When I started preparing for the Dutch naturalization exams, I realized how much scattered information there was online.

So, I decided to bring everything together — my experience, the textbooks I used, what helped me most, and what I wish I had known earlier.

 

Recently, I’ve been diving into colored pencil techniques — and it’s been surprisingly dynamic.

All of these (except the coffee cup ☕) were created using tutorials from a book called "Real Color Pencils" by Makami Shie. The book is clear, inspiring, and makes learning feel exciting rather than rigid. Every page feels like progress you can actually see.

 

In 2012, I visited Japan for the very first time. What I thought would be a typical two-week tourist trip turned into something much bigger — the beginning of a shift in how I see the world.

 

Sometimes the most complex stories aren’t fiction — they’re family.

 

For me, being an adult means taking your time seriously.

When I realized that my lifetime is limited, I started trying to spend it wisely — not wasting it on things that don’t matter. Part of that mindset is learning to be efficient and focused.

For example, I use the same bag every day. One bag, with each section serving its own purpose. Everything I need is always in its place. It sounds simple, but it saves mental space. I can just grab it and go — confident that I haven’t forgotten anything.

It’s a small thing, but it saves me time everyday.

 

And the best part? Paris always delivers.

When I picked up Convenience Store Woman, I expected lighthearted stories about quirky customers and the small absurdities of working at a Japanese konbini. Instead, I found a book layered with nuance and depth.

 

Free phone wallpaper download — original photos to bring flowers, color, and joy to your daily screen.
NOTE: for personal use only. 

 

At the beginning of the week, I went to Groningen—just to catch my breath and change the scenery. I booked a hotel for two nights. Nothing ambitious, just a short reset.

 

Today I want to share some of my old drawings—more than 10 years old now. And along with them, the story of how I first started to believe: "maybe I can draw too."

 

I’ve been noticing a shift lately—in the past, books and films seemed to demand drama: exciting plots, sharp twists, emotional rollercoasters. Now, it feels like the opposite. The more calm and quiet the story, the more comforting it feels. Maybe it’s because life itself has become so chaotic that we crave stillness in the stories we read. This book is a perfect example. 

 

Pistachio fat cookies in color pencils, by Yulia Lisitsa

With color pencils I like to challenge myself with new texture. This amazing cookie from a local home bakery @angelebakes. I love these cookies! It was easy to eat them, but a bit difficult to draw, but I figured things out 🧐

 

Curd pancakes with fruits in color pencils, by Yulia Lisitsa

Last September we went to Lithuania. There, for the first time in many years, we ordered curd pancakes. I made a photo and decided at once that I wanted to draw them with color pencils. Here's what came out of it. This is the second take. Read on to find out what the first one looked like and how I came to this final result.

 

Winter Amsterdam in Digital Watercolor

We had a couple snowy days in Amsterdam. I decided to express them in digital watercolor.  I always take a lot of pictures, so I did not need to get myself to cold streets.

 

Amsterdam in winter sketch

During the New Year holidays I almost didn’t draw, only 2 city sketches based on the lessons of Anna Egida at Kalacheva school.

 

Amsterdam canal houses

When I was in cafe in the heart of Amsterdam I saw through the window beautiful houses. I made a photo, thinking that later I can make a drawing from it. 

Whales in Watercolor

I am new to watercolor. I was afraid of this medium for a long time. But this year I started to watch online tutorials and do simple projects. I made this one after taking the "Tattoed Whale - An adventure in watercolor" class by Janet Asbury on Skillshare.