Our first port on the cruise was Sitka, Alaska, on Baranoff Island -- one of a string of islands off the coast of British Columbia.
When you arrive in a new land, so many things catch your eye because they're different from home. I found a multitude of fascinating details -- wildflowers, trees, whales, waterfowl, and mountainous vistas -- that I wanted to record. I drew circles, squares & rectangles in pencil to fill with illustrations that made Sitka special to me.
I loved how the mountains and the Pacific Ocean framed everything in this small town.
We walked down a boardwalk along the rocky shoreline, to the Sitka National Historical Park, the site of a gorgeous temperate rainforest.
Trees grew out of old stumps, and moss seemed to cover every surface.
The colors of Alaska are eye-catching: cobalt blue mountains, yellow ochre kelp washed up on the beaches, the yellowy sap green of thick moss covering every log and much of the ground, and the deep pine green of hemlocks and spruces.
As we approached the little cove next to the National Park (above) we saw a dozen bald eagles flying and perching along the shore.
The majestic birds seemed unconcerned about people watching from the nearby walkway.
Inside the deep woods, the sounds of warblers, eagles, and the wind in the massively tall trees brought an immediate sense of calm.
I didn't invent this technique of making mini-illustrations inside borders, but I do recommend it. This technique breaks up the page into manageable chunks. You can take your time with each little facet, and when you are done, you have the larger story told in details.
Give this technique a try!
I started with pencil sketches, then added watercolor, and often, I put finishing details in with a permanent fine line black pen & colored pencils.
Happy Creating!
