First in the SeriesSand Orchids of Greece

Back to painting!

First, we had sunny days which found me working in the yard and thinking garden. Next, we had lots of snow and I had to go skiing. Now, I am back in the studio. Well, since I am painting from photographs of Greece, can I actually be in Greece?

To be exact, I am sitting on Plakias Beach on the southern coast of Crete where the sand orchids are profuse and the vista spectacular.

Ahhh, what fond memories......

Sand Orchids of Crete
Joanne Osband
watercolor

Sand Orchids of Greece

One of the most captivating sights when I was in Greece last fall, is finding orchids growing profusely in the sandy beaches along the coast of the beautiful Aegean Sea.

My first sighting was on a hike to find Paradise Beach located on the northeast shore of Santorini. I love orchids and know that they are the only plants that do not need soil to survive; soil is bad for the plants because it cuts off air circulation at the roots and blocks the drainage of water.

Amazed by this discovery of orchids growing in the sand and not in a tropical forest, I took a couple of photographs.



The next time I saw an array of sand orchids, they were growing on Plakia Beach in southern Crete. In fact, I sat in the middle of them under the shade of a tree and did a quick sketch before I jumped in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea.


Now, I am taking the time to recreate that feeling in a watercolor painting.

Ahhhh....to be in Crete again :)

Next Watercolor Painting of Greece

Being that the rains have set in here in Washington and those "sun breaks" are few and far between, I have begun to stay indoors and paint.

Greece is still very fresh in my mind and painting from my photographs actually brings me back into the experience. Painting Greece will be a great way to spend the dark winter months.

This second painting is a composite of favorite elements of the Greek landscape; olive trees, the hillsides, and the architecture. While traveling by car with a friend into the mountain area of Crete, we came across a huge, ancient olive tree which begged to be immortalized in a watercolor painting.



I am just getting warmed up.......there will be many renditions of this theme.

Miscellaneous Photos Of Greece

My trip to Greece, abridged version, filled 16 blogs beginning October 4th. There is so much more to tell, yet words and photos cannot capture the amazing experience that unfolded each day.

Included in this final blog - although I will probably mention Greece again at some point in time - are a few photos of note which I would like to share.

Cats are plentiful and seem to have a good life in Greece. Some of the fishermen share their catch of the day which this kitty took to a quiet spot to consume.


Finding a little shade from the intense sun.


Keeping an eye on me while I eat.


Posing for the perfect photograph.


Rocks are one of my fetishes. Here are just a few.......

Paradise Beach, Santorini





Morning light on Plakias Beach, Crete


Despotiko Island near Antiparos



Favorite flower photos

Prickly pear cactus growing on Thirasia Island, Santorini


Mystery plant growing at the monastery of Meteora


Wild Onion found on the islands of Crete, Naxos, Paros, and Antiparos. Most likely grows all over Greece.


Wild sand orchid which I found on both Santorini and Crete.


The lovely, colorful bougainvillea found everywhere in Greece.



Some classic photos

Santorini



Santuary of Apollo on Naxos


Meteora



And the typical tourist photos

Final Day in Crete

Ameigh convinced me to join the group on the "River Walk" to Preveli Beach instead of exploring Frangokastello, Hora Sfakion, and Loutro by boat.

Jeroen was our fearless leader as he was the only one who had been before. He emphasized not taking anything along as we would travel in the river, at times swimming, and climbing boulders. He did volunteer to take carry a camera.

Unfortunately, Jeroen tripped and the camera ended up in the drink. He was hoping that the card was still able to read images. I have not heard from him. Preveli Beach is at the mouth of the Kourtaliotis Gorge and where the Meglopotamos River empties into the Libyan Sea. This is the river we traveled down to the beach. The banks are lined with palm trees and fresh water pools. Recently, there was a fire, but you could see new growth coming back to the palm trees.

Ameigh sent me a few photos taken from the historical Moni Prevelli Monastery looking down to the river.





We all took Jeroen literally about not bringing anything, and after three hours of hiking, swimming, and climbing boulders no one had even brought money for food. Fortunately, Jeroen pulled out 5 wet Euros from his pocket and treated us to chocolate pastries.

Here is the motley crew upon return with food, wine, and beer at a taverna in Lefkogia.


That evening the town of Plakias was hosting a "Tourist Celebration" providing Greek food and Greek dancing.
I guess they knew it was my last evening on Crete!






The following day I would ride three buses to Iraklio Airport in Northern Crete, fly to Athens, and then another flight to London where I stayed in the Yotel. You must check it out. After that it was across the Atlantic Ocean and the U.S. Continent. Phew!

Addendum:
Jeroen sent me some photos from the "River Walk" which was truly its essence.

Unique Guided Tour

As I mentioned, friendships form fast at the youth hostel in Plakias, Crete. Ameigh, my roommate, introduced me to her friend "Florida James" who now lives most of the year in Plakias. I was treated to an all day guided adventure with our destination of Saint Antonio Gorge. James has a wealth of knowledge of the area, history, flora & fauna, plus great places to eat.

We headed up the hillside to the town of Frati which lies between the two gorges of Koutaliotis and Kotsifos.




It looks like this from the ridge.



A huge old olive tree we met along the way.


Crete has many gorges of which the most famous is Samaria and full of tourist. James and Ameigh swear that Saint Antonio is just as beautiful with less people. I will take their word for it.

At the beginning of the gorge is a church carved into the stone dedicated to, of course, Saint Antonio.


Inside the church


The gorge is magnificent and not sure the pictures do it justice,
but I tried.







After our hike, James knew just the restaurant in Kanevos to stop for dinner. The family invites you into the kitchen to show and explain the different dishes you can choose from. Need I say, I nearly tried everyone! Their cute little daughter with the sweetest smile served us our appetizer and desert. It was by far the best meal I had in Greece :)

We still had some traveling down the mountain and our discussion lead into my not leaving Greece until I tried the Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts. James stopped at a restaurant in Myrthios overlooking Palkias to take care of this. Yum!