Explore Your World Creatively

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  • 15 Minute Art Lesson: Paint a Ski Mountain

    It’s hard to find time to create art. I get it! Even though this is my profession, I can find it challenging too, yet devoting just 10 or 15 minutes can make me feel so good! I’ll be releasing a bunch of new short art lesson videos on You Tube over the next coming months with this heuristic in mind – quick, fun, easy 10-20 minute art lessons you can do and feel great about the outcome. First up, painting a ski mountain! Learn How to Paint a Ski Mountain Painting snow in watercolor can be quite challenging, as snow is inherently white, and although white does appear in many…

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    Sketching in the Country - En Plein Air by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Sketching en Plein Air in the Country, Sebastopol, California

    June 24, 2013
    Geometric patterns in Redwood City, California

    Pattern+Place: Geometric Exploration in Redwood City

    February 14, 2013
    Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix Illustrated Recipe by Wanderlust Designer

    Culture: A World of Flavors – Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix

    January 18, 2017
  • Creative Journal Prompt: 4th of July Collection

    For many Americans, the 4th of July holiday usually entails some type of gathering with family and friends, some type of food and of course, fireworks. I am definitely no different than most Americans! For decades, I have enjoyed the fourth up in my favorite spot, Lake Tahoe, with my whole family. We always spend the day out in the sun, swimming in the lake (and much warmer pool,) and playing games in and out of the water. As the sun begins to set, the BBQ is lit and our long, loud family dinner (always with corn on the cob) begins. We get so engrossed in conversation, that many times…

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    I Am Creative

    I Am Creative – An Affirmation for All

    October 30, 2018
    Geometric patterns in Redwood City, California

    Pattern+Place: Geometric Exploration in Redwood City

    February 14, 2013
    Art on the Go: Map Sketch of My Visit to Paris by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Make a Map of Your Stay

    February 15, 2014
  • Creative Journal Prompt: Ice Cream Flavors of the Season

    One of my favorite things to do when I walk into an ice cream shop is to peruse all the different flavors. Although I usually go for the same kinds every time (hello cookie dough, cookie crumbs, caramel & coffee), I just love seeing all the different concoctions. I mean, how fun would it be to be an ice cream flavor designer? I’m kicking off my summer, with a super fun prompt to get you inspired, but if you’d like, you could do this prompt at any time of year, I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear about your spooky Halloween ice creams, or your romantic Valentine ice cream assortment?…

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    Creative Prompt: Learn How to Draw and Watercolor Holiday Images

    December 22, 2021

    My Favorite Art Supplies

    June 3, 2020
    The Art of the French Cheese Plate (Cheeses from iGourmet.com)

    Culture: The Art of the French Cheese Plate

    March 14, 2013
  • Learn How to Start a Creative Journal

    I’ve been keeping some type of journal for well over 35 years. My journals come in all shapes and sizes and can contain all sorts of expressions – drawing, paintings, collages, lists/notes, stories, travel diary, photos and so much more. Given this wide range of ideas that I put in my journal, I think the best name for them are creative journals! I find so many benefits from keeping a creative journal. They are all a slice in time in my life, whether it’s rambling notes from a road trip or sketches from my day at home, each page floods my mind with memories of times spent writing or drawing…

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    Art on the Go: Create Scribble Sketches to Capture Your Trip

    Art on the Go: Scribble Sketches Capture Your Trip

    April 15, 2013
    Artist Homes: Jackson Pollock by Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Artist Homes – Jackson Pollock’s East Hampton Home

    May 17, 2017

    Let’s Build a Creative Community

    March 30, 2022
  • Creative Inspiration from Sara Midda

    I’ve been a huge fan of Sara Midda and her gorgeous art for many years. I first came across her work when my parents lived in St. Remy de Provence, France in the mid-90’s. Her book, South of France, A Sketchbook, is dreamy journal of her own experience of living a year in Provence. Her journal is filled with tiny thumbnail drawings of her moments. She has a spread of postage stamp sized loose watercolor paintings of mas’ (Provencal farm houses) and typical Provençal buildings in golden hues. She paints snapshots of everyday activities like an evening in the park playing pétanque. She discusses (and paints) the fruits and vegetables…

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    Need a Creative Boost? Add Recess to Your Daily Schedule

    January 18, 2022
    Fresh Farmers Markets of the West Coast (story and illustration by Wanderlust Designer)

