I only came across Marie Pottiez’s illustrations the other week but I immediately fell head over heels with their vibrant colours and bursts of activities. Here, she highlights the inspirations behind her work and offers some tips for those of you interested in sketching on the road. Enjoy!
Your sketches have a lovely fresh, colorful style to them. How did this develop?
I studied art in all its forms for six years, from sculpture to India ink, acrylic paint and computer software. It took me a while to find ‘my own style’. I started to use watercolors foremost for practical reasons. Indeed, as I’m traveling a lot, it’s really convenient to carry them everywhere. Then it naturally became my main tool. Now it’s like handwriting, I found my own signature!
Let’s talk about process. What steps do you take when creating each piece?
I do sketch on-site. I always have a sketchbook in my bag! I usually start with a rough sketch, then I add on the lines with a thin marker, and finally the colors. I like to let my illustrations rest up on the side a bit, to finish them a few days later. In fact, after hours focusing on the same picture, I can’t see anything anymore. I need to be clear-headed!
At last, when I’m happy with my sketch, I scan it, arrange the lights and the colors a bit on Photoshop, then it’s done!
Aside from travel what inspires your sketches?
Everything I see in my daily life! But my favorite place ever to get creative is on a plane or a train. You have nothing else to do than observing and thinking. That’s when creativity comes.
What do you hope your sketches tell viewers about the places they depict?
Aside from just a visual picture of a destination, I hope the viewer can feel the essence, the vibes of that scene. My illustrations are spontaneous, they reflect my first impressions of the places.
It’s clear you’ve travelled a lot. Where has been your favourite place to sketch and why?
Without any hesitation, I’d say Asia. My very first trip in Asia was in Indonesia. When I arrived, I was amazed. There’s so much going on, I didn’t know where to watch anymore! It’s so inspiring. I love when there are many things happening on a scene, different stories, situations, people…
On the other hand, New Zealand is my favorite place on Earth, but it’s not that inspiring for sketching. It’s too smooth, too clean, too quiet. Less inspiring than, let’s say, Hong Kong (even though I love drawing sheep!).
If you could travel to any place in the world and sketch, where would it be and why?
There are maaany, but if I’d have to chose only one, I’d say Latin America. For the colors, the people, the mess and the light. I’ve never been there as it’s on the other side of the planet (I currently live in Hong Kong!), but it’s on the plans. “One day!” 
I also would love to go back in New York. This city is mythical, sensational, with lots of contrasts. Also on the bucketlist.
Finally, do you have any tips for readers who might be interested in illustrating their travels?
Do it for yourself. Not to please to someone, not to look like the style of anyone. Do it naturally, in the way you feel it. Be spontaneous. Enjoy!
Drawing while traveling is a great experience. It will change the way you travel. Get a sketchbook and try!
About Marie:
Originally from Provence (France), Marie lived in Belgium, New Zealand, then Indonesia, to settle down in Hong Kong in 2014. Curious of everything, she has an unquenchable thirst for discovery and sharing. She spends as much time as possible traveling throughout Asia, discovering new pieces of paradise all year long.
Follow Miles of Happiness’s adventures on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. You can also watch her videos on Vimeo and get inspired on her Pinterest.
See more of Marie’s travel illustrations here and here.
Thank you so much Lizzie, it’s been a pleasure to discover your blog. I love it!
Thanks so much for sharing your lovely work Marie!