I’m out of practice in the studio. All spring and into summer I was off my regular schedule — traveling, working, getting ready for the vacations, catching up with friends, eating well but not holding myself to any kind of art regimen. If that wall of time has built up for you, too, and you aren’t quite sure how to get into the swing of painting or drawing after an extended hiatus, take my recommendation and start with some abstract painting prompts. They will get you warmed up in the very best way and fire up your creative spirit once again! You also might be craving some well-earned relaxation, creatively speaking. Jodi Ohl’s Zen Painting Workshop video download is sure to deliver a soothing, supportive artistic experience that allows you to explore art materials and create colorful, abstract work while getting back into the art processes you love!Abstract painting by Jodi Ohl
Why Abstract Painting?
Do you remember when you were little and you went back to school after a summer of doing as few school-related activities as possible? I always remember how weird it felt to hold a pencil again. And my penmanship? Horrible on that first day. Like I was all thumbs! It can be the same in your sketchbook or on your canvas. You feel unconnected and awkward making marks because you are out of practice. With abstract painting, that’s OK. It can even be a plus. Marks will vary and be unexpected. Let them! Start abstractly, get your rhythm and take it anywhere!Abstract painting by Jodi Ohl
6 Abstract Art Prompts to Jump Start Your Creativity
Connect 7 dots. Literally, dot your surface seven times and get started connecting them with pattern and texture, color and any kind of mark that comes out of you. All are welcome.
Use your non-dominant hand to start. This way you know that you will get some unanticipated marks. You can always switch back once you feel like you’ve got some inspiration flowing.
Alter your surface. Crumple your paper. Smear it with a wash. Flick paint at it. Put something unique down first and it might adjust your vision so that you work in a different way.
Only one color. Now you really have to work on texture and forms to get creative.
Only one tool. That means one brush. And remember a brush has one traditional way of being used but several nontraditional ways of being used.
Close your eyes. Or blindfold yourself. If you are at home, no one will see you. You get to start fresh and see with your mind’s eye. Surprisingly enough it will likely set your hand free.
Art journal page from Jodi Ohl
Prompts, Projects, Inspiration and Fun
Splatter, stamp, scrape, repeat. While there are many approaches to painting abstract art, Jodi Ohl‘s philosophy is to simply start. In this video instruction, the successful, self-taught artist helps you dive in with an open mind and fearless heart. Everything in these resources kick-starts your creativity. Check out the trailer for Texture Techniques now, and enjoy!
Art Material Glossary Facts in books, information in glossaries, the ability to use them in our heads! If you are new to the arts you may have problems to decipher certain art material terms used in the arts field. Or you wonder what brand to get. To help you along, I added this little glossary as a guideline to make it easier to find the right materials when starting to draw or paint. Save Drawing Materials GRAPHITE PENCILS There are varied types of graphite pencils. When you buy a set, make sure that you get one with a 4h and 2h otherwise buy them single. All brands are really fine. I personally use the Faber Castell graphite and Staedler pencils. Staedler is cheaper and a little lighter than the Faber Castell. Faber Castell are the only pencils with an added inner core strength so that the pencils don't break inside when they fall. SKETCHPAD The paper we draw on is of importance. In my time as commercial illustrator I tried man...
11 Must Have Watercolor Supplies for Beginners by Matt Fussell Perhaps you’re an experienced watercolor artist, or maybe you’re just starting out. Either way, there are several supplies that I feel are essential. You may not use them all in every painting that you create, but if you’re looking to stock up, here’s what I suggest having in your tool box… 1. Watercolor Paints Well there’s no doubt that you’ll need watercolor paint. But what brand and what type you should use really becomes a personal choice. Let’s look at your options… First, a note on low quality brands of paint. There are plenty of low quality brands of watercolor. Watercolor can be made very cheaply and for the lower quality brands, the price reflects this. You’ll see the price that you pay reflected in the quality of your painting as well. Using low quality paints will just lead to frustration, so my suggestion is stay away from the cheaper brands. Watercolor is produced in two main forms: Tub...
Learn How to Draw a Dog with This Simple Step-by-Step Sketching Guide By Sara Barnes on September 4, 2019 How to Draw a Dog Body Step by Step The easiest way to start drawing anything is to break it down into its simplest form and then gradually refine its details. This makes even the most daunting subjects accessible. Photo: Jamie Street For this exercise, you’ll want to find a photo of a dog. Generally, it’s best to draw from life whenever possible—it helps keep your observation skills sharp. But for a subject like a dog, which moves a lot , opt for a still image instead. STEP 1: STUDY YOUR SOURCE PHOTO. Photo & art: Sara Barnes / My Modern Met Just because you aren’t drawing the dog from life doesn’t mean you’re free of observation. In fact, a photograph gives you even more opportunity to study your subject. Before putting pencil to paper, take time to look at your photo. Start to note all of the things you see. How are the legs...
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