Thursday, July 17, 2008

Pre-Trip Sketches


The wife and I just got back from a 10-day vacation to Glacier National Park in Montana. This is a big trip for us, and the first one since I starting really sketching. It was my time to play with what I've learned and what suggestions I've gathered from my EDM and LTJ communities. My travel journal has begun. This first sketch is blatant copying of an old magazine add that was used in a publication I purchased to plan this trip. It's my private journal (forget the fact that it's shared here with millions of people through Internet). I loved the image and wanted it for my first page.


Since this is my first time for a travel journal, I'll admit I don't know what I'm doing. Every trip won't be done this way, maybe, but until I try some things I won't know what style I like. Here's the first few pre-trip sketches. That's not exactly true. I WANTED them done before we left, but it's not to be. I worked on them during and after the trip, too. To finish the rest of the journal I wanted my digital pictures printed to base some sketches on, and transfer some pictures to the journal. Not exactly fast stuff. I'll post more as I get them done.
















10 comments:

Sarah M said...

Love the map and the drawings and descriptions of the different train cars! Great journal pages.

Deborah said...

John, Great start on your travel journal....I hope there is more to come. Whenever I am traveling I stop by the P.O. and ask for a cancellation stamp. You get the city and date for your book. Actually, anywhere I go I ask if they have a stamp. BTW all National Parks should have a stamp. I learned about the post insulators and bus bar at the Bonneville dam in Oregon. Thanks for the award, my first! I am glad you like to visit my blog. Take care.

Margaret Ann said...

OooooH MY JOHN!!! What an absolute treasure! Love everything you have shown us...wonderful creative composition and maps and train info and journalling....You've got the whole complete package here...WONDERFUL! A big WOO HOO! :)

Anonymous said...

This is such a fabulous start to your travel sketchbook. I love all of the journaling - with illustrations! Can't WAIT to see the rest. You need to tell us the strategies you used for travel with a non-journaler.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea to lay some ground work for the trip in your sketchbook. The pocket is a nice touch.

Spinneretta said...

Great job, this will be such fun to look back on in the future :)

Deb said...

A terrific beginning! I look forward to seeing more!

Linda T said...

This is going to be a great journal. Tell us each time you post more of it. REALLY neat!!

Andres said...

Another great set of lay outs John. I especially like the "train nut" warning.
When I travel I take along a glue stick & glue into my journal ephemera (ticket stubs, interesting soda labels, receipts). The rafting trip "sticker" in your post reminds me of that.
Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

John, I just put a feed to your blog on my desktop so I can keep track of your work. Really enjoy it. And I'd say you're maybe a little more serious about railroading than I am. Love the Amtrak sketches and journaling of the details. I'm fairly new to "railfaning" and still can't tell the difference between a GE and an EMD. Keep those pens and pencils moving.