Choosing to Create Art: My 2025 Personal Creativity Challenge

 

Blog 2

Before I write about my February trials and triumphs, here are the two images from the last two days of January.



When I started the snow-covered fence post, I assumed it would be an easy painting. I was mistaken. It took me a long time to capture the movement in the snow.
 

The comic drawing was inspired by my Cartooning and Comics class at François Dupuis Recreation Centre on Saturday. I presented Calvin and Hobbes to the students. None of the 8- to 12-year-olds had ever heard of the two characters, but had fun drawing them. With my image, I wanted to demonstrate how you can easily transform a character by changing the hair and clothes. I named my characters Alvina and Hupps.

 

I am proud of myself for sticking to my personal challenge of painting or drawing in my sketchbook every day. My plan for February was to create only one or two subjects each week, starting with a 10-minute sketch, and then adding ten minutes every day.


However, I adjusted my plan slightly. When I started my first drawing of the month, I drew walnuts for 15 minutes. For the next two days, I added 15 minutes each day. I kept the time constant for the first two days. However, depending on the subject, I spent up to 90 minutes on the third image. As February 1 fell on a Sunday, I created artworks of two subjects each week, followed by a drawing of the characters of the Saturday Cartooning and Comics class I taught. 



Here are the collages of my February sketchbook paintings and drawings.


February 1 - 3: Walnuts 
 

I experimented with different drawing materials. I started with an HB pencil drawing on the first day. On the second day, I used coloured pencils, and on the third day, I used watercolour pencils and a water brush.

February 4 – 6: Avocados 

I chose coloured drawings for my avocados. For the first drawing, I used watercolour pencils, but didn’t add water, which makes them look like regular coloured pencils. On the second day, I used coloured pencils. but had more time for added layers and shadows. For the final image, I used watercolour pencils again and water with a water brush to achieve the look of a watercolour painting. 




February7: Stevie and Mimi, inspired by Minecraft characters, markers

Drawing Minecraft-inspired characters is a challenge each time because I struggle with the perspective of the block-shaped characters. I adapted the characters to demonstrate to my students how some simple changes can create different, more unique characters. 




February 8 - 10: Red pepper 

I used watercolour pencils for all three drawings. However, you can still see that I started with an HB pencil line drawing for the first pepper. Each day, I added more layers and details to the drawing. On the third day, I also used a water brush for watercolour effects. 




February 11 - 13: First tulip 

I used the same approach for drawing the tulip from the first tulip bouquet I brought home this year. I doubled the time from day 2 to day 3. I had time to add additional blooms.




February 14: Valentine’s Day cats 

I outlined my Valentine’s cats in my sketchbook while the children in my class drew cards for their parents. I usually don’t get far with my drawings during class because I observe my students’ progress, admiring the children’s art and encouraging them to tell a story with their drawing by adding additional characters and scenery. Usually, I finish my drawing at home.




February 15 - 17: Open tulip bloom 

Drawing the open tulip from the bouquet at its prime proved challenging because I wanted to fill the page, even though the flower would have looked better on a square piece of paper. On the first day, I only had time for a line drawing with an HB pencil because I attempted to capture the many details of the bloom.

On the second day, I used watercolour pencils but ran out of time before I could add more details to the middle of the bloom and any leaves.

Therefore, I tripled the time on the third day and added water with a water brush after I finished drawing the tulip. I even added a wash of watercolour to some of the leaves because I was unsatisfied with the greens I had achieved with the pencils.




February 18 - 20: Shell, with added rocks on Days 19 and 20 

The most challenging subject was the shell with its spiky edges. It was also the only time I didn’t use a reference photo. Instead, I had put the shell and rocks next to me on the desk. On the first day, the drawing hardly filled half the page. Therefore, I added two small rocks on the following days, which still left me with a lot of white space.


On the third day, I couldn’t use the still life setup because I wanted to draw earlier in the day, and there were hardly any shadows. Therefore, I used a photo I had taken of the setup. As a result, it was easier to create a bigger shell, but the perspective of the objects in the photo varied from the original setup. Again, I struggled to position the shell and the rocks on my paper. Ultimately, I didn’t have enough space for the stones.


Working from a still-life setup challenges your senses more because you look at a three-dimensional object that you have to capture in a two-dimensional form on your paper, creating the illusion of a three-dimensional object. However, working from reference photos has the advantage that you can refer to the image without variations in light or position of the objects.





