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Behind the scenes
A glimpse inside my creative process, free art tutorials, and sneak previews from my illustration studio in Portland, Oregon.
Topics
Daily planning for creative minds
I am a lifelong list-maker. Recently, I changed my habits to center creativity, self-care, and wholeness. Sound corny? It is, but it’s also been a healthy change. In this post, I share my personal daily planning process, thoughts on being creative vs. being productive, and my FREE DOWNLOAD daily planning worksheet.
Signs of Protest
Supporting human rights, equity, and justice can be bold AND beautiful. In this post, I am sharing a free download for a protest sign in modern calligraphy that says “My body, my choice.” Includes supply list, instructions and a free lettering template.
You are creative. Really.
In this post, I share why I believe that we are all intrinsically creative. Includes resources for how to tap into your own creativity, plan your next creative project, or get 1:1 assistance or coaching support for your creative endeavor.
Watching Paint, Dry.
What it’s like being a visual artist who also has Dry Eye Disease. Starting in 2017 with LASIK surgery, my ability to use my eyes was limited to about two hours per day, broken up into 5-10 minute increments. This is the story of what impact that had on the trajectory of my life, and how it informs my work as a creative coach.
Taking Up Space
In this post, originally published in Upward Gallery Magazine, I describe how pivotal it has been to have a dedicated art space in my home, and my work to support others’ emerging creative voices.
Best art supply gifts
Got a newly-unfurling artist in your life? Get them the gift of high-quality art supplies and learning tools that will inspire them to keep creating. In this post, I share my favorite art supplies that I recommend for adult learners of watercolor, calligraphy and hand-lettering, drawing, and ink.
Pink: The color everyone loves to hate
I used to hate the color pink. After I learned its history, and remembered how I loved it as a kid, I began to love it. Here's to the color that represents vulnerability, power, and love, and why that used to scare me.
Beach Sketching with Watercolor
I often sketch and paint at the Oregon Coast - including beach scenes, rocky cliffs, birds and plants. In this post, I'll share my top beach sketching subjects, what supplies I pack in my watercolor sketch kit, and tips for how to sketch outside.
Top 5 Art Instruction Books
I love to learn, and I love books! That’s why I am sharing my top picks for art learning books for adults. Topics include: sketching, pen and ink, lettering and calligraphy, watercolor, and art business. Include links to purchase.
F-Cancer.
This design is for anyone affected by cancer, who needs some encouragement. I made this for all the cancer fighters, caregivers, family members, friend and healthcare workers helping us through the crap-tastic journey that is cancer.
Available as a blank notecard from my shop for purchase, and at wholesale pricing at my shop on Faire.
Painting Plants
I was a gardener for 20 years before I started drawing and painting plants. Now, I know these plants so much better. Learn tips and methods for how to sketch plants and natural landscapes in ink and watercolor, and see some of my favorite botanical illustration sketches.
Project planning tips for creatives
In this post, I share my top five tips for planning a creative project for success, based on my 20+ years of experience as a project project manager.
Sketching in Japan
My recommendations for art supply shops and creative inspiration from my recent trip to Japan, plus travel sketching spots not to miss. Includes: Tokyo, Kyoto, Ise-Shima, and Osaka.
Honoring families of all kinds
I created my family tree in pen-and-ink as a gift for my parents. Here’s how I researched my family history, resources for you to get started, and how I can help you create yours.
For the love of sketching
I love to sketch outside! In this post, I share my top five tips for creating a plein air watercolor sketchbook habit you can stick with, and a free supply list.
Making ink from plants
I am infatuated with ink. Some people collect baseball cards or figurines. I collect ink. Recently, I learned how to make it myself. And now, I am sharing it with you!
The Affirmations Collection
For the past several years, I have been exploring my relationship with my inner dialog, a voice that is oftentimes more critical than supportive. Can you relate?
Finding calligraphy, finding myself
In this post, I share how I fell in love with calligraphy one dark and stormy night. Includes calligraphy learning resources for beginners.
My Neurotransmitter Constellations
The story behind my Neurotransmitter Constellations collection. Created in liquid watercolor, handmade oak gall ink, and hand-lettered calligraphy. Topics: love, family, anxiety, chronic illness, and the following of dreams despite it all.
Unfurling: Five tips for starting art school in your 40’s or better
The story of how I decided to go to art school in my mid-40’s, and five tips from my experience.