mark making

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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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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Value matters – Printmaking

Gelatin plate print, mark making, monotype print, stencils, techniques / /

Sometimes, I look at a print that I am working on and feel that something is missing. I need something to make it pop or something to pull it all together.

gelatin print with hand stamped marks

Often I can do that by adding a very dark mark or a very light mark.

mountains scape by linda germain

Value, the range of light to dark is often over looked. Color is easier to see so it often gets more attention.

Some painters do grey scale “drafts” before they paint with color.

range of value

One way to check for range of value is to take a black and white photo of your print. Do you see some very light areas as well as some very dark marks?

abstract landscape gelatin prints

Another way I check for range of value is to squint at the print. If it blurs into one soft medium mass, then I need to look for ways to add dark darks or light lights.

If you want to build your skills for creating prints with a strong range of value, then join us in the upcoming online class, check out the current printmaking classes.

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Zoom call doodles – good habit

altered books, artist book, mark making / /

It might not be what your boss suggests, but doodling during meetings and phone calls might be good for your for your visual art practice.

phone doodles

I recently did the doodle above during an hour long call.

I was suprised by all the different patterns I was able to create with simple lines dots and circles.

pen doodles

I think this mediative practice:

  • is easy to do with minimal supplies
  • suspends judgement – quiets your critical voice
  • can create some pleasing results to feed your art practice

For those reasons, I have added a daily meditative mark making prompt to the Mixed Media Retreat, the online class. Details on the workshop page.

playful drawing

I think meditative marks can:

  • be a source for stamp and tool making
  • be a way to learn to draw more shapes
  • be just plain fun and relaxing

Hope to see you in class.

sketchbooks in process

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