    Culture: Food – Fresh Farmers Markets of the West Coast

    May 13, 2016
    Chakalaka from South Africa Food Illustration by Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer

    Culture – Food: Chakalaka from South Africa

    May 17, 2017
  • Travel Journal: Meandering on Miyajima, Japan

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    Where in the World No.3 by Wanderlust Designer

    Where in the World: No.3

    March 29, 2013

    At Home Creative Adventure: 4 Objects, 1 Color

    March 16, 2020

    Wanderlust Patterns: Exotic India Collection

    May 19, 2020
  • Travel Journal Spread from An Afternoon Adventure: Woodside, CA by Betsy Beier

    Travel Journal: An Afternoon in Woodside, CA

    One afternoon I was in desperate need for an outing and headed to the quaint town of Woodside, CA. Just 10 minutes from my house, Woodside feels like a whole other place. Hilly, wooded and rural, yet minutes from Silicon Valley, it’s no wonder it’s a haven for high tech magnets. Yet, even with the mansions, there’s a down-home feel to the town. The windy roads are dotted with horse back riders, bikers and hikers enjoying their area. The first site that greets you as you drive into Woodside is the historic Pioneer Hotel (c. 1885), a classic saloon from the straight out of a Western movie. We headed to…

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    Creative Wanderlust Prompts: Add Creativity to Your Everyday

    January 6, 2022
    Custom Illustrated Map of Napa Valley by Wanderlust Designer

    Illustration News: Custom Map of Napa Valley for the ACCP Conference

    September 26, 2017
    Van Gogh's Provence - Sunflowers by Wanderlust Designer

    Time+Place: Van Gogh’s Provence

    March 19, 2013

Teacher, Illustrator, Author

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Your guide, flight attendant & airline captain to exploring your world creatively. Wheel's up!

Betsy Beier
For over 30 years I’ve had a fascination with ca For over 30 years I’ve had a fascination with capturing water in my art. I spent much of my undergraduate fine art degree painting it in some way or another, and today I found myself once again trying to capture the nuisances, this time with watercolor. As I was painting this and getting more frustrated by the moment I recalled the advice my senior year thesis professor gave me in regards to capturing water—
He reminded me that much of what I wanted to capture had to do with the movement, the feeling and ultimately my impression. A photograph of water is a snapshot in time. Still and not moving. I inherently was more fascinated by the motion, thus I needed to let go of what a photo of water looks like and try to embrace the process… and the impression. Such sage advice that now 30+ years later I’m still needing! #advice #artadvice #impression #water #laketahoe #fascinationwithwater #artistlife
Let's get creative inspiration from the sun! Here Let's get creative inspiration from the sun! Here are 3 simple activities to do today now that summer is here.

1. Get mesmerized by heat waves on the horizon. Find a cool vantage point and spend a few moments just watching the heat rise and create a distorted view of the world. How could you artistically capture this effect? A quick video? A wet-on-wet simple watercolor of wavy lines and colors bleeding together? 

2. Photograph your shadow. I always forget about shadow play-- remember making shadow animals when you were young with your hands and a flashlight. What other fun gestures and movement can you do to create interesting shadows on a sunny day? Start with abstract shapes, and then see what comes next.

3. Write as many quotes as you can think of that talk about the sun. Put them in a jar and save them for a grey day. There are so many song lyrics and sayings about the sun. Spend a few moments on a sunny afternoon, sitting on the grass and jotting down all that you know. Tear into little sheets and place in a jar to warm you up on a cold or grey day!

#creativeinspiration #creativeactivities #sun #sunactivities #creativeprompts #creativity #buildcreativity #artprompts #artideas #summerideas #summeractivities #wanderlustdesigner #creativewanderlustprompt
Does the sun give you creative energy? I can defin Does the sun give you creative energy? I can definitively say YES, it does for me. A sunny day fills me with loads of fuel - to explore, get outside, make things, and PLAY. This is not to say a grey day doesn't provide me creative energy it's just a different type, a different mood. So, now that summer is here, let's harness those rays and share our creative endeavors.

Happy Summer everyone!!

#summer #creativity #sun #creativeenergy #suninspiration #getcreative #maker #summersolstice
I shared my 3 secrets to a creative summer in my n I shared my 3 secrets to a creative summer in my newsletter today… check it out over at wanderlustdesigner.com ! And DM me if you’d like to get on my mailing list! I send out weekly creative tips and artsy info to inspire you to be creative everyday. 🧑‍🎨👩‍🎨 #explorecreatively #creativelife #3secrets #summer
How will you add creativity to your weekend? Let m How will you add creativity to your weekend? Let me know in the comments below!!

