I took a small sketchbook and some pens with me to Italy. I had the opportunity to draw a bit while on planes and in hotel rooms.

Working on a small page in a sketchbook created some limitations. There were some times when I wanted to make a drawing more complex, but there really wasn’t space enough to do it - at least not with the limited time and tools that I was using.

In some ways drawing in such limited spaces was helpful. I compelled me to think about some basic principles or rules I follow in my approach to artwork. It made me realize and appreciate more the significant role that a specific space or medium plays in determining the artistic outcome.

Also, it led me to contemplate that sometimes simplicity is acceptable - or even a desirable quality.