If you haven’t already realized I hope to attend the 2nd International Urban Sketchers symposium in Lisbon in July. As such I am testing out the colours in my palette over the next few weeks to see if there are any adjustments. Thanks to Robyn, I have an unexpected colour begging to be included (Cobalt Deep Blue) but I think that I can accommodate it. See previous tests here

The other important factor is to do a bit of research as to the colours expected at my destinations and preempt how I might mix them – I know many of you do this too. So the Red roofs of Lisbon are a major consideration. Although the light and colour on location will be different from a photo that I have printed out, it is good to know that there are a range of colours that I can mix from what I plan to have in my palette. I rarely use Daniel Smith Quin Burnt Scarlet…but I think it wise to retain it for this trip.

For those of you who are not following the Symposium blog… this is what I recently wrote concerning my general trip preparation….

Right at the moment I am in the middle of some serious research as I know nothing about Portugal and Lisbon and it is important for me to have a foundation before I go. This includes:

– reading a history of the city,
– listening to some Portuguese music to get in the mood… enjoying some Portuguese guitar at the moment
– sampling the best Portuguese tarts that Sydney can make so that I can compare with the real thing
– possibly looking at a phrase book – I have absolutely no language skills so the fact that I have a book at all is an achievement!
– trying to find an architectural history of Portugal (doesn’t seem to be a book in existence written in English)
– searching the net for the all important reviews of good tearooms – apparently the English custom of afternoon tea is supposedly linked back to Catherine of Braganza from Lisbon who became Queen of England!!