Featuring colorist Ronda Francis

Thursday, February 4, 2016

An Artistic Plan ~ How to Enhance Your Creativity Even as a Beginner + Downloadable Journal Page

Pablo Picasso said "the chief enemy of creativity is good sense."

This is probably true, but as you can tell there are some inherent issues with this statement. I am certainly not trying to argue with the master of creativity who would surely say that his art came before anything else.

But many of you out there live in a home, possibly have a car, have some type of job, and eat on a regular basis. Most would say their family comes before anything. Having good sense allows us to keep our homes and jobs, eat decent meals, and stay out of jail. That being said I cannot be a complete proponent of throwing good sense to the wind.

But if we can laser focus our good sense to our artistic endeavors, I think the advice is perfect.

Rejected

A few years ago I was chosen to illustrate a children's book. The text was lovely and I instantly had an idea of what the pictures should look like. I quickly put together several images and sent them over--and they were just as quickly rejected. 

So I tried again, and again, and again--no luck.

All my great ideas were gone. 

At this point I had nothing to lose. I drew a far more grown up image, but the made me happy. I loved the colors and the whirling dreamy background. I figured what the hell! At least I could go out with a bang.

Accepted
 
Those were the pictures that were chosen for the book. 

I had nothing attached to them--no fear, no worries, no preconceived notions. I figured it was already too late, and a tiny voice in the back of my head said the images would never work. So I sent them.

My roundabout point is this: sometimes the thing that gets in our way the most is our own negative thinking. 

So when it comes to art, do what they say in Frozen: LET IT GO!

If any of you are true beginners here is my advice:

* Go out and get whatever you like to create with--markers, paints, yarn, fabric--whatever! (Even if you are scared and you never tried, all the more reason to go for it.)

* Find a magazine or Google article about whatever medium you chose. 

*  Choose a project--a picture, a painting, anything--and copy it. (That's right--copy. You can trace, copy, recreate, or do your own version of anything you see. Some people need this little kick start for their creativity--especially if they have not used it since they were little. Plus copying or tracing actually helps you learn very quickly. Before you know it you'll be itching to create your own stuff.)

*Start right away and DO NOT worry about being perfect.

* Finish it!

* Start another.

* On the same day you start this project, get a notebook or journal--even a piece of paper will do, and write about your artistic dreams each morning. Feel free to tear out the page and rip it up after you write if you are afraid someone will read it. (Great idea from a friend). The point isn't to have a book to read when you are done, but to get your mind on creativity and what it means to you. Just do one page, and try and include one positive thing you are feeling about your creative process. Also, follow Picasso for this too--just write with abandon, write from your soul. This could be something you have waited to do for years. (I have included a downloadable journal page to hopefully inspire you HERE. It is free, and you can rip it up when you are done if you like.)

* Last but not least, do art with kids. Watch how free they are, they are not worried, just happy to be in the creative moment.

I'd love to see your work--especially if you are just starting. I feel art is so important and can be a wonderful way to express yourself.

Here are some words of wisdom that every. single. creative needs to hear. Only two minutes and super worth it. Click HERE

Video Cat
Today's video is How to Draw a Cute Cartoon Cat. If you like it I hope you share it with a young person who likes art too.




Don't forget to enter the Six Shades of Grey Faber-Castell Giveaway HERE for a chance to win SIX Faber-Castell PITT artist pens. Good luck!


xo

84 comments:

  1. Nicely said, Dea! And such pretty cats (of course I'm biased, what with being of the certainty that cats are the ultimate life form on the planet.

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    1. Thank you William--and I do remember that you love cats. Wondering how many you have. A few of my friends say they are like potato chips. Glad you stopped by. xo

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  2. Love your cats. Thanks for the good tips. Sometimes we just have to let go and do things, and that's always fine. Have a fun day, happy PPF, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thanks Valerie--I know most of the PPF crew probably are well beyond this post--but I wanted to help the beginners out there to just get started. Happy PPF! xo

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  3. Lovely cats -- can see the freedom and joy of art especially in the accepted piece and video cat -- great work!

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    1. Thank you so much Abigail! I hope the videos get viewed by kids too--I would love to help a future artist find a place to learn a bit. xo

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  4. Lovely cat art this week. Happy PPF

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  5. Gorgeous drawings. Love the cats ♥

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    1. I appreciate the nice words! Thank you--and have a nice week. xo

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  6. Hi Dea
    This is an intriguing topic! I remember my HS creative writing teacher telling us about papering the bathroom wall with rejection slips ... non attachment is a good practice, I guess! He later began writing for a fairly local paper, and I sometimes thought of that comment when I read his articles (which I always enjoyed) ... kind of thumbing our noses at those earlier 'rejections!'
    Happy PPF!

