-
The Only Art on the Go Supply You Need
The simplest art on the go supply you really need is a pen and a small sketchbook! It can be a black pen, ballpoint pen, or even a marker! Why a black pen and not a pencil? I encourage people to start with a pen vs. a pencil so there’s no desire to erase, or “fix” a sketch you are working on. The goal of taking your art on the go for me is not about the final outcome as it is about the overall experience and act of creation! The moments or time spent sitting down and capturing a scene– whether it be a full building, a crowded market,…
-
Creative Inspiration: Go on a Rainbow Hunt in the Castro, San Francisco
The Castro is definitely one of the most colorful neighborhoods in all of San Francisco! The extra large rainbow flag, the defining landmark of the area, flies proudly over the intersection of Market and Castro Streets welcoming all to the inclusive neighborhood. A Rainbow Hunt Beyond the main flag, there is no shortage of more rainbows to spot in the Castro. Rainbow banners hang from light posts and there is a cross walk lined with rainbow colors. For an easy entertaining game while exploring, play “I Spy” with your friends and try to be the first to spot the rainbows you see. If you are looking for an even more…
-
Travel Story – Road Trip Along the Eastern Sierras
The stark landscape along state route 395 in California and Nevada is so incredible inspirational. Here are highlights from my road trip along this route.
-
Travel Journal – Charles Bridge, Prague
The Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic is one of the top sites to visit. This historic bridge spans the Vltava river and connects Old Town Prague with Prague Castle. In the summer it is bustling with tourists exploring the city and soaking up the views. It’s the perfect spot to stop and capture in your travel journal. I used a simple layout for each image to help convey the beauty of the landmark. Here are a few of my journal pages. We came to this spot twice to soak up the view of the bridge an Prague Castle, once during the day and once at night to see the…
-
Digital Travel Journal: Visiting a Llama Farm in Peru
After we left Cusco, Peru. we headed down into the Sacred Valley and stopped along the way at a the Awana Kancha weaving center to get a glimpse at how the beautiful Peruvian wools are produced. This small spot provides a self guided tour of the different steps it takes to make wool for weaving. In the first area are penned up animals (llamas, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos) where you discover the differences between these camelids and can see how their wool varies. (Vicunas have the most coveted wool, as it is very soft.) All the animals are domesticated and quite friendly, and of course love to be fed. The…
-
Travel Journal: Wandering through Le Marché aux Puces de Saint Ouen Paris, France
There is something so romantic about going to the flea market in Paris– oh the treasures you might find! Here is a travel story about visiting the famed markets in Paris, France.
-
Digital Travel Journal: A Trip to the Coast
I feel so lucky to live so close to the coast yet don’t seem to get there nearly enough. In only 10 minutes, I can be on a rural road heading over the hills that separate the SF Bay Area with the Pacific Ocean. The 2 lane highway starts along serene Crystal Springs Reservoir, the water source for San Francisco and much of the Bay Area. It’s only a short way up the winding road through a magical cypress grove until you hit the summit at Skyline Boulevard. A large cemetery is at the top, where one can see heavenly views to the ocean on a clear day! Heading down…
-
Travel Journal: My Favorite Corner in New York City
New York City is like a second home to me. Although I only lived there a short time in my life, the experience was like no other. Here’s a travel journal of my favorite corner in New York City.
-
Travel Journal: Wandering San Francisco’s Chinatown
Whether you are a tourist or a tried and true local, a day in San Francisco’s Chinatown is always an adventure. No matter how many times I’ve explored this neighborhood, I’m always surprised at how many more details I can see. We spent half a day wandering Chinatown, not nearly enough time but still was able to capture some classic scenes of the area. One might find themselves in Chinatown from any number of streets, but the grand entrance is on Grant Avenue at Bush. As soon as you pass the Dragon’s Gate, you see how different the neighborhood feels, from the ornate street lamps, to the festive red lanterns…
-
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…
Explore Your World Creatively
