Therapeutic benefits of art Archives : The Artistic Divas World

Finding Your Voice and Style as an Artist

Leave a Comment / Art, Art Journaling, artistic style, creativity, creativity, journaling, Therapeutic benefits of art, Time Management / admin

Finding your unique style and improving your creative thoughts can be quite the journey, but it’s such a rewarding one. Here are some tips and tricks that might help you along the way. We have explored this topic in various ways, and you can see some of them here, but today we are going to hit it straight on.

First off, finding your style. It’s all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Play around with different mediums, colors, and techniques. Maybe you’ve always been a painter but have never tried digital art. Give it a go! The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what resonates with you. Keep what you love and let go of what doesn’t quite fit. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and preferences emerging, and that’s the foundation of your style.

Another great way to find your style is to study artists you admire. What is it about their work that draws you in? Is it their use of color, their subject matter, or maybe their brushwork? Analyzing the work of others can give you insights into what you might want to incorporate into your own work. But remember, inspiration is different from imitation. Take what you learn and make it your own.

Now, let’s talk about improving those creative thoughts. One of the best ways is to keep a sketchbook. Think of it as your creative playground. Draw, doodle, write down ideas, and don’t worry about making things perfect. This is your space to explore and let your creativity run wild. Sometimes the best ideas come from the most unexpected places.

Another tip is to set aside regular time for creativity. It’s like exercising a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Whether it’s a few minutes a day or a few hours a week, make creativity a part of your routine. This consistency helps keep those creative juices flowing.

Don’t forget the importance of taking breaks. Sometimes, stepping away from your work can give you a fresh perspective. Go for a walk, listen to music, or do something completely unrelated to art. Your mind will continue working on your ideas in the background, and you might come back with a whole new approach.

Collaborating with other artists can also be incredibly beneficial. It’s amazing what you can learn from others. Join a local art group or find an online community where you can share your work and get feedback. Seeing how others approach their work can inspire you and give you new ideas.

And here’s one of my favorite ways to spark creativity: getting out of your comfort zone. Try doing something that scares you a little. Maybe it’s working on a larger canvas, using a color you’ve never used before, or even creating in front of others. Pushing your boundaries can lead to amazing discoveries about your art and yourself.

Reading and consuming art-related content can also be a great way to improve your creative thoughts. Books, blogs, podcasts, and documentaries can provide new perspectives and ideas. Sometimes, hearing about someone else’s creative process can unlock something in your own.

Another trick is to keep a list of creative prompts. Whenever you’re feeling stuck, pull out a prompt and see where it takes you. It could be something simple like “draw something from nature” or more abstract like “create a piece that represents a feeling.” Prompts can kickstart your creativity and take your art in new directions.

Lastly, always remember to be kind to yourself. The creative process has its ups and downs, and it’s important to embrace them all. Celebrate your successes and learn from your challenges. Your style will continue to evolve, and that’s the beauty of being an artist.

So there you have it, a few thoughts on finding your style and boosting your creativity. Remember, it’s a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to discovering more about your artistic self. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and most importantly, keep having fun with it. Happy creating!

Here are a couple of resources to help you understand what I am talking about:

https://www.milanartinstitute.com/blog/5-secrets-to-honing-your-artist-voice-and-style

https://medium.com/swlh/how-to-find-your-artistic-voice-and-why-its-important-for-success-2cdba7b2ac4d

What is an Artist’s Voice and How to Find It

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My Junk Journal is done. Now What?

Leave a Comment / Art, Collage, creativity, journaling, Junk Journaling, Multimedia Art, self care, Therapeutic benefits of art / admin

Junk journal making is one of those creative pastimes that once you discover it, you wonder how you ever lived without it. If you’ve never heard of junk journaling, let me take you on a little journey into this wonderfully eclectic and liberating hobby. So far here on this blog, we have talked about making these journals here and creating a cover here. Now we check out what we putinto one of these journals and then what do we do with it when we are finished.

