STORY MAPS COURSE
with watercolor and ink
Learn to create beautiful maps that bring our travel and adventure experiences to life with ink and watercolor.
I’ve been fascinated with maps since I learned to read them as a kid on hiking with my dad. And while the lines of a topographic map told me about the contours of a place, I always felt like they were missing so much –
the colors I saw
the little details I noticed
the vistas that left me in awe.
So I learned to make my own maps that shared all the moments and memories I found the most special about a place or trip – a story map.
The entire course is now available, and combines high quality recordings and a guided story map experience to kickstart your own creative map-making practice.
From exploring tips for design and layout to watercolor techniques to create map elements and landscapes, my goal is to explore this fun process and share with you a toolbox and framework to build your own story maps.
WHAT IS A STORY MAP?
At the most simple, a story map is a visual representation of an experience.
But, I think they are also more than that! For me, a story map is a reflection of what I found the most interesting, special, or memorable about a place or experience. Instead of just illustrating a path, they are a unique window into an adventure where personal experience and feelings provide the context.
I like to combine watercolor sketches with written notes, ink sketches, and color swatches.
Sometimes the maps are simple, highlighting a day or smaller scale experience. Others, like the one at left, are big, and show a multi-day adventure. Some maps will include more traditional "map" elements like a top-down view or topographic lines, and other days all I want is a line tracing my path through a vast landscape.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The story maps course will be a series of classes; 3 recorded sessions originally held on Zoom (the edited recordings are HD and I add high quality audio, so they are better than the live session) AND and a step-by-step large map inspired by my trek in Nepal.
Each portion of the class is broken into segments to make it easier to leave and come back to the map you are working on.
Now that the live sessions are over, you can start the course anytime. All of the classes and recordings can be found on the course homepage.
Course homepage - go here (you will need to login, and must either have an active Adventure Art Academy subscription or purchase the course alone - more on those options below!)
the paintings we will make!
Here's three of the maps from the course! We will explore five very different kinds of maps at various sizes. Each focuses on a different core map element and location!
Monthly - Adventure Art Academy
29
Every month
The all-access pass to the entire Adventure Art Academy library, including 50+ landscape painting lessons plus all studio classes and longer courses.
Annual - Adventure Art Academy
319
Every year
Paint with me for a year! This option also gives you full access to all adventure painting lessons and studio classes and courses, plus one month free.
Standalone Option - Story Maps Course
90
If you prefer to purchase this class series alone, this is the option for you.
SIGN UP FOR THE COURSE
There are TWO ways to access the now complete and recorded course-
1. As part of the ADVENTURE ART ACADEMY - this is the most affordable option that also gives you access to my entire library of courses, from Ink Sketching to Alpenglow, Watercolor Basics and 55& landscape adventure lessons! You can choose from a monthly or annual option. You can sign up or cancel anytime, and have access to the course for however long you are a member.
2. As a STANDALONE COURSE - this option costs $90, and you have access to the course content for a year.
CURRENT STUDENTS
Now that the live sessions on zoom are done, to access the class simply login to our Library and navigate to the course via the compass button.