Watercolors & Adventures: My Artistic Journey Through South America
What a fun way to capture my adventure in South America! Before embarking on this trip, I set a challenge for myself: to create small watercolor sketches. It became more than just a creative exercise—it turned into a way to document my journey in a meaningful, visual way. Years from now, I know I’ll thank myself for preserving these moments through art. Sketching helped me connect with each place in a unique way because I became more present each time I grabbed my brush and sketchpad. It was a very intentional practice.
Colombia: Vibrant Streets & Lush Nature
While this wasn’t my first time in Colombia, it was my first time in Medellín—a city I had once dreamed of visiting. My boyfriend and I embarked on a few adventures, from joining a local walking tour to taking a bachata dance lesson. The coffee was rich and delicious, and the lush greenery made the city feel alive. Medellín has many neighborhoods, though not all are safe to explore on foot. We experienced different sides of the city and were grateful for that. It’s easy to only see the 'tourist' version of a place, but just like people, cities have many layers, personalities, and colors.
Every time I travel, I make it a point to sketch at a coffee shop. There’s something special about taking a moment to slow down and capture my surroundings—something we rarely do in our day-to-day coffee runs. It makes me feel even more present… I just wish my coffee could stay hot a little longer!
Argentina: A Blend of Tradition & Movement
I had been to Argentina before, but it had long been a dream to return—this time, with my love. Though this adventure took place between October and November last year, we still find ourselves reminiscing about it, as if it were just a dream. That’s why documenting is so incredibly special. Our memories—both good and bad—come and go so quickly. Everything in life is temporary, but sketching a moment, and reflecting on an experience, allows us to hold onto it just a little longer.
I digress, but it was such a joy to be back in Buenos Aires. This time, I got to do all the things I hadn’t been able to do five years ago. And that, too, is worth documenting! Some of the adventures included a city bike tour, experiencing an Argentinian BBQ party known as an asado, taking tango lessons and attending a milonga, celebrating my birthday in a different country, and so much more. Looking back, I realize there was even more to be grateful for than I did at the moment. That’s why taking time to reflect is so important.
MENDOZA
One of the places we fell in love with was Mendoza—South America's wine country. Visiting the vineyards and tasting the wines was an absolute dream. From the moment we were picked up at our Airbnb to the final sip at our last winery, the entire experience felt surreal. The hot, dry weather, the rich flavors of the wine, the long, leisurely lunch—it was all perfect. We even picked cherries straight from a tree, a small but unforgettable moment that made the day even sweeter.
uruguay
Back in 2019, when I first visited Buenos Aires, I had planned a day trip to Uruguay with a friend. But when she got sick, I was too afraid to go alone, and the trip never happened. Looking back, I realize how much I’ve grown—because the version of me today wouldn’t have hesitated. This time, I made sure to go. It was on the itinerary! We took a 90-minute ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, a town rich in history, with its colorful buildings and charming cobblestone streets. We wandered, soaked it all in, and had a lovely lunch at a small, picturesque restaurant by the sea. It was worth the wait.
Looking back, this journey wasn’t just about the places we visited, but about the memories that unfolded with each step. From the vibrant streets of Medellin and Buenos Aires to the serene vineyards of Mendoza and the old-world charm of Colonia del Sacramento, every sketch I made became a portal to those fleeting moments. Travel, like art, teaches us to pause, observe, and appreciate the beauty in both the expected and the unexpected. And that’s exactly why I keep sketching—so these moments never truly fade.