Even Clichés Can Be Works of Art
Where can you find little works of art? Look for them in the commonplace, and in the clichés, where they hide in plain sight.
Drawing Inspiration from Patterns
Looking at water for patterns, and finding them, or finding none at all, can be a source of inspiration and creativity.
How to Talk to a Photographer Like She’s an Artist
Photographers, like painters, present their vision of what they see to the world. Like painters, they’re artists. Talk with them about their art the same way.
Nature Shows Us How to Be in the Moment
Our moments, our thoughts, our experiences and our time on earth, like nature, are fleeting, ever-moving. We can learn from that.
How To Keep Shooting—At 75 MPH
When you’re in a car, itching to shoot what’s flashing by, but there’s a window and 75 mph between you and your fast-moving subjects, you can still shoot the scenery with these pro tips.
Finding Zen in the Wild
When life becomes too frantic, we can take a lesson from nature’s humblest creatures to find stillness in the wild.
There’s One Color That Makes Austin Outstanding in Spring
There’s one color that consistently belongs to Austin in every season, and in spring, even more so.
Pretty in Pink But Thorny as Thistle
The tenacious, thorny Texas thistle beguiles us with its huge pink pom-poms, so we’ll tolerate its presence.
An Austin Tradition Arrives Home
Cherishing our beloved Austin, Texas landmarks: How Vanishing Austin moves on and lands at its true home, here.
Mexican Hats Are Back!
Each spring the Texas Hill Country wildflowers I await most fervently return. They’re here . . . !
Pearls of Wisdom, in Cursive
One thing leads to another on a hunt for a lobster roll in Maine—where you can find pearls before lobster and study the lost art of cursive, too.
The True Meaning of the Art of Letters
Lettering Required: When you’re devoted to type, college and career requirements can enable lifelong passions, especially to the art of letters.
Letters from the Past, in Upstate New York
When it’s golden time, the choice may come down to nature v. man. Give me a ghost sign, a shiny neon sign and an old diner, and I’ll visit the lake next time.
When in Doubt, I Hit the Road
When you’re in a creative drought, just hit the road. Literally or virtually, you can juice your creative flow and find new ways of looking at old things.
The Delights and Perils of the Spanish Dagger
Timing is everything. One can acquire patience and prudence with a Spanish dagger in an Austin, Texas front yard, but will be rewarded with a stunning display of blooms.
