It's All Greek to Me ...

January 23, 2025

On three very dark, January days, I brought some warmth and sunshine into my life by drawing a series of beautiful Greek islands: Crete, Corfu and Rhodes.  I could almost feel the warmth of the salty Mediterranean Sea on my skin, taste the adorable, sweet pastries and smell the aromatic herbs that grow naturally on the side of the road wherever you travel, chamomile, oregano, thyme or that of goats wandering by ... not so sweet but still as evocative! 

 

I started with drawing Crete, which was also one of my first holidays as a grown up, travelling there in the spring of 1990 with my boyfriend. I remember the expanse open space of the Lassithi Plain, high in the mountains, the charming harbour of Chania and the ancient gravitas of Knossos.  All of these and more iconic landmarks, I capture in my pretty illustration of Greece, surrounded by an aqua marine ocean.

Last year, as I drove from England to Greece, the overnight ferry made a pitstop at Corfu and I woke up in the middle of the night to see palm trees swaying in the breeze. We sailed on, but part of me vowed to return and next time, get off the ferry to explore this pretty island steeped in ancient history. I want to wander around the winding streets in Corfu Old Town, explore the many fortresses that protected the island from invaders, unsuccessfully, centuries past, and walk amongst the verdant mountains.  I will.

And Rhodes, I've also come tantalising close to this island, which lies in the Aegean Sea not far from Turkey. The Eastern Mediterranean influence is evident in the culture of this popular holiday destination .. and I love its architecture and food. Whether it's walking along sandy beaches or in the Valley of the Butterflies (what a pretty name!) then this is an island that has captured my interest and heart. 

I drew Athens a few years ago and it features iconic landmarks of this ancient capital city such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the achingly pretty neighbourhood of Plaka. I visited Athens on business and tagged on tourist days at the end of my working week and absolutely loved this city, hoping to return one day soon. Until then, my art featuring Greece with its ancient heritage and unique culture, that has influence beyond its borders, keeps my memories alive. 

 

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