Explore Your World Creatively

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  • At Home Creative Adventures: Take Out Sushi Collage

    Celebrate your favorite take out food with this creative collage exercise! This may look a lot more complicated than it actually is, but don’t panic, it’s actually quite simple! First find a take out menu (or print one out from online if you don’t have any) and lay it out on a table. Use a variety of watercolors and place color blocks around the menu. Once dry begin to cut the shapes. For instance, for the nigiri, I first cut a “white” oblong shape, then cut a colored shape (salmon, or tuna perhaps?) Lastly I placed a green “seaweed” wrapper on top. Glue the shapes down on a piece of…

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    June 13, 2022
    The Textures of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico by Wanderlust Designer

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  • At Home Creative Adventures: Pantry Raid

    Our pantries offer us an unlimited number of things to draw, we just need to open them up and see what’s inside. Choose the most colorful item, your favorite food, or one with a playful pattern. Create a collection and hang them in your kitchen once complete! Below is a time lapse video of drawing the maple syrup can. Be sure to read the “More Creative Prompts” on the printable exercise to learn of ways to vary this exercise. And, as always, I’d love to see what you create! Feel free to tag me on @wanderlustdesigner on Instagram or Facebook or email me: betsy@wanderlustdesigner.com with your creations!

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    August 29, 2016
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    Art School: Apple Template & Watercolor Wash Tutorial

    November 9, 2018

    Viva Mexico – A Colorful Collage

    June 9, 2022
  • At Home Creative Adventures: Shoe Stories

    If only our shoes could talk, what would they say? They’ve been places with you and have stories to tell. This fun creative prompts looks at your life adventures through your shoes! Inspired by Andy Warhol’s shoe illustration series, head to your closet and pull out those random pair of shoes and tell their story! Here’s a process video of drawing my shoes. I used a fine point Micron pen (.005) for very light, loose lines. Definitely Google Andy Warhol’s shoe illustration series. They are very inspiring to say the least. Below is a screen shot from Google of just a few of his illustrations. Be sure to read the…

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    Art Tutorial: How to Draw a Prickly Pear Cactus by Betsy Beier

    Art School: How to Draw a Prickly Pear Cactus

    January 29, 2019

    At Home Creative Adventures: Take Out Sushi Collage

    March 20, 2020
    Warwick Castle Medieval Collage by Wanderlust Designer

    Time+Place: Warwick Castle – A Visit to Medieval England

    March 4, 2013
  • At Home Creative Adventures: Floral Bouquet

    To brighten up your environment, create a floral bouquet just for you! This creative prompt will get you outside looking for blooms, and inside creating a masterpiece. An impressionistic style is the best approach to making a colorful bouquet worthy to prop by your desk! Here are the blooms I found in my yard, inspiration for my bouquet. If you don’t have flowers in your yard, feel free to use mine as inspiration or head to the internet for more! Below is the time-lapse of me creating my bouquet. Notice the looseness of the lines, and watercolor. Also, the varied size interpretation of each bloom. The pansy bloom is actually…

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    January 25, 2022

    Creative Travel: Capturing the Look of a Neighborhood – A Walk Down Grand Ave, South San Francisco (incl Free Printable Coloring Page)

    May 7, 2020
    Soaking Up the Sun Down Baja California, Mexico by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Road Trip – Soaking Up the Sun and Surf in Baja California, Mexico

    January 11, 2017
  • At Home Creative Adventure: 4 Objects, 1 Color

    We can become easily immune to the colorful objects and items that fill our homes. Brighten your day with this creative color exercise and celebrate those items you may not see anymore! For this project, I picked my favorite turquoise blue shade and found: a small globe, a mini-house souvenir from Denmark, a candle and a santon figurine from Provence. They are an odd pairing of objects, yet still make for an interesting illustration. Below is the still life on my desk. Be sure to read the “More Creative Prompts” on the printable exercise to learn of ways to vary this exercise. And, as always, I’d love to see what…

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    May 17, 2016
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Teacher, Illustrator, Author

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Illustrator/Author/Teacher
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
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