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  • Art School: How to Draw a Taco

    Who doesn’t love a good taco? I make them every week on Tuesday (yes, my weekly meal plan is pretty repetitive) and still never tire of them! There are just so many taco options- beef, chicken, pork, fish, vegetarian– they are all so good. In celebration of this tasty food, I’ve created a simple taco tutorial! Enjoy.

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    Art on the Go: Art School - Lesson in Line Weight by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Art School – Line Weight

    March 12, 2015

    Explore a New City Creatively through History – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    August 3, 2022

    Creative Wanderlust Story: Spin the Globe

    January 7, 2022
  • Art School: Create a Toile Pattern Inspired by Ireland

    Here’s a peek at one of the projects in my book Anywhere, Anytime Art: Illustration. This project was inspired by a trip to Ireland! Follow along and create a quaint, Irish toile pattern with me! Enjoy. For more information about the book and where to order, see my Anywhere, Anytime Art: Illustration page.

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    Art on the Go: Art School Line Basics - Contour vs. Gestural vs. Implied by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Art School Line Basics: Contour vs. Gestural vs. Implied

    January 6, 2015
    Where in the World No.9 by Wanderlust Designer

    Where in the World No:9

    May 10, 2013
    Cruising Along 395 and the Eastern Sierras by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Road Trip – Cruising 395 and the Eastern Sierras

    February 24, 2015
  • Art School: How to Draw an A Frame Cabin

    I love the coziness of an A frame cabin in the woods! I can’t think of a better place to be snowed in than a small A frame with a small living room, kitchen and bath on the bottom floor and a loft bedroom up a ladder. With plenty of food and fire wood, I would enjoy spending hours reading and sketching with a nap somewhere in between! Here’s a simple drawing tutorial to create your own A frame cabin in the winter. Here’s a process video to watch the drawing in action.

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    Road Trip Sticker Pack for Pic Collage by Wanderlust Designer

    Illustration News: New Road Trip Sticker Pack for Pic Collage App

    September 8, 2017

    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: GREEN

    March 15, 2022
    Holiday Window Shopping Traditions by Wanderlust Designer

    Culture: Shopping – Holiday Window Shopping Traditions

    December 6, 2018
  • Art School: How to Draw a Mask

    Masks are a part of many celebrations around the world, namely Carnevale in Venice, Italy; Carnaval do Brazil; and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Some believe masks were a pagan practice to ward off evil spirits, but now they are more worn for anonymity and decoration. Enjoy this tutorial and have fun designing your own decorative mask for any occasion.

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    All Smiles for Berthillon Ice Cream in Paris

    On Location: The Berthillon Ice Cream Experience – Très Français!

    September 7, 2013
    Wanderlust Designer is Heading to Surtex 2017, New York City

    Studio News: Wanderlust Designer is Heading to Surtex 2017

    March 2, 2017

    Creative Wanderlust Adventure: Finding Inspiration in a Recent Read – Crying in H Mart

    November 8, 2021
  • Art School: How to Draw a Historic Home – Betsy Ross’s House, Philadelphia

    If you are ever in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a visit to the House of Betsy Ross, famed seamstress of the first American flag is a must see. Located on Arch Street in Old Town Philadelphia just a few blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the house is a classic Pennsylvania colonial style. Historians still debate is this is the actual home where she resided, but even if it is not, it is still a gorgeously maintained example of a home from early American history, 1740. Vary the details of the house slightly and draw several in a row to create your own colonial street scene.

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    Art on the Go: Sketching on Foreign Newsprint to Add Character to Your Drawings by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Sketching on a Foreign Newspaper

    January 30, 2014
    Vintage Computer Equipment Patterns by Wanderlust Designer

    Pattern+Place: Computer History Museum, Silicon Valley

    March 12, 2013

    Creative Journal Prompt: Ice Cream Flavors of the Season

    June 25, 2021
  • Art School: How to Draw a Box of Chocolates

    When did a box of chocolates become synonymous with Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day has a long history, yet it wasn’t until the mid-1800’s when British chocolatier Richard Cadbury was trying to perfect his drinking chocolate when he inadvertently created what he called “eating chocolate.” He cleverly put his new found confection in a decorated box that he himself designed, and seized the holiday with his treats! Enjoy this “how to draw a box of chocolates” tutorial and Happy Valentine’s Day!

