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Ellise Adams's avatar

Chefchouen is dreamy! I always struggle sketching in the moment but your suggestions are so inspiring.

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

It took me forever to get to this point. Just keep plugging away!

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Amy Keane's avatar

Inspiring and beautiful! What a wonderful place to visit. So glad you captured it in your lovely sketches.

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Thanks Amy!

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Linda Watson's avatar

I not only absolutely love, and am inspired by, your paintings, but also your sense of adventure and openness. Thank you!

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Travel is such a great way to open the horizon. Thank you!

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Leslie Palacios's avatar

Love the article! It made me want to reconnect with sketching!

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Try! Even a few minutes a day will get you started!

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Maryellen Brady 💗📚's avatar

I love this way of seeing a new world. Do you photograph & then sketch? Or sketch in the moment? As a practice...

Your art is magic! Thank you.

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Thank you! I do both. In the little marker sketchbook it’s mostly live in the moment. The paintings are done back in the studio in most cases.

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Maryellen Brady 💗📚's avatar

Oh living in the moment is a beautiful way to travel. Making a memory & art. Thank you!

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juliette crane's avatar

So interesting how not taking photos made you slow down and look instead of snapping. I’ve been taking more photos of my every day to slow down and look. Love watching your journey!

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

It can work both ways, It's a mindset and so dependent on the situation.

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juliette crane's avatar

I can see that 🌞💕

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ronni rosen's avatar

I wanted to ask you if there is a meaning behind the blue city and is it paint or stain? And everyone uses the same thing to all get the same color?

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

This are the 2 things I was told: and I googled it: Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco, is painted blue due to a combination of Jewish tradition and practical considerations. The blue color is associated with the sky and heaven in Jewish culture, and it's believed that Jewish refugees, fleeing persecution, introduced the tradition in the 1930s. Additionally, some believe the blue helps repel mosquitoes and keeps the city cooler in the summer.

The paint used to create the blue walls of Chefchaouen is a mixture of water, lime (or chalk), and a blue pigment, most commonly ultramarine or a similar blue pigment. The lime or chalk acts as a binder, and the ultramarine pigment provides the characteristic blue color.

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ronni rosen's avatar

I thought I replied but I don't see it - so, thanks for the info! Very interesting - I should have just Googled it!!

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Gayle Kabaker's avatar

so great and beautiful Jennifer!!

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Thanks Gayle!

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Nanette Martin's avatar

So magical! Thank you for sharing - I loved reading your descriptions and seeing the beautiful images and artwork!

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

I appreciate it!

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Robyn Mixon's avatar

I am so enjoying these drawings from Morocco--the colors sing and you really transport us.

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Thats great to hear, Thank you!

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Barbara Reid's avatar

Gorgeous post! I always learn so much!

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Thanks Barbara!

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Gail and Bob Hight's avatar

Amazing sketches, and loved all that you shared. I was especially interested to hear how you managed to simplify complex scenes, and kept on drawing, in spite of not using your paints. Such an inspiring post, thank you.

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Thanks, It takes lots of practice. There is always something to learn!

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Leslie Butterfield's avatar

Hello.

I'm enjoying your writing/drawing immensely and I love Morocco, too. I know that each of us has our own style - but I do love yours!!! How do you recommend someone with no drawing/painting experience begin to practice (especially if they can't travel right now). Are there hints and habits I can put in place. And please put me on your notification list for classes or travels .... I would LOVE to join.

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

The number one hint is to work at it all the time. The only way to get somewhere is to do it! Also, If you are out, try not lifting you pen too much so you keep the energy, limit time on each one and limit colors so you don't have too many choices. Thank you!!

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Jennifer Blair's avatar

These sketches are gorgeous I love how you captivated on the Moroccan theme ..

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Thank you!

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Jennifer Blair's avatar

It’s an absolute pleasure

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Patty LeBon Herb's avatar

You observe the beauty, and bring forth the beauty. Reminding us of the beauty we have within, and all around us.

Thank you-

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

That's so nice, Thank you!!

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ronni rosen's avatar

As always, I N S P I R I N G !

I wish I could have been there with you!

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Jennifer Orkin Lewis's avatar

Me too!!!

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