My story
Hi, I’m Marco Flavio —artist, sketchbook-carrying wanderer, and founder of Out There Watercolors. I was born and raised in Rome, Italy, trained in traditional drawing and design, and eventually landed in San Francisco, where I’ve been making art ever since. My work has been shown across the U.S. and internationally, with solo exhibitions at the Museo ItaloAmericano, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts. I’ve also been honored to exhibit with the Boston Printmakers, the Cambridge Art Association, and the Los Angeles Printmaking Society, and to serve as Artist in Residence for the Asian Art Museum’s Asia Alive program.
I’ve taught Japanese woodblock printmaking at institutions like the California Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Art University, and my work is part of private collections from Rome to Riyadh. But the heart of what I do now is this: I help people reconnect with creativity through line and wash, whether they're sketching a sunset in Golden Gate Park or a basket of peaches at the farmers market.
No experience needed—just a little curiosity and a willingness to begin.
My outdoor painting approach
My approach to outdoor painting is all about presence. I walk slowly, I look closely, and I let the city—or the plants, or the light—tell me where to stop. It’s a kind of wandering with purpose, where the goal isn’t the perfect painting but the act of seeing differently. When I’m sketching on location, I’m tuning in: to shapes, shadows, and the rhythm of people passing by. I use a line and wash technique that starts with quick, expressive ink drawings, then builds up color through watercolor washes, layering, and wet-on-wet blending. You’ll learn how to mix a palette on the fly, simplify complex scenes, and bring depth to your work with just a few thoughtful brushstrokes. Whether I’m in a quiet garden or a busy street corner, painting outside reminds me to be where I am, fully.
That’s what I try to share in each session—not just technique, but a way of seeing, noticing, and creating with intention.
Contact me
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!