So, what exactly is a junk journal? Imagine a journal, but instead of just writing, you fill it with all sorts of “junk” – like old ticket stubs, pieces of fabric, magazine clippings, pressed flowers, doodles, and just about anything else you can think of. It’s a way to recycle and upcycle materials that would otherwise be thrown away, turning them into something beautiful and meaningful.

Once you’ve created your junk journal, the possibilities for what to do with it are endless. Some people use it as a traditional journal to jot down their thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences. Others use it as a scrapbook to preserve memories. It can also be a fantastic space for planning, organizing ideas, or even as an art journal where you can practice different techniques and styles without the pressure of creating something “perfect.”

One of the most significant benefits of working in a junk journal is the stress relief it provides. There’s something very therapeutic about cutting, gluing, and arranging pieces into something new and beautiful. It’s like a hands-on meditation that can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood. Plus, since there are no rules, you don’t have to worry about making mistakes – it’s all part of the process.

Working inside a junk journal is like entering a judgment-free zone. You can let your creativity run wild without worrying about whether or not it’s good enough. Each page is a new adventure, and you never really know where it will take you.

This personal space for self-expression allows you to document your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a way that’s uniquely yours. It’s also a great way to practice gratitude by collecting and displaying little things that make you happy or that you’re thankful for.

Another positive aspect is the opportunity for self-discovery. As you work in your journal, you might find yourself exploring new themes, techniques, and ideas that you hadn’t considered before. It’s a safe space to experiment and grow creatively.

But what do you do with a junk journal once it’s full? Once a junk journal is full, it becomes a beautiful time capsule of your thoughts, experiences, and creativity. Some people like to go back and reflect on their completed journals, seeing how their art and ideas have evolved over time. It’s like a personal archive of your journey.

You can also share it with others if you’re comfortable doing so. It can be a wonderful gift to pass on to someone special, giving them a glimpse into your creative world. Some even choose to display their completed junk journals as a piece of art in their home, adding to the décor and serving as a conversation starter.

Another option is to use it as a reference for future projects. The techniques and ideas you explore in one journal can inspire new works. Plus, flipping through a finished journal can reignite your creative spark if you ever feel stuck.

Junk journaling is about enjoying the process and letting go of perfection. It’s about celebrating the little things, experimenting without fear, and finding joy in the unexpected. So, if you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, and fulfilling creative outlet, junk journaling might just be the perfect fit for you.

Start collecting little bits and pieces that catch your eye, grab a blank journal, and let your creativity take over. There are no rules, no right or wrong ways to do it. Just have fun and see where your imagination leads you.

If you are still on the fence, here are a few videos to watch to see what I am talking about:

https://youtu.be/l_Ao6z0FQ_4?si=wWseg0dtbMVUdSGvhttps://youtu.be/C0B0foKjNQk?si=L8Va-p05RMutKO9Ohttps://youtu.be/rSz1eImRfvU?si=KUEer0uNu_PRhmgthttps://youtu.be/xSegjt4aVto?si=zW5tSasiAsqQs9t-

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Articulated Paper Dolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

1 Comment / Art, Crafts, creativity, Family fun, Therapeutic benefits of art / admin

Today, we’re diving into the whimsical world of articulated paper dolls. These charming creations are not just a throwback to simpler times; they’re a fantastic way to spark imagination, exercise your artistic skills, and create something truly unique. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, making articulated paper dolls is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Occassionally, we may experience a blockage in making our art, and when that happens, this little craft is the perfect answer. Make a few of these, and your block will be gone. Let’s explore why this craft is so captivating and how you can create your very own paper doll.

Why Articulated Paper Dolls?

Articulated paper dolls stand out in the digital age as a hands-on, tactile form of art. They encourage us to step away from screens and engage in the physical act of creating. The process of designing, cutting, and assembling these dolls is not only therapeutic but also a fantastic way to enhance fine motor skills and attention to detail. Moreover, they offer endless possibilities

for customization, making each doll a unique piece of art that reflects your personal style and creativity.

Materials Needed:

Cardstock or thick paper
Pencil and eraser
Fine-tip markers or paints
Scissors
Mini brads or split pins
A single-hole punch (optional)
Your imagination!

