Isn't it amazing (and slightly irritating) how quickly a day goes by, then a week, a season, a year? Didn't summer just start, and now stores are stocked with halloween items and kids are heading back to school.
As a creative person, art is not just a pastime or a paycheck for me, it is central to my well being. While many shy away from the "artist" label, I argue that we ALL could use a little creative therapy. Here are some tips for EVERYONE, whether you are young or old, have been holding a paintbrush most of your life or get nervous drawing anything other than a straight line.
*Get a sketchbook (or a sticky note, lined paper, brown shopping bag or napkin...anything you can scribble on). A bit of advice? Use something disposable, or take your sketchbook and pour coffee on it, drop it in the dirt or let the dog drool on it...anything to let your creativity flow without the pressure of perfection. Now, make a mark on it...any mark, then another. Start with a doodle and see where it leads (or doesn't). Keep your sketchbook in a place you'll see it often and take a minute in the day to use it.
*Be intentional. Some of us thrive on spontaneity, but many of us find we need reminders if we're going to establish any sort of routine. For those in the latter camp, I recommend setting aside a regular time to create. Put it on the calendar (even if it's just a 10 minute break daily or weekly). To really establish a rhythm, enlist a friend or two to join you once a week or month.
- Meet at various locations (coffee shops, parks, zoo, museums, homes) with your sketchbooks and feed your
creative soul while hanging out with friends.
- Challenge yourself with a new medium once a month (again...more fun with friends!) or focus on mastering
one for a set period.
- Enroll in a class together. I've led several, private classes for various groups and it's been fun to see how
art can bond co-workers or friends.
*Stay curious. Creativity isn't just about drawing or painting. It's a way of looking at the world. Curiosity and observation are two of the best creative tools we humans have and they don't cost a thing. Practice asking yourself questions about what you see around you. Were you one of those kids who saw pictures in the clouds? I grew up before screen time, and smart phones and spent many hours exploring outside connecting with nature. In an age where AI can do most of our thinking for us, it's important not to lose our ability to observe, ask questions and learn from experience. Study the clouds. Feel the textures. Notice the play of light and shadows. How would you draw something like that? If you're feeling brave, give it a try.
*Add a little science or math. My students are often surprised to find how much math and science have to do with art. Embrace that curious spirit and ask, "what would happen if?" Don't be afraid to experiment and try things that seem completely ridiculous.
-Grab a sturdy piece of paper (card stock or watercolor for example) and make some natural dyes using items from your garden or kitchen (berries, spinach, spices such as turmeric, curry or cinnamon), brewed tea or coffee, flower petals, etc. Crush using a mortar ad pestle (or similar) and add a bit of water or oil or egg to it. Paint a swatch (or a picture) on the paper. Don't forget to add notes about each one.
- Experiment with pattern. Cut paper small paper squares and play around with different folds to create a patchwork pattern.
- try your hand at tessellations.. M.C. Escher was a great artist inspired by math. A few minutes looking at his work is sure to spark some creative flames.
As a creative person, art is not just a pastime or a paycheck for me, it is central to my well being. While many shy away from the "artist" label, I argue that we ALL could use a little creative therapy. Here are some tips for EVERYONE, whether you are young or old, have been holding a paintbrush most of your life or get nervous drawing anything other than a straight line.
*Get a sketchbook (or a sticky note, lined paper, brown shopping bag or napkin...anything you can scribble on). A bit of advice? Use something disposable, or take your sketchbook and pour coffee on it, drop it in the dirt or let the dog drool on it...anything to let your creativity flow without the pressure of perfection. Now, make a mark on it...any mark, then another. Start with a doodle and see where it leads (or doesn't). Keep your sketchbook in a place you'll see it often and take a minute in the day to use it.
*Be intentional. Some of us thrive on spontaneity, but many of us find we need reminders if we're going to establish any sort of routine. For those in the latter camp, I recommend setting aside a regular time to create. Put it on the calendar (even if it's just a 10 minute break daily or weekly). To really establish a rhythm, enlist a friend or two to join you once a week or month.
- Meet at various locations (coffee shops, parks, zoo, museums, homes) with your sketchbooks and feed your
creative soul while hanging out with friends.
- Challenge yourself with a new medium once a month (again...more fun with friends!) or focus on mastering
one for a set period.
- Enroll in a class together. I've led several, private classes for various groups and it's been fun to see how
art can bond co-workers or friends.
*Stay curious. Creativity isn't just about drawing or painting. It's a way of looking at the world. Curiosity and observation are two of the best creative tools we humans have and they don't cost a thing. Practice asking yourself questions about what you see around you. Were you one of those kids who saw pictures in the clouds? I grew up before screen time, and smart phones and spent many hours exploring outside connecting with nature. In an age where AI can do most of our thinking for us, it's important not to lose our ability to observe, ask questions and learn from experience. Study the clouds. Feel the textures. Notice the play of light and shadows. How would you draw something like that? If you're feeling brave, give it a try.
*Add a little science or math. My students are often surprised to find how much math and science have to do with art. Embrace that curious spirit and ask, "what would happen if?" Don't be afraid to experiment and try things that seem completely ridiculous.
-Grab a sturdy piece of paper (card stock or watercolor for example) and make some natural dyes using items from your garden or kitchen (berries, spinach, spices such as turmeric, curry or cinnamon), brewed tea or coffee, flower petals, etc. Crush using a mortar ad pestle (or similar) and add a bit of water or oil or egg to it. Paint a swatch (or a picture) on the paper. Don't forget to add notes about each one.
- Experiment with pattern. Cut paper small paper squares and play around with different folds to create a patchwork pattern.
- try your hand at tessellations.. M.C. Escher was a great artist inspired by math. A few minutes looking at his work is sure to spark some creative flames.
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