For those of you who read my post The Sisterhood of the Travelling Sketchbook, I have finished my contribution and I’m ready to pack it off to the next person on the list, Constanze, in Munich, Germany.
I wanted to do something referring to Greek history, so what better than the myth about the naming of Athens, which I’ve already written about, in my post Homage to the olive tree. To make the drawing I took my inspiration from the ancient black and red pots from which one can glean amazing details about life in Ancient Greece – the food, the sport, the fashion, the rituals and the stories. They feature a large cast of gods, goddesses, demi-gods and mere mortals, nymphs, centaurs and satyrs, athletes and animals, as well as household objects, furniture and accessories. A fascinating study.
And now feast your eyes on my masterpiece below:-)
Standing on the Acropolis rock is Athena, having taken her helmet off, with a belligerent expression on her face. She has just produced an olive tree, using her spear. Poseidon, seated on an elaborate throne, has a rather sheepish look on his face, having lost the contest to a woman, albeit a goddess…
This has been a very amusing project, and I’m curious to see the remaining contributions. So tomorrow I will regretfully pack up the Sketchbook and bid it Bon Voyage.
Letters from Athens 
Wow your contribution is truly wonderful. This is such a beautiful idea……do hope you have the opportunity to see what happens next
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Thanks Becky! I really enjoyed doing this 🌺
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Oh that is gorgeous!!!
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Thank you!🌺
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That sketchbook is becoming a very interesting, beautiful project. Will the completed book make the rounds again, so everyone will be able to see it?
You must have been pleased with your inspired contribution.
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It was just so fun seeing everyone’s contributions! Very inspiring. I think it will make the rounds again, we’re still discussing it. And maybe scan it.
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Lovely!!
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So beautiful dear, fascinated me. Thank you, Love, nia
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That is a beautiful sketch! And what a lovely idea…
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Thank you, Solveig! Glad you liked it!
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Your contribution is beautiful. I hope you get to scan the finished book.
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Thank you. We’ll sort something out, I’m sure 🌹
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Marina, what a beautiful addition to a wonderful project. I love your choice of subject and the way you have rendered it. The sketch is masterful and the colours are gorgeous!
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So many compliments! Thank you, Robyn.
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Because you’re worthy Marina. 🙂
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😊
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I really love this idea, and your Greek contribution was just perfect.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks, Pete🌺
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I love the look on Athena’s face!
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He he. Withering, perhaps?
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Lovely, and hurrah for sensible goddesses! She thoroughly deserves her city-namesake. May I please copy your photo for the Sisterhood gallery on my blog?
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Of course, Kate!🌺
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Thank you 🙂
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Love your drawing in the sketchbook. Do keep us in the loop. Love hearing about its travels. 🙂
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I will report when I hear from the others!
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Thank you. I love what you all are doing with this sketchbook. XX
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What an amazing project, and what contributions the Sisters have made. And all in a brave book that’s travelling the world by snail mail. I’d love to hear more of it along its way.
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I’ll do another report later 🌹
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A fascinating picture to include in an inspired project. As I won’t pretend to know as much as I should about ancient Greece: this will make me do a little extra ‘homework’ for a tad more knowledge . . .
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Beautiful! (K)
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Thank you!🌞
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Wonderful piece of art! You did a great job with making it like old Greek art. I love Greek myth! I was obsessed with it in high school. 🙂
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I copied the idea from the ancient pots! You’d be amazed at the detail – hairstyles, pleating, etc. Especially when explained by a guide in a museum – they make you notice things.
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it’s a fabulous and fitting contribution Marina, I hope you received the invitation to post on the Sisterhood Blog, it’s time to chase some who have fallen through the cracks
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I love your sketch… the coloring and the detail are so alive!
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Thank you, Adam. Very kind
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Now I have a better idea about the traveling sketchbook – what a wonderful way to share the world. Marina, your contribution is well considered and beautiful, sharing your history and showcasing your talent. A pleasure to see it here. Best wishes, Constanze.
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Thanks, Sharon!
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Beautiful! Both the painting and the book.
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Thanks!🌹
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That is super. The finished book is going to be amazing!
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Thank you Mick. It’s already pretty special💕
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Good work, M.L.
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Thanks, Derrick 🌺
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I love it. My daughters were fascinated by the Greek myths when they were young and were very knowledgeable about them – it was quite an education for me. I can’t wait to see your beautiful pages ‘in real life’.
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Thank you!😊
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I like the way you have captured the severe expression in Athena’s face. Poseidon seems quite passive deferring to Athena’s power. No wonder they named a great city after her. The project of the travelling sketchbook is a clever idea.
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Love your contribution. Very fitting.
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Lovely project and your pages are a perfect contribution, with a striking choice of colours.
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Thank you, Bea!
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How wonderful Marina! That is truly beautiful – so wonderful that all the places we live in are making a mark.
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Isn’t it? This was a brilliant idea 🌹
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A very beautiful contribution.
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What a great (and very romantic) idea, a travelling sketchbook. Love your contribution. Wonder if one could do something similar with a writing?
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I should think so. Like a communal journal…
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That’s a lovely picture. You’re very talented.
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Thank you, April!🌹
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You are so talented!
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Beautifully done, both in word and artistic expression. You’ve got some mad skills. Thanks for the smile. I needed it after hearing DT’s first press conference. To goddesses everywhere.
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Your drawing in sketchbook is so beautiful!
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Thank you! 😊
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Lovely idea!
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Brilliant entry! Well done!
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Such an imaginative and lovely addition to the sketchbook. You have made your Greek ancestors very proud, indeed. And have impressed this reader, also.
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What a lovely compliment, Clare, thank you so much. Means a lot💕🌺🌺
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It was a truly beautiful addition. Such a unique concept to be a part of.
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