Talented 29-year-old travel writer and illustrator Marie Pottiez has captured the world in her sketchbook and her Miles of Happiness blog, but nowhere has inspired her quite like Hong Kong. We flick through the pages of the her journal to explore our fabulous city in watercolours.
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In January 2014, I arrived in Hong Kong with my husband, a couple of bags, and absolutely no expectations. I didn't know a thing about this city. A year and a half later, I'm still thrilled to live in Asia's world city. Every week, I discover a new park, museum, hiking trail, beach, or coffee shop. I can't get enough of this city which constantly inspires me.
I’ve discovered that the 852 is far from what I had in mind when I first arrived and it’s not only a busy and crowded city. From deserted islands to wild jungle, steep mountains, and hidden serene temples, Hong Kong has it all and offers many possibilities to all kinds of travelers.
I now have my secret spots where I can fine some quietness and a perfect balance, and I’ve never been so inspired as an artist as I am here. I still go to my favorite cafes to sit by the window and observe people, reinvent their stories, watch their expressions, and notice some details. I could go on and on drawing this city everyday.
I always have a sketchbook in my bag and draw on site. I usually start with a rough sketch, then gradually add in the colour. An illustration can take anywhere from 10 minutes up to 3 hours to complete and it really depends on my mood, my inspiration, and the things I want to include in the image.
I started to use watercolours for practical reasons, it’s super convenient to carry while traveling. Now it has become my main tool, like handwriting and I have found my signature. It’s not realistic, it’s crooked, and the colors are roughly thrown onto the paper, but it’s me!
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This article was first published in August, 2015
Read more! Pottiez isn't the only artist to be inspired by our extraordinary city, delve into the sketchbooks of
Queenie Chan and
Gary Yeung and find out why.
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