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A glimpse inside my creative process, free art tutorials, and sneak previews from my illustration studio in Portland, Oregon.
Topics
Creating Compelling Podcast Cover Art
Ever wondered how podcast cover art comes to life? In this behind-the-scenes post, I share how I collaborated with Kelly MacLeod on “It Might Get Dark”, a podcast about grief and sobriety. From mood boards to final illustration, I combined traditional watercolor style with digital painting in Procreate to capture light, dark, and transformation—the heart of her story.
On Perfection
Is perfection getting in the way of your creativity? In this post, I share how I became a perfectionist, and my strategies for silencing self-doubt and enjoy making art again.
Illustrating The Emperor
This is a cross-post from my blog, Tarot of These Times. The Emperor card, number 2 in the Major Arcana, represents rules, power, and authority. It also represents patriarchy and other repressive systems. I am sharing this post with my Behind the Scenes blog subscribers on “No Kings” Day in the US.
Remembering a Furry Friend
A behind-the-scenes peek at my process for painting a sweet pet portrait of a client’s beloved family dog. Including my drawing process, what watercolor paint colors I used, and how I capture the face of a beloved family pet.
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.
Illustrating history
This is the story of how I restored this antique photograph of a 19th-century house, and turned it into a watercolor illustration that honors the family’s history.
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.
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.
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!
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.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
