Taking a quick break from my usual content—we’re back with Art History Trip Art: Part Two! My last post featured artwork from Paris, so if you haven’t read that one yet, be sure to check it out after this. This collection comes from the same 2019 art history trip I took with my class. While the Paris portion of our journey lasted three days, we only had one full day in Venice. Surprisingly, though, I ended up creating more artwork from Venice! I think it’s because I was so inspired—I loved every minute, from being on the water to soaking in the vibrant colors scattered across the islands.
In this post, I’ll be sharing more of my general memories from exploring Venice. Unlike Paris, I don’t have specific memories tied to each individual painting, as most of these pieces were finished later from photos once I was back home. Still, they capture the spirit of that day and the way the city’s beauty stayed with me long after we left.
These next few photos are from our gondola tour—one of the most exciting parts of the trip! I remember gliding through narrow passageways and ducking under low bridges, even having to lean to make it under one of them. It was such a fun, unique experience and truly an unforgettable way to explore Venice.
What strikes me most about the two pieces above are the intricate details of Venice. The architecture was absolutely stunning and such a joy to paint. I’ve always been drawn to lines and angles in my artwork, and Venice offered an endless array of subjects to explore.
The next two pieces of art are from the island of Burano in Venice. The colors of this island are simply spectacular! Each building is painted in bright, unique hues, and walking through the streets feels like stepping into another world. Most of our time was spent simply exploring and taking in the views. It was such a pleasure to slow down, breathe, and fully enjoy the island without rushing anywhere.
This last piece was based on a photo that actually won a small photo contest our group held. The original photo is even brighter—I’ll have to see if I can dig it up one day—but I love how it captures the endless rows of houses, each one so unique and colorful.
Looking back on all these pieces from Paris and Venice, I’m reminded of how powerful art can be as a way to capture memories and moments. Each sketch and painting is more than just a scene—it’s a feeling, a pause in time, a way to slow down and really see the world around you. Traveling through these cities with my paints in hand allowed me to notice details I might have otherwise missed, and every brushstroke brought me a little closer to the magic of each place.
If you’re planning a trip, I encourage you to bring along a small art journal—whether it’s watercolor, pen, or pencil—and take a few minutes each day to capture something that moves you. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the goal is to pause, observe, and create a memory you can revisit over and over. Art has a way of turning ordinary moments into something unforgettable, and I hope your own travel sketches bring you as much joy as mine have brought me.
WAVES OF EXPRESSION 
What did you think of this idea??