Saturday, May 14, 2016

Another JOURNEY to St. Petersburg, Russia


I've created two more spreads for Art Journal Journey.  My dear friend Erika, aka BioArtGal is this month's host and I want to show my support for her as the host.  So we are off on another Journey, this month's theme, to Russia.

Today we are visiting Petergof, a town inside the city of St. Petersburg, Russia.  It is located on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland.
First up is the beautiful Peterhof Palace, which is really a series of palaces and gardens. 

As a bit of history, according to Wikipedia:
Peter the Great first mentions the Petergof site in his journal in 1705, during the Great Northern War, as a good place to construct a landing for use in traveling to and from the island fortress of Kronshtadt. In 1714, Peter began construction of the Monplaisir Palace ("my pleasure") Palace based on his own sketches of the palace that he wanted close to the shoreline. This was Peter's Summer Palace that he would use on his way coming and going from Europe through the harbor at Kronshtadt.
Also, according to Wikipedia:
These palaces and gardens are sometimes referred as the "Russian Versailles". The palace-ensemble along with the city center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Further referencing Wikipedia:
Perhaps the most important change augmenting Peter's design was the elevation of the Grand Palace to central status and prominence. The Grand Palace was originally called simply 'Upper', and was hardly larger than any of the other structures of the complex. The addition of wings, undertaken between 1745 and 1755, was one of the many projects commissioned from the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli by Elizabeth of Russia. Likewise, the Grand Cascade was more sparsely decorated when initially built. The augmentation of Peterhof's original fountains and the addition of new ones continued well into the 19th century.
Perhaps the greatest technological achievement of Peterhof is that all of the fountains operate without the use of pumps. Water is supplied from natural springs and collects in reservoirs in the Upper Gardens. This is most evident in the Grand Cascade, shown above.

In case you can't read my writing, this reads "More views of the Grand Palace."

Thank you for joining me today while I continue my imaginary journey to Russia in my 7-Continents altered book.  Materials used include a used file folder I painted using a faux credit card and stencils, images from three different travel magazines, black Micron pen that doesn't write well on painted paper, and a Sharpie (for outlines),
 
As always, I am very grateful for your visit and your support of my art.  And let's not forget to visit Art Journal Journey where the journeys this month can be anything you desire, including an imagined one like mine.

12 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Another beautiful journal spread today, lovely to see all the pictures and read the facts about the place. Thanks for the nice memories, and for joining us again at Art Journal Journey, much appreciated, as always. Have a lovely day, hugs, Valerie

Blogoratti said...

Really splendid work indeed, warm greetings!

Ariel said...

Thank you Elizabeth for taking us with you in the imaginary journey to Russia. These palaces look exquisite.
Happy weekend
(You still haven't received the card? I sent it around 9 days ago:-(
Hugs
SusaN

froebelsternchen said...

What a wonderful journey with you Elizabeth!
Thank you so much for joining us with another fab entry!
A happy weekend!
oxo
Susi

Anonymous said...

Love that tidbit about the natural water fountains, how innovative, or maybe just common sense right? xox

Cappuccinoandartjournal.blogspot.com said...

Loving the trip.....do you need any more paper ephemera from Russia? I could send you some???? PM me your address if you want some. (Leave me a blog comment and I won't publish your address).

My name is Erika. said...

Finally coming in from my yard work and getting to check out these posts for today. Wow. What a beautiful palace that is. I think it would be an amazing place to visit. I think I remember from some class back in high school that St. Petersburg was called the Venice of the North. Now maybe I am totally wrong about that. I can't even imagine what it would be like to live in a palace like that with all that gold and ornate things. But cool about the fountains and having no pumps. That is pretty technologically advanced considering when it was built. Thanks for joining up at AJJ. I love these little arm chair travels to places I will most likely never get to. I see your temperature is pretty chilly today too. Must be the weather that is coming our way tomorrow or Monday. Happy rest of your Saturday! Hugs-Erika

Meggymay said...

A wonderful destination, I enjoyed the visit and all the super added information , its a great page.
Yvonne xx

Jeanie said...

I love that you included so much good information along with your wonderful work. Russia is a country of which I know relatively little but the architecture is fascinating and I know that so, too, are the stories. Thanks for taking us there!

pearshapedcrafting said...

What a wonderful travelling companion you make - so many interesting facts and such beautiful sights! I am not surprised it is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites!
The colours you have used are so perfect for the photos!
Trying to catch up after yesterday's fun!! Hugs, Chrisx

~*~Patty S said...

Another beautiful spread E...all of that gold and splendor WOWEE!
Interesting info too.
oxo

Halle said...

Mini-me is doing her final project of the year on St. Petersburg. I'll have to show her your pages. :)