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!
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