A few months ago, I found myself doing something I often do when life feels busy, overwhelming, or creatively noisy.
I went for a walk in the forest.
The path wasn't extraordinary. There were no dramatic landscapes or breathtaking views waiting around the corner.
But as I walked, I started noticing things.
A tiny mushroom growing through the moss.
A dandelion seed drifting through the air.
The texture of tree bark catching the afternoon light.
A small stream quietly making its way through the forest floor.
These weren't grand discoveries.
They were small moments.
And yet, they reminded me of something important:
Creativity often lives in the things we almost walk past.
That simple walk eventually became the inspiration for Once Upon a Time in the Forest, my free 12-Day Watercolor Challenge designed to help artists slow down, observe, and reconnect with their creativity.
Why a Forest?
People often ask why I chose a forest as the theme for the challenge.
The answer is simple.
Forests teach us many of the same lessons creativity tries to teach us.
When we enter a forest, we naturally begin paying attention.
We notice details.
We become curious.
We slow down enough to see things we might otherwise miss.
Creativity works in much the same way.
The more carefully we observe the world around us, the more inspiration we discover.
A forest is filled with small wonders.
Mushrooms.
Leaves.
Feathers.
Water.
Seeds.
Textures.
Tiny stories waiting to be noticed.
I wanted the challenge to encourage artists to experience that sense of wonder again.
Not just while painting, but in everyday life.
Bringing the Forest to Life
As the challenge started taking shape, I wanted it to feel like an invitation into the forest.
Not just a collection of tutorials, but a journey.
That's when I decided to create an old, hand-painted map for the challenge.
Using watercolor paper, tea, and a little imagination, I transformed a simple sheet of paper into an antique-looking treasure map filled with locations and discoveries inspired by the challenge itself.
The process reminded me of one of the core ideas behind Once Upon a Time in the Forest:
Creativity doesn't always begin with a finished plan.
Sometimes it begins with curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
A little tea.
A piece of paper.
A simple idea.
And suddenly, a story starts to unfold.
If you'd like to see how I created the map step by step, you can watch the video below.
This Challenge Was Never Just About Painting
At first glance, this 12-Day Watercolor Challenge might look like a collection of twelve watercolor tutorials.
And yes, you'll paint twelve beautiful forest-inspired subjects.
But that was never the main goal.
I wasn't trying to teach people how to paint twelve different things.
I was trying to help them become more creative.
Over the years, I've noticed that many artists believe creativity is something you're either born with or you're not.
I don't believe that.
I believe creativity is a skill that grows through observation, curiosity, experimentation, and giving ourselves permission to play.
Many beginners spend so much energy worrying about making mistakes that they stop seeing what's actually in front of them.
They become focused on creating the perfect painting rather than enjoying the process of discovery.
In fact, this is something I've written about before in The Art of Enjoying the Process, where I share why creative growth often happens when we focus less on perfection and more on the journey itself.
Once Upon a Time in the Forest, my free 12-Day Watercolor Challenge was designed to gently shift that mindset.
Each painting becomes an invitation to slow down, explore, and notice something new.
Why I Included Creative Lessons
Every day of the challenge includes a creative lesson alongside the painting tutorial.
That decision was intentional.
Because watercolor isn't only about pigments, paper, and brushes.
The greatest breakthroughs rarely happen because someone finally masters a specific technique.
They happen when someone starts believing they can create.
Painting techniques are important.
But mindset is often what determines whether someone continues painting after the tutorial ends.
I wanted each lesson to explore ideas like curiosity, patience, trust, wonder, and courage.
The paintings become visual reminders of those lessons.
Long after the challenge is finished, I hope participants see a mushroom, a feather, or a dandelion and remember something they learned about creativity itself.
What I Hope You'll Discover
Creating this challenge reminded me of something I often forget during busy seasons of life.
No matter how much is happening around us, a few quiet moments with a sketchbook can change everything.
There were days while creating this challenge when I felt tired, distracted, or short on time.
Yet each time I picked up my brush, I felt more connected, more creative, and more present.
That's what I hope this challenge gives to you.
Not just twelve paintings.
Not just new watercolor techniques.
But a reminder that creativity isn't something reserved for artists.
It's something that already lives inside you.
If you've ever felt that you're not creative enough, experienced enough, or talented enough to begin, then this challenge was created for you.
All you need is curiosity.
The rest can grow one brushstroke at a time.
Join the Free 12-Day Forest Challenge
If you've been longing for a creative project that feels calm, inspiring, and pressure-free, I'd love for you to join me in Once Upon a Time in the Forest.
Together we'll slow down, observe nature more closely, and create twelve beautiful sketchbook pages inspired by the forest.
Most importantly, we'll remember that creativity isn't something we need to find.
It's something that has been with us all along.
→ Start the free 12-Day Forest Challenge
With love,
Kristine 💚
0 comments