Watercolor Illustrated Maps: A Proud Teacher Showcase

The Watercolor Illustrated Maps 101 eCourse is the first TPK eCourse that centers around making a specific project. It’s been amazing to see that students benefit from the course, and they pour what they learn into making their own amazing maps! Seeing student maps totally makes my day, especially because each map showcases a student’s personal style. Today, I’m sharing some of the maps that I’ve received with you. I hope that these maps spark your inspiration and compel you to create, too!

1. Paris Watercolor Illustrated Maps

The Watercolor Illustrated Maps 101 eCourse teaches you illustrated map techniques via a shared project. Together, we make a map of Paris in the course. Here are two examples of how different students interpreted the Paris project. Notice how different these maps are!

Paris Student Maps — The map on the left was created by Julia W., and the map on the right was created by Kelly B.

2. Austin Map

This map immediately caught my attention because of its playful lettering and fabulous color scheme. I love how Nicole was able to create a horizon. Her repetition of blue tones throughout the map really helps to tie everything together!

Austin, TX, Map by Nicole T. — Nicole says: “I learned so much making the Paris map! I was able to take that knowledge and apply it making a map of Austin, TX (where I’m from).”

3. Port Stanley Map

Kim G. made this map for her daughter-in-law as a Mother’s Day gift. I love all of the little details, but the cream and black house especially commands attention! Kim did a great job of transitioning from lush greenery to beach, which is a lot harder than she makes it look here.

Kim G.'s Illustrated Watercolor Map — Kim G. says: “I recently completed your Watercolor Illustrated Map course and wanted you to know how much I enjoyed it! I put it to good use right away and made a Mother’s Day gift for my lovely daughter-in-law.”

4. Gdynia Map

Kasia decided to create her hometown of Gdynia (Poland). In her map, the sea steals the show! The calm blues and deep green tones in this map have a calming effect. This is, without a doubt, a delightful map to observe.

Kasia says: “Just wanted to say thanks for the online course on watercolor maps. I purchased and just finished my piece! Granted it’s not nearly as pretty as your map of Paris but since I painted my hometown it will have a great sentimental value for years to come. Thank you!” *(I’d argue that this is every bit as pretty as my Paris map!)*

5. Denver Map

I live 30 minutes from Denver, so I especially appreciate this map by Kelly B. Her loose, whimsical painting style is a delight to observe, and the animals in this map steal the show in the best of ways.

Kelly says: “I really enjoyed the [Watercolor Illustrated Maps 101] class I just finished with The Postman’s Knock. I have been intrigued by watercolor maps for a long time and this was the push I needed to try it.”

6. Paris Sketchbook Spread

Cathy M. put her own spin on the Paris map project presented in the course and made a sketchbook spread out of it! I love the contrast of her confident illustration style with gentle pops of watercolor. The groups of multicolored watercolor dots throughout the spread help to tie everything together.

Paris Sketchbook Spread by Cathy Michels — Cathy says: “I loved the map course and enjoyed reliving my trip as I researched locations. I used many of your icons and added a few of my own. I included it in the front of a handmade watercolor journal I am filling with scenes from Paris.”

7. Atlanta Wedding Map

Sally made this map for her daughter’s wedding. She did a fabulous job of repeating rose and blue tones, and the flourishes sprinkled throughout the piece help everything look cohesive!

Sally says: “Your course was SO helpful. The map got good reviews even from [my daughter’s] artistic friends.” You can see more of Sally’s work on her Instagram page.

8. Green Bay Map

In this map, Amanda H. shows all of a Green Bay couple’s favorite spots, from their first date to their engagement. Her use of red and brown tones throughout the buildings is easy on the eyes, and her flourishes make a beautiful border.

Amanda says: “Thank you for your expertise and training offered in the watercolor map tutorial! It was the inspiration behind opening my own Etsy shop this month!”

9. Paris and Long Island Watercolor Illustrated Maps

At 90 years old, Marge K. might be retired, but she’s certainly not idle: she’s now working on her third map! I love the spin she put on the original Paris map (that bicycle is fantastic) and her interpretation of Long Island, where she grew up.

I’m excited to get to see Marge’s next map. Seeing someone take on these projects with such gusto makes it worth all the work to put together an eCourse!

I hope that you enjoyed getting to look through these watercolor illustrated maps as much as I did. Even if you don’t have time to take the Maps eCourse, these student works are really inspiring and just fun to look at. Those who are included in the list should know: I’m incredibly proud of you! Keep up the amazing work!

Thanks very much for reading, and enjoy the rest of your week.

Warmly,