An open sketchbook shows an illustrated map of thailand with pens and watercolors nearby

All images © José Naranja, shared with permission

Rather than scrolling through photos from a recent trip, José Naranja (previously) remembers his travels through exceptionally detailed sketchbooks with notes, illustrations, and ephemera collected during his visits. The artist and author is an avid tourist and dedicated observer, and he saturates the blank pages of his Moleskines with watercolor and ink drawings of airplanes, film characters, and maps. Like most of us, Naranja was unable to travel during much of the last few years, although he’s resumed his adventures and frequented Thailand and other parts of Asia, which are reflected in his latest spreads.

Currently, Naranja is working on an experimental illustrated oracle deck that envisions the year 2050 through the lens of science, art, and philosophy, all tinged with his signature fantastical approach. The artist’s latest book, The Nautilus Manuscript, is available now, and you can follow updates on his work on Instagram.

 

An open sketchbook shows drawings of pens, pouches, notes, and ephemera with pens and watercolors nearby

An open sketchbook shows a drawing of an airplane and map with notes on the page and pens and watercolors nearby

A hand draws portraits of two film characters, Amelie and Faye Wong. There's writing surrounding them

An open sketchbook with three stamps, a chart, and drawings of a man and insect with magnifying glasses. A pen is on the table nearby

An open sketchbook with three cat stamps on the page next to notes and a yellow and red pattern on the right side. Pens are on the table nearby

An open sketchbook shows a drawing of a map with notes and patterns on the page and pens nearby

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Maps, Everyday Ephemera, and Watercolor Drawings Record José Naranja’s Travels with Fantastic Detail appeared first on Colossal.

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