Step-by-Step Guide:

Design Your Doll:

Start by sketching your doll on cardstock. You can create a human figure, an animal, or any character that sparks your interest. Remember to draw separate parts for the head, torso, arms, and legs. Keep in mind that these parts will need to move, so consider how they’ll connect. If that is not what you want to do, there are many templates for dolls available online. You could start out using one of these and then get creative and make your own with the next one.

Add Details and Colors:

Once your basic outline is ready, it’s time to bring your character to life. Use fine-tip markers, colored pencils, or even paint to add details like facial features, clothing, and accessories. This is where your creativity really shines—the sky’s the limit! Break out all your craft and art supplies and go wild!

Cut Out the Parts:

With a steady hand, carefully cut out the doll’s parts. Precision is key, so take your time. If you’re working with younger artists, adult supervision is recommended for this step.

Create Joints:

Use a single-hole punch or carefully poke holes at the joints (shoulders, hips, knees, etc.). Make sure the holes are not too close to the edges to prevent tearing.

Assemble with Brads:

Align the limbs with the corresponding parts of the torso, and insert mini brads or split pins through the holes. Secure them at the back, but ensure they’re loose enough to allow movement.

Final Touches:

Once assembled, give your doll a final check. You might want to add more details or even create a background or props for your new creation.

Creating an articulated paper doll is more than just a crafting activity; it’s a journey into the realms of imagination and creativity. Each doll tells a story, reflects a mood, or captures a moment, making them not just toys but pieces of art. This activity is perfect for artists of all ages and skill levels, offering a delightful break from the digital world and a chance to engage in something tangibly creative.

So, grab your materials and let your creativity flow. We can’t wait to see the incredible characters you’ll bring to life. Share your creations with us and inspire others in our art community. Remember, in the world of articulated paper dolls, every cut, color, and joint is a reflection of your unique artistic journey. Happy crafting! 🎨🖌️📏

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The Therapeutic Benefits of Art

Leave a Comment / Art, Therapeutic benefits of art / admin

In the past few weeks, we have been exploring art styles and movements and you can see those posts here. But today, let’s go back to basics and see why anyone should make art to begin with. Art has so many benefits that it is hard to put them all down in one blog post, but we will try to hit the high notes and talk about the obvious therapeutic benefits of art.

art as therapy — Doodling as a therapeutic benefit of art

Have you ever wondered about these benefits? Have you ever found yourself lost in a doodle, feeling the weight of the world lift off your shoulders? That’s the magic of art. It’s not just about creating beautiful pieces but also about finding an outlet for those emotions that words can’t quite capture. When you sketch, paint, or mold clay, you’re giving your feelings a stage to dance on, and it’s incredibly healing.

lose yourself in art — Therapeutic benefit of art quote

Now, think about those moments when you’re so engrossed in your creation that time just flies by. That’s the beauty of being present in the art-making process. It’s a form of mindfulness that pushes away stress and pulls you into the moment. And when you finish that piece of art, no matter how big or small, there’s this burst of confidence. It’s a reminder of your incredible talent and capability.

Ever heard of art therapy? It’s this fantastic blend of art and healing. Imagine chatting with a therapist, but instead of words, you’re using colors and shapes. It’s a transformative experience that’s not just for kids; adults can dive into it too!

an adult coloring — Coloring provided therapeutic benefits of art

And here’s the thing about art: it’s a universal language. For those who find it hard to express themselves verbally, a painting or sculpture can convey stories and emotions. Plus, engaging in artistic activities is like giving your brain a fun workout. It sharpens the mind and even aids in physical recovery, improving hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

But beyond the personal benefits, art has this incredible power to bring people together. Whether you’re attending a workshop, joining a class, or sharing your creations online, it’s all about building connections and fostering a sense of community.

someone painting something — Lose yourself in the therapeutic benefits of art

In essence, art is more than just pretty pictures. It’s a journey of healing, a trusted friend, and a therapist all in one. So, the next time life gets a bit too much, or you need a breather, let your soul dance on the canvas. Embrace the transformative power of art and let it work its magic on you.

Happy creating! 💖🎨

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