Non-artists may believe that creativity begins and ends with the easel, but we know better. Yes, that is where many artistic breakthroughs occur, but they are just as likely to happen when you are not near a paintbrush or a canvas. You are a creative engine and may encounter flashes of new ideas or solutions to challenges when you least expect them. Also, what about that creative engine? It has a battery that needs to be recharged every now and then.
These creative exercises, many of which were inspired by Leslie Kavanaugh Art, should help in both areas. You will find a way to restart or continue your creative journey, whether you are feeling rusty and looking for ideas or you are looking for new ways to think or see, which is what creativity is all about.
Non-Dominant Time
Spend 15 minutes drawing, painting, or making marks with your non-dominant hand. What do you expect to notice? Everything. Using your non-dominant hand increases your chances of focusing, even if you are critical of what you are doing (stop), and allows you to see shapes and forms in new ways. You will not take anything for granted, and you will understand how layers and textures work. Two pieces of advice: give yourself twice the space you normally do because non-dominant marks are less controlled. 2? Accept the possibility of happy accidents. Prepare to see something extraordinary, and you will!
Don’t Watch the Time
Too much stress is an enemy of creativity. Feeling pressed to do or make something is good, but don’t look over your shoulder as you work. And don’t punish yourself by lamenting the passage of time. Keep the clock out of any creative project or piece of artwork you set out to create. Set a timer even if you’re in a hurry, but don’t keep checking your phone or the clock. Immerse yourself completely in your creativity when available, whether it is 15 minutes or hours of the day.
3 Times the Charm
When it comes to creativity, the saying is true. Make three sketches of an idea. Make the color selection process more involved by experimenting with three different hues first. Paint a still life only after positioning and readjusting the objects three times, or keep them where they are and paint the same composition three times — for example, inspired by Cubism, Impressionism, and Abstract Expressionism. After a while, it becomes clear that you don’t have to stop at three. Make it four; make it ten. Continue to push your vision, which will always rise to the occasion.
The Takeaway
Act now that your creative mind is in overdrive, and you have some fantastic and exciting ideas from Leslie Kavanaugh Art. Act on your inspiration before you see it executed by another artist on Instagram.
Be confident, productive, artistic, and, most importantly, believe in yourself.
