Explore Your World Creatively

  • Home
  • Art Classes
    • Events Calendar
    • Art Classes
    • Free Art Classes
    • Printable Lessons
    • Past Workshops
      • CWE: Mapping Your Life Journey
      • CWE: Storytelling in a Japanese Garden
      • CWE: A Camp-Inspired Morning
      • CWE: Illustrate Your Adventures
      • CWE: Storytelling on the Go Chinatown
  • Books
    • Anywhere, Anytime Art Illustration
    • Wanderlust Portland
    • Wanderlust Los Angeles
    • Wanderlust San Francisco
    • Wanderlust Seattle
  • Community
    • CWC Art School
    • CWC Creative Adventures
    • CWC Culture Club
    • CWC Events
    • CWC Online Private Group
  • Shop
    • Creative Art Supplies
    • Books
    • Puzzles
      • American Road Trip
      • Foods Across America
      • Route 66
      • Blue Ridge Parkway
      • North Carolina Coast
      • South Carolina Coast
      • Georgia Coast
      • Florida’s 30A
    • Etsy Shop
    • Zazzle Shop
  • Portfolio
    • Portfolio Website
    • Work With Me
    • Latest Projects
  • About
    • About Betsy
    • About the Blog
    • Contact Me
  • Home
  • Art Classes
    • Events Calendar
    • Art Classes
    • Free Art Classes
    • Printable Lessons
    • Past Workshops
      • CWE: Mapping Your Life Journey
      • CWE: Storytelling in a Japanese Garden
      • CWE: A Camp-Inspired Morning
      • CWE: Illustrate Your Adventures
      • CWE: Storytelling on the Go Chinatown
  • Books
    • Anywhere, Anytime Art Illustration
    • Wanderlust Portland
    • Wanderlust Los Angeles
    • Wanderlust San Francisco
    • Wanderlust Seattle
  • Community
    • CWC Art School
    • CWC Creative Adventures
    • CWC Culture Club
    • CWC Events
    • CWC Online Private Group
  • Shop
    • Creative Art Supplies
    • Books
    • Puzzles
      • American Road Trip
      • Foods Across America
      • Route 66
      • Blue Ridge Parkway
      • North Carolina Coast
      • South Carolina Coast
      • Georgia Coast
      • Florida’s 30A
    • Etsy Shop
    • Zazzle Shop
  • Portfolio
    • Portfolio Website
    • Work With Me
    • Latest Projects
  • About
    • About Betsy
    • About the Blog
    • Contact Me

Home

Classes/Workshops

Books

Community

Portfolio

Contact/About

  • Creative Art Lesson: Use Only ONE Color

    When choosing to do an art project, we sometimes can get overwhelmed or feel the necessity to use all the “crayons” in the box- or all the colors we can, since, well, they are there! For this creative exercise, I actually challenge you to do the opposite, and only use ONE color when doing a drawing. Given I decided to draw icons or doodles of summer, I chose the color yellow. I have to admit, it was very hard to not want to go in to the drawing an embellish with more colors. Also, it was hard for me to not want to draw my swimming pool in blue (not…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Iguazu Falls Separates Brasil from Argentina - Sketch by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Iguazu Falls – Impressive Brasil vs. Intimate Argentina

    January 28, 2014
    Wanderlust Bookclub: A Cook's Tour by Anthony Bourdain

    Wanderlust Bookclub: A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain

    December 21, 2016
    Bali Om Collection Surface Design and Illustrations by Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer

    Wanderlust Patterns: Bali Om Surface Design and Illustrations

    May 17, 2017
  • What Summertime Means to Me

    Creative 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?

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    The Wild West by Wanderlust Designer

    Free Printable Vintage Wild West Post Card

    June 11, 2013
    The Playful Personality of the Galapagos Sea Lion by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: The Playful Personality of the Galápagos Sea Lion

    May 28, 2014
    Learn How to Draw and Paint Shamrocks

    Learn How to Draw a Pot of Shamrocks – 20 Minute Free Art Lesson

    March 21, 2022
  • Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Summer Kick Off!

