Note from the Atelier Hi There Reader... March always feels like a turning point. Even here in Michigan, where winter tends to linger a bit longer, you can already sense the shift. The light changes, the days start to get longer and suddenly the idea of being outdoors feels possible again. While I’m still alternating between shoveling and busting out my sunglasses, I’ve been visiting local cafes, bookstores and museums for a bit of indoor urban sketching. It’s been a lovely reminder that you don’t have to wait for perfect weather to stay creatively curious. On a completely different note, this time of year also gets me thinking about travel season. I recently realized (not for the first time) that I’ve spent a small fortune on travel accessories over the years and honestly, I don’t regret that. I like all my goodies. I like the sense of comfort and security they bring. I'll share a few of my faves. And finally, we've had quite a few new Artful Travelers join us recently from Down Under (!), so I want to give them a big Midwest welcome: Hello, Australia!! It’s so exciting to see this community stretch across seasons, time zones and hemispheres! While many of us here are tiptoeing into spring, you’re easing toward autumn, which feels like a great reminder of how beauty and art connect us no matter where we are on the map. Whichever hemisphere you're creating from this month, whether you're indoors, outdoors, close to home or somewhere far away, I hope you find a moment to simply enjoy the process. Cheers,

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From First Sprout to Deep Forest: Why Mixing Your Greens Changes Everything

If February was a love letter to reds, March feels like the natural moment to turn our attention to greens. They start showing up quietly this time of year: those first yellow-leaning hints in the landscape that signal spring is on its way. And while it’s tempting to reach for a ready-made green straight from the tube, the truth is most natural greens are far more nuanced. Mixing your own opens up an entire spectrum, from the crisp optimism of early spring shoots to the deeper, more grounded greens of late summer.

When I’m mixing greens, I like to think of them less as a single color and more as a family shaped by temperature. Warmer yellows (like cadmium yellow) paired with warmer blues (like ultramarine) tend to create softer, more muted, slightly earthy greens, wonderful for distant trees, shadowed foliage or anything that needs to sit back in space. Cooler yellows (like lemon yellow) mixed with cooler blues (such as phthalo or cerulean) produce brighter, fresher greens that feel lively and sunlit, perfect for new growth, highlights or areas you want to feel energized.

I almost always soften my mixtures with a touch of burnt sienna, which subtly neutralizes the intensity and makes the color feel more believable. And one of my favorite rules of thumb: if there’s green in a painting, there’s usually a hint of red somewhere nearby. Because they’re complementary, even a small touch helps the greens feel more vibrant and alive.

A few ways to explore greens this month:

1. Mix, don't squeeze​
   Start with blue + yellow before reaching for tube green. Because the mix comes from your existing palette, the greens feel naturally harmonized with the rest of the painting.
2. Use temperature to tell the story​
   Warm blue + warm yellow → softer, earthier greens for shadows, distance and calm passages.
   Cool blue + cool yellow → crisp, bright greens for sunlight, fresh growth and focal areas.
3. Neutralize for realism​
   A tiny touch of burnt sienna (or another warm earth tone) gently grays the mixture, helping greens feel organic rather than synthetic.
4. Build variety intentionally​
   Mix several greens at once using different blue/yellow pairings. That subtle variation is what makes foliage feel dimensional instead of flat.
5. Lean on complements​
   A nearby touch of red, rust or warm neutral creates contrast that makes greens appear more luminous without increasing saturation.

Take a look at a few famous works of art below that use some of the techniques above:

"Arlésiennes (Mistral)" by Paul Gaugain

"The Arnolfini Portrait" by Jan van Eyck

"Irises" by Vincent van Gogh

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Confessions of a Travel Accessories Junkie

As we head into the start of spring break and then summer travel season, I find myself gravitating toward one of my favorite little rituals: a stroll down the travel-size aisle. There’s something about those tiny versions of everyday essentials that really gets me excited, like the trip is already beginning. These days my local Meijer fills that role, though I still have a soft spot for the old Bed, Bath & Beyond store - they absolutely had the best travel size aisle!

I have to admit, I'm also a bit of a junkie when it comes to all things travel related. Over the years (okay, decades), I’ve happily accumulated a small (okay, large) collection of travel goodies that make the journey smoother and more comfy. A few items have earned permanent status in my travel bag:

• A portable luggage scale has saved me from the dreaded airport repacking scramble more than once
• A good portable phone charger is now non-negotiable; our phones have become our tickets, maps, menus and cameras all in one
• A tiny Leatherman always comes in handy, whether for the tiny scissors or the, ahem, corkscrew.

Of course, not every favorite is purely practical. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the trip more comfortable:

• A packable down jacket has pulled double duty as both blanket and pillow on countless flights and tucks nicely into my carry on when not needed
• A thermal mug that keeps coffee hot on early mornings and wine cool in the evenings
• A special non-glare Kindle tucked into a bag for those R&R moments in the sun.

