Making art on vacation and a new series of watercolors

I have thought a lot about what to pack for creative travel. Though you shouldn’t expect too much from yourself while on vacation, I still think it’s a good idea to pack art materials to create just in case. I like to bring watercolors and watercolor paper. Sometimes I bring a mixed media sketch book. On a recent trip I took a small mixed media sketchbook, some of my favorite Arches paper, a Koi watercolor set, colored pencils, mixed media pencils, a few small paint brushes, and my travel paint water cup.

I didn’t really expect much of myself, beyond playing around, but I actually created some work that I really love. I think it’s because I was feeling so much and I needed my creative outlet. That’s what art is for! Feeling. Making. Being. After my trip I took time to review my watercolor paintings and I selected the ones that I think most resonate with how I was feeling. Then I took time to title them and present them to you. The result is You Can’t Stay Here Forever, a series of watercolors that I made during an island vacation on my first trip away from my baby. You can view the full series and purchase in my art shop.

Everything, and More, 9 x 12 x 1.5 in, Watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel on Arches 100% cotton paper mounted on wood panel.

The Water Will Change Your Life, 9 x 12 x 1.5 in, Watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel on Arches 100% cotton paper mounted on wood panel.

I Cried Every Day Because I Missed You, 5 x 8.5 in, Watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel on paper.

Resting, 5 x 8.5 in, Watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel on paper.