There is a saying that goes, "Those who can't do, teach." I was a professional illustrator for over a decade, with work appearing in New York Press, Riverfront Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and St. Louis Magazine. I had done. And eventually I stopped. Not because I couldn't, but because I no longer cared. After years of deadlines and assignments, the enthusiasm drained out of it. I put down the pencil, and for six years, I didn't pick it up again. During those years away, I

Route 66 is more than just a highway. It's a symbol of American freedom, adventure, and the quirky charm of roadside culture. This year marks the 100th anniversary of this legendary road, and Drawn Studio's retail entrance is joining the celebration with a nod to the era that made it iconic. Meet our newest addition: a vintage ornamental deer, painted in Drawn Studio green, a rich, nostalgic hue straight out of the 1950s automobile era. Because every great road deserves a lit

A well-loved paintbrush is an artist’s or tradesperson's best tool, but over time, even the best brushes can lose their shape and effectiveness. Whether it’s frayed bristles, dried paint, or bent tips, your brushes don’t have to be destined for the trash bin. With the right techniques, you can clean, reshape, and restore them to their former glory. Here’s everything you need to know to breathe new life into your paintbrushes and keep them performing beautifully for years. 5 S

Drawing at a museum offers a unique way to connect with art beyond just looking. When you take the time to sketch, you slow down and observe details that often go unnoticed. Spending 45 minutes with a pencil in hand in front of a painting teaches you more than scrolling through hundreds of images online. This guide will help you prepare for your museum drawing sessions, avoid common pitfalls, and get the most out of your experience. A compact sketchbook and pencil ready for d

Living with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or anxiety can make it difficult to find activities that promote calm and focus. Many people struggle with distractions, restlessness, and overwhelming feelings that interfere with daily life. One effective way to address these challenges is through in-studio drawing lessons. Drawing requires concentration and mindfulness, which can help quiet the mind and create a peaceful environment. At places like Drawn Studio, the calm and low

Very few people sign up for the Boston Marathon expecting to win it. They know the world’s fastest runners will be there. Elite athletes from places like Kenya and Uganda often dominate the podium. Most runners are there to challenge themselves and beat yesterday’s version of who they were. They train for months. Early mornings, long miles, sore legs, and discipline. They are chasing a personal best. Drawing works the same way. Most students do not walk into Drawn Studio expe

Most adults plateau in drawing for reasons that have very little to do with talent. Drawing gradually shifts from exploration to evaluation. Instead of experimenting freely, adults become preoccupied with accuracy, proportion, and whether the result looks impressive. That internal pressure narrows their range. They return to familiar subjects and predictable approaches because those feel manageable. Over time, familiarity replaces growth. Practice is often mistaken for progre

New Arts Initiative in Development for this year. Maplewood, MO — [February 2026] — Mary Engelbreit Studio and Drawn Studio have begun developing a series of collaborative creative programs and experiences planned for June through October 2026, in conjunction with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Mary Engelbreit brand in 2027. While details remain under wraps, the initiative is expected to include hosted events, educational programming, and limited collaborative projects

United States Post Office Mural In 1935, with nearly one in four Americans unemployed and the country still reeling from the collapse of its financial system, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the executive order creating the Works Progress Administration. The goal was direct and practical: put people back to work. Roads, bridges, schools, parks, and public buildings were constructed across the nation. But embedded within this massive relief effort was something far more

A recent trip to Texas resulted in the acquisition of an original drawing from the late 1800s or early 1900s, offering a glimpse into the lives and public spaces that shaped early twentieth-century Texas. During this period, a portrait was sketched at Camp Mabry, possibly depicting Miss Rose Bailey of Tyler, Texas, a popular young milliner whose name is inscribed on the drawing. Camp Mabry, donated by citizens in 1892, served as both a military site and a community gathering