Explore Your World Creatively

  • Home
  • Retreats & Workshops
  • Online Art Classes
  • Creative Inspiration
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • FAQ
    • About Betsy
      • About the Blog
    • Illustration Portfolio
      • Portfolio Website
      • Work With Me
      • Latest Projects
  • Home
  • Retreats & Workshops
  • Online Art Classes
  • Creative Inspiration
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • FAQ
    • About Betsy
      • About the Blog
    • Illustration Portfolio
      • Portfolio Website
      • Work With Me
      • Latest Projects

Home

Classes/Workshops

Books

Community

Portfolio

Contact/About

  • Creative Journal Prompt: Ice Cream Flavors of the Season

    One of my favorite things to do when I walk into an ice cream shop is to peruse all the different flavors. Although I usually go for the same kinds every time (hello cookie dough, cookie crumbs, caramel & coffee), I just love seeing all the different concoctions. I mean, how fun would it be to be an ice cream flavor designer? I’m kicking off my summer, with a super fun prompt to get you inspired, but if you’d like, you could do this prompt at any time of year, I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear about your spooky Halloween ice creams, or your romantic Valentine ice cream assortment?…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    15 Minute Art Lesson: Paint a Ski Mountain

    February 22, 2022
    Graphic Tudor Timber Framing in Shrewsbury, England

    Pattern+Place: The Graphic Tudor Timber Framing of Shrewsbury

    May 31, 2013
    Tropical Paradise Patterns and Illustrations Collection by Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer

    Wanderlust Patterns: Tropical Paradise

    May 17, 2017
  • 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…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Keeping WWII History Alive - the Betty Jane by Wanderlust Designer

    Time+Place: Keeping WWII History Alive

    February 24, 2014
    Where in the World No.9 by Wanderlust Designer

    Where in the World No:9

    May 10, 2013
    Neighborhood to Wander: Stateline North Lake Tahoe by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Exploring Stateline North Lake Tahoe

    June 26, 2015
  • 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…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Welcome to the Wanderlust Designer!

    February 14, 2013
    Gas Works Park, Seattle, Washington by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Gas Works Park, Seattle, Washington

    October 16, 2013
    Colorful Kente Cloth From Ghana by Wanderlust Designer

    Pattern+Place: Colorful Kente Cloth from Ghana

    January 23, 2014
  • 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.

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Portraits of Tucson, Arizona (watercolor by Wanderlust Designer)

    On Location: Portraits of Tucson, Arizona

    December 10, 2014
    Where in the World No.3 by Wanderlust Designer

    Where in the World: No.3

    March 29, 2013

    Creative Wanderlust Prompt: New Orleans

    February 22, 2022
  • Travel Journal Spread from An Afternoon Adventure: Woodside, CA by Betsy Beier

    Travel Journal: An Afternoon in Woodside, CA

    One afternoon I was in desperate need for an outing and headed to the quaint town of Woodside, CA. Just 10 minutes from my house, Woodside feels like a whole other place. Hilly, wooded and rural, yet minutes from Silicon Valley, it’s no wonder it’s a haven for high tech magnets. Yet, even with the mansions, there’s a down-home feel to the town. The windy roads are dotted with horse back riders, bikers and hikers enjoying their area. The first site that greets you as you drive into Woodside is the historic Pioneer Hotel (c. 1885), a classic saloon from the straight out of a Western movie. We headed to…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Wanderlust Patterns: Exotic India Collection

    May 19, 2020
    Over 35 Fonts Inspired by Italy by Wanderlust Designer

    Type+Place: 35+ Fonts Inspired by Italy

    April 4, 2014
    Art on the Go: Sketching in a Cemetery: Creative Fun Beyond Halloween (watercolor by Wanderlust Designer)

    Art on the Go: Sketching in a Cemetery and Creative Projects Beyond Halloween

    October 29, 2014
  • The Benefits of Keeping a Travel Journal and Taking Your Art on the Go

    I’ve been keeping a travel journal of some sort for as long as I can remember. Some of my journals are purely a diary, a written account of what I did on the trip. Some are filled with simple doodles and some are even conversations between the people I traveled with. But by far, my most favorite travel journals are the ones with art in them. It may be a tiny postage sized stamp drawing, or a watercolor that fills the entire spread. I’ve made some with colored pencil and others with only a black pen. There are even a few that are collaged with found ephemera. Regardless of how…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Warwick Castle Medieval Collage by Wanderlust Designer

    Time+Place: Warwick Castle – A Visit to Medieval England

    March 4, 2013
    Van Gogh's Provence - Sunflowers by Wanderlust Designer

    Time+Place: Van Gogh’s Provence

    March 19, 2013
    Camping Adventure Collection and Illustrations by Wanderlust Designer

    Wanderlust Patterns: Camping Adventure

    August 24, 2017
  • Free Printable Venice, Italy Journal and Sketch Pages by Wanderlust Designer

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

    Gondolas gracefully gliding up the canals, palaces glimmering in Italian splendor, a crowded St. Mark’s Square, a boutique mask shop… capture your memories of Venice with my latest free printable Venice journal page and Venice sketch page. Head to the Rialto bridge and make a quick sketch, or jot down a few notes about the delicious gelato you ate while people watching. Keeping a journal and making some sketches will make your trip to Venice one-of-a-kind. Free Printable City Pages: Venice Journal and Sketch Page Below are my Venice printable Journal and Sketch pages. To use, just select the link below the image and print out from your browser. Use…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    At Home Creative Adventures: Create a Landscape Painting Inspired by Van Gogh

    March 27, 2020
    Mexican Floral Surface Design and Illustration Collection by Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer

    Wanderlust Patterns: Mexican Florals

    May 17, 2017

    Creative Prompt: Learn How to Draw and Watercolor Holiday Images

    December 22, 2021

Teacher, Illustrator, Author

Get inspired by the world around you and join me on a retreat, a workshop or online class to learn how to add creativity and art to your everyday!

Newsletter

Get creativity in your inbox every month!

Follow Me

Betsy Beier

wanderlustdesigner

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

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

July 2025

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
2025 © Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer
  • Home
  • Retreats & Workshops
  • Online Art Classes
  • Creative Inspiration
  • Shop
  • About