"The drawings are executed with an architect’s eye, balanced with a love of freshness and spontaneity."
Marc Taro Holmes
Last night I uploaded my book about walking and sketching my way across northern Spain to the print on demand publisher, Blurb.
I didn't have a book in mind when I did the sketches. Oh yah, the idea had gone through my mind, but it seemed overwhelming. However, along the way, people would look over my shoulder as I was sketching and ask if I was going to "do something with them". I thought I might look back on the journals, but I really draw and paint because I like doing it, not because I believe anyone would buy them. And anyway, I couldn't cut the pages out of my little sketchbooks to show them on a wall. Not to mention they are really small, and I love big pieces.
When I got home I started writing - almost compulsively. It helped me to process the trip. It was still sort of a dream to do a book. A slender little thing, at 96 pages and only using about half of the 120 sketches I did in the four weeks. But its funny how these things work on you and while it took a lot of investigation and a few false starts, but here it is.
It has been a great experience and I learned a lot. Now, I have several ideas for other projects like this. Not because I think it will be a living, so much as because it's intrinsically satisfying. But... it would be nice to break even.
It can be ordered from Blurb - and even if you aren't interested in buying one, check out Blurb - you may want to do something yourself!
Marc Taro Homes, one of my Urban Sketcher pals and mentors posted a nice review of the book on the Urban Sketchers site.
http://www.urbansketchers.org/
I ordered your book from Blurb. It arrived within days and I've just finished reading it. The book is beautifully written and illustrated. It is a very personal and thoughtful account of your trip. Your words and drawings will inspire others. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that. I have to say I'm pretty impressed with Blurb also. They have printing centres all over the world so the shipping is quite fast.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed doing this book and hope to put together more adventures to write and illustrate in the future.
Just finished reading your Camino Sketchbook and have to say it was a delightful, informative and insightful read. A long way from 'The College'.
ReplyDeleteThank Merritt for bringing your adventure to my attention. As stated above, Blurb delivered in a timely fashion without issues.
Keep up the good work.
Nair
Congratulations on a very impressive book. A work of beauty is a joy forever. Aloha
ReplyDeleteEspero que te vaya bien y que esto no te haga abandonar el blog.
ReplyDelete