Monday, March 27, 2017

A visit to Athens, Greece


I'm loving Yvonne's Out and About theme at Art Journal Journey this month.  It has given me the opportunity to work in my 7-Continents altered book (AB), a project I started in late 2003 or early 2004.  I am sure many of you long time readers realize I will probably never finish this book, no matter how hard or quickly I work on it.  Having a wonderful theme like Yvonne's allows me to play at Art Journal Journey, as well as work on this often neglected AB.

One would think that since Athens is the largest city in Greece, as well as the capital, there would be more pictures honoring it. 

However, after going through countless, and I do mean COUNTLESS travel magazines, these were the only two I found.

Both images show the porch of the Caryatids at the Erechtheum.  The Erechtheum is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.

Both show the "Porch of the Maidens," with six draped female figures acting as columns.  Although only four can be seen in the large image, if you look closely at the smaller image, you see one of the figures in the background.   Unfortunately, the maidens have suffered breakage over the centuries since the Erechtheum was first built between 421 and 406 BC.  In fact, they are really replicas, with five of the originals now located in the Acropolis Museum and one in the British Museum in London.

Athens has a rich and diverse history and many beautiful examples of architecture, including the Parthenon on the Acropolis. 

Materials include a used file folder, various paints for the background, two images of the Porch of the Maidens, one slide mount, one leaf decoration, and computer generated text.

Although I might not say it often enough, I am always grateful for your visit and your comments, too.  Won't you join me at Art Journal Journey to see what others are doing when they go out and about?

14 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Beautiful Athens page with a great background. Glad you have been able to work on your continents books, too. Have a good start in the new week, hugs, Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

This Athen photos go so well with that background Elizabeth! Great entry again for the AJJ collection - THANK YOU!
Wishing you a good start into the new week! See you tomorrow at TSFT.
oxo Susi

chrissie said...

Such an amazing background for this Elizabeth. It is easy to see how much you have enjoyed making the pages for this challenge and I have enjoyed coming along with you on the journeys

Love Chrissie xx

Sami said...

What a pity you couldn't find more pictures of Athens. A lovely city to visit!
Your background to the Athens pictures looks great Elizabeth.

CJ Kennedy said...

How odd not to find more pictures of Athens. So there are actually 4 types of columns. Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Maiden (-; Your beautiful background really shows off the pictures you found.

Linda Kunsman said...

great page-love that background Elizabeth! Your travel book is really amazing.

Sandra Cox said...

I love the colorful background and frame!

Jeanie said...

First, thank you for you beautiful comment on my blog. Yes, I hope we can find out details on a chase law here -- there should be one. And yes, I need to make provisions for the girl, should something happen to us both at the same time. It made me think -- and be grateful.

Now this background is really striking. I love the orange with the blues in the photos and the texture is terrific! Fun series!

pearshapedcrafting said...

Goodness Elizabeth! I go away for a few days and you have been so busy! This is fabulous - I love your paint background! I went to Athens years ago (I really do mean YEARS ago!) and loved it - don 't recall seeing these but must have done because I do remember climbing up there!! Off for a catch up! Hugs, Chrisx

Meggymay said...

Oh my, you may just have found the two pictures, but this is a gorgeous page. The background with is warm colours sets them off perfectly.
I am, so pleased you are enjoying the theme and adding more to your 7 Continents book. I for sure would be with you on your visit to this beautiful country.
Yvonne xx

da tabbies o trout towne said...

nice frame round fotoz two ~~~ how kewl iz THAT ! ☺☺♥♥

My name is Erika. said...

Hop you are feeling better! I love your background for the Athens page today Elizabeth. It is a very cool! And there's something about those columns and statues that are that are really fascinating. I find it interesting how much of that ancient architecture and art still exist. I love these windows into the past. Great page again. hugs-Erika

Cindy McMath said...

Love your background on this one Elizabeth - you are doing a great job showcasing Greece!

Jeanie said...

I love the colors you have used on this series, Elizabeth. They're so warm and with the blues of the sky in the photos -- perfect. Reminds me of being in a very warm spot but with lots of blue. And your textures are so nice. And I've actually learned a little about these places as I've followed along.

Hope today is a better one.