Making a lot of art... so what?

I made a lot of art this June! Sometimes it’s like that - I churn through paper and am overflowing with ideas. Other times things slow to a trickle.

Now in my fourth decade making art, I’m noticing I don’t get as hung up on my pace. If I am making art frequently, I let go of the idea that that means I will keep making art frequently. If I am not making a lot, I don’t assume that means I’m stuck there forever.

How did I make this shift? Simply by observing myself over time! I can see that my creative practice ebbs and flows like any other energy in my life.

Meeting the unique moment with mindful art

During a mindful art workshop this spring, a couple of women who had previously participated in my workshops observed with surprise that the art practices felt different this time. “I thought I would like this activity the best because I liked it so much last time, but today this other one feels really good to me.”

This observation goes right to the heart of what mindful art means. If you’re noticing how the practice feels then that means you’re being present to your experience in that moment. I love having a toolbox of different mindful art practices and different materials I can draw from so that I can play around and find what meets my bodymind and spirit in each unique moment. No one practice works for me every time!

My mindful art workshops were created with just this in mind. Participants leave with a little toolbox of different options they’ve tried out, having experienced how the different approaches can free us up in different ways.

Curious about mindful art practices? Join my workshop waitlist to get notified first when new workshops are scheduled. No previous art or horse experience required!

Art material spotlight: Bleeding Tissue Paper

Bleeding tissue paper for artists is used by tearing (or cutting) up pieces of different colored tissue papers and wetting them on your art paper. After the tissue dries, you remove it and discover the color left behind. By crinkling up the tissue paper and combining different colors, all kinds of surprise textures and colors are possible!

This is one of my favorite art supplies for getting loose and playful. I love combining it with materials like ink, water soluble graphite, watercolor pencils or brush pens. It’s cheap and fun, and great to do with kids!

Here are a couple videos of the process:

A few more pieces I created using bleeding tissue paper:

Whatever material or technique you pick up, whatever your pace, wishing you creative joy this month!
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Jeanne