Welcome

Ever have the urge to pick up a pencil and start doodling? Ever walk through a gallery or see something for sale and say, I can do that. Then this blog is for you! But you can't even draw a straight line, you say?...Well, that's not a problem here, the wigglier the better. This blog has been designed to promote and instigate creativity, specifically in the visual arts (this is anything to do with fine art or craft) but once you get started, who knows where it may lead you.

Recently, while conducting research for my art education dissertation, it became apparent to me that there are few opportunities for people to engage in informal, active, art experiences. Aside from enrolling in an art program or class, which are excellent options if one has enough time and resources, actually making something that one would want to hang on one's wall or display with pride may be an unrealized dream. So don't be afraid and pick up a brush and either on your own or with your friends (have an art party!), give these a try. The following posts contain mere suggestions for unleashing your personal creativity.

Please read the pages below for more details about How it works and Who might like this. Enjoy!

Starting with lines

Today I decided to make some art. I actually thought about it all week, but I found so many other things that had to be done first...and sometimes I'm just too tired to start, you know how it is. But today I am determined and so, have gathered my pencils, some paper, some charcoal and felt tip pens, found a clear surface at my kitchen table and claimed it for my own by spreading out my belongings. It's a good time of day to begin a project, with few distractions and enough foot traffic to provide some energy and background noise without anyone standing over my shoulder asking, "What's that supposed to be?"

I don't have a finished image in mind, but I do have a gaping space on my wall that is in desperate need of some sort of decoration. I may not finish today, but I am resolute in my attempt to at least start. The space I have in mind is not the focal point of the room, in fact it's in the hallway, but since it's in close proximity to the bathroom, people may notice it when they are going about their business. I'm not concerned about any particular theme or picture for my design, but I'd rather people pleasantly comment on the design after they leave the bath, rather than feeling the need to enter the room with haste after they see my finished work.

Lines are fun to start with because they can turn into so many shapes and I believe, have a personality of their own. First though, I have to like the tools I'm working with. Do you find that? A pencil, for instance, can't be too soft so that it doesn't leave a mark and ends up making a permanent indentation in my paper because I've pressed too hard. Same thing with charcoal. I like the kind that crumbles slightly and leaves a bit of dust behind. It's messy to be sure but, oh, so fun to smear. Paper, on the other hand, can have texture or not, depending on my mood and the tools I'm using. Although there are probably numerous paper aficionados out there who can comment on the virtues of cold pressed paper (did I get that right?...please comment if you're out there), the biggest issue for me regarding paper is the size. While it's so much fun to attach a 18" x 24" sheet of paper to the wall and make large expressive lines, being able to take a small pad with you into the living room or out to the park is wonderful. It's really up to you.

But back to pencils, I prefer something without an eraser. Here's why: if it's there, I'll use it and it's so much more exciting when erasing isn't an option (except at the end to clean up smudges). I've always found that this allows me to make mistakes but to figure out how to either use them or work around them. And once you get used to doing this, the whole process becomes really fun. How the pencil responds to the paper is also important because I find if it doesn't make that smooth but slightly scratchy noise, the action just isn't that satisfying.

So now I'll try some lines and see how the graphite in this pencil responds to the paper.

If you've never made a line on a piece of paper for no reason whatsoever, try it. It feels great.

Long lines, short lines, wispy lines, bold lines. Once you get going, it's hard to stop. Try making circular lines that are thick and thin. Good movement, huh? Look outside, maybe it's still light enough to see something through your window or better yet, look at something on the table in front of you. Pick part of that object and capture one line that makes up any part of it's shape. Once you draw that line, feel what it's like to add some shadow to it by smearing the side with a stump or tissue or cotton swab (or finger, this works really well too).

My lines looks like nothing in particular but that's okay. I start to create shapes, then fill them in with the graphite. Maybe turn the paper around and see what it looks like from a different angle.

My paper is too thin, and so I find some watercolor paper. It's not very expensive and so I'm not afraid of using a few sheets if necessary. I'm dissatisfied with the drawing I started so I'll put it aside for now. After going through this process (being unhappy with my initial drawing) so many times before, I've found that if I keep my drawings and come back to them later, I'll either, a) see where to re-work them or, b) cut them up to add to another drawing (sort of like keeping them for parts).

I'm using a marker that doesn't really work here. It's okay, though, I won't panic. I'll just keep the line and work around it...charcoal is good for hiding lines like this. If you're frustrated (like I am right now) just start a new piece. Keep this one, though, you'll come back to it later, I promise.

For me, adding color is brave. You may really love color (like I do) but to me, color adds another dimension of emotion. I'm not ready for color right now, but if you have to have color for your lines, go for it! Use pencils, watercolor or both (I have these wonderful water soluble pencils that act like pencil but when you dip them in water give you a beautiful bold line) and just have fun!