21 February 2025

Netherlands sketchbook (five pages), 2015

James Brown

Five sketchbook pages from a trip exploring the Netherlands:

“Haarlem 1”, “2” and “3”, 2015

“Amsterdam”, 2015

“Delft”, 2015

Pencil and watercolour on pale yellow wove paper (sketchbook pages)

Size of each page: 21 x 13 cm

While my sketchbook pages might suggest that Isabelle and I spent our entire trip in the Netherlands merely appreciating the architecture, the reality was quite different. Isabelle took on the role of our meticulous tour planner, and our main objective was to explore as many galleries as possible during our stay. Although we focused on art, we often took breaks from the galleries to enjoy the outside world, and it was during these moments that I found time to draw.

I truly felt spoiled during this trip. There were even times when wonderful Isabelle would bring me sandwiches and literally feed me so that I wouldn’t have to interrupt my drawing sessions!

Haarlem served as our home base, allowing us to take day-trips to the major centres like Amsterdam and beyond via buses and trains. For anyone contemplating a journey to the Netherlands, I highly recommend using Haarlem as a base. It’s such a picturesque and tranquil place, making it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger cities like busy Amsterdam. 










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