inspiration

Do you have space in your studio for a wall that inspires you? Or where you can have a revolving art show of your own works?

Prints from the 100 Print Project Class

If you don’t have a space like that, see if you can make one.

Trace Monotypes from the See, DRAW, Print Class

When I finish a print or series of prints that I like, I want to look at them and enjoy.

My work from Books as ART Materials

Some artists make a design wall with a sheet of homasote. It is easy to pin papers to and moveable.

Gelatin Prints from the Simplify Class

Things to put on an inspiration/design wall:

• Completed work
• Series in process
• Quotes
• Goals
• Reminders

I hope you have some space to claim as a design wall!

There are lots of ways to make marks.

Consider these questions in relation to how you approach mark making in your art work.

1. Do you like to make quick or slow lines?
2. Would you say your line is confident or cautious?
3. Are you planning marks or playfully making marks?
4. Is it all about the process of making or the product you make?
5. Do you prefer realistic or abstract?

There is no right answer. But it may be helpful to identify the approach and qualities that you prefer to use in your art making.

I like to make quick lines with confidence. I am usually all about a playful process of discovery that is mostly abstract with a bit of realism.

This helps me understand my default approach to mark making. And I know that if I can add some planning, or think about the end product or some slow lines to my project, it will expand my skills and expression.

Some of my favorite mark makers:

• Action paintings of Jackson Pollock
• Cy Twombly’s huge scribble paintings
• Ellsworth Kelly’s plant drawings

If you would like to explore your mark making skills check out the current classes being offered.

Have you heard of forest bathing? It is a thing. Check it out.

My daily woods walks give me peace of mind. I often notice a solo tree deep in the woods.

This connection to nature is essential to my well being. Today, I thought let’s try to draw one of those trees that catch my attention.

The challenge was intended to be fun and informative.

I really looked at the tree and tried to capture the way the branches drooped and the spaces between them. I tried pen, charcoal, watercolor and pastels. It was a process of looking and making marks in response to the tree.

I encourage you to try walking in the woods and then draw a tree. Maybe it will inspire your art making process. More inspiring ideas.