My attention has been pulled in many directions this week: choosing summer camps, editing my new class, planning my next class, endless laundry, paying attention to my body and well being. Though the small and large things that pull at our attention may differ, I'm sure you can relate to that feeling of being pulled and an inability to focus. 

 

I was feeling ungrounded, and I knew what I needed was to slow down and give myself some space for personal art making. I encouraged myself to take time to choose my supplies mindfully, to listen to my intuition and to create in a way that I was paying attention to each next step versus planning ahead for a finished page. 

I pulled out this sketchbook that I had forgotten to use for many months. I chose it last year for its lovely beige coloured pages. They feel warm and inviting. I started drawing with a white china marker (this is a waxy pencil), which is another tool I don't use very often. I began drawing this shell-like shape which is a pattern I've been exploring variations of for quite a number of months, maybe even a year. It's a simple enough shape that I can enjoy moving my hand across the page without overthinking it. It's become familiar and comfortable, yet room enough for new discoveries. I liked how the waxy china marker felt moving across the paper. I held the marker, hand pointing down, the opposite of how I hold it for writing. I pushed the marker away from me instead of pulling it towards me, which gave me less control, creating an interesting (for me!)  line quality. 

 

 

 

 

After drawing for a few minutes, I looked over my paints and felt called to use two pink paint stones. The hues feel warm, spring-like and hopeful.  For me, the colour pink evokes a sense of the body / healing / self-compassion. I used the pink gouache to paint around the white shell shapes, overlapping them in some areas, creating areas of pink wash and also new lines that echoed the shells. 

 

Next, I added some splattered iridescent paint - a loose a free feeling! - and I wove in some shimmery lines for movement. Then I used a 2B pencil which felt wonderfully smooth and dark. I enjoyed this interplay of drawing and painting with limited supplies. 

 

I thought about adding words but after sitting with this for a few minutes, I decided it already felt complete to me.

Materials used in this sketchbook page:

 

 

Listen to the answer that first comes to you - it is a part of you that already knows. Then pencil in some space this week for a sensory experience - whether that is moving in nature, doing yoga, mindfully enjoy a hot tea, or creating with your art materials. 

Thank you so much for the feedback on these Mindful Monday emails. I've had some wonderful responses. If you want to reach out, I love to get emails or you are welcome to share in our Facebook group if that calls to you.