Hi, I’m Carol McQuaid, aka The Illustrated Vagabond. I love to travel the world sketching, painting and teaching art workshops. I hope my artwork reminds you of your last great adventure, or inspires you to start planning your next one.

Visit my shop for books and artwork from my travels, and my events page to see where we’re headed next.

And while you’re here I’d love it if you hit the subscribe button for my monthly newsletter where I’ll keep you posted on events, classes, new artworks and adventures! Thanks so much for stopping by.

Carol

Carol McQuaid 12/15/23 Carol McQuaid 12/15/23

My Guitars, and a Story About Kevin Bacon

Each guitar is its own story. The Martin Backpacker here prompted a celebrity encounter. If you know me you just got way better at that Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game.

Carol McQuaid 12/8/23 Carol McQuaid 12/8/23

A Quick Trip to Los Cabos

A quick trip to Cabo, a story about a cactus, and a spectacular dinner at Sunset Mona Lisa.

Carol McQuaid 11/9/23 Carol McQuaid 11/9/23

A Little Ink

My tattoo. It took a long time for me to stop drawing it on myself with a pen and actually go get it done. I’m glad I did. It means a lot to me. .

Carol McQuaid 11/4/23 Carol McQuaid 11/4/23

Watercolour Sketchbook Essentials

All the best tools you need for a watercolour sketchbook adventure.

Carol McQuaid 11/1/23 Carol McQuaid 11/1/23

It’s Snowtime!

Snow on the rooftops here at Apex Mountain! We’ll all be skiing and boarding soon. Bring it on I say! Sketch of our view done in Procreate.

Carol McQuaid 10/29/23 Carol McQuaid 10/29/23

So Long Sunshine Coast

So long Sunshine Coast! Heading back to the mainland for a gathering of my 13’ girlfriends. Those of you who know me know what that means. I hope the rest of you are having fun wondering.

Carol McQuaid 10/28/23 Carol McQuaid 10/28/23

Morning Angel

A few more sketchbook pages from my trip to the Sunshine Coast. Ocean Club Cafe, Sechelt Inlet and the Morning Angel that beckons us from the patio every day here in Porpoise Bay. All sketches done in Procreate.

Carol McQuaid 10/27/23 Carol McQuaid 10/27/23

Singing Along With Elmo

Singing along with Elmo. She’s watching him sing Elmo’s Song on repeat as Lamb-ma Betty and I keep an eye on her. So fun.

Carol McQuaid 10/26/23 Carol McQuaid 10/26/23

Porpoise Bay, Sechelt - Part One

Sketches from my first few days at Porpoise Bay.

Carol McQuaid 10/23/23 Carol McQuaid 10/23/23

How Many Picnic Baskets Before It’s a Collection?

How many picnic baskets before you have to call it a collection? I think we might be there. But they’re all unique, each one tells a story.

Carol McQuaid 10/21/23 Carol McQuaid 10/21/23

Penticton Farmer’s Market

Penticton’s Farmer’s Market. Checking out restaurants, shops and art galleries. And of course travel sketching. This one done watercolour style in Procreate on my iPad.