Greece Paintings

I cannot believe how long this watercolor painting took!

Actually, I found myself getting lost trying for too much detail. Even though I had this fantastic view in mind, I lost the spontaneity of painting that I love. So, this was one of those "labors of love". But I am still not sure I really like the painting.......


The view is from the city of Oia on the island of Santorini in Greece. I was looking down from the main street to the water and the island, Thirasia, that separated from Santorini in one of the many volcanic erruptions.

I might paint a different, more freer, rendition of this view.

Stay tuned.....

Last Day on Santorini

Since the ferry to Crete did not leave until evening, I had one more day to spent on the lovely island of Santorini.

I chose to take photos and sketch.

View from Firostefoni looking towards the volcano on Nea Kameni.


Looking North with the island of Thirasia in the background.



Looking South towards Fira, Santorini's capital.



The magnificent village of Oia.




I have a fascination with olive trees; their gracefulness, curly carved trunk, silvery thin leaves, and the profusion of olives. I created a sketch of one tree while waiting for the ferry to Crete.



Since returning home, I am on my second watercolor painting featuring olive trees.

Amazing Santorini

After a morning swim at Plaka Beach on the island of Naxos in Greece, I boarded the ferry to the amazing island of Santorini. Having spent most of my time in Greece (except for two days in Athens) in small towns and less touristy destinations, I was not prepared for the overwhelming onslaught of tourists flocking to Santorini. I swear the ferry tipped port side as everyone on board gathered to see Santorini as it came into view for the first time.




Santorini's uniqueness is that it is shaped somewhat like a crescent with multicolored cliffs and villages on the ridges. The surreal landscape is relic of what was probably the biggest volcanic eruption in recorded history. There is still an active volcano, Nea Nameni, which is accessible only by boat


We were herded into buses at island's main port, Athinino, and climbed the cliffs to Fira where we could disperse to different areas of the island. I headed to the youth hostel in Oia with a bus full of tourist anxious to watch the sunset.

I must admit, I took part in this ritual. About an hour before sunset people are staking out the best viewing sites.


Santorini is famous for its spectacular sunsets. The village of Oia on the northern tip of the island is a hugely popular sunset viewing site because there is an uninterrupted view of the sun as it finally sinks below the horizon.






Spetacular or what?!?!

The moon rose as left my sunset perch.