Ireland–Inspiration and a New Painting in Progress
Studio News: A Creative June, an Inspiring July
In June I spent time in Ireland, exploring the countryside, photographing animals, and soaking in the textures and tones of the landscape. I came home with a head full of ideas—and a sketchbook ready to capture them. I’m planning to weave those Irish elements into a new piece featuring magpies, goats, sheep, and stone walls. Stay tuned… it’s in the works!
One highlight was visiting the Old Irish Goat Centre in Mulranny, where I learned more about these incredible creatures and the efforts to preserve them.
I was also captivated by the incredible plant life in Ireland—the shapes, textures, and natural patterns were endlessly inspiring. From the intricate details of church architecture to the curves of old ironwork, I gathered ideas everywhere I turned. These visual treasures are already sparking ideas for new stencil designs—stay tuned!
July brings a quieter rhythm. I won’t be teaching in person this month—I'll be in Maine, celebrating my birthday and spending time with family. Think kayaking, swimming, boating, and, of course, sketching by the water as I develop the next stage of my Irish-inspired work.
Scroll down to see my early sketch—and stay tuned to my Studio Facebook Page as the piece takes shape!
NEW Online Self Study Workshops. Evergreen. Always Available. Work at Your Own Pace!
In Person Workshops Coming to an Art Center Near You!
Two Instructors! Learn how to create whimsical, fun, colorful sea life in acrylic from Traci Owens and then create your own collage papers to apply on top with Elizabeth St. Hilaire. The dynamic duo teaching four days together in Auburn, CA.
Celebrate your love of birds while learning new ways to combine collage, assemblage, painting, and sculpture. Walk away with a joyful, dimensional series that sings with personality and creativity!
This 12 day trip of a lifetime will include a few days in the colourful, ever friendly chaos that is Kathmandu, several days of painting in gorgeous Pokhara at the foot of the mighty Annapurna range of the Himalayas, creating an extraordinary original collage scroll painting and sightseeing some of the most beautiful places on earth.
Be inspired by the Florida landscape in this three-day workshop at Wekiva Island. Enjoy our classroom space overlooking the Wekiva River, and be inspired by an exhibition of landscape painting by artists from across the country at the adjacent Gallery Cero.
Learn how to create whimsical, fun, interpretive, female portraits in acrylic from Traci Owens and then create your own collage papers to apply on top with Elizabeth St. Hilaire. The dynamic duo in Sedona, AZ
Learn to create your own unique gel-printed papers, exploring color, mark-making, and layering along the way. You’ll learn how to bring these papers together into a lively composition while developing your own creative choices and personal style. With an emphasis on experimentation and enjoying the process.
Learn to create beautiful layered prints using locally gathered leaves, flowers, and natural forms. You’ll experiment with color, transparency, layering, and unexpected combinations while building a collection of unique hand-printed papers. Along the way, you’ll discover the wonderfully unpredictable nature of gel printing while capturing the organic shapes and textures of the landscape around you.
Experince a relaxed and inspiring exploration of flowers, leaves, and the natural world through watercolor and pen and ink. Learn simple sketching techniques, expressive line work, and loose watercolor washes as you capture the colors and character of the landscape around you.
Enjoy art related side trips, wine tasting, deluxe hotel accommodations, and more while you learn how to create loose, impressionistic floral collaged landscape from your own photo. All supplies are included and I’ll meet you in Tuscany, Italy.
Enjoy watercolor sketching in Venice! Included are all art supplies, hand made watercolor sketchbook, inspiring art related side trips, boutique hotel accommodations, and more...
From bustling street scenes and colorful markets to ancient temples, peaceful waterways, and imperial architecture, Vietnam offers endless inspiration. Join us for a 12-day creative journey exploring this remarkable country through watercolor, ink, and the pages of your travel sketchbook. Along the way, you’ll capture the colors, textures, people, and moments that make Vietnam unforgettable—creating a personal visual journal filled with the stories of your adventure.
I’m an artist and teacher with a love for vibrant color, playful texture, and a little whimsy. Through my mixed-media artwork and online workshops, I invite you to experiment, embrace your imagination, and discover the joy of creating something uniquely yours.