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Sketchbook Pages...


 I have been practicing in my sketchbook and wanted to share some of my favorite pages. It's a place where I can play, experiment and, hopefully, improve. 

I recently had the pleasure of a visit from a friend, who is an incredible sketcher and watercolor artist, Joan Tavolott .It has been a dream of mine to be able to sketch along with her! We had the most fun sketching on the Spanish Steps, not even the rain stopped her! I started my sketch on location , then added the paint at home. It is intimidating working in the confusion of the Spanish Steps. I had a difficult time taking in all the information.


with Joan

 My sketch on the Spanish Steps

Joan Tavolott sketching in the rain, determination at its finest!


 This experience has inspired me to get out more. I am lucky to live in a vibrant city: yesterday I brought my sketching supplies along while I ran errands. My favorite moment was sketching at the market. I feel like it was a breakthrough moment for me. It didn't take me as long as I thought it would and the fun part was interacting with the surroundings.


... at the post office and on the bus...

... painting of a flower stand at the farmer's market.

Thanks for stopping by!
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Comments

  1. martine paquet7 October 2014 at 23:02

    Great pages Celia!
    Love your fruits!

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 22:06

      Thank you Martine, I am always drawn to painting fruit.

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  2. Lorraine Brown7 October 2014 at 23:15

    Thanks for showing us inside your sketch books Celia, you have some lovely ones for sure. How fantastic to meet up with Joan I agree she is a Master sketcher and so committed I have trouble keeping up with all her blog posts she is so prolific. Sketching is a skill in itself and one I would aspire to have but I know I would have to get out and about and I am definitely a studio bound girl. Good luck with yours I look forward to seeing more from your beautiful part of the world

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 22:12

      You live in a beautiful area to do it too! I have a problem with confusion, I need my peace and quiet when working. Then I also feel pressured if people look over my shoulder but Joan is definitely a pro...cool as a cucumber. I realize she has been at it for a long time so I hope with a lot of practice to improve.

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  3. Carmella Tuliszewski8 October 2014 at 01:40

    I absolutely love this post Celia. Keeping a sketchbook is something I have yet to do and Its inspirational to see your thoughtful and lively collection of works. And its lovely to see you out and about in the beautiful city of Rome. I remember that view from the top of the Spanish Steps, wow. must have been a great day. ll the best!

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 22:21

      It was a wonderful day and it is one of my favorite views. I hope to try going back one day. I am happy you liked the post!

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  4. juliefordoliver.blogspot.com8 October 2014 at 05:23

    These are GREAT - good for you, Celia. Love them all but the plum tart is extra special and I can see a painting ahead. Your figures capture the gesture so well and I will look forward to seeing more of your sketchbook work.

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 22:26

      I'm happy you noticed that one, Julie! It would be something I would like to paint. I painted it from life as the tart was cooling, but forgot to take a photo. I might paint it from the study. Well,thank you for your very kind comment!

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  5. Judy8 October 2014 at 09:40

    Must be wonderful to sketch along with a friend! I love your sketches!

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  6. Helen H Trachy8 October 2014 at 13:42

    These are sweet little moments of life recorded in your sketch book Celia. ChArming! Your book is getting richer and richer all the time. I just bought one and I hope to pick up the habit of sketching more regularly. Hugs

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 22:58

      I am halfway through it already and have made another. I loved your drawing of Mary C, I look forward to seeing your sketchbook too! Have a great weekend!

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  7. Ann8 October 2014 at 14:32

    I love seeing your sketch book pages! What wonderful sketches and your outing looks like a lot of fun!

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  8. Carol Blackburn8 October 2014 at 15:52

    Wonderful sketching, Celia. I have tried many times to keep a sketch book but have not been successful at it. Maybe I will try again soon. Yours is lovely.

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 23:02

      I hope you do Carol, Maine is so pretty too! Thank you for the visit!

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  9. Anita's art8 October 2014 at 19:25

    Thanks for sharing sketchbooks. I'm just getting back to daily work and it's a pleasure to see others keeping it up.

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 23:05

      I love your paintings, I'm happy you found me! Thank you for the encouragement!

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  10. Jane8 October 2014 at 21:03

    Your sketch book is filled with treasures Celia, and how great to just go out there with a friend and paint your b... off even in the rain :-) So inspiring ! xx

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 23:09

      She is an inspiration! Thank you, have a wonderful weekend!

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  11. Joan Tavolott9 October 2014 at 02:30

    Buona serra, Celia! We finally home today and I am posting again. I'm forcing myself to stay awake until a normal NY bedtime to adjust to the time difference. I love the way your sketch of the buildings at the Spanish Steps came out after you added the watercolor! That was a fun day...thanks again for coming to meet me and for being such a trouper sketching in the rain with me. Bravo that you are getting out and sketching locally too. Once you start to do it more it becomes easier and you can capture a lot in a small amount of time. I like the one of the flowers at the market. All it takes is a little bit of a view to say so much!

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 23:23

      Bentornata, Joan! I'm happy you like my sketch, it was fun spending time with you! I was shocked at how quick I painted the flower stand. This time, the sun was shining and I forgot to bring a hat...I am never prepared for the weather. ;-)

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  12. hmuxo9 October 2014 at 05:07

    It sounds like you had a wonderful time sketching with Joan...yes, the perfect one to sketch with! Thanks for sharing your sketchbook with us and LOVE the photo of you and Joan!!! Isn't blogging wonderful...

