Drawing Experiment: Combining Objects

Drawing Experiment: Combining Objects

This week I wanted to show you one of my favorite drawing exercises that I like to teach. This exercise is great if you are stuck in your head or don't know what to draw.
 

Take 2 or 3 random things and combine them into a drawing! 

The reason why this is great for your creativity, is because it allows room for spontaneity, randomness and the flow of your creative mind. Very interesting things can happen then, ideas that we might not have even thought of! 

You want to try not to plan too much or get your thinking/ planning mind involved too much. Your inspiration could really be anything! Last week I just happened to get the new issue of Vogue in the mail.  I just sat down with magazine and flipped through to see what caught my eye.

I first noticed this adorable cheetah. I have to be honest, at first I doubted my ability to draw a cheetah, but I did it anyway. Mine doesn't look exactly like the photo, and that is the FUN of it. Every person's drawing is unique, so don't worry about it not being perfect.

Then, I was inspired by the flowers on this dress. Again, mine look completely different because I was trying to stay loose. I also used the lines on the wall as another element.

I'm not sure what exactly is going on in this photo but I thought that those bushes could make an interesting addition to the foreground! 

And there you have it! A fun little exercise to do when you don't know what else to do! I hope this has inspired you to get out the sketchbook and try something new. Let me know what you come up with, I would love to see your combo-drawings!

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Registration is OPEN for my "Getting Creative with Hand Lettering" e-course!

Class begins November 6th. 

Hand Lettering is a great way to express yourself and create work that will make you stand out as an artist. In this class, you will not only learn how to draw beautiful hand lettering, but do it in your own unique style!

I will share with you where I get inspiration, how to use your sketchbook to explore, we will observe different styles of typography and I will show you and combine ideas to create something all your own.

This is a week-long interactive course that consists of videos, and two live-streaming Q&A / Show and tell sessions.

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Want to feel more free?

Whenever I get feedback from students who have taken my courses it thrills me. I love hearing about their personal experiences and how much the classes effect them. I've had students tell me that my Creative Voice courses have changed their lives and I believe it!

Getting free of negative thinking in your artistic pursuits can help you immensely in other areas of your life.  There is something very healing about creative expression and embracing the artistic, soulful part of ourselves can have incredible benefits to us in general. 

Here is an excerpt from an e-mail that a recent student of my Finding your Creative Voice E-Course sent to me: 

"Thanks for a fun and engaging class. I really enjoyed playing with the materials that I had and definitely feel inspired and more creative as a result. The ideas you presented to me are still percolating but I can see where they're going to be really wonderful in inspiring me to be creative in my life. There's nothing more relaxing than playing with our materials after a stressful meeting when I just need to release the pent-up nervous energy. Thank you for setting my creativity on its path to freedom." 

In the course, we use a sketchbook to capture ideas and inspiration. Tuning into your intuition is key to setting yourself free of all of those "should" thoughts that creep into our lives! This is one of her intuitive drawings.

This is her final project. In my Finding your Creative Voice E-Course, I will take you all the way through the creative process from finding your own inspiration, to playing and exploring with the materials and then I show you how to create a final piece of art from all that you've discovered. The result is uniquely you and just the beginning of Finding your Creative Voice! 

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A self-paced course that helps you let go of fear and gives you the tools for authentic creative expression:

• Move past fear and into play through fun exercises that encourage your inner artist
• Use techniques such as collage, drawing, journaling and painting in a safe, fun environment
• Experiment with various mediums and styles such as watercolor pencils, pens and collage
• Learn how the creative process works - I will teach you how to create an entire project from inspiration to completion 
• Using your sketchbook as a guide, you will begin to see your own style emerge through observing what naturally draws you to creative flow
• Gain confidence to keep a creative practice that will enrich your life
• Get encouragement from others who are on their own journey and experience a warm and accepting community

No art experience necessary! Open to beginners or advanced students. 

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Finding a balance between doing and being

Finding Balance

Over the past few weeks, I've been trying to regain some balance in my life. Sometimes I get so focussed and overwhelmed by my to do list that it feels like I am constantly in my logical mind. This gives my authentic, intuitive, creative side very little space to enjoy life and be present. It's a constant journey for me to find that magical balance between doing and being.

What does finding balance look like for me?

• Pulling back from social media a bit to reconsider what I am posting and why.
• Taking time to listen to what I need first, instead of going directly to the to-do list in a manic need to get everything done.
• Thinking about what is essential in my life and what I most need to do. What are the things that I feel like I need to do but I can really cut back on?
• Re-filling my creative well by finding other creative people who can speak to what I'm going through.

 

Are you dealing with similar issues? 

I thought it might be helpful to share with you some of the things that I'm reading and listening to that have helped me restore balance. Here are a few of my favorites: 

Brene Brown on the Being Boss podcast, sharing about vulnerability for creatives
Lisa Congdon talks freely on her blog about how she is recovering from burnout.
At Left Brain turn Right -  Anthony Meindl's book on how to live a more creative life
The Creative Life podcast - James Taylor's podcast in which he interviews creative entrepreneurs
Gather the People - A book by Sarah J. Bray where she shares a simple, honest approach to creating work
I am not hustling and I am not crushing it - Kerry-Anne Gilowey talks about how to deal with chronic physical issues or other things in life that challenge our idea of perfectionism

Stepping back a bit has given me some time to come up with new ideas for classes and projects. Stay tuned in the coming weeks, when I will have some exciting things to share with you!

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Finding freedom in your art is a process. We are all growing and learning every day. I truly believe that I can help you to step outside of your negative thoughts and embrace your natural way of creating.

Are you ready to get started? 

In my Finding your Creative Voice E-Course you can:

• Let go of self-judgement and learn strategies for authentic creative expression

• Experiment with various mediums and styles such as watercolor pencils, pens and collage

• Create an entire project from inspiration to completion 

• Using your sketchbook as a guide, you will begin to see your own style emerge through observing what naturally draws you to creative flow

• Gain confidence to keep a creative practice that will enrich your life

• Get encouragement from others who are on their own journey and experience a warm and accepting community

No art experience necessary! Open to beginners or advanced students. 

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Do you have creative tips, tricks or questions?

I would love to include any ideas that you have on how to jump start your creativity or take it to the next level. What have you found that's worked for you? Or do you have questions that I can answer in my next newsletter? Email me at esther@estherloopstra.com and let's create a creative community!