Seven Years Ago

June 9, 2015. That’s when it all began for me. Most of you know the story, but for the newer …

A Different Sort of Zen

As I looked through the workshop schedule for Sketchbook Revival 2022, I think I rolled my eyes a bit when …

What Was I Thinking?

As the end of another year approaches, I’m in a bit of a reflective mood. It’s always a good time …

Another Bowl of Apples

In every journey we take, there’s always that moment when we come back around to where we began. Poet T. …

The Gold Bug

This drawing is from the most recent episode of “Gettin’ Sketchy” with artists Ashley Bane Hurst and Matt Fussell. One …

Off Like a Herd of Turtles

This quote has nothing to do with art really, but it showed up in my Facebook feed, and I loved …

Sometimes I Surprise Myself

If you’ve been reading this blog, you already know that I’m not a botanical artist. I love seeing those exquisite, …

Autumn Colors

Last night was a fun night at Gettin’ Sketchy. It offered a chance to get out a few art supplies I …

Branching Out

My experience with mixed media in the past has been limited to line and wash applications, such as the Turkish …

The Eight-Hour Bee

When I was first learning to draw back in 2015, I read an article about a drawing class where the …

The Birds!

This little fellow is late to the “Draw-a-Bird” party this month, so he’ll be flapping his wings like crazy to …

Sketchbook Memories

Every artist — and every aspiring artist — should have a sketchbook. Although it might seem like an insignificant little thing, it’s one of the most important tools in our art arsenal.

A Little Birdie Told Me

Yes…a little birdie told me this morning that folks are now celebrating Draw-a-Bird Day every month. Even though the annual event …

What Exactly IS a Squid?

“Today we’re going to draw a squid…” That was how a recent Sketchbook Nation project began. A squid. Great. Uh, …

You Get What You Pay For

Caveat emptor — let the buyer beware — was probably the first Latin phrase I learned. I was no more than five …

Patience Is a Virtue

I’ve never been a patient person. When I want something, I want it now — a fact that Amazon Prime …

Keep It Simple, Sweetheart

Simplify. That word has been one of my life’s mottos — if a single word can be a motto, that …

Please Draw a Bird Today

You may not know it, but today is a very special day. It’s Draw-a-Bird Day, and although it’s not an …

My First Challenge

I’m celebrating another momentous event on my journey toward becoming an artist. I’ve submitted my first work to a contest. …

Am I an Artist?

Artist (art·ist) NOUN a person who produces paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby. synonyms: designer · creator · …