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Artist Journal, Travel & Plein Air

Picking Flowers: Painting Again After a Long Break

Five months without painting, then one morning in a garden. I started again not through discipline, but by painting less than I had planned.

Sunset over the villa in Marrakech

Travel & Plein Air

Painting in Lisbon & Marrakech: 10 Days, One Sketchbook

Well, I’m back. And I have a LOT to share. A few weeks ago, I spent ten days on a watercolor travel painting adventure through Lisbon and Marrakech — sketching … Read more

My sketch of a French vineyard, in front of the subject

Travel & Plein Air

Watercolor Retreat in France: 9 Days at Perigord Retreats (Review)

Hello there! I’m finally sitting down to share my retreat in southern France — a trip I had no real intention of taking when the year started, and one that … Read more

An Art Toolkit palette on top of an Art Toolkit folio; my travel sketch kit

Travel & Plein Air

Travel Sketch Kit (2024 Edition)

updated There’s a newer version of this kit — see the 2026 edition, packed for Lisbon & Marrakech. July 2026 Today, we are taking off for a week-long “glamping” trip. It’s … Read more

A sketch of a house against a field

Art Practice

A Summer Landscape in Watercolor

Back at the desk Hello there! It’s been a hot minute. If you’ve read my previous posts, you know how life can sometimes get away from me — the last … Read more

Koval B5 watercolor sketchbook lying closed on a desk, showing the thick Saunders Waterford page block and its elastic band

Studio & Supplies

Starting a New Watercolor Sketchbook: Koval B5 with Saunders Waterford CP

Recently, I wrote about setting up a new watercolor palette. Well, I marked another milestone at about the same time: I completed a watercolor sketchbook! I decided to document my … Read more

Artist Journal

Artwork Showcase – Duck Rump

All of this writing, and I haven’t shown my actual paintings yet! What?! Well, today’s the day to fix that. Welcome to my first artwork showcase. And no, there are … Read more

My freshly-filled watercolor palette.

Studio & Supplies

Setting Up a Watercolor Palette

Updated This was my March 2024 palette. I carry a different kit these days — here’s what’s in it now. August 2026 In my last post, I mentioned I might … Read more

Art Practice

The Perfect Watercolor Practice: Paint Swatching!

Sometimes, I wonder if I enjoy painting or if I like to swatch colors 🙃. Have you ever heard of the term “brush miles”? It’s the idea that the more … Read more

A two-page sketchbook spread showing the results of each lesson.

Art Practice

Watercolor Workshop Review – Renee Walden “Snowy Landscapes”

Earlier this month, over the course of two weekends, I (virtually) attended Renee Walden’s “Snowy Landscapes” watercolor workshop. I figured I’d write up a review of the experience, for anyone … Read more