This playful process drawing and painting exercise can help you get started with art, even if you only have 15 minutes (promise, that’s all the time I allowed myself to take with this one). ⏳ Mistakes and bad art encouraged. Fight perfection and just get going!
“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” – Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country
Scroll down for the video tutorial ⇣
Supplies:
- Thick paper
- Chalk pastels
- Acrylic Paint
- Brushes, water
Anything goes. Make adjustments if you don’t have these exact supplies.
Start with thick paper. Use non-white if you can; the tint can help it feel like the first color has already been taken care of. Because I like creating in multiples, I worked with 5 inch (13 cm) squares, cut from 2 sheets of paper. ✂📃
Use chalk pastel in a dark color to make mindless marks. Try switching hands. This will take reason and sensibility out of the equation and help you loosen up. ✍️
Smudge parts of the drawing to leave hard and soft lines. 👈
Choose another chalk pastel to add more color. Smudge again if desired. 🖍
Paint with white acrylic to further smudge and mix the pastels. 🎨
Choose another color of acrylic paint. 🎨
Time is up! Or keep going if you have more time to spare.
Check in with yourself. How did that feel? Did anything about the process surprise you?