The goal isn’t to be perfectly packed, it’s just to be prepared enough so that you can enjoy the journey and relax once you’ve landed. A few thoughtful items can make the difference between feeling scattered and feeling settled.

If you want the links to any of the items above or want to see my broader list, click the button below.

Tell me about your favorite travel items

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Don't Miss Art Exhibitions in March

Frida: The Making of an Icon Museum of Fine Arts, Houston “Frida: The Making of an Icon” offers a compelling look at how Frida Kahlo evolved from a relatively unknown painter into a global cultural symbol. Featuring more than 30 of her works alongside over 100 pieces by artists she inspired, the show explores not just her art, but the enduring legacy, identity, and mythology that continue to shape how we see her today. Runs thru May 17, 2026.

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Matisse's Jazz: Rhythms in Color Art Institute of Chicago “Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color” celebrates Henri Matisse’s vibrant cut-paper compositions from his iconic Jazz series, where bold color and simplified shapes create a sense of movement and improvisation. The exhibition offers an intimate look at how a bedridden Matisse continued to create, revealing the playful experimentation behind some of his most recognizable works. Runs March 7 through June 1, 2026

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Matisse, 1941 - 1954 Centre Pompidou, Paris, France While you're in a Matisse sort of mood (and if you're in Paris), stop by “Matisse, 1941–1954” at the Pompidou (before it closes for a multi-year renovation!). Similar to the Art Institute, it also explores the artist’s final, remarkably inventive years, when physical limitations led him to develop his groundbreaking cut-outs. The exhibition highlights how this late period distilled his lifelong exploration of color and form into works that feel both playful and profound. Runs March 24 through July 26, 2026

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Whitney Biennial 2026 Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City “Whitney Biennial 2026” brings together a diverse group of contemporary artists whose work captures the ideas, questions and creative energy shaping American art today. Known for spotlighting emerging voices alongside established ones, the Biennial offers a timely snapshot of the conversations and experimentation happening across the current art landscape. Runs March 8 through August 23, 2026

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Studio Habits: Creating Without a Finish Line

There’s a kind of joy that bubbles up when you make something just for you. Not for a class. Not for a commission. Not for a collection. Not because you think it might sell or photograph well on Instagram. Just because the act of creating feels good. Lately, I’ve been rediscovering that feeling.

In January, I shared that I am working through Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way with a group of people who are all studying under artist Aimee Erickson. Well, as of this writing, we are in Week 8 of 12, so two-thirds of the way thru. One of the core ideas of the book is simple: create for the process, not the outcome.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve painted a handful of pieces with no lesson or destination. No “this could become…” running through my mind. And I was honestly surprised by how energizing it felt. The pressure lifted and I found myself in front of an easel longer than usual, just enjoying the process and the little discoveries that happen when you let yourself play.

Joy is often the most underrated creative fuel. When we give ourselves permission to make art that doesn’t need to "perform", we reconnect with why we started in the first place. There’s a lightness to it. A sense of freedom. And, of course, the joy. Perhaps most unexpectedly, that sense of freedom and joy have a compounding effect and spill over into all aspects of life.

If you’ve been feeling a little stuck or overly focused on outcomes, make something just for you this month. No expectations, no audience, no finish line. Just the simple, steady pleasure of creating and notice how it makes you feel - in all aspects of your life.

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March's Best Destinations

Seville, Spain Sunshine and Orange Blossoms March is a beautiful time to visit Seville, when the city begins to shake off winter and settle into its signature warmth without the intense heat of summer. Orange trees perfume the air, café terraces fill with locals and the light feels soft and golden — ideal for wandering the narrow streets, sketchbook in hand.

Hanoi, Vietnam Misty Morning Energy March is one of the most pleasant times to experience Hanoi, when the weather sits in that comfortable in-between: warm enough to linger outdoors, yet still softened by light haze and occasional mist. Lakes and tree-lined boulevards feel especially atmospheric, from early morning tai chi near Hoàn Kiếm Lake to the hum of street cafés.

Savannah, Georgia Southern Spring Charm March is one of the most delightful times to visit Savannah, when the historic squares come alive with fresh greenery and bursts of azalea blooms. Temperatures are comfortably mild, perfect for wandering beneath the iconic oak trees draped in Spanish moss or lingering in the city’s parks and garden-lined streets.

Austin, Texas Music x Spring March is a vibrant time to visit Austin, when mild temperatures and the city’s creative pulse all come together. The annual South by Southwest transforms Austin into a hub of music, film and innovation, filling streets, venues and outdoor spaces with an infectious energy. Between festival buzz, walks along Lady Bird Lake and the colorful bluebonnets dotting the surrounding hills, the city offers a dynamic blend of creativity and springtime ease.

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The Artful Traveler doors are currently closed for new travelers, but the journey is far from over. If you would like to be first in line when they open again, sign up to receive an early heads up and a personal invitation to join us for the next destination, new projects and plenty of creative exploration.

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