The Watercolor Feast (Abrams, Spring 2025) is the newest book from New York Times bestselling Forest Feast cookbook author and illustrator Erin Gleeson.

In this book, Erin emphasizes the importance of making time for creativity in our busy lives. One way to do this is by inviting friends over for a Watercolor Gathering.

In the book, Erin offers steps to host a Watercolor Gathering yourself. Think of it as an elevated paint + sip! With very simple, colorful plant-based appetizers.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

  • Put out a long runner of fresh produce down the center of a table

  • Offer watercolor supplies or let friends bring their own

  • Make a fun drink and a few snacks to share

  • Follow tutorials in the book or just doodle!

  • Catch up with friends and enjoy some relaxing creative time in a social setting

STORY IDEAS:

  • re-publish photography from the book of the gathering Erin hosted at her cabin in the woods (seen here)

  • re-shoot a Watercolor Gathering with the author in a new location, gathering fresh produce to paint from a local farm or garden and preparing a colorful menu for guests

  • share with readers a watercolor tutorial they could do, plus a list of supplies to buy and recipes to make

Sample watercolor tutorial from the book, which includes a recipe idea

Erin shares her intuitive approach to painting, avoiding technical terms to encourage experimentation. To create a tension-free painting experience doodling is encouraged with prompts for abstract ‘color exercises’ in each tutorial (see below).

Doodling is encouraged, by way of ‘color exercises’ like above

The author is available for interviews and can supply these images and others from the book. The book will be released April 15, 2025 and we are hoping for Spring and Summer press coverage. Please let us know if you’d like a review copy of the book by emailing skeane@abramsbooks.com and studio@theforestfeast.com

Thank you!