inspiration

Next step – art making habits

inspiration, mark making / /

Art making can be a journey of ups and downs. The trick is to keep moving even in the down phase of the trip.

creating habits sketchbook

  • Suspending judgement of each little step can help keep the process enjoyable.
  • Remember it is a process
  • Build in support for the times when you are in a funk

I have been using collage and drawing techniques lately to keep me moving forward. These processes can be very hands on. I find I can easily get lost in the process and soon forget that I was in a funk.

draw a twig a day

The key for me is to:

  • make it easy to get started
  • quick to finish
  • create some sense of satisfaction

If you are curious about creating some art making habits that could carry you through the ups and downs of daily life, then check out the details of the online class, Creating Habits. Class starts January 7, 2022.

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Do you look or SEE?

drawings, inspiration, mark making / /

Making art is about seeing. We use the sense of sight all day, and yet do we really see much?

Look longer to SEE

The more I practice drawing and art making the more I know that it all is based on:

  • slowing down
  • looking long and closely
  • and training my hand to translate what my eyes are really seeing.

I think that it helps to think of seeing as a muscle/athlete in training. It is a skill that can be honed, focused or shaped.

berries drawing Linda Germain

We are so fortunate to live in this world with its abundant feast for our eyes. The challenge for the artist is to edit and find unique focus.

Things that I have been SEEING lately:

  • Shapes on roof tops and steeples
  • Different fonts
  • Autumn berries and twigs

I have complied some of my SEEING practices into a class, Creating Habits. This online workshop will run January 7 to 13, 2022. Check out the details and join us.

collage skyline sketchbook practice

 

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Making for the mind

artist book, collage, drawings, inspiration / /

I have been playing with drawing and collage lately. I can do these activities while I watch a funny show or listen to upbeat music.

sketchbook habits and ideas

Printmaking is a bit more physical and takes more focus.

delicate gelatin plate monotype print by linda germain

Am I tired? Hmmm? Am I looking for a more relaxing making activity?

collage and drawing ideas for sketchbook practice

I am not sure. I don’t think this was a conscious decision. But in the process I have embraced some processes that are relaxing and fun. And I think that these new practices are developing my seeing and design skills.

soft cover coptic stitch book

For more art making habits check out this post on Ways to motivate. Enjoy!

Making for the mind Read More »

Where to do find source material?

inspiration / /

Sometimes, I just stare at my phone. Which app will fill the moment?

phone for inspiration

Hmm, that is kind of scary to me. Looking to  some “curated”  system to entertain me in the moment. So I have created a way to inspire myself with my own photos.

camera roll for ideas

It may sound silly but I scroll through my camera roll instead of Instagram or Facebook. I am in charge or what I see and I am reminded of my process and success.

annotate your photo to inspire

I have annotated a few images with words and put them in a favorites folder.

silhouette cast shadows

I often use cast shadows of grasses and leaves in my drawing practice.

A quick scroll through my images reminds me of the fun I have had over the last few weeks. And how much art work I have produced.

I offer this idea to you.

Maybe your life,

  • your environment,
  • your family, and
  • your own camera roll can be a source of art making ideas.

Try it!

One way I have used photos as source material is to make stencil. Check out this blog post.

Where to do find source material? Read More »

3 reasons to take an online art class

inspiration, mark making, mixed media printmaking / /

I love taking art classes in person and online.

art workshop

When I need some inspiration for my art practice taking a class often helps me generate new ideas. Often the class is a new subject or technique. Or sometimes I take a class because I love the teacher and her philosophy stimulates my process.

workspace - linda germain

Recently, in person options have been limited, so online art classes have been my choice.

mountain scapes

Online workshops are great because:

  1. I have access to the lessons right from the comfort of my studio. No travel, traffic or parking challenges. I have all my tools readily available and I don’t have to pack up or lug supplies to the workshop location.
  2. More bang for my buck. Online classes are often much less expensive than an in person class. Also I enjoy the benefits of feedback and encouragement from a wider group of classmates. Influences of an international group of students in online classes is unique.
  3. I don’t have to take notes or worry about missing key skills. Most online workshops are downloadable or have lifetime access. So I can watch videos and do lessons over and over again. And each time I learn something new from the same material.

I hope I have encouraged you to check out online art classes to inspire and support your art practice.

If you are interested check out the current online art classes that I am offering.

monochromatic Mountains

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