes, on a hot summer day, I imagine taking a boat trip along the Grand Canal in Venice. The air is hot here, too, but the light bouncing off the water shimmers on the buildings, turning the hard stone walls into something out of a dream.

The bright colors almost glow in the summer heat. The deep teal green doors contrast so beautifully with the blue and yellow striped pole.

I have to admit, I am loving my new fountain pen. I take every excuse I can to sketch with it and intricate architectural details seem made for ink and wash.

It will be a year or two before I return to Venice, since I can't possible visit without bringing my children this time (and 5 is a little young for the plane flight without a very good reason.) Until then, on summer days too hot to sketch outside here, I will sketch from my photos and imagine myself back in Venice, painting the shimmering light of the canals.