CREATIVE SPARK NEWSLETTER |
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2023 Summer Sketchbook Un-Slump |
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There is a softness to the word flow, a sense of surrender, that reminds me of creating. It makes me think of how creativity is not something we can force: sometimes we have to be patient until inspiration strikes (and that's OK and very necessary), and when it does, we need to let go and allow ourselves to be swept away with an idea and let it carry us in whatever direction it is going (even if it's not where we imagined, even if we make mistakes along the way). Just like many cycles in our world, there is a natural ebb and flow to our creativity. Let's see where it takes us this week… |
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ENVISION & EXPRESS What will flow through us, through our minds, through our fingertips? |
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- Explore your flow state. Flow state is a mental state in which you're completely focused on a single task or activity. This article lists the 8 factors that contribute to flow state and 6 tips to harness its power.
- Try stream of consciousness journaling. Use it as a background for your piece this week, to tear up into collage pieces, to use as is, or to draw inspiration from for your page. Here's a beginners guide on how to do this.
- Continuity and cycle. Seasons, life cycles of plants, animals, humans, planetary cycles, animal migration, climate and weather, geological cycles, physics cycles, etc.
- Flow with watercolors. Get inspired by Susan King: abstract landscape in watercolor and abstract watercolor technique--it is mesmerizing to watch when she applies the water!
- Feeling fluid. How can a sense of fluidity be achieved in your piece? What tools, mediums, and techniques could help capture this feeling? Try pouring paint, thinning paint for a more liquid consistency, letting paint drip, allowing watercolors to flow together, using a brush to create fluid marks, making marks with a catalyst wedge…
- Continuous line drawing. Try this hand tutorial or create your own. Here's one more example of flowers in a vase. I also like the idea of picturing something in your mind and doing this with your eyes closed.
- Water, streams, oceans. A natural source of flow and inspiration. Consider the colors, the movements they create, and the different ways you can use them as inspiration.
- Being in a state of stillness. If flow is not coming naturally right now or you are choosing to be still, share how that looks on your page.
- Zero by Ólafur Arnalds The flow of music and this music video. Thank you @ahpatel.28 for introducing me to his music! I also love the flow of this song.
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Sometimes creating art can have us hunched over our desks and sketchbooks, death griping brushes and pens, and sitting in the same position for quite some time! If you need a break, here is a 30 minute yoga flow for beginners, 10 minute morning yoga to start your day, and a 10 minute quickie for your neck, shoulders, and upper back with Adriene (and her adorable pup Benji :)) Do what feels comfortable for you and your body--some light stretching or a short walk can work wonders too! Have a great start to your August and don't forget to go with the flow this week :) Talk to you soon! |
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