A Different Kind of Travel Journal?

When you read those words--travel journal--you probably thought of...words. 

But perhaps you also visualized in your mind some type of notebook or bound book. Or maybe your memory even led you back to a visualization of a favorite scene from a trip. Can't you just picture it now?  

The written word is not the only way to record your travel memories. I have several clients who sketch and/or paint scenes from their trips, usually with at least a preliminary sketch made on location. They use their free time during trips try to capture scenes that attract them, all in the moment. They may also add words to the pages of their travel journal, to explain or describe the scene, or what they felt when observing it.

Texas artist Dalynn Montgomery will accompany the Mon Voyage Irish Idyll (The Sequel) trip in May 2025. She is active in many visual arts organizations, including the Visual Arts Society of Texas (new board member), the Dallas chapter of Urban Sketchers, and Southwest Watercolor Society (past president). 

I sat down with Dalynn to get a better picture of the practice of making art on location and how she fills her travel journal with her images as well as her words. 

(If you're in the DFW area, come to my event at Stoney's tomorrow 4/24, to meet Dalynn, as well as Laurie Smith from AmaWaterways. Click here to register.

What advantages does a journal containing sketches and words have over one that is created using only words?

In my experience, places and events are much more cemented into my memory far better when I sketch on location. It also helps me be present in the moment and really focus and appreciate what I am observing. I've also had wonderful conversations with people who typically are very proud and exciting that I am sketching their little corner of the world.

Just the name of the Urban Sketching movement makes me think that we could be talking about drawing or painting scenes anywhere, indoors or out, people or objects or nature. Is that the general idea--everything is fair game as a subject?

Yes indeed! I take my sketchbook with me everywhere: restaurants, doctor's waiting rooms, my own house. As you probably remember, I arrived early for our meeting at the Barcelona Wine Bar and started a sketch before you arrived!

How can making art on location create community? How do you imagine the practice being part of our Mon Voyage Small Group Trip to Ireland, even for those who aren’t creating? For me as audience member at a dance, music, or opera performance, watching others bring something to life gives me tremendous pleasure. Likewise, when I am watching an artist at work in the streets of New Orleans or Paris, I have the same thrill of witnessing the creative act. So I'm really looking forward to seeing what you sketch in Ireland, sharing that experience, and admiring the results.

I admit that when I first started sketching on location I was a bit self-conscious. But I can honestly say that I have NEVER had a negative comment uttered to me. On the contrary, I believe that I have inspired many people to try sketching. Some have later contacted me telling expressing the joy they've experienced since I convinced them to try it. Sketching has opened up wonderful conversations. I've been given access to special areas and events. And sketching is something that anyone can try at any age with a variety of simple, inexpensive materials. I too look forward to sketching in Ireland! I am already practicing with a variety of greens for my special "Ireland Watercolor Palette"!

I took an embarrassing number of photos on my last trip to Ireland. What are you looking forward to seeing and possibly sketching or painting during our May 2025 trip?

As a resident of north Texas, I am especially looking forward to the very different scenery of the cute seaside town of Kinsale, for example. I've seen the photos of the gorgeous house that will be our "home away from home" during our week in Killarney and know that there will be a feast for the eyes at Coolclogher alone, but we will also have Dublin pubs (I love sketching in pubs) and of course those sheep and horse and buggies we encounter on our outings will be fun to put to pen and watercolor!

Why do you feel this is for anyone willing to try?

I would LOVE for everyone to at least try it with no pressure. I have some helpful tips and techniques to share with anyone who is interested. Things that I have learned over the years and am happy to help them brand new sketchers. The materials to get started are readily available and inexpensive. What do you have to lose?! Or better yet, imagine what you might gain!

If someone has never tried sketching on location or sketching in their travel journal, what would you suggest as the basic minimum kit? 

A sketchbook and a pencil, permanent ink pen for the simplest of kits. (Notice I don't list an eraser. I have an aversion to erasers for sketching.) If you wish to add watercolor, I recommend you have a sketchbook that has thicker paper, labeled "appropriate for watercolor". I will bring my tubes of watercolor paint, brushes and some palettes for anyone wishing to try. (Edit from Nicole: I was thinking I might bring some colored pencils.)

What other destinations do you dream of visiting, especially with the idea of using visual art as part of your travel journaling practice? 

I have been thinking lately of how fun it would be to sketch on a river cruise. I think it would be an ideal location to sit on the deck and sketch the scene as we glide along the Seine or the Rhine or the Danube. I did a quick weekend with my husband to New Orleans recently but would LOVE to go back and have even more time to sketch. Greece, Germany and Austria are on my bucket list too!

Thanks, Dalynn! I can't wait for our trip to Ireland next May!

Me, neither! I'm so excited!

• • • • •

With Irish Country Idyll, the Sequel, May 14-28, 2025, Mon Voyage will return to Ireland, this time in the company of Texas artist Dalynn Montgomery. For more info on this wonderful destination and the Mon Voyage Small Group Trip, click here. I am now taking deposits for this trip and it's strictly limited to a max of twelve (six bedrooms for MV guests in our country estate).

What else is happening on the Mon Voyage front?

Of Myths and Moussaka--last call: The last date to place your deposit on the fabulous fortnight in Greece is THIS FRIDAY, 4/26! If you've been toying with the idea of joining this September 2024 trip, the time has come. There are TWO ROOMS LEFT and they will be released on Monday. Click here for the brochure and claim one of those last two rooms before it's too late.

Berlin vs Vienna Smackdown: Based on the instant survey results, it looks like we will offer a City Break in Berlin next March, possibly preceded by a few days in Vienna as well, for those who would like to visit both. Stay tuned for more details in the months to come, but pencil this into your calendar for mid-March 2025.

Gems of Southeast Europe: This luxurious late June 2025 river cruise aboard the AmaMagna (the ship I call the Queen of the Danube) will be a change of pace. We'll visit countries that spent many decades behind the Iron Curtain. This cruise will surely be both enlightening and educational, in addition to being relaxing and indulgent. I was able to get the $750 per person discount extended through the end of June. Remember I have a few coupons left for an additional 5% off, so be sure to take advantage of this (when they're gone, they're gone). Please email me for details, but in the meantime let AmaWaterways Cruise Manager Milan Miletic tell you what's so neat about this itinerary!