#friyay #theweekend #bonweekend #creativity #dosomethingcreative #creativewanderlustweekend #creativewanderlustcommunity
Photo Prompt: Create a photo collage of what summe Photo Prompt: Create a photo collage of what summer means to you…. 

Water, beach, strong shadows, the sound you hear in the distance of fun at an amusement park, long sun burnt days and warm nights.  I took these photos in Santa Monica, CA when I was there last year. They truly say summer to me. What about you? #summer #summervibes #summerphotos #santamonica #santamonicapier
A drawing prompt I offered this week was to only u A drawing prompt I offered this week was to only use a yellow marker to sketch some fun summer icons (think beach ball, bathing suit, ice cream cone, etc.) I picked yellow as I find it to be one of the most UPLIFTING, CHEERFUL colors out there! 

Yellow just makes me happy! I love spotting it on my walks (a front door? a yellow center of a daisy) as well as wearing it - in a sweater, scarf, t-shirt! 

We only moved once during my childhood, and my parents selected the yellow bedroom to be mine before I had seen it. The room had yellow checked wallpaper. It was so cheery! Perhaps that is where my love for yellow started!

If you wear yellow, do you feel a bit happier?

#creativetip #arttip #yellow #psychologyofyellow #colorpsychology #wearyellow #childhoodmemories
I'm here to say that it is officially the unoffici I'm here to say that it is officially the unofficial start of summer! 😂 Ever since I was a little girl, I've always considered early June to be summer, as it is typically when school ends and summer break begins. Those first few days of summer break are always the best- no need for an alarm, no structure to the day and no care in the world. 

To celebrate summer, I'm rebooting my weekly Creative Wanderlust Prompts with a summer theme to get in the mood. I'll also be posting more of my own creations using these prompts! The last month and 1/2 I fell out of my daily art practice and I've been missing it terribly, so my summer goal is to get back to creating art every day- even if I only spend 15 minutes doing it.

Join me here and over at @creativewanderlustcommunity to follow along this summer and learn how to add art and creativity to your everyday!

#arteveryday #creativeprompts #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustlife #creativityeveryday #creativewanderlustprompt #artprompts #creativeprompts #drawingprompt #paintingprompt #collageprompt #writingprompt #liveacreativelife #creativeenergy #healthbenefits #happiness #getcreative #behappy #creativityiscuriosity #embraceyourownartist #youarecreative #wanderlust #wanderlustlife #wanderlustdesigner #exploreyourworldcreatively #explorecreatively #everydaycreativity
I had the best time getting together online with m I had the best time getting together online with many of you for my Portland book release art lesson/party and coming up with an imaginative food cart celebrating Portland's food truck scene! My favorite part was working together to brainstorm a food truck theme, and then designing it as we went along! 

For those who could not make it, we decided to go with a Japanese/French themed food truck that specialized in Japanese teas and French patisseries! We named it Pa-TEA-sserie, and decorated it with sakura flowers, fleur de lis, tea cups and of course treats! 

Thank you to all how came to celebrate the occasion - and make art together - your support means EVERYTHING to me!🥰

If you were to start a food truck, what would your theme be?🌮🥗🍡 

@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 
#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner #foodtruck #portlandfoodtrucks
I am so proud to announce the 4th book in my Wande I am so proud to announce the 4th book in my Wanderlust Creative Travel Guide series is here!!! Welcome, Portland, Oregon to the club. 

With summer almost upon us, it's time to grab one of these guides (Portland, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco) and explore your world with creativity! 

Head to your favorite online book retailer or local book store and grab a copy.

Thank you to all the incredible people at @westmarginpress who helped make this book and this SERIES a reality. This is truly a dream come true! 

@ingram.publisher.services 
#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner #losangeles #sanfrancisco #seattle #wanderlustguide #wanderlustguidebook #travelcreatively #creativetravel
Creative Portland, Oregon!! #booklaunch #wanderlu Creative Portland, Oregon!!

#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
Historic Portland, Oregon #booklaunch #wanderlust Historic Portland, Oregon

#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
Beautiful Portland, Oregon! #booklaunch #wanderl Beautiful Portland, Oregon! 

#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
Please come to my free online Portland Art Party c Please come to my free online Portland Art Party celebrating Portland's food truck scene - next Tuesday, May 24th from 5:30-6:30pm (Pacific Time)! 

