Symposium Participant: Benjamin J. Melgares

About A Year Ago Outside My Doorstep

First let me just say wow. This is all almost surreal to me. Preparing for Santo Domingo feels like a dream. With that said and out of the way; hi, I'm Benjamin.

I found the urban sketchers website around the time of the Portland Symposium. Living in Oregon at one point in my life, I only imagined how fun it would have been to attend. Though at the time I must admit I wasn't really an "urban sketcher".

Narrow Guage Newstand Alamosa Co (US)

I followed the blog postings somewhat and my interest in urban sketching grew on. With hopes set on Lisbon I did not manage to get everything settled. The symposium approaches yet again. However this time is a first of many firsts.

I am a small town kid with big city dreams.This being said, Santo Domingo will make it's little sketched out mark on my: life, heart, and soul. I've never met another urban sketcher in person, so no sketch crawl experience for me. Never been on an airplane, let alone left the country.

SLV Federal Bank Alamosa Co (US)

I don't have a degree in art, architecture, design or in anything for that matter. I do however have a passion in creativity. Eager to learn, experience, and meet new people from many walks of life I am so excited for this adventurous chapter in my life to be written.

Behind County Court House Alamosa Co (US)

I'd love to meet up with anyone and everyone I can before the symposium after the workshop day ends, and after the final reception. My only worry of going is being a loner, or left alone. That said I love to eat, but then again who doesn't? Enjoy having the occasional drink, and love to dance (if you feel like an idiot doing it your doing it right, Right?) None the less looking to learn a lot. Meet many new friends, and have a wonderful memory of my first Urban Sketching rendezvous.

Well till then it's always the finer details that are saved for last. I have to get back to practicing and preparing for the trip. I still need to figure out a way to the nearest major city (2-4hr drive) to get to my plane, get some shorts, and gather my needed supplies, and draw draw draw.

Orling: I was curious if you might have any suggestions for some songs and or music that's popular down there so I can add it to my mp3 player to help get the soundtrack for the adventure right. Also what are the streets, and sidewalks like? Should I bring my faithful skateboard?

Nina, we really need to talk about my methods of getting my sketches uploaded.

Liz, can't wait to finally meet with you and trade cards.

Everyone else, message me, email me, get a hold of me so we can get to know one another before the symposium.

One Love,

Benjamin J. Melgares
blog: MemoirsOfaBenjamin.blogspot.com
(I had server problems, lost my old website & blog, So this blog is still starting over again)
flickr: flickr.com/photos/benjaminj88