Dear Reader,

Even though I may not show it often, I have major moments of doubt.
Art has carried me through some of the darkest seasons of my life, but it’s also the source of some of my deepest vulnerabilities.

Many of you know that painting was what helped me endure—and eventually leave—an abusive situation years ago. I believed that once I stepped away, I would finally be free to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time artist. But life had other plans. Starting over in a new place, in a new landscape, with the weight of old wounds still lingering… it wasn’t the smooth path forward I had imagined. I tried as hard as I could, but I often felt like I was swimming in a different pool—still fighting to keep my head above water.

There were times I wanted to throw down the brush entirely. But each time I picked it back up, I remembered:

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​This is who I am. This is what I fought so hard for.

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It wasn’t simply a career choice anymore. It was the core of me—take it or leave it.

Over the years, I watched artists I admired appear on Art School Live or take the stage at major watercolor conventions. And I’ll admit… I wondered if anyone ever truly saw my work. I worked hard, I pushed myself, I tried to get my name out there, but sometimes it felt like it all fell on deaf ears.

Then, out of the blue, two emails arrived.

I was invited to be an instructor with Watercolor Live and a guest on Art School Live with Eric Rhoads.

I stared at the screen, completely flabbergasted. Excited. Emotional. And honestly? Terrified. It felt like a long-awaited moment—like maybe it was finally my time to step onto that next level.

But then the self-doubt crept in:
“Wait… am I ready for this? Am I worthy? Do I really have something valuable to say—LIVE—on camera—to a huge audience?”

Cue the panic attack.
Cue the deep breaths.
Cue the reminder: Be careful what you wish for… but also be brave enough to show up when it arrives.

So here I am, showing up. And I’d love for you to show up with me.

✨ Join Me on Art School Live This Thursday!

Thursday, December 11
12 pm EST / 10 am MST / 9 am PST

I’ll be demonstrating different ways to apply masking fluid for poured watercolor, and I’ll share the differences between a pour and a wash. Mostly, I’ll be trying not to fall flat on my face—or tie my tongue into artistic knots—so moral support is highly encouraged.

Click the button below to join me on Thursday or to subscribe to Art School Live on YouTube.

🎨 And… Watercolor Live 2026!

I’m thrilled to share that I will also be teaching during the Essential Techniques Day at Watercolor Live on January 20.

If you’d like to join me (and hundreds of watercolor lovers from around the world), you can receive 10% off your registration with the code:

LAMBERT

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of this journey with me. For cheering me on. For showing up for my work. For believing in me even on the days I struggle to believe in myself.

Let’s keep moving forward—together.

With gratitude and a few excited nerves,
​Leslie