This really is a commercial break...as in hyping something that has brought me a lot of fun and joy.
It started when friend and blogger, Anne, introduced me to this book a couple of months ago:
It doesn't take much to make me happy, and since the first cityscape was Amsterdam,
I immediately thought of it being a project for grandson Nicholas and me while he was here in July.
Besides, we had an Amazon gift-card, so it made sense.
I first went to the printers and made a copy of Amsterdam, which we both did...in two days.
(After the first 500 dots, your eyes are criss-crossed, trust me.)
(After the first 500 dots, your eyes are criss-crossed, trust me.)
Did I mention that there are 20 cities and each page is 16.5 x 12 inches?
Too big to scan and the photos aren't easy to process?
And 1,000 dots each, in batches of 100 dots in 10 different colors?
In other words, you have to c o n c e n t r a t e.
After Nicholas left, Astrid and I divvied up the 20 cities so we each could do 10 of them,
mostly based on where we have been and what was left.
These are my 10, in alphabetical order:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
(yes, I've been there)
Barcelona, Spain
(yes, I've been there)
Berlin, Germany
(yes, I've been there)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
(yes, I've been there)
Edinburgh, Scotland
(yes, I've been there)
Moscow, Russia
(haven't been there but have been to St. Petersburg)
Paris, France
(yes, I've been there)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
(no, I haven't been there)
Sydney, Australia
(yes, I've been there)
Venice, Italy
(yes, I've been there)
Here's a close-up to show the detail.
And since Astrid will eventually get to all of hers, here's her first one:
London, England
She has yet to do Athens, Cairo, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, New York,
San Francisco, Toronto and Tokyo.
One day I'll show the rest of hers, to complete the batch.
But I don't know when I've had more fun...almost as fun as coloring!
Thanks, Anne!
Thanks, Anne!
This is fun to do, I am not as fast as you are and indeed sometimes I could not find the numbers... HA...
ReplyDeleteThe next on I will do is New York... yes I have been there, London too... years ago. Toronto, yes, Athens yes.... Isn't it amazing what we already saw and still what we have on the bucket list.
Good to see Nicholas going from dot to dot, he was/is a good sport.
Thanks for making this post, now I will make some 'haste' to finish the rest.
IHVJ.
There were MANY times I couldn't find the next number. HA! In fact, I think that's what Nicholas is trying to do in one of those images above. Then sometimes you find the next number, you think, but it's from the next batch of hundred dots. You really DO have to pay attention. But what a fun challenge. I know you will eventually get yours done. There's no time limit, of course. :)
DeleteI had not heard of these until you, and they are gorgeous as well as fun. I have always loved line drawings, and I think these could be framed!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of them either, Ruth. And actually, in the series there is also a set of animals, masterpieces, and famous icons/people portraits. I pictured Todd doing these with Asher, or Paul with one of his kids, or Don with his students. Can you imagine that? The fun and challenge! Totally up my alley.
DeleteBelieve it or not, I got so excited over the Masterpieces book that I have just ordered it! I can hardly wait.
Deletehttp://www.amazon.co.uk/1000-Dot---Dot-Book-Masterpieces/dp/1781572054/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442562189&sr=8-1&keywords=thomas+pavitte+dot+to+dot+books
These drawings look fantastic! Are you going to place some color on any of them? I could see some watercolor on some – just a bit, like a wash, not the whole drawing. These are great to draw with grandchildren – I’ll get some when mine get a bit older.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about adding any color, Vagabonde, but watercolor wash would definitely be the way to go. Too bad I don't know how to do that, though Astrid does. Hmmmmm. Doing this with your grandchildren when they’re older is something I highly recommend!
DeleteAlt. jigsaw.
ReplyDeleteProbably not, however, a substitute for going there.
Not sure about a jigsaw, Ted, but you can imagine how fun it was to see each city take shape of those I've been to and seen. Totally fun!
DeleteIn the photos, you do look focused on connecting the dots, Ginnie. :) My eyes went criss-crossed just looking at the detail... but the final drawing looks interesting. I like the idea of watercoloring it partly. I have a pen-and-ink drawing at home which is partly watercoloured with blue wash and it looks great.
ReplyDeleteIf I knew how to do a "wash" like that, Petra, I'd think about doing it!!! Good idea. BTW, I think you and your boys would LOVE this book...or one in the series!
DeleteThis sounds like a lot of fun but also taking up a lot of time. And there are so many things I have to finish.... painting, drawing, some housework (as little as possible), making my quilts, playing with the grandies. my line dancing, meeting friends for coffee..... how would I ever find time to finish the book...
ReplyDeleteThat's about how Astrid is feeling right now, Sham, so I get it. For me, I had the time and took it! Now I'm eagerly waiting for the book of 20 Masterpieces! :)
DeleteI am very impressed that you have finished your half of them Ginnie. I am still only on my third one (too many other distractions I'm thinking😄)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing the 20 Masterpieces.
They are very addicting to me, Anne...and I can hardly wait for the new book to arrive, any day now! :)
DeleteOMG...my eyes would totally cross! These are great!!
ReplyDeleteThat's why I did them in two batches of time each, Robin. It wasn't too bad but making sure I went to the right number next was a huge challenge. HA!
DeleteOh what fun and you are well traveled my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna, and I must say it was a joy to realize how many of these cities I had actually seen with my own eyes!
DeleteThat looks like a hobby i could get into. I've only been to Chicago in your drawings. Look forward to seeing Astrid's San Francisco. (I can finally comment again!!)
ReplyDeleteWOW about being able to comment again, Mad. I wonder what THAT was all about!!! But, yes, I know you could get into these dot-to-dots, as could also your many nieces and nephews, I'm sure. I'm very eager to see Astrid's drawings when she's done...even if it takes a year?! :)
Delete