February 21: Pete and Sally, inspired by Patrick from SpongeBob, coloured pencils and permanent marker 

Creating a female counterpart to Patrick from SpongeBob was delightful. I demonstrated to the children how adding dark outlines can make the characters pop on the paper.




February 22 - 24: Red-pink tulips 
 

When a friend brought me a new bouquet of tulips, I knew right away that they would be my next subject. At the end of winter, tulips help me bring a bit of spring inside. On the first two days, I used coloured pencils. I added a lot of detail to the first fulip, even though I only had 15 minutes for the drawing. However, I only covered half of the page. 

Therefore, I added two additional tulips to my drawing on the following days. Despite doubling the time, they lack the brilliance of colour because I didn’t have enough time to add more layers. I usually start my drawings and watercolour paintings very light and intensify the colours by adding more layers. Therefore, on the third day, I allowed myself additional time after the first 45 minutes had passed. It took me 90 minutes to finish the third drawing. I added water to most areas of the drawing with a water brush.




February 25 - 27: Female Cardinal 

 

After a female cardinal looked at me when I entered the kitchen on the morning of February 25, I felt like a sign to draw this Monday Motivation photo as the last three-day project of the month.

Tomorrow, I will create a drawing of Shadow the Hedgehog, a request from the participants of the Cartooning and Comics course at François Dupuis Recreation Centre in Orleans, ON. I will post the image at the beginning of my March blog on March 27, 2026. 


I will continue with the same format for March. However, at the end of the month, I have to overcome the first hurdle when one of my friends comes for a two-week visit. Hopefully, my practice will have become a habit by then, to help me persevere. 



Do you want to learn something new in March? I invite you to my new German Language & Culture workshops.

These one-hour online workshops are open to all levels. You don’t need to speak any German to participate. Curiosity is enough! Each session combines cultural conversation with a playfully creative element: we draw new vocabulary to help remember words in a visual, fun way.

 
In March, we will discuss spring traditions in your country and Germany, including Easter (Ostern), Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht), and Dance into May (Tanz in den Mai).

 

German Language & Culture: Spring Traditions

March 14, 2026

noon (ET)

CAN $5

Please go here for more information and registration.

Advent Calendar Days 13 - 19

 

This blog is already the third part of my Art Advent Calendar. If you are wondering why I didn't list prices for my watercolour paintings, it's because I never planned to sell them. After I received some inquiries, I decided to offer them for sale to my newsletter subscribers. Every month, I have special promotions for the latest watercolour paintings.



However, for the first time, I have also offered my watercolour paintings for sale on my Facebook and Instagram pages. The painting of the Art Advent Calendar Day has been on sale for that particular day. If you like one from this blog, you can still take advantage of the Christmas promotion. 

 

Christmas Promotion until December 20, 2025 (midnight ET) 

 

The more paintings you buy, the more you save:

1st painting: 10%
2nd painting: 15%
3rd painting: 20%
Each painting after that: +5%

I will apply the highest rebate to the painting with the lowest price. 

These discounts also apply to gift certificates of $100 or $250 toward artwork purchases or workshop registrations.

 Please contact me at info@KerstinPeters.ca for more information.

Day 13: Dreams in Magenta (Hollyhocks), watercolour, watercolour pencils and white ink, 7.5" x 5.78", CAN $100, unframed

This painting is also from a virtual Painting Buddies session. We painted the hollyhocks I saw in my neighbourhood. I outlined the flowers with white ink to make the flowers stand out against the soft background.

Dreams in Magenta captures the graceful elegance of hollyhocks swaying gently in the summer breeze. The delicate, layered blooms and rich colours create a feeling of romance, inspiring you to enjoy the moment and daydream.

Day 14: Garden Confetti, watercolour and watercolour pencil, 6.7" x 9.4", CAN $150, unframed  

 

I started this painting during the Cumberland Art and Garden Tour in July, when Zinnias bloomed in 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐛 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐲's garden. If you look at the three photos, you will see that I added one more bloom later in the painting process to repeat the magenta colour of the blossom on the right. 

 

This painting is a joyful celebration of summer with a lively burst of colour. The vibrant petals scatter like confetti. They invite you to linger and soak in the warmth and abundance of the season, just the way I did on that hot July day.



Day 15:Spicy Harvest, watercolour and watercolour pencils, 7.5" x 5.78" , CAN $100, unframed

I started this artwork during one of our one-hour virtual get-togethers. I was surprised by how much fun I had with the pepper painting. It is not a subject I would usually pick.



