My favourite pages in travel sketchbooks are often ones that contain maps, and so last week I did a review of some of my travel sketchbooks to get some inspiration for my upcoming big trip to Europe.
I discovered that I haven’t drawn many maps in recent years, and on previous trips to Europe (2016-2019) I hardly did any! In my 14-week trip in 2019, I only drew 4-5 maps – here is one of Paris.
However, I was amazed by how many maps I drew during my big NSW/VIC Road Trip in 2021 – often numerous maps on the one day! I drew maps recording my driving route, and then created maps of most of the towns I visited. I do remember that I did a lot of homework each night during this trip, and flipping through the pages of the sketchbooks really highlighted just how many hours I spent finishing pages and drawing maps!
You can see all the sketches and adventures from this incredible trip here, but I thought it would be fun to highlight a few examples of different maps I drew in the first few weeks…
A simple map recording that day’s drive and towns visited.
A locality map which summarised all the places visited over a 3-day period.
A simple map of the central area of Bathurst.
A more detailed version of a similar area in Mudgee.
A detailed map showing every building on the main street in Rylstone.
Detailed map of a smaller town – Gulgong.
Detailed map of the tiny country town (a hamlet) of O’Connell.
Map of a friend’s farm and an afternoon in Bathurst.
I doubt that I will be able to do as many maps in my upcoming trip but it’s been really helpful to remind myself of what I’ve done in the past.
I’ve just filmed a video for my Sketching Adventure Community , sharing more thoughts on drawing maps and making some decisions!
There is no doubt that this trip prep is making me very excited for my upcoming European travels!
12 Comments
Do you copy from googlemaps (or similar)?
yes – or (occasionally) tourist maps I pick up.
I am in France since a month ago and travelled to Madrid and Toledo via la Ruta de La Mancha where the Don Quijote windmills are in nature !
I shall add some more maps ! To clear a design I did not like I glued a map of Toledo.
Great idea
You’ll love Europe again. Many of my American girl friends were on such trips in May and early June. They all love the culture, architecture, food and people…
Hi Christine – sounds like an amazing trip. Hope you get to draw some maps – they add something special to sketchbook pages!
I love maps! And what a good idea. I only have a 6 day trip to Poznan, but I could easily do a map of all workshop and sketchwalk locations:-) . Looking forward to seeing your upcoming travel sketches.
Hi Martine – yes going to the one destination is a good chance to do a map beforehand!
Thank you for this, Liz ! I remember you advised us to develop a “standard” way of drawing maps – but it’s super-interesting to see your range of standards, at various scales, used to highlight one feature or another, in a variety of situations. That 2021 road trip of yours was an inspiration when it happened, and continues to yield dividends. Now that I have a few sketchbooks completed, I’m inspired to look back at my own, to see where I can develop my toolkit further. Happy trip planning!
Thanks Barbara! For the record I was blown away by how many maps I did in 2021 and the variety! I had no idea I had done that – so thanks for the prompt to review my sketchbooks.The benefits of travelling solo!
I love these maps, Liz! They really add something beautiful to a sketchbook spread.
Thanks sue – yes that do don’t they?
Cool maps and cool sketches!
Your archives are a treasure trove!
Thank you Liz!
Thanks Lois!
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