“I didn’t know exactly where I was going for this trip although I had a general idea that it would be somewhere in the Netherlands. I think the only expectations I had was that it would be colder weather. It turned out to be the island of Vlieland, on the northern coast of the Netherlands.

I was surprised by how amazing the ferry was to get onto the island. It was much larger than I thought it would be and had a cafe and several floors. The island of Vlieland made a big impression on me, the environment was so peaceful, especially because the entire island is without cars. It was a refreshing environment to be in for those days and I was able to make a few drawings while I was there. One of my days at the island it was really foggy and I found that to be nice. I would say overall I was surprised with how inspired I was being alone in an environment like that.

I prefer working on my print projects in the studio as opposed to using a digital file, which allows for a more experimental process. I try to remain open minded while working and when thinking about the final compositions. I created a 3 color screen print in the Utrecht print studio. I made all of my marks and shapes with black ink and brush on transparency sheets. The final black layer was a cut piece of paper that we used to burn the screen. We then started printing layers and experimenting with colors and compositions. All of my work is very non representational so the print remains a study in color and composition but I was inspired by my trip to Vlieland and Utrecht and of course Dutch design sensibility.”

Travel diary

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Day 1 in the Netherlands for my trip with The Jaunt. A few shots taken in Harlingen which is known for its fishing and shipping industry. Really cool place to visit and reminds me of a mini Amsterdam.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Some photos taken on day 2 and 3 on the island of Vlieland in the Netherlands.

There are no cars on the island which makes for an amazingly refreshing setting. It’s very peaceful and I’ve spent most of the last two days riding around on a bike taking in the scenery. I found a lighthouse on top of a hill and made the hike up to see it. It’s pretty cold and it gets dark around 4:30pm so I try to spend the early part of the day exploring and then head back to the cottage to eat and work on drawings.

It was also cool to see a few wild turkeys. I’m looking forward to exploring more of the island tomorrow.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Day 4 on the Dutch island of Vlieland for The Jaunt.

More exploring and riding around on a bike. Found a cool weather vane on one of the trails today. There are many different trails here which are good for hiking or biking.

I’m really enjoying the Dutch architecture on the island. Some of the buildings seem very old while others are newer but they’re both interesting. I’ve been mostly eating at the cottage but tonight I’m going to a Dutch restaurant to eat some seafood. I’m looking forward to it. Drawing sessions at the cottage continue and tomorrow I’ll take some photos of some that I’ve made on the trip.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Day 5 in the Netherlands on the island of Vlieland for The Jaunt.

Today was really foggy. Took a ride on a few trails I hadn’t been on yet and discovered a Bunker Museum. It looked as though it was still under construction or undergoing renovation. Chilly weather but the island is really beautiful with the fog. I’ve been enjoying the peacefulness and seeing more wild turkeys. Tomorrow morning I’ll be leaving the island on a ferry and then driving to Utrecht. I’m sad to be leaving this amazing place but looking forward to Utrecht and Amsterdam. 🇳🇱