    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 season, here are some fun creative prompts to get you ready for those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer ahead! Join me over at @creativewanderlustcommunity to follow along this summer with these prompts and more to learn how to add art and creativity to…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Creative Community: Art Bias Open Studios

    March 30, 2022
    Amazonas Theatre, Manaus, Brazil

    Wanderlust Bookclub: Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder and the Amazonas Theatre

    March 6, 2013
    The Art of Andean Weaving by Wanderlust Designer

    Pattern+Place: The Art of Andean Weaving, Peru

    May 15, 2013
  • Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Doodle

    The Art of Doodling I’m sure you’ve done it many times before. Scribbling in the margins of your paper in a boring meeting, or while listening to a long lecture. Many times are doodling is just simple mark making, some squiggly lines or a few shapes. Sometimes we doodle more representational items, a heart, a house, a tree, a rainbow. In general, when we doodle we don’t give much thought to the final outcome, let alone what we are actually drawing. Doodling is a passive creative act, a way for us to “space out,” yet did you know if has many benefits to our health and creativity? Studies have shown…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Amusement Park

    March 30, 2022
    Paint a Mask in Venice Italy (Illustration and Story by Wanderlust Designer)

    On Location: Spend the Day Painting a Mask in Venice, Italy

    February 3, 2016
    Bucket List Map of the World by Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Dream Trips – Bucket List World Map

    May 17, 2017
  • Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Spring

    For many, especially those in colder and darker climates in the Northern Hemisphere, the arrival of spring is literally a breathe of fresh air! More light in the sky, birds chirping, blossoms blooming, and new life everywhere. For others, though, the passing of a new season may just seem like another week. This can sometimes be the case for me, as I live in a temperate climate, where the change of the season is not nearly as noticeable. Instead of letting the change of season pass me by, I’m going to celebrate spring time with a week of creative prompts. My goal is to be more mindful of the change…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Rocky Mountain High in Fairplay, Colorado by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Rocky Mountain High – Solitude at 10,000′ in Fairplay Colorado

    June 3, 2013

    Creative Wanderlust Prompt List: Suitcase

    January 17, 2022
    Bucket List Map of the World by Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Dream Trips – Bucket List World Map

    May 17, 2017
  • Learn How to Draw and Paint Shamrocks

    Learn How to Draw a Pot of Shamrocks – 20 Minute Free Art Lesson

    I love shamrocks! They remind me of not only spring time, but also my mom! Every March, she would bring home a pot of shamrocks for my siblings and I to put in our room. They are a simple yet fabulous house plant to have (for all ages), as they are extremely easy to maintain. They grow and flower very quickly which can be very satisfying for those without a green thumb. Hunting for a four leaf clover in the bunch was always fun too- as I am confident it definitely brought me good luck! To celebrate spring, follow along with my step by step, 20 minute art lesson as…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Paint Some Colorful Globes

    January 9, 2022

    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: GREEN

    March 15, 2022

    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Palm Springs

    January 9, 2022
  • Seeing Green in Ireland

    Seeing Green in Ireland and Northern Ireland

    It only takes a few moments upon arrival in Ireland to realize why the country is nicknamed the Emerald Isle. Green is everywhere – vibrant, refreshing, rich greens, in every hue. One of my favorite creativity prompts while traveling is color. It’s such a simple idea, yet can truly open your eyes to seeing so much more than you expect when you explore a location! The goal is to choose a color in the morning before you head out, then when touring, be on the look out for it. When you see it, take a quick picture on your phone. At the end of the day, you can create a…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    City Pages: Free Printable Paris Sketch and Journal Page by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Free Printable Paris Journal and Sketch Page

    April 29, 2013
    Vancouver: An Urban City Surrounded by Nature by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Vancouver – An Urban City Surrounded by Nature Part 2

    May 23, 2013
    A World of Flavors: Moroccan Spice Mix (illustration by Wanderlust Designer)

    Culture: A World of Flavors – Moroccan Spice Mix

    February 25, 2015
  • Creative Wanderlust Prompt: GREEN

    This week we will be inspired by the color GREEN! Yes, as simple as that. Picking a color is truly one of my favorite kinds of art prompts. It may seem too simple, but trust me, you can make it as complicated (or not) as you like! When my kids were young, I used a color prompt all the time when we were traveling. I’d ask them to pick a color that morning before we headed out to tour around. The instructions were basic, when they would see the color, they would snap a quick picture. It could be nature, scenery, an object, something someone was wearing, food, whatever they…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    New Year's Foods from Around the World by Wanderlust Designer

