Lisa Spangler

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Gear

Four Ways to Add Cactus Spines

Here are four ways to easily add cactus spines while working en plein air: White gouache – this is probably my favorite way to add cactus spines. I squeeze out some gouache into a little container with a snap-on lid Read more…

By Lisa Spangler, 1 yearApril 3, 2022 ago
PSA

Leave No Trace (Even Organic!)

While teaching the Exploring the Desert workshop for Art Toolkit on Saturday I started thinking about the snacks I like to take hiking (lol!) and then that got me to thinking about all the times I’ve picked up “organic” trash Read more…

By Lisa Spangler, 1 yearMarch 28, 2022 ago
Gear Pigments

An Ode to Cobalt Teal Blue (PG50)

I’ve had Cobalt Teal Blue on my palette for years — it’s one of my favorites. I’ve found that not many people know about this glorious color and all the magic mixes you can make with it, so I decided Read more…

By Lisa Spangler, 1 yearMarch 25, 2022 ago
Big Bend Camp Joshua Tree National Parks Saguaro

Exploring the Desert Video

I put together a quick little video to set the mood for an upcoming workshop and thought I’d share it here: Watching this transports me to the desert and gives me those peaceful vibes. I can almost feel the sun Read more…

By Lisa Spangler, 1 yearMarch 25, 2022 ago
Gear

Spring palette update!

Tomorrow is the first day of spring here in the northern hemisphere so I gave my palettes a good cleaning and I added 2 colors for spring: phthalo blue (green shade) and quinacridone coral! Just look at all these glorious Read more…

By Lisa Spangler, 1 yearMarch 19, 2022 ago
National Parks Workshop

Upcoming Workshop with Art Toolkit: Exploring the Desert

I’m teaching a workshop on Exploring the Desert over at Art Toolkit on Saturday March 26, 10am-12:15pm Pacific and I’d love it if you joined me! Come join Lisa as we explore the desert—with pretzels, pocketknives, and paints! Put on Read more…

By Lisa Spangler, 1 yearMarch 8, 2022 ago
Gear

Exploring Red Watercolors

When I first started painting I went on a quest for the perfect red — little did I know that I could mix red from magenta and yellow — and I knew nothing about pigment numbers. Mixing Red Yes, everything Read more…

By Lisa Spangler, 1 yearFebruary 6, 2022 ago
Gear

Winter Palette Update

I’ve had several people ask what colors are in my Art Toolkit palettes so I thought I’d do a post with a winter update. I like to switch up the colors seasonally. All colors are by Daniel Smith except for Read more…

By Lisa Spangler, 1 yearFebruary 3, 2022 ago
Big Bend Gear Landscapes National Parks Nature Sketch

Value Studies/Thumbnail Sketch Setup

A minimal sketch kit I setup for doing value study thumbnail sketches on the go.

By Lisa Spangler, 1 yearDecember 2, 2021 ago
Gear

Water Containers for Field Sketching

When I first started painting in nature I spent time researching how to carry water in the field — it’s kind of essential for watercolors. I eventually came up with a few ways that work great and I’m sharing them Read more…

By Lisa Spangler, 2 yearsNovember 15, 2021 ago

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Hello! I'm so glad you're here. Hope you'll stay awhile and visit often. Learn more about Lisa.


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Nature Spots eBook

I’m super excited to share that I wrote an e-booklet: Nature Spots! What are nature spots, you ask? They’re spots of color to mark your observations while out in nature. Find out more >>


Art Toolkit Coupon Code

Use code LISAFAN10 for 10% off your purchase of an ArtToolkit, palette, or mixing pans.

Full disclosure: I'm a Brand Ambassador for Art Toolkit and I’ll receive a small commission at no charge to you if you use the code — thank you so much for your support. I've been using these palettes since 2018 and I truly love them. Reviews here are my own.


Current Sketch Kit


A Field Guide to Watercolor Brushes


Recent Posts

  • How to Mix Desert Green in Watercolor
  • Cactus Collab Palette with Letter Sparrow!
  • Journaling with Nature Podcast
  • My Palette for the Nature Spot Challenge
  • What Papers to Use for the Nature Spots Challenge?

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