We are going to have so much fun together creating a one-of-a-kind food truck and chatting about Portland. Be sure to DM me and I can send you the Zoom link to the art class as well as a free printable to join in the fun!

Can't wait to see you there!

@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 

#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner #freeartclass #onlineartclass #freeonlineclass #onlineartclass #artclass #foodtruckscene #foodtruckpdx
For anyone who has been watching the news this pas For anyone who has been watching the news this past year or two, Portland, Oregon has had a rough go, image wise… but I’m here to dispel any myths or thoughts you may have. This beautiful Pacific Northwest city is amazing for countless reasons but my number one reason is for the sheer CREATIVE ENERGY and fodder it can provide. 

“Portland is a town of rugged individualists sprinkled with weirdness. It commends uniqueness and praise all types of entrepreneurs and creators, yet also has a strong commitment to community. The city embraces its industrial past, while also promoting progressive environmental ideas and sustainable practices. Portland exudes a strong sense of place that can be seen from its renowned food scene to its passionate maker culture.

If there is ever a town that is made to be explored creatively, Portland is the place!”
-excerpt from Wanderlust Portland: A Creative Guide to the City

Have you been to Portland? What was your favorite part?

@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 
#wanderlustportland #newbook #booklaunch #Portland #Oregon #portlandtravel #pdx #wanderlusttravel #creativetravel #creativebook #wanderlust #illustrator #author #wanderlustdesigner #pdxtravelguide #creativetravelguide #keepportlandweird #portlandhistory #pdxhistory #makerculture #creativetown #creativeenergy #community
OK folks-- as you probably guessed -- in celebrati OK folks-- as you probably guessed -- in celebration of my book launch, let's dive into some fun PDX inspired creative prompts!!! From bridges to roses, there is no shortage of artsy adventures. 

Follow along this week and let's get creative!
@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 
#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
The countdown is on!!!! In just 8 days the 4th boo The countdown is on!!!! In just 8 days the 4th book in my Wanderlust Guide series will launch... PORTLAND, OREGON!!!

This city is the epitome of creativity! I can't wait to share with you loads of details about PDX as well as inspire you with ideas on how to explore with creativity - whether it be Portland, Oregon, your next destination or your hometown! 

Stay tuned as I will be posting all week to get you inspired. 

What is your favorite thing about Portland?

@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 
#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
Saw this on the sidewalk the other day... just a s Saw this on the sidewalk the other day... just a simple black rubber glove, tossed to the side...

I can't even tell you how many stories started running through my head about this glove! Of course, being the crime story junkie, I won't lie, the stories were pretty troubling. 🤣

What about you? What do you think the story of this glove is??

#explorecreatively #creativeliving #blackglove #crimejunkie #storytime #exploreyourworldcreatively #creativewanderlustadventure
It's been a hot minute since I've been over here - It's been a hot minute since I've been over here - I was going to post my taco tuesday menu from last Tuesday, and here it is a week later! As you can guess, Mexican food is on the docket for tonight as well (I go in fits and spurts with creativity in the kitchen - I'm definitely in a routine right now, most likely due to what's been happening this last couple weeks over here...)

Let's just say that COVID has come to town in my household and has decided to stay for a little longer than I hoped. I recovered (as of a couple weeks now), but now my husband and son are dealing with symptoms, as well as my 85 year old parents (they do not live with us, but a few towns over.) 

Long story short, they are all thankfully fine as severity goes (thx to vaccines and boosters), yet laying low with the symptoms and letting their immunities build.

I hope you are all staying healthy and hopefully inspired by this illustration to concoct a delicious meal infused with Mexican flavors! 

#layinglow #recovery #covid #mexicanfood #spices #mexicanspices #illustratedrecipe
Happy Cinco de Mayo! This image is from the way ba Happy Cinco de Mayo! This image is from the way back machine- almost 10 years old when I was transitioning my business from stationery/invitations to Wanderlust Designer. 

It's amazing to me to realize that this simple illustration of fiesta items was one of the catalysts for changing my whole business and direction! Perhaps it's because it's just such a festive theme.🎉

#cincodemayo #fiesta #randomcatalyst
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  • 3 Secrets to a Creative Summer
  • Creative Art Lesson: Use Only ONE Color
  • Portland Art Party: Design a Portland Food Truck
  • The Psychology of Yellow
  • What Summertime Means to Me

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