    Culture: New Years Food Traditions from Around the World

    January 22, 2015

    Inspired by the Cotswolds, England

    June 16, 2020

    Creative Wanderlust Community: Open House #1 – Decorate a Holiday Village

    December 21, 2021
  • Creative Wanderlust Prompt: New Orleans

    New Orleans or NOLA as many like to call it, is a city full of vibrancy, energy, color and personality! It’s hard to find a city that embodies so must creative spirit, diversity and fascinating cultural aspects; music, food, religion, history, architecture, nature, traditions and so much more. Each one tells an inspirational story that can prompt endless amounts of creativity.  Like most of the cities across the United States, NOLA is a true melting pot of people and traditions dating back to before the nation was even formed. Its proximity to the Caribbean as well as its French roots gives it an individual flavor unlike any other location in…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Portland, Oregon – Beautiful, Historic & Creative

    June 9, 2022

    Creative Prompt: Learn How to Draw and Watercolor Holiday Images

    December 22, 2021
    Coca Candies and Coca Tea from Peru by Wanderlust Designer

    Culture: Coca Leaves and the Andean Culture

    April 28, 2013
  • Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Draw a Vintage Suitcase and Vintage Trunk

    Follow along with these process videos and learn how to draw a vintage suitcase and trunk covered in decals!

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Iguazu Falls Separates Brasil from Argentina - Sketch by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Iguazu Falls – Impressive Brasil vs. Intimate Argentina

    January 28, 2014
    Reflecting Pond at Filoli Country Estate, Woodside, CA by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Sketching at Filoli Country Estate

    October 27, 2014
    Brazilian Churrasco in Rio de Janeiro by Wanderlust Designer

    Culture: Churrasco in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    March 13, 2014
123

Teacher, Illustrator, Author

Get inspired by the world around you and come join me in learning how to add creativity and art to your everyday!

Newsletter

Get creativity in your inbox every month!

Follow Me

wanderlustdesigner

Art Teacher, Author, Illustrator
🧑‍🎨 Explore Your World Creatively
🎨 Art Prompts, Tips & Tutorials
🧳 Community of Wanderlust Enthusiasts

Betsy Beier
My impression of our local Friday marché. I am so My impression of our local Friday marché. I am so happy to be playing with paint again. I have to admit, for me the process is perhaps more invigorating than the end product! I find I like the palette and the mess in the middle the most! 🖌️🎨🖍️💛.

#makingart #messinmiddle #palette #impression #marché #paris #anvers
I’ve been a little quiet here as I’ve been set I’ve been a little quiet here as I’ve been settling into our new city life and must admit- je suis tombée amoureuse de Paris !
 
I can’t believe it’s been a month already. So much has happened. In many ways this past month has been like an extended vacation, with lots of exploring and moving fast here and there, and seeing all sorts of new things. All of it incredibly exciting and energizing but I am definitely ready for slowing down and savoring each moment through art and creativity!

I have carved out a routine and am pretty much living my dream “semester” as I am taking 3 different classes, one French language, one fashion illustration (very different for me) and the third painting (my true ❤️). The classes are all in French and I’m working very hard on perfecting it as well as learning more and more everyday. 

I am absolutely loving the change in seasons and have already gotten out all my scarves and sweaters well before the cold has truly set in. Ha! 

I have loads to share and promise to get my routine going as I definitely want you along for there ride. There is so much to discover and learn! 

À bientôt

#lifeinparis #paris #expat #1month #semesterabroad #tomberamoureux #france
Another day of sketch walking in Paris… this cit Another day of sketch walking in Paris… this city could keep me and my sketchbook occupied for years! #flâneuseart #artonthego #paris #placesofparis #lifeinparis #sketchwalk #exploreyourworld #everydayadventures
Mornings in Paris… ☕️🥐🇫🇷 I have se Mornings in Paris… ☕️🥐🇫🇷

I have settled into a wonderful morning routine here in Paris. Coffee first of course, and then I wrote in my journal intime (in French!) I’m sure it’s riddled with errors, but it gets me starting the day thinking in French ! Then I move on to my daily to do list and my sketchbook/journal I am keeping. This one is all about collaging, photos, notes and quick sketches. My goal is to capture the daily experiences as they fly by. I will definitely share some pages as I continue. Then, it’s time for a little breakfast and my outing for the day. 

