Sketching Europe and Hong Kong: Watercolour Paintings by Alina Chau

Today I bring you the travel paintings and sketches of Alina Chau, an animator and illustrator who has immortalised her travels to Europe and Hong Kong in a series of beautiful watercolour paintings. The detail and wash of neutral colours give a dreamlike feel to the works, but she does all her sketches on-site. At the end of the interview she provides a few tips to those of you who are interested in sketching whilst you travel. Let Alina know what you like about her paintings in the comments below.

Your sketches are very detailed and all have a similar style. How did this develop?

At the moment, I am into the detail style… I love to try out and experiment with different styles to explore and expand my art.

Hong Kong

Let’s talk about process. What are the steps you take to create each piece? Do you sketch on-site or from photographs?

Most of the time, I like to sketch on-site. It helps me capture the mode and emotion at the moment. I do use photography references for research and study purposes.

Prague

It’s obvious you have travelled a lot. Where has been your favourite place to sketch and why?

I love exploring new places, it doesn’t matter if it’s around the corner from home or far away. Each place I visit has its own unique charm and beauty, it’s very difficult to choose just one favorite place.

Golden Gate Bridge

Aside from travel, what inspires your work?

Everyday life, friends and family are one of my main sources of inspiration. I also often find inspiration from books, music, films etc..

Why do you sketch whilst you travel?

I love to sketch during my travels because it’s like keeping a diary. To me, it feels like capturing a memory and a story on paper. There is intimate, poetic quality in recording a travel adventure in sketches.

Budapest

If you could choose to travel to anywhere in the world to sketch, where would it be and why?

Italy off the top of my head, especially Venice. I love Sargent’s watercolor sketches of Venice… would love to paint Venice. Plus, I guess Italy is a dream destination for artists. Besides Italy, I would love to visit Tibet, Japan, Gulin China etc… too many places to list.

Hong Kong

Do you have any tips for readers who want to sketch whilst they travel?

The best tip is to enjoy the travel experience, be spontaneous and have fun with the sketches. Make the sketching experience feel like the creating of a visual diary. Try not to pressure yourself to make the best sketches, instead capture the joy and excitement of the moment.

Have a look at more of Alina’s work on her website. Remember to follow Wanderarti on Google Plus for daily doses of visual vagabonding.