Island Illustrators - Sketching, Painting, and Traveling the World

An artist-led travel blog exploring islands and coastal destinations through sketchbooks, watercolor, and visual storytelling.

Wing

Travel Through an Artist's eye

Travel looks different when you slow down and draw it. At Island Illustrators, we explore islands, coastal towns, and sometimes even landlocked destinations the only way we know how, through art. We sketch dimly lit backstreets, paint shorelines, and put a little artistic flair on each place as we experience them. This blog is about traveling with a sketchbook, finding inspiration on the road, and using art to better understand what makes each destination magical. 

Sun peaking through clouds in Antarctica
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Travel-Inspired Sketches
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Unique Islands Explored
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Skies that stole the Show
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Cups of Coffee Savored

Island and coastal destinations for creative travelers

Island Illustrators focuses on islands and coastal destinations that inspire artists to slow down and create, the way art is meant to be experienced, in the moment. From quiet beach towns to vibrant waterfront cities, we share travel stories, hidden sketching locations, and even a little bit of artistic inspiration from places around the world. Each destination we explore is through first hand experience. Through observation, creativity, and the simple act of seeing more closely we hope to help you on your journey of exploring the world and appreciating the little things most people skip over. 

Discovering Victoria: Art, Charm, and the Unexpected
Victoria, with its old-world architecture and coastal charm, seemed like…
Honolulu Vacation: Peaks, Paint, and Plenty of Heat
Oahu had been calling me for ages, but I’d somehow…
Friday Harbor: A Blend of Serenity and Adventure
The San Juan Islands are a unique, and incredibly peaceful…
Family Time in Punta Cana: Paradise with a Few Bumps
Taking a family trip to Punta Cana was a break…
Adventures in Hamilton, Bermuda: Sun, Caves, and a Splash of Rum
Bermuda had always felt like a postcard kind of place—pink…
Dewey Beach Days: Illustrating Life by the Coast
Attending a friend’s wedding at Dewey Beach was more than…

Travel Tips for Artists on the road

Traveling with art supplies comes with its own challenges, and Island Illustrators is here to help. We share practical tips for sketching and painting while traveling, from building a lightweight travel sketch kit to finding time and inspiration on the road. Whether you're drawing between flights or you have all day to paint along the coast, these guides are written to help artists create wherever they go.