5 Ways to BUILD ART SKILLS while HIBERNATING this Winter - Painting & Drawing Tips

The DARK COLD RAINY DAYS are HERE!! Winter is nearly upon us.

Ok, I'm sorry, I know the rest of Canada is already well into Winter.  Here on the west coast we haven't really started winter yet.  Certainly no snow. And temperatures are usually in the 6-9 degrees area.  But we do have many dark, dismal rainy days.  

IN THE QUIET OF THE DAY - Acrylic & Watercolour 16 x 20 Matted $650

Do you like to Hibernate in winter? . . .

I do.  Of course not in the true sense, I don't sleep all the time but I do tend to cocoon more in the house and of course my studio.  Max and I still bundle up and head out for walks and often a steaming hot chocolate greets me on our return.  

This is a time when my Creative Juices really flow. . . .

I don't worry about building up stock by creating tons of masterpieces.  It is my time to try new things, let my imagination flow.  For the next 6 weeks, that is my focus. 

5 Ways to Build Skills while hibernating in your Studio

1. Try a new Technique

As you know I am a realist and I do not work in acrylic or oil.  Corrections.  I tried monotypes using acrylics and loved it.  It was one of my 'new things' this year.  I loved the mixture of the abstract with my realism.  It was fun to make backgrounds with interesting shapes and colours and then impose my ideas on them.  Below, my project "Ducks on the Water" really took me to new places in so many ways. To learn more see my video with the complete project and take a look at my post "Have You Tried Monotypes?"and video Getting Started with Monotypes.  A piece of glass and a few acrylic paints and you are good to go.  (See above,  In the Quiet of the Day for another example of this type of work) 

Panel from "Ducks on the Water" note the random colour is all created by the monotype process

2. Make a Video

I know the whole world is going crazy with videos so nothing new there you say.  But what about making a video Artist Statement.  I have made two Artist Statement videos and have found them really useful for introducing myself and my work in new ways.  This type of video work involves taking clips, editing, dubbing in sound and . . . .  Lots more than just click camera and shoot.  iMovie's comes with my iPad and has lots of editing features that can really add splash and glitz to your video.  

Yes, it was a learning curve but Mr Google has lots of tutourials to help out with the tech stuff.  Have a look at my post "How to Write an Artist Statement - What the Heck are you Doing?"   and see below my videos for ideas on what kinds of content to include.   

Staging a Virtual Art Show - includes a 3 minute video, an Introductory Artist Statement
5 Keys for Creating a Virtual Art Talk - includes a 12 minute video, an expanded Artist Statement

Having live action clips of you working on a project, provides interest to your viewers

3.  Build Your Drawing Skills

Building skills is always at the back of my mind.  Looking for ways to inspire me to 'just practice' can sometimes be tough.  Here is one activity I find motivating. The focus is on one subject, filling the page with the image challenges you in many ways: composition, rendering, shading and more.  The 'What if I try this?' questions start happening.  When that happens I am usually humming and well into my work.  I love those moments.  Even when I walk with Max, I am busy thinking of new things to try and anxious to get back to work. 

To start you on your Repetition (practice)  Journey see my Post "Can Repetition REALLY be FUN?!" .  I have created a  FREE Downloadable Repetition is Fun Sheet PDF  with tulips to inspire you and a  video   Repetition Can be Fun with more ideas.  

TULIPS IN THE SUNSHINE - Sketchbook Practice - Doesn't this picture make you feel good and want to do more?

4. Retrain Your Inner Critic 

Have you noticed that your Inner Critic never takes a holiday?  He is always there, nattering at you whether you want it or not.  Takes some time in your practice to really work with this guy.  He is full of knowledge but has appalling Social and Language Skills. 

Check out my post "Turn Your Inner Critic into Your BFF" for new ways to communicate with him. It includes a video "How to turn your Inner Critic into Your  BFF" as well as more examples.  

 And my post "Have you ever got Trapped in the Web of PERFECTION?"  has a sketchbook activity that will stretch you and your Inner Critic.  It will help you 'get him into line'.  There is also  video support to further your discussion "Moving Away from Perfection" 

SUNFLOWERS GLOWING IN THE SUNLIGHT - Sketchbook Practice 

5. Finish up those Troublesome Projects 

 

There is always projects hiding on the shelf.  You know the ones.  They started with great ideas.  Paint was flying, your heart was singing.  Then suddenly fell flat.  You want to finish them but. You're Stuck.  I know what it is like.  Sometimes I leave them for a bit, take Max for a walk or pull out an art book.  And sometimes this works.  

But what you really need is Someone to talk too.  Someone to bounce ideas with. Someone with fresh eyes. An Art Coach/Mentor.   See my post "Have you every worked with a Visual Arts Mentor/Coach?" for a better idea of what this could look like.  This is that knowledgeable person you are looking for to give you the kind of feedback you need to grow.  This is not a critique, it is a discussion.  There will be examples, demonstrations of techniques, and more. 

 

Online Mentoring Session with Wendy Mould - Flexible schedule,  $75 for 3 sessions 30 minutes each.  

This is my last post for the year, I look forward to starting up once again January 7th. I have a great idea for your Hibernation - Building Skills with a Treasure Hunt! I look forward to sharing it with you.  

Have a Safe, Quiet Christmas and all the best for the coming New Year!!

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy