creative jewish mom

Artists Who Painted The View From Their Window

If you are an art history buff, or have followed museum exhibitions and/or careers of famous painters, you may or may not be aware, that many of them were inspired to paint the view from their studio window, or maybe the view from their lodging window. To most of us, this of course makes total sense, but I don't think that artists before say 1850, or so, would have dreamed of painting something so "mundane" gasp! And if they did, it certainly would not have included the not so attractive roof scene that Van Gogh dared to capture, for example! Van Gogh did it, Cezanne did it, Matisse did it, Pissarro did it, Diebenkorn did it, just for starters, so I think that is more than enough proof that those of us interested in developing our art should also do it!

Why am I writing about this now? Because friends, I have started a challenge on Instagram called #sketchfrommywindow which got me thinking about all the artists who did just that! Of course, I'm sharing here paintings, not loose sketches, but I'm hoping, at least in my case, that the sketches I'm working hard to create at least several days a week (and that are not all that loose at the moment) will indeed lead to paintings! So lets take a look at just a few of famous artists whose work is truly a great inspiration, shall we? And if you are not on instagram, but would like to join the challenge, just write to me ([email protected]) and I could start posting contributions right here on the blog!

The Importance Of Creativity In Children And How To Encourage It

When it comes to our kids, we’re always eager to encourage creativity, so why not make it a priority and give them one of the most amazing gifts possible! As you can see from this blog, I have made it a huge priority with my kids, or at the least with myself! Once parents needed to visit the library or bookstore to stock up on books and work books full of ideas. Today, there is no excuse! The internet, and even just my blog alone, is a fantastic resource for projects that build creativity, featuring all kinds of avenues to sample. Trying out butterfly crafts for preschooler’s ideas is one such resource, just for starters. Of course crafts and art based projects are just one aspect of creativity, don't forget about theater, music and dance! Once a child is beyond toddler years, expose them to a variety of creative pursuits to see where their skills and interests lie. A creative pursuit is life enhancing and can be life long!

The wonderful thing about nurturing human creativity is that there are no hard and fast rules. It’s all about allowing kids to express themselves using materials or processes that they enjoy, and in the process brain function that helps with problem solving and thinking outside of the box in all areas of life is developed! Lets take a closer look at how to encourage this valuable thing called creativity!

7 Different Ways To Encourage Creativity In Children

Creativity is the use of ideas and imagination to come up with something that is of value, whether it is a piece of art, physical invention, or even a solution to a certain problem. Creativity has always played a huge role in our success and it is something that can be nurtured throughout one's life. One can enjoy unlimited creativity if you understand how to recognize it in yourself, and how to keep the creative juices flowing!. When it comes to children, you need to make an extra effort to ensure that they do not lose the creative spark as they grow up. In many cases, school can dampen creativity depending on the types of art programs available, and the teaching methods employed. Parents need to be extra vigilant if they want to give their children the gift of everlasting creativity.

The best form of self-expression is creativity and there is nothing more fulfilling for children than being able to express themselves without judgment. Not everyone is born with creativity, but even if you aren’t born with it, you can learn it to some degree. Nothing should hamper the development of creativity in children and as parents, it is your job to cheer them on, and encourage them. Let’s take a look at how you can do so.

Gorgeous And Artful Painted Paper Collage For Every Skill Level

As I have mentioned I have begun to dip my big toe into the world of Instagram, from my computer that is, and in just the smallish community of 99.9% female artists and illustrators where I'm currently hanging out, I've already found so many inspiring artists unknown to me previously, because well, they've been promoting themselves on instagram! One such artist is Este Macleod, who has a wonderful, truly artful style, and best of all, a sense of creativity, and a love for teaching and encouraging creativity that is exceptional.

Este loves creating by starting with letters and numbers (right up my alley!), and In her instagram post (you do know you can easily access instagram from a computer right?) from January 6th, she takes the phrase "stay home and make art" and turns it into a fantastic painted village. You can also see a similar process on Vimeo here. This is truly fabulous, and really got my attention! I was so excited to see that she teaches online, and even did a few mini courses to help encourage creativity during the pandemic.  Her courses are only available twice generally, not forever, because she is involved with the students taking the class, and gives feedback on student work. The great news for us is that her painted paper collage course, Colour Collage 1 is now going on its repeat cycle and then it will be gone. That is right friends, which is why I will be participating in the course which starts on March 1, and finishes fortunately right before Passover!

If you want to treat yourself and your family to some amazing, creative art lessons on-line that are one of kind, and suited to all skill levels this is the place to do it. Este's style isn't flashy, rather very real. Her presentation style feels much more like one is taking part in a real academic art course, which I love, on the other hand she breaks the creative process down into very understandable and doable steps, so you could totally do it as a beginner, or with kids. Okay, lets take a look at a few more examples of the kind of artwork that has been created using the techniques from this course!

How to Make an Art Portfolio for University or College

Your college art portfolio must be outstanding in order for your application to be given serious consideration. Not to worry, many have traveled this road before you, and you are not alone! With this expert guide on how to make an art portfolio for college you'll have a clearer idea of the seriousness of the portfolio as well as some basic steps to take for success.

Applying to colleges can feel a lot like trying to hit a target with a bow and arrow in the dark. No matter how hard you try, some of it feels like a pure gamble. If you're applying to art schools, this feeling increases in the face of art's pure subjectivity. Fortunately there is one very tangible thing you can do to improve your chances, which is to make sure you have an art portfolio that stands out from the competition. But how can you accomplish this? I'm here to share with you the ultimate guide for making a quality college applications art portfolio! Ready, lets get started!