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    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Las Vegas

    January 24, 2022
    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
    Tropical Memories Art Project Inspired by Matisse Cut Outs by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Tropical Memories Inspired by Matisse Cut Outs

    May 9, 2013
  • Art School: How to Draw a Lantern

    I absolutely love lanterns. Whether zig zagging across a street in San Francisco’s famed Chinatown, or softly illuminating the front doorway to homes in Gion, Kyoto, lanterns are simply festive! Here is a simple tutorial on how to draw a lantern. Below is a time lapse video to watch the process of drawing a lantern. Be sure to tag your drawing with #everydaycreativeadventures so I can see your festive lantern!

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    Creative Wanderlust Story: Poolside Gossip – Flash Fiction Inspired by Slim Aarons’s Iconic 1970s Photograph

    January 16, 2022
    Art School: Blind Contour Exercises by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Art School: Line Basics – Blind Contour Drawings

    September 14, 2017

    Come Explore Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way with Creativity!

    March 17, 2022
  • Art Tutorial: How to Draw a Prickly Pear Cactus by Betsy Beier

    Art School: How to Draw a Prickly Pear Cactus

    I have been fortunate to be able to travel to Arizona often as I my in-laws live in Tucson. Every time we visit, I am just in awe of the landscape. It feels so drastically different from California. Although Northern California where I live is a dry climate, it can’t hold a candle to how dry the Sonoran Desert which surrounds the Tucson area is. The landscape is sandy soil terrain filled with cactus for miles backed up against rugged mountains in the distance. Quite stunning! To celebrate the southwest desert look I’ve created a series of cactus tutorials – first up, the prickly pear cactus. Enjoy and be sure…

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    Antelope Canyon, Navajo Nation, Arizona

    Palette+Place: Antelope Canyon, Arizona

    April 9, 2013
    Foodie Map of the World by Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer

    Culture: Food – Foodie Map of the World

    May 17, 2017

    CWC Open House – Decorate Ukrainian Style Eggs

    May 3, 2022
  • Everyday Creative Adventures: How to Draw Out the Airplane Window by Wanderlust Designer

    Art School: How to Draw – Out the Airplane Window

    No matter how many times I get on an airplane, I will never tire of staring out the airplane window! Even at my age, I vie for that window seat so I can watch the show. I have snapped endless pictures out the window, but must admit, it’s much more fun to draw and paint the scene. Here is a simple how to draw the out the airplane window. Get Creative The possibilities are endless of how creative you can be on what to draw out the window. Perhaps you see a galaxy or a constellation, or maybe an alien ship. Don’t limit your imagination!

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    Free Travel Inspiration Wallpaper: Everywhere is on my List by Wanderlust Designer

    Free Travel Inspiration Wallpaper: Everywhere is On My List

    April 1, 2014
    American Delicacies? Adventures at La Grande Épicerie de Paris by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: American Delicacies? Adventures at La Grande Épicerie de Paris

    January 23, 2015
    Cruising Along 395 and the Eastern Sierras by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Road Trip – Cruising 395 and the Eastern Sierras

    February 24, 2015
  • Art School: How to Draw a Globe

    One of my favorite things to draw is a globe. It’s probably no surprise, since it represents something I’m so passionate about, travel! It’s also the perfect icon to put your favorite travel saying inside and practice your hand lettering. Below is a free printable guide to teach you how to draw a globe. Click on the image and print from your browser to draw your own.

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    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Globe

    January 8, 2022

    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Paint Some Colorful Globes

    January 9, 2022

    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: Spring

    March 22, 2022

Teacher, Illustrator, Author

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Betsy Beier

wanderlustdesigner

Art Teacher, Author, Illustrator
🧑‍🎨 Explore Your World Creatively
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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
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