Do you have a morning routine? Doesn’t it ever change or evolve?

#morningroutine #journaling #morningjournaling #morningsinparis #journalintime #sketchbook #collage #miniphoto
A little tour of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 1 A little tour of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th from my walkabout yesterday. Loads of people out enjoying the weather- fall is definitely in the air!

#ptittour #paris #parcbutteschaumont #dimanche #sundaywalk #explore #alwayswalking #walkabout
Jules Chéret was born in Paris and lived from 183 Jules Chéret was born in Paris and lived from 1836-1932. He created iconic advertisement posters that were pasted on to walls, columns and much more throughout the city. 

Inspired by his work, I had fun creating this minisketchbook of faces seen in his posters. #inspiredby #juleschéret #minisketchbook #faces #facedrawings
The sketching of Paris has started! We spent the m The sketching of Paris has started! We spent the majority of last week setting up our apartment with a spattering of ultra touristy outings (aka the Louvre, a long walk along the Seine) and now with my husband back to work I’m figuring out my daily routine. It’s clear it will involve a lot of walking, museums, exploring, reading (in French of course) and ART! Soooo much to draw!!

Here are a few sketches from yesterday at le Jardin du Palais Royal, one of my favorite spots! What’s your favorite site in Paris? Let me know so I can create a draw-a-long video to share!
#art #paris #lifeinparis #artistinparis #sketchbook #jardindupalaisroyal #paradis #laviedartiste
Mon rêve est ici ! We’ve done it- we’ve moved Mon rêve est ici ! We’ve done it- we’ve moved to Paris. I can hardly believe I’m finally here after a few intense weeks/months of preparation, getting our house ready to rent in CA, packing, and dreaming of this moment! I’m ready to put my Wanderlust Designer mantra to the test - explore creatively- and I want you along with me. Let the adventure begin! (Photos are of my new Paris nest.) #paris #france #livinginparis #expat #dreamscometrue #wanderlust #adventure #explorecreatively
I've been quiet again over here as I've been spend I've been quiet again over here as I've been spending all my time packing up for our BIG MOVE TO PARIS and prepping our house to rent!! Who knew one could accumulate so much stuff- even when you clean and clear out your house seemingly on a regular basis. 15 years in one spot can do that, I guess. I have found that clearing out - essentially staging - is very liberating for the mind. I'm kinda thinking this should be my new look- a minimalist environment really has given me renewed creative energy! 

Has anyone else experienced this?

#packingup #packinguplife #bigmove #parisbound #declutter #creativity #openspace
Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated

I just returned from an easygoing week exploring the cheese, brat and BEER loving midwest state of Wisconsin and visited MILWAUKEE for the first time. 

The question I asked myself before I left, was what are the best ways to explore a new city creatively? I came up with a list of 10 heuristics, but for this trip, I focused on one of my favorites- discover a city's personality - through its history.

You can start your investigation with a simple Google search, “the history of [cityname]” and see what you get. I do peruse Wikipedia, but also love browsing lesser known sites, blogs and/or content local to the area as I find the writing is honest and more insightful (especially when not sponsored by a brand!) It doesn’t take much reading, and in a few articles, I’m amazed at the overall sense of place you can feel through its historic past. With that knowledge, I then love to plan our trip, the neighborhoods and sites to see. My eventual list of possibilities inherently include touristic locations - monuments, famous buildings, etc. - but I always want to put in a few off the beaten path spots to try to see the everyday. 

Touring through any theme can become an entertaining scavenger hunt game. With the key historic points in mind (i.e., MKE = BEER), my creative lens is focused on all thing relating to that topic. So, as we walked around Milwaukee, I was always on the look out for references of the cities long beer brewing history - from street signs named after famous brewers, to beer references or images. It’s amazing how much more you will see when you have just a few historic facts in mind! 

Have you ever explored a city through a historic lens? I'd love to hear about it - let me know in the comments!

