The sketchbook and travel journal of artist Michael Tieman on his trip to France and Italy in 2013. "The role of an artist from the dawn of time has been as a visual storyteller. The artist starts the story, writing the first chapter, and the viewer finishes it by adding to it their imagination, and life experiences." This is the first chapter of Nancy and my travels to Paris, the Provence area of France, Cinque Terre, Italy and the hills of Siena. Here are my sketches, stories and thoughts that I work with to create paintings for my "Visions of France & Italy" art exhibition in 2013.