Back to school supplies

mark making tools / /

I love this time of year when the back to school supplies are on sale. I find myself using very simple supplies. It creates a sense of freedom.

Abstract landscapes with markers

Crayons, watercolor, markers and pencils have lots of potential.

school supplies for art making

Other supplies to stock up on:

  • White glue
  • Erasers
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Notebooks
  • clips and pencil cases

So even if you are not looking forward to going back to school, it is still a great time to stock up on some art supplies. Or maybe take an art class. This month’s sale class is the Mixed Media Retreat. It is 50% off. Now only $62.50. Read all the details on the workshop page.

broad tip markers

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Trees and the seasons

combined techniques / /

Nature is always a great source of inspiration.

pine trees by the lake

Trees are wonderful, subject matters for sketching and printing. They are structurally the same, but change with the seasons too. We can be inspired by the roots, trunk, branches and leaves.

look up into the trees

Here in  New England we are blessed with spectacular fall colors.

Red tree on City street

I incorporate trees into my sketchbook all year long.

tree sketch

I like to draw, print and collage all sorts of trees and then fill them with birds.

trees as subject matter for art making

The Torn Trees  Workshop is a mixed media class that celebrates abstract trees. It is the sale class for the month of September. Check out the details on the worksop page.

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Drawing as meditation – trees

combined techniques, drawings, inspiration / /

Drawing can be more than the end product of a pleasing picture.  It can be a meditation.

loose watercolor trees

I like to keep it simple. Fall is a great time to notice the changing trees.  The observation and meditation begins outside of the studio. I like to take pictures, and then reference them back in the studio for drawings and prints.

Trees are for inspiration

Trees can be a foundation for other kinds of marks and imageries, like birds and backgrounds and mountains.

You can use a combination of very simple materials to create tree like images. One of my favorites loose watercolors.

Loose watercolors are another fun way to make trees

You can create lovely abstract trees with the gelatin plate and ink. I like to combine those marks with collaged trees and painted birds.

Torn trees gel plate monotype print

It is fun to get up close and noticed the textures of the tree bark. You can find animals and plants that make these trees their home.

beautiful decaying tree

I sometimes just draw a bunch of trees to get started in a page in my sketchbook.

Tree sketch linda germain

If you would like to explore making trees with the gelatin plate, and other materials, then check out the details in the online class Torn Trees. It is the sale class for the month of September.

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ART as healing activity

inspiration / /

Do you use your art as a healing activity? What does that look like?

Magazine collage

Does it mean making marks without judgment? Does it mean discovering things that you can’t say with words but only through mark making and images?

Emotions, Mandela collage

Do you need to have a guide or therapist or a teacher? Can you trust yourself to do the discovery on your own?

I think the process of making something is the healing activity. It may not be important to interpret or give special meaning to the product.

Bowl of sketchbook prompts

I have tried some art therapy type assignments, and found that they were not especially useful to me. I find if I tweak a project to my own supplies, skills or interest, it has more impact for me.

One challenge that I have is to trust myself and to enjoy the process without judging it. I think that is a skill that is worth developing.

What if I make mud? What if I make the same marks over and over again? Is that valid? Is that important? I try to remember that it is about the process. And let that be good enough.

celebrate sunshine

Check out the online classes that are available to you now.

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Listen to art classes

inspiration / /

I love to have art podcasts or lessons, playing in the background while I work.

collage words

I don’t really listen or pay attention, but it just feels like having somebody else in the studio with me. It can be replaying a class that I took many years ago or it could be listening to a brand new podcast.

trees as subject matter for art making

Some of the artists that I listen to are:

I can listen to  a class over and over as I move around the studio. Sometimes I am inspired by a technique or subject matter. Other times I just laugh along with the presenter or other wise enjoy the discussion.

If you are looking for a new class to inspire your daily art making then check out some of my classes that are available now. Enjoy!

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