I usually paint on 9 x 12 paper. My journal is 7 x 10. One day when I was at the art store, I wondered what it would be like to paint on 15 x 11 paper or even a canvas. How would I fill up the page? I was nervous and that’s why I had to buy larger paper! Art is about trying new tools and exploring them. What a wonderful place to be!

He built a small house, called a cocoon, around himself. He stayed inside for more than two weeks. Then he nibbled a hole in the cocoon, pushed his way out and… he was a beautiful butterfly! -Eric Carle

Here is My Neocolor Crayon Sketch

I just drew flowers the way I do. Then the layers of watercolor began.

Oh, right, my sketch from a while ago. This was my source of inspiration.

I got out my new watercolor set and got to work. I kept going. There was no sense of good or bad. I had an idea and kept painting. It was peaceful. It was beautiful.

My Final There is Room for All of Us Watercolor Painting

Lots of layers and ideas later, here is where I ended.

I wanted a warmer yellow orange for the two flowers. Maybe yellow ochre? Next time. You learn as you make art.

You can see my progress here.

Think about a new tool that you can use. Maybe you can repurpose a tool that you already have. Chances are you have an idea but are stuck in thinking it has to look a certain way. There was something fun and exciting using new tools. I love sharing my tools with students because they are like wow, what is this! That’s the place to be.

I have a canvas that was part of a prize package. Even then I am still,” What if I mess it up.” Now I have to paint on it! I am! Maybe it will be a, let’s wrap up 2025 and move onto 2026 project. Love it! I am working on a Chrysanthemum poster.

There is only make!