Unleash Your Creativity: A Warm Welcome to Drawing and Painting!

For these new blog posts, I want to inspire you to draw and paint. 🎨

For some of you, this could be a completely new adventure. You might not feel very brave about starting (hence the title!). For others, it may be a return to art after years away, when life somehow got in the way.

I understand the latter, and I empathise with the former! Starting at any point on your journey—yes, even if you’ve done art before—can feel overwhelming and a bit scary.

You Don’t Want to Mess Up

You don’t want to get things wrong. You’re likely to be extremely self-critical. And let’s be honest, you might worry that everyone will laugh at what you produce! Am I right?

Well, I’m here to tell you that I had this same conversation the other day during an art session I was running. So, I want you to know this is absolutely normal! And it’s all true (sort of!)

Yes, You Will Mess Up – You Have to!

How will you learn otherwise?! You will also make a lot of mess! Making mistakes is all part of your journey. It’s part of any journey in life, isn’t it? You need to tune into your inner child. Remember that one? The one who was creative until they weren’t? The one who didn’t worry about mistakes or what their work looked like? The one who had fun with pencils, crayons, paints… actually anything they could get their hands on… mud, anyone?! 🌟

Art Needs to Be Approached with Child-like Curiosity

Play with paint. Play with pencils. Get it wrong (yes, you can screw it up and throw it away!). Explore what happens when you mix this with that—not just paint colours. What about different media? What about different types of paint?

Learn what they do. Learn what you can’t do. Break the rules sometimes!

Yes, You Will Be Extremely Self-Critical. That’s Normal.

You will also face criticism. We’ve moved past that era when we didn’t care what people thought (and some of us are heading towards a similar era!). Somewhere around puberty, we started caring about everything we do. Some creative souls were rebellious (or strong, or talented) enough not to care, but you and I might be among the others…

Learn to take feedback and use it for your next project. Ask questions. Keep that curiosity alive! Think of your art journey like you would anything else you want to learn about. Yes, it is more visible than some things, but it needn’t be. A sketchbook can contain a whole lot of scribbles, and no one would know!

So, Where Do You Start?

Start small. Start messy. Start playing! Scribble, doodle, draw shapes. Play with colour. It doesn’t have to be a picture of anything. It could be a whole sheet of colour blocks, each one different. Scribble across your page and fill in each section with a different colour—remember doing that as a child?!

If you do one thing this week, do that - here's mine 👇

Let’s Get You Started and Have Some Fun Doing It!

Art is a journey, and every step you take is a step towards unlocking your creativity. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are part of the process! Embrace the mess, the colours, and the joy of creating.

Remember, the phrase "art is a journey" is not just a saying; it’s a way of life! So, grab your supplies and let’s dive into this wonderful world of creativity together! 🌈

The Joy of Creating

Creating art is not just about the final product; it’s about the joy you find in the process. Each brushstroke, each pencil mark, is a step towards self-discovery. You might find that art becomes a form of expression, a way to communicate your feelings and thoughts.

Finding Your Style

As you explore, you’ll start to find what resonates with you. Maybe you love bright colours, or perhaps you prefer soft pastels. Maybe you enjoy abstract forms, or you’re drawn to realism. Whatever it is, embrace it! Your style is uniquely yours, and that’s what makes it special.

Connecting with Others

Art can also be a wonderful way to connect with others. Join a workshop, share your work online, or simply invite friends to create with you. You’ll find that sharing your journey can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, you’ll get to see how others interpret the same prompts or themes.

Supporting Each Other

As we embark on this creative journey, let’s support each other! Share your successes, your challenges, and your progress. Celebrate the small wins, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. We’re all in this together, and that’s what makes it so much fun!

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those paints, those pencils, and let’s get started! Remember, the only way to truly mess up is to not try at all. Let’s embrace the journey of creativity together! 🎉