Dream Trips
The best dream trips around the world.
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Let’s Go to Hawaii and Paint Tropical Fish
Who doesn’t want to head to the tropics? Come on a virtual trip to Hawaii with me and let’s dive into the water and learn how to draw and watercolor tropical fish in this quick how to video! Be sure to pause the video along the way so you can practice drawing fun fish shapes, and adding splashes of watercolor in your favorite colors!
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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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Wanderlust Patterns: Coasta Italia Collection
The towns along the Italian coast are unforgettable. Houses in a harmony of pinks, corals, rusts and golds dot the hillsides and overlook the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. How absolutely dreamy! I created this Coasta Italia collection of illustrations and patterns to celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of this little part of the world. If you are interested in licensing the illustrations or patterns in this collection, please contact me for details.
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On Location: June Packing List – Trekking through Thailand and Free June 2017 Wallpaper
Although monsoon season is just beginning in Thailand in June, it is still the perfect time to visit. The weather isn’t too stifling hot, and with an umbrella in hand and somewhat light crowds, you will be able to trek through Thailand and see amazing sites. From the sparkling Wat Arun along the mighty Chao Phraya river, to Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace with the 66cm tall Emerald Buddha carved from jade, there is a bounty of sacred sites to explore in urban Bangkok. When you are ready to head to the wilderness, hop on a plane north to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai for plenty of incredible treks through…
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On Location: Dream Trips – Bucket List World Map
I can’t think of a better map to dream over than a Bucket List World Map! So many places to explore and so little time… Where do you want to go? (For specific details about individual locations, be sure to read: Illustrated Bucket List vol.1 and Illustrated Bucket List vol.2) Please contact me if you are interested buying or licensing this illustration. For more information about my illustration work, see my portfolio.
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Wanderlust Patterns: Bali Om Surface Design and Illustrations
A yoga retreat in Bali is one of those dream vacations I would love to take some day. I will admit, I’m not that adept at yoga, and have only taken a few classes, but the thought of learning more about the benefits of yoga while practicing in a gorgeous location as Bali sounds blissful. While dreaming of this trip, I created some surface design patterns that capture the essence of this location. A colorful print of yoga positions with iconic Bali scenery such as the rice terraces, a meditative hut and the beautiful Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi; iconic lotus flowers; meditative mandalas; and a rich tye dies fabric…
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On Location: April Packing List – Tip Toe Through the Tulips in Holland and Free April 2017 Wallpaper
Have you ever seen the colorful pictures of the tulip fields in Holland during spring time? What a spectacular site! Some day I would love to tip toe through these fields with my sketchbook in hand and capture the scene, and here in this free calendar wallpaper is what I’d wear! Free Calendar Wallpaper – April 2017 Here’s a free April 2017 wallpaper for your desktop computer or iPad to get you inspired for a romantic getaway. To set as your desktop image, just click on the link appropriate for your size monitor or ipad. When the image is in view, on a PC, right click and select “Use Picture as Desktop…
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On Location: March Packing List – Scenic Tour of Ireland and Free March 2017 Wallpaper
March is here, and I’ve been aching to take a trip to Ireland. Yes, I’m sure St. Patrick’s Day has something to do with it, but I also have a huge desire to take a road trip around the country and explore the wild seashore, stay in old castles, wander small villages, and of course drink a tasty stout in Dublin. In dreaming of this trip, I thought it would be fun to come up with an appropriate Spring packing list. There’s still a bite in the air, but nothing a cozy warm Irish sweater won’t take care of. Also, be sure to bring a brightly colored umbrella to ward off any…
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On Location: Dream Trips – Romantic Getaway Paris, France and Free February 2017 Wallpaper
Although we know, Paris is always a good idea, I think in these long winter months, it is even more than a good idea, it is a must do! Even with cold weather, and the high chance of grey skies, a romantic getaway in February is a great way to get rid of any winter funk. Before kids, my husband and I would alternate years in coming up with a surprise February weekend getaway. Unfortunately, we could only get away for the weekend, but we still managed some very memorable escapes. The surprise weekend away where I needed a passport was of course one that I will never forget! I have yet to visit Paris in…
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On Location: Dream Trips – January Hit the Slopes: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia and Free Calendar Wallpaper
January is the perfect time to hit the slopes and Whistler Blackcomb in beautiful British Columbia, Canada is one of the best places to go! Not only is it the largest ski resort in North America, with slopes for all abilities and ages, it was also home to the 2010 Winter Olympics making it a world class resort for much more than just skiing. I was able to snowboard there many years ago for an adventuresome long weekend. We flew from San Francisco to Vancouver, and spent the night enjoying this world class city filled with urban attractions and surrounded by incredible nature. The next day, we drove the scenic Sea to…
