Most days, I wake up with a song in my head. Nah. Not a Pollyanna “song in my heart”. Haha. It’s often a very annoying song. Playing on repeat, before I am even fully conscious.
I usually try to figure out, where the thought might have come from. Was it something I saw, something I read? Maybe a silly clip from Youtube. If there is time, I will look the song up, and listen. Usually, that clears my internal playlist.
Today, the opening line of Little Star came to mind. And that made perfect sense, as a title for these wonky flowers. Maybe it was meant to be. I painted them before bed last night.
I signed up for Sketchbook Revival, knowing full well I was going to miss some of the sessions. I almost passed, but I am so glad I clicked that button. I am in the process of catching up now. It is a two week event, and there are two sessions each day.
Those of you who are in the 30-Day Creative Gathering would love this as a continuation of your daily creative practice. I’ve been introduced to so many terrific artists and found a couple that I had lost touch with.
The session with crayons was so meditative. They all have been. Listening to the instructor, using the tools, finding myself in the moment. Not at all concerned with an outcome.
Of course, I found myself drawing flowers. I had just finished a search on tulips, and their simple shapes were fresh in my mind. I layered color after color. Yellow, peach, red, coral. Turquoise, bright blue, sage, teal, asparagus. More yellow.
When I had finished, I wiped of the crayon dust, and was surprised to find it left a nice sheen on the leaf. I took the tissue and rubbed the entire drawing. Laughing at myself, but this took me right back to childhood, and grade school.
Waxy Sheen
I may have the sessions out of order. I did not realize in the beginning that there were two each day. In this next session, we explored automatic drawing. Using different pens, exploring the marks. Automatism refers to creating art without conscious thought, accessing material from the unconscious mind as part of the creative process
This session passed so quickly, and yet seemd to last a long time. I think I missed some of what was being said, I was so into making marks on the paper. Haha.
Automatic Drawing.
Karen Abend, the event organizer, led a session on Intentional doodling. We started with observing nature. Taking notice of the shapes, and then using that to create more abstract shapes and patterns. You have seen this paddle plant before. I don’t think I will ever tire of the round leaf shapes.
Intentional Doodling.
Along with the sessions, each artist offers freebies to continue practicing their method. Some are worksheets, others free video tutorials, and even some short classes. SO MUCH learning. Mindfulness and intention are keys. The intention to focus on the moment. On the process.
Those reminders are always welcome. It is so easy to forget that key creativity. For me at least. Haha. I will continue with these lessons. JOY filled!
I am not sure how long the sessions will be available. Some of the freebies are still available, it looks like until the end of May. Take a look! Treat yourself! Enjoy!
It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. Henry David Thoreau
Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons. Al Hirschfeld
It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure. Albert Einstein
During the February 2021 30-day challenge, over 700 pieces of art were created in our group. This is our fourth Creative Gathering, and our third year together. We are down about 120 pieces from last year. Several artists were unable to participate. We missed you!
Shown in no particular order. As I received permission, I added to the post. Many of the artists involved have been doing a bi-annual painting challenge for over 8 years. I am thrilled that so many choose to keep the challenge alive!
I am so honored to be among this group of creatives. Your work is amazing! I applaud your learning and experimenting. Your fearlessness. Your desire for growth. Your generosity and graciousness with fellow group members.
Thank you all for granting permission to share your work here and on the group Pinterest board. It is a gorgeous gallery!
Congratulations to all of the amazing artists who took part. Grab a cuppa, sit back, and browse the stunning art that follows. Enjoy!
