Create with me

A long dining room table covered with watercolor paints, paper, brushes at a private home painting workshop.

Painting supplies festoon the dining room table at a private group workshop on Intro to Watercolor.

Hello, fellow creative, I see you.

I define creativity broadly, and I respect imagination in all its forms.

When I started art school in my mid-40’s, I had a hard time finding entry-level classes in drawing, watercolor, and illustration. After years of searching and taking online courses, reading books, and attending workshops, I built a skill set that is now the foundation for my own creative practice.

Now, I share these skills with you, in easy-to-follow formats with lots of encouragement and support.

I offer in-person workshops, online courses, downloadable worksheets, and an online membership community called The Ferns with even more learning resources exclusive for members (coming soon).

Everyone is welcome here, but I have a special passion for teaching adults who are revisiting their creativity after a taking time away. I also understand how hard it is to be creative with physical limitations, from my own experience.

If you are interested in exploring your creativity and expressing your own voice through art, you are in the right place.

Not sure which path is right for you? Book a complimentary consultation with me to talk more about it. I can’t wait to meet you.

What are you making today?

  • Calligraphy in silver ink by Molly Chidsey, a poem "A Morning Offering"

    Calligraphy

    Modern calligraphy, made easy! From workshops to worksheets, start creating your own calligraphy lettering style today.

    Make It
  • A watercolor sketch painting of the beach in Hawaii, by Molly Chidsey. Blue ocean surrounds a reef.

    Watercolor Sketches

    Take your sketchbook with you to record what you see in the world around you.

    Make It
  • An illustrated journal of wintertime in ink and markers, by Molly Chidsey. A blue background with comic-book style drawings of a day in the life during the pandemic.

    Illustrated Journals

    Tired of journaling with words? Try drawing instead. Record your experiences, thoughts and feelings with ink and watercolor.

    Make It

2025 art workshops

Now open!

More workshops will be added weekly, check out the schedule below and join my notification list for first access to my online and in-person workshops and courses.

Workshop topics include:

  • Watercolor

  • Modern calligraphy

  • Sketching & drawing

  • Botanical illustration

  • Illustrated journaling

  • Creative planning

Molly Chidsey teaching a group how to do travel sketching with watercolor and ink, in Portland, Oregon.

Participants in my Travel Sketching with Watercolor workshop, spring 2023.

Private workshops

Gather some friends for a personal art retreat

Tired of the same old book club or wine bar? I offer private workshops for you and your friends in your own home.

Great for parties, retreats, bachelorette celebrations, or anywhere you want to have fun with a group.

Offered throughout the greater Portland, OR area.

Join me!

Stay in the know about future classes & workshops.

Participant testimonials

  • "A tantalizing introduction with just the right balance of hand-holding and inspiration."

    -Calligraphy workshop participant

  • "Thank you for breaking down the process into steps that are easy to follow."

    -Travel sketching workshop participant

  • “Molly is so approachable in accessing this info. Totally not intimidating!”

    -Watercolor workshop participant

  • "I like that this class gives the freedom to create with no judgement!"

    -Travel sketching workshop participant

  • "I enjoyed the imperfection of the illustration process, helpful since I am a beginner."

    -Botanical illustration workshop participant

  • “Molly’s energy and delight are obvious. Thoughtful materials and great flow.”

    -Calligraphy workshop participant