I’m Allison Hennie, originally from Ohio, but currently residing in Memphis, Tennessee (click here to follow my blog!). I’m a licensed architect with a Masters in urban anthropology, completed graduate coursework in museum studies and pursuing a PhD in archaeology focusing on the built environment.
I started painting watercolors and my WordPress blog, The Museum Shed, about a year ago. My PhD adviser suggested a blog in order to get in the habit of writing as well as a tool for marketing myself. Things didn’t quite work out that way and I ended up spending my time learning how to use watercolors and continue to learn more about the process. Sketching and painting provide relief from life in academia. Although, sketching, academia, and my work life have recently intersected.
The first set of watercolors and brush I used were by Crayola and I still use them at times. The other sets I have were gifted to me by friends. One day while sitting in a coffeeshop I noticed a man painting with an aqua brush pen. After we talked, I biked to the local art store and bought one. When painting I often try a few smaller scale iterations before moving on to the final version. I try to limit myself to 5-25 minutes per painting. Sometimes this requires use of a hair dryer. Given my interest in people and places the paintings are inspired often inspired by those two topics.
Allison Hennie
The Museum Shed
Creator of Doodlewash®, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group™, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing daily watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world! If you’d like to be a guest artist on Doodlewash.com, contact me!
Allison, thanks for sharing your artwork, I’m very intrigued with your subject matter, each piece so beautiful. I’m now following your blog. Thank you Charlie.
Yay! Love to know that! Thanks so much, Sharon! 😉💕
What Sharon said!! Beautiful work, Allison!
Thanks for commenting Laura! Glad you liked Allison’s work! 😃
Beautiful pieces! I can only imagine the inspirations you find in the museum world.
Aren’t this great, Kari?! I love Allison’s work! 😃
These are really lively and beautiful to view. I am following Allison’s blog…
Yay! Glad to hear that, Rachel!! 💕😃
Lovely watercolors Allison! Love your lion and bird especially! 😃 I’m now a follower of your blog! Thank you Charlie! ❤️
Yay!! Thanks so much for following Jill! 💕😃
So interesting!
Yay! Glad you liked this feature, Cynthia! 😃
Very nice work Allison.
Glad you liked this feature! Thanks for commenting!! 😃
I never thought of using a hair dryer…there’s one somewhere in the back of the closet…but seriously, I love your delicate touch. (K)
So glad you liked this Kerfe! 😃
It has a special charm in it. I like it 😀
Awesome! Glad you liked Allison’s work! 😃
Wonderful watercolors, great feature…the mix of art with urban anthropology, archaeology and architecture sounds perfect. Thank you for introducing a talented artist and more inspiration. Peace.
You’re so welcome, Haunani! I was excited to share Allison’s lovely work! 😃