Greetings from Vietnam where I follow a workshop with Paul Wang in a “Art Food Culture” trip !

It’s not my first workshop with Paul, but the previous ones were shorter and less exotic. Vietnam was on my bucket list since long time and I’m not disappointed: very colorful and extra animated because of Têt, the Lunar New Year! And we eat delicious food !

Participating in workshops with other artists who have different approaches is an endless source of inspiration for my watercolors and sketches. Each exchange challenges my habits, opening me up to new techniques, palettes, and compositions. Watching an artist handle a brush with an unusual gesture or experimenting with an unexpected medium enriches my perspective and practice. These encounters fuel my creativity, push me out of my comfort zone, and encourage me to rethink my own style. The collective energy, discussions about artistic choices, and the diversity of perspectives feed my imagination. Sometimes, a detail—a texture, a color combination, a way of drawing a line—can spark a revelation and transform my expression. Far from imitation, these exchanges encourage me to refine my uniqueness by integrating new influences, making my work richer, more vibrant, and bolder. Paul’s workshops have already in the past contributed greatly to my way of sketching, mainly for the color use and loosefulness.

Are you PLAYING enough when you make draw and paint?

Are you ENJOYING the process or are you focusing on the result?

The best way to boost your skills is to sketch a lot, and the best way to want to sketch a lot is to play and enjoy yourself…! (I don’t need to go to Vietnam for that… I’m just lucky to be able to have this opportunity…)

So I want to share with you my takeaways so far (and a reminder for myself for later because I tend to fall back into old habits…!): 

• Using “Unconventional Tools” greatly loosens up my way of sketching and makes me look at the object in a more abstract way which allows me to PLAY : I drew with a bamboo fork, a bamboo food picker, a rubber band, a cut up straw, a twig … 
• Add textures to your drawing by varying graphite and color pencil lines and ink lines
• Add textures to your watercolor with “Unconventional Tools” : bubble wrap, my finger, the palm of my hand, and a rolled up paper handkerchief, splashing, adding water 
• Adding textures adds life and storytelling to your sketch
• Choose what you sketch to be able to tell a good story and don’t sketch everything. Leave white paper open for the imagination.
• Don’t take yourself too seriously, but don’t be sloppy!

Drawing is much more than just a hobby; it’s a sensory and emotional journey. Through carefully chosen sketchbooks and tools, each stroke becomes a living memory, a connection to the present moment. Vietnam, with its colors, alleys, food, culture and artistic inspiration, marks a turning point, reminding me that art is a universal language, when the Vietnamese come to watch our sketches.

Every sketch tells a story, an emotion, and turns imperfections into authentic beauty and turns my sketchbook in a precious memory.