#MKE #Milwaukee #wisconsin #beer #brewery #schlitz #pabst #blatz #explorecreatively #creativewanderlustadventure
Bye bye Karl the Fog and hello to MKE via Chicago Bye bye Karl the Fog and hello to MKE via Chicago (no, not Nashville like the song says…)😂

Looking forward to exploring tomorrow. #sfo #ord #mke #milwaukee #wisconsin #explore #thunderstorm
Who's up for a little Creative Wanderlust Open Hou Who's up for a little Creative Wanderlust Open House - this THURSDAY, July 14th from 5:30-7pm, in San Carlos California.

Given my last post, I of course had to continue the French theme-- this month at the open house we will be celebrating by creating art with a little bleu, blanc et rouge + Matisse inspired theme! Come make art or just relax outdoors and enjoy the summer evening with friends!

DM or email me for details and directions. Hope to see you there!

#creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustlife #creativewanderlustliving #bastillday #france #bleublancrouge #openhouse
I just shared some BIG NEWS in my newsletter today I just shared some BIG NEWS in my newsletter today... it's really happening... I'm moving to PARIS!

My entire adult life I’ve wanted to live abroad. In college I sadly dismissed the opportunity as I did not want to double major in a language (present me doesn’t quite understand that choice, but as they say, education is wasted on the youth!) Throughout married life my husband and I have chatted many times about living abroad here or there with our kids, yet the timing has never clicked. Now, over 30 years since college, I’m finally getting my semester abroad! No, not with a college but with my husband. Our nest is empty and we are ready to FLY!

Starting September 1st we will officially have an apartment in Paris, France and begin our 6 month abroad adventure as Parisians! Yes, this is a dream come true. Of course I’ve heard the stories - it’s grey, it rains, people are not friendly, there is crime, it’s dirty, etc., etc. If you look at any location you can find negatives but I’m not that person. I am confident I will face challenges, but I am up for it all - the good, the bad, yet mostly the EXPERIENCE!

I can’t wait for all of you to JOIN ME on this adventure. In true Betsy style, my goals are to hit the streets of Paris creatively everyday - I want to stare at masterpieces in the Louvre and discover small wonders hidden in corners of my neighborhood. I want to embrace shopping on my local street for meals everyday, and sitting at the cafe people watching. I want to explore the same streets the masters (Matisse, Monet, Van Gogh, etc.) walked upon as well as take a dive deep into understanding the long history and culture of Paris. We of course have plenty of side trips we want to take. It’s clear we won’t have enough time, but again, seeing this as our diving board moment, it’s exciting to imagine what will come next.

I look forward to inspiring you to find these creative details in your own city or where ever you may roam. And, of course, if you happen to be in Paris this Fall and early Winter, please reach out! I’d love to see you in the City of Light!

#dream #paris #france #movingtoparis #creativewanderlustlife
Another day, another walk in the burbs. Being a ci Another day, another walk in the burbs. Being a city girl at heart, I’m always looking for something different… today I ventured out with a hand made view finder. I had trouble without my glasses (which I don’t wear walking 🤣) but otherwise enjoyed the experience. Next time I’m going to head to my downtown to capture a different view.  Give it a try in your neighborhood! I’d love to see what you find. #frameyourview #creativewalk #everydaycreativity #creativewanderlustadventure #theburbs
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
Sketching the scene from the dock with my fav blac Sketching the scene from the dock with my fav black pen and Caran D’Ache water soluble wax pastels. They are my absolute fav art supply these days!!🌈🖍🖌🎨
And the irony is I’m actually having a productiv And the irony is I’m actually having a productive day! Lake life does the mind some good…
My office this week….🚤🏔🛶🌲 My office this week….🚤🏔🛶🌲
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
Load More Follow on Instagram

Events

May 2023

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Recent Stories

  • Creative Wanderlust Community Open House – July 2022 Recap: Bastille Day Collage
  • Explore a New City Creatively through History – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • I’m Moving to Paris!!!
  • 3 Secrets to a Creative Summer
  • Creative Art Lesson: Use Only ONE Color

Archives

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
2023 © Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer
  • Home
  • Art Classes
  • Books
  • Community
  • Shop
  • Portfolio
  • About