Turn Practice into Play
Drawing and painting is just like anything else,
it takes practice, practice, practice
BUT
here are some fun ways to turn practice into play!
Keep a sketch book or pad of paper handy and doodle
while you’re on the phone or watching TV
When you see something you like,
try drawing it for fun
Zentangle is another way to doodle~
think of it as doodling with a purpose and a focused mind
Start with no set plan, just let your pen do what it wants
filling in the space with repetitive lines and shapes,
Zentangle is also a good way to practice design
and experiment with color
For this zentangle I started with watercolor shapes
and built patterns to connect them
Daily art challenges like Doodlewash are a great way to get in the habit
of daily drawing or painting
It’s fun, and challenges are a great way to improve your skills,
stretch your boundaries and learn new things
The Inktober challenge in October is to draw each prompt with ink
Another great way to practice and learn is to copy other artists
This book by Austin Kleon is an inspiring guide to creativity
His basic premise is that there are no original ideas, that all ideas are the metamorphism of the ones before them, and thus original because of the unique combination each person puts on them. He says, “Steal Like an Artist!” It’s ok! we all inspire each other!
It’s okay to borrow, just give credit where credit belongs~
This painting by Nancy Standlee caught my attention
with the bright colors and simplified shapes
This pillow from Pen and Paint
wears one of my favorite sayings by Kobi Yamada
I combined these inspirations into a large acrylic painting
Play with markers and pencils to experiment with colors,
shapes and shadow
Paint water representation with watercolor and pastel
Keep your fingers busy and you will be surprised
what you will learn…
Playing with your mediums and supplies will loosen you up,
boost your confidence, and improve your skills
Turn practice into play!
Be Fearless!
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
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I forced myself into daily challenges during art camp and find that I really love doing them — sometimes with a prompt, sometimes, I make up the prompt. Love all the examples you showed here. After these past three weeks, I feel more compelled to keep my sketchbook close at hand to doodle, as you said. Sometimes those doodles end up as cute paintings!
Yes, you never know where inspiration will come from!
It definitely looks like fun time!
Thanks Dorothy!
Painting later today, I hope! Thanks for the colorful kick in the pants to get started. Happy long weekend to you.
Thanks Leslie Anne, have fun!!
Yes, to creating magic with paint, one playful stroke at a time!
Thank you Mary 🙂
I didn’t receive art encouragement as a child because I had a much older brother who was truly talented. He became an architect. Because of that I really appreciate how you encourage everyone to be bold and creative.
Thank you Linda, I really appreciate your kind words because the reason I write this blog is to encourage readers to try new things, share ideas, and give back. I can relate to you because I had an older sister that was a talented painter, but she strongly encouraged me and I majored in art in college. I also went back to school and coincidently got a degree in architectural drafting. This was before it was computerized and I enjoyed the drawing and designing process, working for a residential builder.
Like Mary said, you do create magic with a paint brush, and I might add colored pencils, markers, and ink! Thanks for all the inspiration, Jenna!
Thank you Pam, much appreciated 🙂
I always admire your artwork. I’m not much of an artist but would love to be. This post is very inspiring. I do love doodling geometric shapes- my actual drawings look like a 5 year drew them. I have to try the zentagle idea. As always thanks for the ideas and encouragement!!
thank you Judee, as I said, the more you practice, the more you will improve. Zentangle is really fun and you really can’t make a mistake. You ought to try simple landscapes too~ Keep going, you will find a medium, subject and style you love!
Totally loving all the examples and encouragement…lol, now I’m off to make three ugly paintings….yep—that’s an exercised, too! Sandi
Have fun Sandi!
Love all the doodling Jenna, especially your Halloween page! Happy Labor Day ♥
Thank you Mary and I had to smile when you said you especially like the Halloween page 🙂
Looks like so much fun Jenna and I love all the colorful photos. The zentangle seems like a good place to start for a beginner maybe. Love all your encouragement and love the Inktober challenge. I hope you never stop inspiring others. Happy Monday!
thank you Kim, your kind words are much appreciated!
So many fabulous ideas!! I like how you combined the Zentangle with watercolor. I also like to doodle when I’m waiting at the doctor’s office. It is a good way to relax for me. So I always carry paper with me. 😃 Cheers!
Thanks Jill, and it’s such a good idea to doodle when you have to wait!
Awesome post, Jenna! I love your art so much. I’ll be featuring this post at Thursday Favorite Things today. 🙂
Thank you Pam, I so appreciate your kind words!