The drawings comprising of Volumes 1–3, function as a visual diary documenting McLean's time living and working in Italy. Created primarily in cafés and bars around Lambrate in East Milan, these works capture the artist’s observations, reflections, and evolving interests during this period. Drawing inspiration from a range of sources, including the urban landscape itself, photographs taken while exploring Milan and other cities, as well as visits to galleries and museums, the sketches reflect both immediate experience and considered study. Collectively, the selected works also highlight McLean’s sustained interest in the relationship between human presence and the surrounding environment, exploring how space, architecture, and atmosphere shape lived experience.