One of the greatest joys of being an artist is slinging my backpack filled with a pochade box, watercolors. and sketchbook over my shoulder and exploring a town or city in some faraway corner of the world.  I stumble upon amazing compositions down each cobblestone street. and local people are invariably kind and generous offering everything from pomegranates, to a glass of wine, to a plate of fried sardines (on the island of Crete). Once home I cherish my collection of sketchbooks for they are full of memories and sunshine.