pronounced "Kōsha”
I’m an artist and creative entrepreneur living in the Netherlands. I love drawing and I do it every day. On this website, I hope to inspire you to develop a drawing practice too, because it can make you feel good.
Photo by Rick Keus
We all think people are watching us when we’re drawing in public, urban sketching, and that they must have all kinds of thoughts about what we’re doing (usually negative ones, in our heads). But in reality, people are way too busy thinking about themselves, and what others might be thinking of them!
Urban sketching rarely happens under perfect conditions—and that’s exactly what makes it interesting. In this urban sketching tutorial, I draw a coffee truck on location in Lisbon. Rain starts to fall, ink smears, and I keep going anyway. Watch how I build the sketch step by step, embrace the imperfections, and let real life shape the page. This is what on-location sketching is all about.
Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday! In this urban sketching video, I recreate a favorite sketchbook drawing from my Gran Canaria trip. I start with the main figure and build the scene around him, using gouache, a chisel-tip pen, colored pencils, and crayon to add bold color and texture. I share tips on drawing people, mixing colors, and capturing a scene on location.
Watercolor vs Gouache! I paint the same subject twice using two different primary color palettes: one in watercolor, one in gouache. It’s a fun exploration of color, opacity, and how each paint behaves on the page. You’ll see how the materials respond differently, how colors mix, and how layering works in each medium. Want to try it too? There’s a creative sketchbook assignment at the end to help you explore and play with your own paints.
Swatching two of my favorite palettes: my trusted watercolor set and a bright gouache combo. I share how I learn my colors, pick custom “primaries,” and mix everything from greys to vibrant hues. A fun, practical way to get more confident with color and make your sketchbook more personal.
A peek into my B5 sketchbook, filled with travel moments, mixed media play, and honest pages from daily life. From gouache experiments to drawing through a creative funk: this sketchbook is all about staying playful and drawing anyway.
Feeling overwhelmed by a blank page? Try this sketchbook tip: draw boxes first. Use different formats: landscape, portrait, round, and fill each one with a small sketch or note. It’s an easy way to tell a story, one box at a time. Keep your tools consistent for a unified, creative page.
Learn how to draw a quick and vibrant vignette using watercolor, crayons, and colored pencils. This easy sketching technique helps you capture a moment without filling a full sketchbook page. Perfect for beginners and urban sketchers alike!
Think you're too busy to draw? In this video, I share urban sketching tips and show how I use short pockets of time, like train rides, to fill my sketchbook. Learn how to stay creative on the go, and try the fun sketching assignment at the end!
Want to make your urban sketches more vibrant without coloring everything in? In this Draw Tip Tuesday, I show you how using less color can actually make your drawings stronger. It's all about making conscious choices: what to highlight, what to leave out, and how that tells a clearer story. I sketch two musicians in Spain and share tips on simplifying a scene, creating focus with color, and letting go of perfection. Plus, I share a little teaser about my upcoming Costa Brava workshop with The Blue Walk this September. Tune in for sketchbook inspiration!
Discover the power of drawing with just one color! In this Draw Tip Tuesday, I’m using a Sailor fountain pen with water-soluble ink to create a monochrome drawing. This minimal setup is perfect for sketching on location or at home. Learn how focusing on contrast, light, and shadow can simplify your drawing process and make your artwork even more striking. You might be surprised by your results.
Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!
Learn how to draw realistic light and shadow using a ballpoint pen. I'll show you how to capture highlights, midtones, shadows, and depth. Plus, try a fun drawing assignment at home!
Not every drawing has to be perfect. Social media shows polished art, but not the years of practice and failures behind it. Art reflects emotions and life’s ups and downs. Sharing imperfect work helps others feel encouraged. Keep drawing and trust the process; creativity will flow again.
Struggling with a blank sketchbook page? Learn how to fill your sketchbook without overthinking by drawing the same object repeatedly! This simple and fun exercise helps you loosen up, build confidence, and enjoy the creative process. Watch my latest Draw Tip Tuesday video to see the full process and try it yourself!
Struggling with stiff figures, slow sketching, or capturing movement? My “Let’s Draw People” workshop helps you loosen up, draw faster, and make your sketches more lively. These are a few demo drawings from my live classes. Want to improve your people-drawing skills? Join my interest list to be the first to know when the next session opens! Let’s draw people together!
Take a peek inside my latest sketchbook, filled with creative surprises like collage experiments, café sketches, ink and wash, and spontaneous ideas that turned into something fun. I’ll share the stories behind the pages, from themed projects to online drawing sessions. Get inspired to start your own creative adventure!
Want to know what art supplies to pack for travel sketching? Keep your sketch kit lightweight and compact while bringing everything you need. In today’s video, I share travel sketching essentials, urban sketching tools, and packing tips to avoid overpacking. From sketchbooks and pens to watercolors and a sitting mat, I cover it all. Plus, a pro tip: skip the 'just in case' supplies!
Playing with tempera sticks today! They’re like glue sticks, but filled with colorful paint. Fun but tricky! I test out the blob method, make some surprising discoveries (did I just paint a Smurf?), and figure out what works. This week’s challenge: grab a tool you’re unsure about and just play! Love it or hate it, it's all part of the creative process.
Loosen up and enjoy drawing! Stop overthinking, silence your inner critic, and embrace the wonkiness. The more you draw, the more confident you’ll become. Just like learning to cook or a learning a new skill, practice is key. Relax your grip, play with lines, and make it fun. Your sketchbook is a creative playground, not a test. So grab your favorite tools and start drawing fearlessly!
This month, I’m all about sketchbook challenges! Today, I’m tackling something I always think I’m bad at: drawing cars! Using a chunky nib pen for unpredictable, wonky lines. If you avoid certain subjects, this is your sign to just go for it! Watch as I push past the awkward stage and save the drawing with one simple trick.
