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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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,