Paint Blob Creative Drawing Exercise For All Ages!

Now is a great time to invest in creatiivity, and one of the best ways is to start with short exercises that build interest and confidence and most importantly really drive home the message that creativity is NOT about perfection. So if you dream of being an artist, or you think someone else in your family might have what it takes, (I can't believe I'm saying this) stop crafting and start making art! What? Yes indeed my friends, because most crafting is about the result, and lets face it, everyone likes nice results, right? Art on the other hand is generally much more process oriented and therefore generally not about perfection, well at least for most of us, today. Okay, enough blabbing, I think you've got it? Get the family together everyday and do a short creative exercise that might take less than an hour or even just half an hour, and you'll be so happy you did. Two of my kids and I had a nice time with this one, and can't wait to do more!

I saw this paint blob exercise on sketchbook revival, a free 2 week program, so check it out now! This specific exercise was courtesy of Carla Sonheim, who also has her own website full of online art courses as well as some really great little creative exercises (for kids but really for all ages) which are free. Carla has a really lovely and unique style which is totally refreshing and not trend driven, so again take a look, NOW!

If you don't have time to look through all fourteen videos on sketchbook revival, just quickly take a peek and see what interests you. There is a huge variety of content, from lettering to painting, and while I never quite understood the art journal practice, it is finally sinking in, and I can't wait to start an art journal after Passover, using all the new things I've learned. Okay, lets take a look at the results of our first creative exercise!

Lovely DIY Wrapping Paper From A Painting Exercise!

With gift giving season approaching quickly, now is a great time to make some DIY wrapping paper, and even better, to practice your painting skills in the process! I have at long last set aside some time to follow my dreams of painting, and while the jury is still out regarding whether this is something that I'll truly want to devote my time to, I now have some great looking wrapping paper that is so fun to look at! Painting loosely, which is the direction I'd like to take, since that is the style that speaks to me (fortunately) isn't nearly as easy as it looks, and so practicing on large sheets of butcher paper is the perfect way to loosen up with no pressure. And this year our Chanukkah gifts are going to look amazing, yippee!

And speaking of yippee, my old virtual friend Amanda Evanston (who used to run the blog Aunt Peaches) has graciously gifted me her online painting classes to review, and let me tell you, the first class that I'm working on now "The Secret Garden" is truly amazing. I can't promise you overnight success unless you are an artistic genius, but I can promise you at the very least that you'll see painting in a whole new light. If that means delving in deeper, like me, or deciding to support artists, like Amanda, already creating amazing work, either way the results are well worth the investment. And yes, you can do the class with kids, in fact the techniques are perfect for all ages. No, Amanda won't teach you exactly how to copy gorgeous paintings like hers, that you'll have to work for, so I'm running off to do just that!

I took this quote of of Amanda's site and I just love it:

"A painting teacher once told me, "To introduce someone to the artists that lives inside them is a great honor." - This is a privilege I take very seriously, and I spent years developing a teaching method that is inclusive of students of all ages and skill levels. I would love to have you as a student. 

So thanks Amanda, I'm really hoping to get to know my own inner artist, and time will tell! Now, lets paint some wrapping paper, ready?

Pencil Drawing Exercises To Teach Light, Shadow And Volume

Aren't these pencil drawing exercises that my fourteen year old daughter drew just wonderful? Sometimes one forgets the magic of simply putting pencil to paper, especially if one learns some oh so important lessons in how to actually depict light, shadow and volume! Of course there are those artistic geniuses out there that just naturally understand these kinds of things, but most of us benefit greatly from art lessons, and specifically in this case drawing lessons that give one the tools to really create something special. And yes, we do realize that the fruit look rather mechanical, but that was in fact the point in order to really drive home the power of the technique.

And speaking of techniques, keep reading to take a closer look to see the pencil drawing tricks one can learn, I think I want to do it too......it looks amazing!

Angry Bird Drawing Exercise With Colored Pencils

Drawing with colored pencils can be so much fun, especially if one draws cute little objects, like this collection of plastic angry bird pencil toppers. My daughter did this entirely on her own, only showing it to me after the fact, and I just love what she did. I'm so pleased to see evidence that her drawing skills are moving forward on account of her weekly drawing and painting class! I think she did a great job giving these little guys volume, and the proportions are good too, skills her teacher is certainly working on with her. And the self motivation to practice on her own, well one really can't hope for more than that, big giant phew!

Ready to get your kids drawing, using a subject matter that they will be interested in (rather than a still life of fruit, for example), okay let's get started!

Watercolor Butterflies Painting Lesson

I'm thankful to my fourteen year old daughter who has been doing some watercolor paintings and supplying me with some material that is simple to photograph and share with you! Of course my joy goes way beyond that.....I'm so happy that she is following in my footsteps in the creativity department, yippee! As I write this she is searching the house for some little plastic toys to make some DIY snowglobes, a creative energy surge that I surely recognize and am more than happy to encourage. Ah yes, and more blog material for busy mom who can't seem to find time to photograph all those things she has been crocheting......

Oh, and about this sweet painting, a garden scene with butterflies done with just a simple palette of watercolors. Keep reading for a bit more information about how to make this into an actual art lesson.