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    1. Hi Dia! Yes! I remember hearing that Stephen King would hang each rejection letter on a stretched out paper clip and felt that each on was one step closer to publication--and boy was he right! Have a great week! xo

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  7. Hello Dea! Thanks for sharing. Being rejected at times is not easy and can be very devastating, yet I am sure it can help you push further. Loved your topic! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and lovely art!
    xoxoxo
    Michelle aka MiSchra

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    1. I so very much agree. I did not send the original sketches from the story--when I think back, I loved them, when I look back I can see why they were rejected! Thank you! Have a great week. xo

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  8. What a great post, and I couldn't agree more. My experiences are just the same, when the outcome doesn't matter I do my best art. When I sit down and concentrate on making something "beautiful" the result is never what I hoped for.

    And, as a reply to your comment over at my site last week, I really do admire Van Gogh's art, so that was a huge compliment, thank you.

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    1. Yes! Our preconceived notions can do us in! That is tough for me because I know I have to do that thing--shut off my brain and just let the spirit kind of do its thing. That sounds kind of woo woo--I hope you know what I mean! Have a nice week Laila! xo

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  9. What fun! Love your cats .. such character. Thanks for sharing all the great tips. hugs, Donna

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    1. Thank you Dorothy Parker! (Just realized--that is a great name :) ) Hope you have a lovely week. xo

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  10. well said- and I happen to like all three of your cats-the first one looks like he's listening to the flowers:)Happy PPF!

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    1. Linda he does! I never looked at it that way before. I should have added some of the earlier rejections--really BAD! (I thought they were good at the time!) Have a great week! xo

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    1. Thank you! I know the advice is too rudimentary for most, but I thought it would be nice to write something for the beginners, because I wish I had something to read when I was just starting. Have a great week! xo

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  12. I have been dealing with rejections lately too because I'm trying something new. I'm also learning about detachment, or as you put it, letting it go. It is a healthy mind frame to be in. Your accepted illustration is very strong and I can see how it grew from the original drawing in it's sentiment. Congratulations on having it accepted and thank you for your inspirational tips!

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    1. Yes rejection can be hard--but like Stephen King said--each rejection is one step closer to publication! And thanks for the nice words--I have had rejections lately like mad! Well--off to to the war of art! Have a great week. xo

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  13. I love your style and the colors you use. Your art is delightful. It is so nice of you to shared so many tips and helpful videos.

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    1. Thank you so much Tammy. I know most in PPF will think the tips are elementary, but I wanted to help the beginners this week. Have a nice week! xo

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  14. Thanks for the great advice I love those cat pieces!

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    1. You are very welcome and thank you for the kind words! Have a lovely week Christine! xo

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  15. A lot of things to keep in mind, very helpful, thanks. Love your drawings and love the groundhog!!

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    1. Too much maybe! I get all excited thinking someone might be teetering on the edge, and this could help them take a leap of faith. Thanks Peggy! xo

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  16. good advice and great illustration

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  17. Great advice! I like all the cat drawings...the little cartoon cat looks so cute. But I love the one that was chosen for the book.

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    1. Thank you Janet! That is Bear--he was my sister's cat and he was such a love. Have a great weekend! Xo

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  18. It's strange what time can do to one's eyes, it's so obvious to see what went wrong back then, when you now look at old paintings, manuscripts etc.
    It's a wonder to realize that one isn't too old to still learn! That thought makes me always happy because it's also the key to renew myself.

    Thanks for sharing this post and especially the cats!

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    1. So true Susu! I think you can't help but improve if you keep on going, even if you mess up at first. Thank you!! Have a great weekend. Xo

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  19. Fabulous post I love it Dea...what Ira said is sooo true!! What Picasso said does apply to the creative process...but I agree about the good sense in life...I guess that's why we really need to play creatively! And I really do!! Love the rejected cat...it's all about preference isn't it!! The colourful one is awesome too...but I love the expression on the white cat..gorgeous work...all of it!! Thanks for sharing! Oh and adorable tutorial on the cat!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. The rejected cat!! LOL--that almost made me spit my tea. Think I might need to draw the image in my head. :) and i like the rejected cat toooo!! Thank you Giggles--have a lovely weekend. Xo

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  20. Truly a wonderful post. Your art is expressive and beautiful.

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    1. Thank you so much Nicole. Such lovely words--have a nice weekend. Xo

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  21. Such sage advice on your post and a wonderful place for beginners to browse. Your cats are both lovely.

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    1. Yes I am trying to inspire the ones just starting. Thank you Faye--have a nice weekend. Co

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  22. You are so right! I love the first picture that was rejected, but I can see why they choose the second one: it's vibrant and expressive and has a unique style. Beautiful work!

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    1. I still like that first cat (what I call the pink cat--Giggles called it the Rejected Cat--I almost spit my tea!) but the second one was more what they were looking for. Thank you denthe and have a lovely weekend! xo

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  23. Hi Dea, You are a great teacher and "life coach"! I enjoy seeing your paintings with the line work in the background. I am going to click on all the "here" buttons. Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by my site.

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    1. Thank you so much Gloria! You made me happy tonight :) Hope you use the downloadable page. Have a great weekend! xo

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  24. Love your kitties this week. And I might be a week late but congrats on having that cute little squirrel as the feature on PPF. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thanks so much Erika :) Willow is an awesome subject--not everyone can say they have a God Squirrel. xo

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  25. What a great blogpost with super ideas. I nearly went off immediately to make more art rather than write a comment, haha! Your message to just do it is so true, when we just do it something happens, sometimes more eventually than other times, but it does.
    I really love the first painting, it touches the heart.