First, I usually draw the basic shapes with watercolour pencils, then paint in layers. I added peppers in some areas and left others out - the privilege of an artist.



The painting is a celebration of the pride and joy gardeners feel when the results of their hard work are fresh, home-grown vegetables and fruits. The vibrant mix of reds, greens, yellows, and oranges creates a dynamic composition bursting with energy and warmth.

Day 16: Purple Flowering Raspberry, watercolour, watercolour pencils and white ink, 5.78" x 7.5", SOLD

 

This piece from our virtual Painting Buddies meeting shows one of the many Purple Flowering Raspberry bushes growing in front of our house. They are not only beautiful but also attract many bees and wasps, and provide fruits that resemble flat raspberries. 

I took my time to finish the painting, and each brushstroke felt very meditative. I am learning to accept that I am a slow painter and loving the process of bringing each piece to life. The painting sold immediately after I published it in my newsletter.

 

Day 17: Snack Time, wool, 7.5" x 11.25", CAN $450, custom-matted to fit a 12" x 15" frame

I saw the squirrel munching on nuts when I visited my friend Helene Martin in Dartmouth in September 2023. Even though many people walked past the little critter, it concentrated fully on its meal and didn't pay any attention to us


The painting captures a charming moment in nature as a little squirrel pauses to enjoy a well-earned treat. The squirrel munching its nut reminds us of the simple joys of wildlife and their ability to live in the moment.

Day 18: Fall Colours at Mer Bleue Bog, watercolour, 8.5" x 5.5" , CAN $120, unframed

 
On October 15, Janis and I went to Mer Bleue to paint the glowing tamaracks. While the wind was cold, the sun was still so warm that I took off my jacket while we were painting. I enjoy this time of the year when the beautiful autumn colours glow, the temperatures are still pleasant, and the bugs don't bite anymore.

Here is the video I recorded at the location.



Day 19: Indian Summer, O' Toole Road, watercolour and gouache, 5.5" x 8.5"

 

On October 19, we had one last gorgeous day with sun and temperatures of 25 degrees. Therefore, Janis and I decided on a last-minute painting outing on a busy side road in Cumberland. Many people enjoyed the fantastic weather to go to the pumpkin patch. The many cars were distracting, but the cows on the other side of the road didn't mind, and I also quickly forgot about the traffic. I was fully absorbed in painting the glowing foliage of the trees.

Here is the video I recorded.



I wish you a lovely fourth Advent. I will post the final blog at the end of the Advent Calendar, on Wednesday, December 24, at noon.

Advent Calendar Days 6 - 12

Here is the second blog with images from this year. Most of them are watercolour paintings. My goal for this year was to finish ten artworks every month. I reached this goal during most months. It helped that I leafed through previous watercolour pads and discovered many unfinished pieces that still excited me. Finishing them felt very energizing. I started almost all of the following artworks during our weekly Painting Buddies Meetings, for which I am very grateful. We meet every week, except when I am on vacation.


While it is often challenging to meet on location due to busy schedules and unfavourable weather, everyone usually finds the time for our weekly creative collaboration. We share a virtual photo album from which we pick the reference photos. We have agreed that we all can use the images in the album for any creative purpose, which is crucial if one of us wants to exhibit and sell any of the works created during the sessions.


It is still amazing how different the results are despite us all using the same reference photos. I am glad for this uplifting group of friends.



Day 6: The Thaw, Petrie Island, watercolour, 7" x 10", unframed, 
CAN $210

I painted this image during a Painting Buddies Zoom session in February 2024. In early March of this year, I finally finished this winter scene of the ice thawing at Petrie Island. I love painting at Petrie Island, which always offers a beautiful retreat from daily responsibilities. Unfortunately, during winter, it is often too cold or wet to paint outside. 

 

The painting captures the change of seasons when winter loosens its grip, and the river breaks up. As the ice melts, it reveals the dark water with the subtle reflections of the surrounding landscape. These are the first signs of winter's end and the promise of warmer days ahead.

Day 7: Red Temptation, watercolour pencils, 5.78" x 7.5", unframed, 
CAN $100 

I love the photo of the butterfly I took during my visit to the Palmengarten in Frankfurt, Germany, in April. It is another painting from our virtual meetings. I am delighted with the outcome of the blue butterfly on the bush with the red flowers. To make the wings sparkle, I used a layer of blue metallic watercolour. 

