Drawing Lisbon: a week to remember

Last year in Lisbon, my sketchbook filled up with so many amazing memories and stories. Every page reminds me of moments I got to capture and soak in. Like sketching in pastelerias—those cozy little cafes where the clatter of cups and the smell of coffee create the perfect atmosphere. Locals would stop by for a quick espresso, others stayed to chat, and I felt both part of the scene and an observer, sketching it all.

Then there were the small gardens scattered across the city, often with little quiosques (I love that Portuguese spelling!) selling pastries and drinks. These spots are such a part of the local community. I loved sitting there, watching people meet, relax, and enjoy the day while I sketched their world.

Of course, teaching with my friend Cynthia Morris in places like the botanical gardens felt like a dream. And even on breaks, Cynthia and I couldn’t resist sketching more. I’ll never forget one lunch when we were supposed to be leaving, and instead, we both pulled out more art supplies to fill our tiny table. “We are children,” Cynthia said, and we laughed so hard because she was absolutely right! Artists need to stay close to their inner child—it’s what keeps us playful, curious, and open to all the creativity around us.

This April, I’m heading back to Lisbon will and share all this inspiration again with a new group of artists. From April 16-21, Cynthia and I will co-lead the workshop Capture the Lisbon Wow. The first week sold out so fast, we added a second week—and it’s filling up too!

If this speaks to you, I’d love for you to join us April 16-21 for this magical week of sketching, exploring, and creating in Lisbon. It’s a week filled with connection, inspiration, and so much fun. You can find more details here.

Let’s capture the wow together!