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 23:25

      She is the best, it is incredible how blogging has made the world a smaller place. Thank you for the visit Hilda!

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  13. Debbie Nolan9 October 2014 at 19:57

    Dear Celia - I blog with Joan and so it is wonderful to see the two of you together. How fun. Your journal pages are superb. You do live in a lovely city rich in so much history. I am so looking forward to seeing more of these delightful pages. Hugs - Have a great week-end.

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 23:33

      This is the first time I have the pleasure of meeting a blogging friend, it is great fun! I thank you for your kind words, Debbie, and hope you have a nice weekend too!

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  14. Laura10 October 2014 at 03:08

    Lucky you Celia to have met Joan. The first blogger I started following many many moons ago. Love seeing the sketches and the piccies. Thanks for sharing. xx

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 23:34

      I got to know Joan before my blog, she has always been very supportive and kind. I am happy you enjoyed the post! A big hug to you!

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  15. Olivier Violin10 October 2014 at 16:52

    Félicitations, chère Celia,
    Toutes tes aquarelles sont belles et pleines de vie !
    Je te souhaite un excellent week-end.
    Bisous :)

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    1. Celia Blanco10 October 2014 at 23:36

      Thank you Olivier, I value your kind comment! I hope you enjoy your weekend too!

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  16. laura11 October 2014 at 03:54

    Wonderful. Celia--congratulations of getting out there: your sketchbook pages are wonderful, full of great compositions and color.

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  17. Anita's art11 October 2014 at 18:45

    Wonderful sketches. I hope to do the same and work (or play) in my sketchbook every day.

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  18. Polly Birchall12 October 2014 at 18:21

    How intrepid were you both, how lovely to meet her. Love your sketches. I do like sketch books as they are just for you, your personal thoughts really. Great post

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    1. Celia Blanco15 October 2014 at 23:11

      I'm so happy you like it, Polly, and appreciate your supportive comment!

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  19. art by Michael Perchard13 October 2014 at 15:56

    Celia! Wow! I thought I was dreaming when I saw the wonderful photo of you and Joan together!!!! So very, very fantastic! How great is this art blogging thing that two great artists from different spots on the planet get together to make art! In Roma at that! Wow!! You both look great!!!!!
    I love your sketches! Brings back wonderful memories of our recent trips to Roma! Love your flowers, fruit, people! Love the fact that you are getting out there more! Rome certainly is one of the greatest cities in the planet! Heaven on earth for artist to paint! Love the buildings. Great compositions and color choices! Bravo Buddy!
    Take care Celia!
    Keep on painting! Indoors and outside!
    Michael

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    1. Celia Blanco15 October 2014 at 23:17

      It was like my computer screen came alive,Joan waving to me from the other side of the street. We had a great day together! I always love receiving your generous comments Michael! Take care!!

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  20. Wendy Barrett18 October 2014 at 14:41

    Wow Celia, what a great job you did of your sketch on the Spanish steps. All your sketches look fantastic! I had just visited Joan's blog and seen beautiful photos of the two of you sketching together and felt a pang of longing to be there too! I have become addicted to sketching on location since my UK trip and Joan's amazing blog has been a big influence on me. How wonderful for the two of you to meet in the flesh. Maybe we should start a blogging convention!
    You really are perfectly positioned being in one of the planet's most amazing cities for wonderful sketching opportunities! Love what you've been doing and look forward to seeing more!

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    1. Celia Blanco22 October 2014 at 12:04

      It would be fun to sketch along with you and all of my blogging friends,a blogging convention is a wonderful idea, in Rome! Sketching is addictive, I seem to want to sketch more and more all of the time. I am happy you feel the same and love seeing your drawings.

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  21. martinealison21 October 2014 at 05:27

    Bonjour chère Célia,

    Je suis certaine que ce fut une belle rencontre que celle Joan et vous. Je pense qu'il est très stimulant de dessiner et peindre en compagnie.
    Je suis très admirative de vos croquis. Je vous remercie de partager avec nous ces moments bonheur.
    Un billet sublime accompagné de très jolies photos.

    Gros bisous ♡

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    1. Celia Blanco22 October 2014 at 12:08

      It definitely was an exciting day. I am happy you enjoyed my post and appreciate your kind words and visit! Have a wonderful day Martinealison!

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  22. Win Dinn, Artist21 October 2014 at 16:48

    Very much enjoy seeing your sketches - I admire anyone who can sketch, paint, draw in public without freezing! Well done.

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    1. Celia Blanco22 October 2014 at 12:14

      Thanks for the visit and lovely comment! Freezing would be a problem for me though! :-)

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  23. Tito23 October 2014 at 17:59

    Wow! Celia, sono veramente colpito dalla bellezza, vivacità e freschezza dei tuoi schizzi. Sei bravissima, sia per come sai sintetizzare il soggetto che per la scelta dei colori. Davvero grande!! Un abbraccio.

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  24. Roses, Lace and Brocante26 October 2014 at 02:30

    Your sketch book pages are marvellous Celia!
    Oh I would be just over the moon if I could paint like you - what a gift you have.
    You live in such a beautiful city which provides you with inspiration everywhere you go!
    I've visited Rome twice and I fell in love with it of course.
    Once was in Summer and then in Winter for New Year.
    Wishing you a very happy weekend!
    Shane :)

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