The warm red cluster of blooms attracts the delicate blue butterfly. The bold contrast between the butterfly’s cool, iridescent wings and the warm, inviting blossoms creates a sense of vibrancy, an invitation to pause and appreciate the beauty found in small, fleeting encounters.

Day 8: The Bay Awakens, watercolour and watercolour pencil, white ink, 6.7" x 9.4", unframed, CAN $150

On a sunny day in late April, I went to a bay of the Ottawa River, where ice still covered part of the water. However, I sat in the shade most of the time, and the wind was so strong that I got uncomfortably cold and left after only 45 minutes of painting. I finished the piece with reference photos in the warmth of the cottage. 

The Bay Awakens captures the quiet beauty of early spring as geese glide across a bay still holding onto the last remnants of winter. Pale green water reflects the soft light of early spring, while fragile sheets of melting ice drift gently towards the shore. This peaceful scene marks the subtle transition from cold to warmth — a promise of life returning to the bay.

Day 9: Spring Bouquet with Pink Tulips, watercolour, 7.5" x 11" , unframed, CAN $230

Janis Fulton provided the reference photo for this lovely bouquet. I started this painting in April 2024 and then put it aside because I worried about how to paint the delicate white blooms of the baby's breath.

When I finally went back to the painting this February, I struggled to create the impression of the delicate baby's breath against the powerful tulips and hyacinths. After I finished the painting, I cut part of the background because there was too much empty space. I love how the pink tulips, the delicate baby's breath and the purple hyacinth create a beautiful symphony of brilliant cool colours.

Day 10: Arlo, wool, wool and dog hair, 12" x 9", commission

The needle-felted painting of Arlo underwent many changes. I started the piece after picking one of the reference photos Arlo's owner provided. Unfortunately, colours often vary depending on the light, the camera and the screen settings. When I finally met Arlo two months later, I realized that his fut was much lighter. 

 

After the next grooming, Arlo's owner sent me some of his light fur and a new photo of his face, with his eyes not covered with hair. Unfortunately, it showed Arlo from a different side. However, the changed expression made him look even cuter and happier. I added a layer of his fur on top of the previous wool layers to get a perfect colour match. For a long time, I struggled with the changes to the eyes and mouth. Once I was satisfied, I sent the update to the owner, who loved it. 

We all think of certain poses of our pets that we cherish the most. When I create a pet portrait, I want to capture the pet's personality in a pose the owner cherishes. 
 

Do you want me to capture your beloved pet in wool or acrylic? Please send me a DM, and I will gladly give you more information.

Day 11: Pink Hibiscus, watercolour and watercolour pencils, 7.5" x 5.78", unframed, CAN $100

I started this painting in August 2023, using a reference photo provided by Janis Fulton. I added layers of paint to make the flower more brilliant and filled the background. Hibiscus plants bring so much joy because they continuously bloom from spring to fall, often with several flowers at the same time. The painting is a celebration of the radiant beauty of a single vibrant hibiscus bloom. The vivid hues draw the eye toward the flower’s luminous center, capturing a moment of pure botanical wonder.

Day 12:  Flaming Bloom, watercolour and watercolour pencils, 7.5" x 5.78", unframed, CAN $100

To rest my eyes from computer work, I leafed through a pad with unfinished watercolour paintings and finished this one of a wide-open poppy I love how the open red poppy glows like a flame against the deep, dark green leaves. Janis Fulton provided the reference photo for this artwork.

Have you fallen in love with any of the paintings? You can still save with my Christmas promotion. Please contact me for more information.

 
Have a wonderful  day!

A Joyful Heart Brimming with Memories

Mutti's Pink Hibiscus, watercolour, 5.8" x 8.3"

Blog 6


My heart and mind are brimming with joyful impressions from my trip to Germany. Not only did I spend unforgettable hours with family and friends, but I also saw many beautiful sights which will continue to provide new inspirations for my art. Many times, I wished that I could spend time with my painting buddies to capture the scene.


One of the highlights was my dad's 90th birthday with family and my parents' circle of friends. I am thankful for the chance to celebrate my dad's fulfilled life. 

For the rest of the time, my daughter and I combined meeting with my friends with visits to cultural sites. We went to the Palm Gardens in Frankfurt at the time of the rose festival and strolled through the gardens of the Schwetzingen Palace. 