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  26. Ha Sheila! And thank you --I like Pink Cat too. But you never know what they will like...have a great weekend. xo

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  27. I loved the accepted and the rejected kitty. I would have accepted them both. I also enjoyed the trailer on drawing a cartoon cat.

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    1. Thank you Sandra! My friend who does movies in Hollywood and she told me she stopped taking the rejections personally--sometimes what you have is simply not what they want. (You just have to make sure you are good and not getting rejected because you are not up to par yet). Oh the drama. Have a lovely weekend. xo

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    2. And I didn't mean YOU are up to par--I mean in general!! xo

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  28. What a great story! It can be so hard to remember that you don't have to be perfect every time. And also, that other people have different tastes! Such sweet little cats, every one. :)

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    1. Thank you Cindy--and so true. We beat ourselves up too much sometimes. Although I can't say I am a true type A--I can veer into that catagory when it comes to myself! Hope you have a lovely weekend and thanks for the comment! xo

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  29. So cute! I adore cats and i wish I could have one. So beautiful! I really love all your positive tips for art. So wonderful and positive! I love it!

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    1. Thank you Cozydoodle--I love that name! I wish I could have a cat too but the guys in my life are allergic. I appreciate the kind words--hope you have a great weekend! xo

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  30. Congrats on your book illustrations

    Thanks for dropping in at my blog this weekend

    Much love...

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    1. Thanks Gillena! You're welcome--loved the tree pix. xo

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  31. Wish I saw this earlier. But still worth a try. :)

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  32. Wow Dea! Congrats! Your artwork is truly amazing and inspiring!

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    1. Thank you Mona--I so appreciate the nice words. I am still thinking about your cupcake. xo

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  33. Wow, lovely illustration! Congratulations!!!

    Smiles, Saskia :)

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    1. Thank you Saskia (great name). Working on the next one now. Have a great week. xo

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  34. So true! Negativity can really get in the way especially if we are making something for a client. We need to let go of our ego and just create :)

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    1. Yes! I first have to go through the brain glitch--which I think is worse when doing the work for someone else. Oh the ego thing--so true. Have a great week! xo

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  35. I can totally understand why your "accepted" cat was accepted. the style is your own and unique!

    Great advice! Very similar to what I wrote about on my blog!

    It is really cool about your dad working on the special effects of Star Wars! Thanks for visiting my blog!

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    1. Yes right along the same lines. :) Genius minds and all. ;) I did not think that cat was OK for a kids book--but ya never know! And thanks about Dad--he was nerd-cool before it was in. Have a great week! xo

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  36. Wonderful cat art!
    Beautiful!
    Glad you for showing video drawing.

    Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  37. Thank you thank you! I hope some kids start to watch the videos. Have a lovely weekend xo

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  38. So true what you said of letting go of all expectations makes us and out art free and fun! But is not easy at all ;) Love your cat with the tangles behind! No wonder it ends in a childrensbook ♥ Conny http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de

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  39. Thanks Pia! And no it is not easy! There's a part of me that thinks it should be all business for me, and the other wants fun and excitement--sigh. I am VERY not black and white. Have a great week PIA! xo

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  40. As a control freak it's important to relax and let it go. If I plan too much trash bin will be full :) But. Not easy. Left hand working helps - I forgive mistakes and funny shapes...With right control freak is sitting on my shoulder if I can't get rid of it...
    Thanks for inspirational post,
    have a good week!

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    1. It is hard to let it go! I said that knowing it was very hard--and should mention it in the blog. I do not take it lightly. I think letting go is an actual process--and for some a lengthy one. And yes--left handed drawing if you are right handed is very cool. I know someone who developed so much after their college instructor told them to practice that way. I would wonder if I wouldn't eventually start drawing that way. My father is ambidextrous--wonder if it is inhereited? Thanks for coming by--have a great week. xo

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  41. I like both of your kitty paintings very much! It's hard to know what will work exactly for others... Thank you for a very thought provoking post.

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    1. Thank you Lisa! It's hard to work for others--even with a description you can't really know what they want. Have a great week. xo

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  42. Wow! Both cat paintings are beautiful, but I can tell with the second one that you painted it for yourself. I always have a hard time with my paintings when I try to figure out what might appeal to others. xoxo Silke

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    1. Thank you Silke! I try very hard now to just let go of preconceived notions and just do what I think--why is that so hard!? But it's true--the second one was just for me. Have a great week! xo

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  43. I love both versions of the cat. Wonderful paintings. One of these days, I will share the cartoon cat video with my niece. Good advice too.

    Thanks for visiting my blog and for the lovely comment.

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    1. I'd love to see the video! Thanks for the kind words--make sure you find me when you share the vid. Talk to you soon. xo

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  44. Some excellent advice there. The way I see it, you just gotta go for it and keep going no matter what gets in the way. Love all of your cats.

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