There’s nothing scarier than a blank canvas….and an empty paintbrush. I’m a leeeelte bit afraid of painting. I’d like to call myself an artist but I failed ‘painting’ in high school, and that has stuck with me. (It was more due to the fact that I didn’t follow the panel layout ‘criteria’ than the lack of skill set.) Also I like to draw, and so when I pick up a paintbrush I tend to ‘draw’ with my brush – fine lines and controlled colour application. I yearn to be able to create colourful pieces filled with freedom to put on my walls. So I have been pushing my comfort zones and trying different ways to get colour onto canvas and just enjoy the process of MAKING without the fear of failure (did I mention I am a perfectionist?). I have tried to free up my hand and let go of so much control by making ‘monoprints’. I love, love LOVE printmaking. Because you never know exactly what the end result will be and I think this helps the perfectionist in me (‘hey – I couldn’t help that particular result – It wasn’t me! It was the printing method!’). Here’s what I did to create a monoprint ‘abstract’ painting: (Hover your mouse to read the captions) I plan to overlay some of these with other pieces of printed paper (think collage – again pushing my comfort zone) and to allow myself to get hold of a pen (and control –lol) again and doodle all over the top. Here are some other mono abstract 'paintings' I have created to give you an idea: Can you do this with kids? – absoluuutely! Finger painting anyone? So much fun (and yeah messy, sorry)! Kids love the ‘what’s it going to look like’ anticipation that printmaking brings. So there ya go! Give it a go - don't expect a masterpiece but just enjoy the process, and give up the need for perfection and play! I would love to see some of your abstract monoprints - please do come join the Creative and Calm Mumma's facebook group and share!
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Nope I am not talking about special herbs to make your tea with - or those, ahem, other sorta herbs. Just plain old leaves lying on the ground. You see, for one reason or another this morning started ok, then sorta flopped sideways. My little morning routine which helps me awake to the day with a calm approach disintegrated. (It involves a little self-care of stretching and breathing, as well as stories and snuggles in bed. We then tackle breakfast and the 'to do today' plan etc etc.) There wasn't any one defining moment when things went off course, it's just life. I am learning to go with the flow more, but it still throws me a bit at times. Today was one of those times. No one real reason, no real major disturbance but lil snippets that ran me off course and I was left feeling antsy and I was starting to be a Mrs Grumpy Pants. I know that getting outside can work wonders and I think Mr toddler felt the same as me, as he soon found his boots and asked to put them on, which also translates to 'go outside'. He did and I pottered in the kitchen, watching out the window. Then it was time to hang the washing. While I hung the washing and enjoyed the fresh air, I decided to take another step towards calm. There was a gorgeous array of yellow autumn leaves surrounding us and I decided to create a mandala with them. I kept it simple, just circles, and Mr toddler did his own thing by putting his leaves in the wheelbarrow. Just taking this little bit of time helped me clear my head and start again. Try one next time you are outside, use whatever is nearby. Flowers, of course, look amazing, but anything goes! And involve your lil ones too, just be prepared to let go of a beautiful complete piece if they are of a certain age! Nature Mandala's are magical things...For the month of July I am setting myself a goal to complete, scratch that, to start 15 of them (nothing is guaranteed with a toddler around!) There are a few of us setting our own goals for mandala making for the month of July in the Creative and Calm Mumma's group - come join us!
Here's a few from the group who have started already! (Eager beavers!) |
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