oftenAs I enter the BUSY fall season, I am reminded that it is crucial to slow down, to make wise decisions and, as they say, to smell the roses. I need to ponder, meditate and create.
Each year, I vow I will make my life a bit easier and more peaceful. I know we have commitments to a family or work responsibilities (and a combination of these). Let me encourage you to review your calendar and carve out some creative time for you. I truly believe this time spent enriching this right side of the brain and imaginative part of you will benefit other areas of your life.
Although I love solo painting, I find I often create best during scheduled activities. My theory is if you plan creative time, it is certainly much more likely to happen! You do not have to dream up a massive project.
You can:
My schedule included teaching classes, attending workshops and art retreats and vacations. Each of these provided opportunities to sketch, photograph, paint, dream and paint upon return.
I have learned to carry a small travel art kit. When traveling, I pack my necessary supplies into a 9” x 12” nylon mesh zipped bag. Inside: a small watercolor set with 12 colors, 2 brushes, 6 Inktense watercolor pencils, 2 sharpies, 2 mechanical pencils with erasers, and a spiral 7” x 10” 140 lb. watercolor pad. The mesh bag allows supplies to dry out. This can easily fit in a carry-on suit case. Add a bottle of water and clean paper towels as you travel. Be brave! Take that art kit with you and sit down and paint or sketch your surroundings or a creative idea that pops into you head.
When my car is available, of course, I tend to pack more.
Another trick: put art supplies in a special place or container. It can be a small zippered bag (which I found in the travel section of Marshalls!) as I used to travel, a small table or basket. Many people creatively journal their scrapbooks.
My wish for you is to re-evaluate the amount of time and energy you have—in combination with a busy family or demanding job. Before the holiday season begins, grab a bit of time and space for creativity. Reward your art spirit!
Each year, I vow I will make my life a bit easier and more peaceful. I know we have commitments to a family or work responsibilities (and a combination of these). Let me encourage you to review your calendar and carve out some creative time for you. I truly believe this time spent enriching this right side of the brain and imaginative part of you will benefit other areas of your life.
Although I love solo painting, I find I often create best during scheduled activities. My theory is if you plan creative time, it is certainly much more likely to happen! You do not have to dream up a massive project.
You can:
- Watch a YouTube video.
- Set aside a special regularly scheduled time and space (weekly, monthly) to create.
- Visit to a site you’d like to sketch or attend a class or workshop.
- Join an art association.
- Meet with a group of other painters.
My schedule included teaching classes, attending workshops and art retreats and vacations. Each of these provided opportunities to sketch, photograph, paint, dream and paint upon return.
I have learned to carry a small travel art kit. When traveling, I pack my necessary supplies into a 9” x 12” nylon mesh zipped bag. Inside: a small watercolor set with 12 colors, 2 brushes, 6 Inktense watercolor pencils, 2 sharpies, 2 mechanical pencils with erasers, and a spiral 7” x 10” 140 lb. watercolor pad. The mesh bag allows supplies to dry out. This can easily fit in a carry-on suit case. Add a bottle of water and clean paper towels as you travel. Be brave! Take that art kit with you and sit down and paint or sketch your surroundings or a creative idea that pops into you head.
When my car is available, of course, I tend to pack more.
Another trick: put art supplies in a special place or container. It can be a small zippered bag (which I found in the travel section of Marshalls!) as I used to travel, a small table or basket. Many people creatively journal their scrapbooks.
My wish for you is to re-evaluate the amount of time and energy you have—in combination with a busy family or demanding job. Before the holiday season begins, grab a bit of time and space for creativity. Reward your art spirit!
RSS Feed