We also spent two days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a romantic Bavarian town with many half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. We walked on the Medieval town wall, from which we had breathtaking bird's-eye views of the old town.

For the first time, we saw Chagall's windows in the Saint Stephan’s Church in Mainz. We were lucky to receive an introduction to the history of the breathtaking windows. Chagall, a Jew, was initially reluctant to create any art for a German church but changed his mind after he developed a friendship with the pastor. You can find more information here.


During an outing to Mainz-Laubenheim, we walked in the vineyards with a breathtaking panorama view of the surrounding cities, the Rhine River and the Taunus. We could even see the skyscrapers of Frankfurt.

I love getting inspired by the creativity all around me. It brought me great joy to admire the craftsmanship and innovative ideas at an arts and crafts market in Ober-Ramstadt and during visits to friends' studios. Luckily, I had my suitcase in mind because I could have bought some exquisite pieces.


I created less art than I expected. However, I focus on nurturing human connections during visits to Germany. While I still have regular contact with friends and family through emails and weekly video calls, they are no substitute for in-person meetings with actual hugs.


On many days, I created drawings with pencils and watercolour pencils in my daily journal. I drew most sketches of people during our train rides and the rest from photos. I also had to use reference photos for most other artworks because there often was no opportunity to draw while chatting with friends. Most of my painting buddies approve of seeing me draw at all times, but many other people probably find it peculiar. I know some people who don't comprehend my need to capture the world around me. However, I could not live any other way. I feel compelled to draw what I see to preserve it for my memories.

I also finished a watercolour painting (see top) and two felted pieces. The needle-felted painting of a rose is on a felt bag I purchased in a store. It is my first piece of functional art. I will write about the process after I have finished the bag. 

 

I will be back with my regular blog on July 26. In the meantime, I invite you to join me for the Art Café on July 21, at 1 PM in Cumberland, Ontario. We will create graffiti on paper. Please RSVP here.

Let Nature Inspire You

Pink Tulips in a Blue Vase, acrylic, 14" x 11", CAN $375

May Blog

I love sharing my passion for art with others to encourage them to express themselves through art, whether to capture nature’s beauty, tell stories, work through life events or relax. Teaching also challenges me to try different subjects because the participants are more engaged when I show them how to create what they want to capture.

Cartooning and Comic Courses for Children

 

Most of the time, I find a balance between teaching and my own creative projects. This month, the scale tipped towards preparing classes and administrative tasks. 

Drawing Classes in Collaboration with the Orleans-Cumberland Resource Centre

I taught three Cartooning and Comics children’s courses, a drawing course and two needle-felting workshops. I also hosted my Art Café. While chatting, we inspired each other while we created the fruity mixed-media artwork. 

Tulip and Beach Workshops

Fun Mixed Media during the Art Café

The schedule for the second half of the year is on my website. You won’t find the Art Café there because it is foremost a social get-together. Please email me to learn more about my next Art Café on July 27, 2024.


Next Friday, I will leave for a trip to Germany to celebrate my dad’s 90th birthday. Keep informed about my art and events by subscribing to my mailing list. Due to my vacation, I will publish my June blog on July 5.



I enjoyed participating in the Arteast project to create panels for containers for the Byward Market. Painting together was fun. However, to combine the different visions and styles, it is best if everyone has their specific tasks. Our team painted Spring in Ottawa with a view of the National Gallery and The Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica with tulips from Major’s Hill Park in the foreground. 

 

Spring Panel in Progress

I also finished an acrylic still life of tulips in a blue vase (see above) and worked on several needle-felted paintings.


My friend Janis and I painted the stunning tulips in Major’s Hill Park. Even though we both have other favourite mediums, we brought watercolour paints because of their easy portability. The second painting is a very loose sketch because we ran out of time.

Blushing Pink, watercolour, 8.3" x 5.8"/Tulip Bliss, watercolour, 10" x 7"

Disappointingly, I couldn’t stick to my daily drawings until I went to the cottage for a week. However, my drawing journal for Germany is ready. I plan to create a visual diary. 

Stag and Doe at the Ottawa Little Theatre

At the Cottage

Flowers and a Visit to the National Gallery

Here are the paintings from our weekly virtual Painting Buddies meetings, which create an always anticipated creative break with dear friends.

Strawberries, Sunset at Presqu'ile, Sunny Tulips, Apple Blossoms

Do my images inspire you? I would love to hear about your projects.
 

Have a fantastic June!