We had a big European vacation scheduled for late Spring 2010. Like many other Americans, Europe holds a high romance factor. Some of the appeal of being able to travel sketch is embedded in that fantasy of culture and a simpler time. I imagine being able to sketch would elevate me from the tacky snapshot tourist.

So I signed Paul & I up for a private travel sketching class. We took the train to Seattle to practice hoofing it around with our Rick Steves bags.

We went to a comedy club, symphony for other entertainment. Paul did pretty well. His sketches were charming an unforced. I needed much more, and probably different instruction. I had no high school art background and really couldn’t do it. I was in tears by the end of the day. And the teacher didn’t believe that I was the one behind us taking the class.

I felt ashamed every time I thought about the drawings for many months after. Well here they are in all of their glory.