You will see each mini abstract art lesson is left to your own interpretation and that also includes which materials you use. The only requirements are ample workspace and an open mind. By having loosely directed lessons you are free to explore your own creative resourcefulness, expressions and even the materials in your own ways.

Questions you should ask yourself during each mini art lessons are:

what inspired me about the visual art that was shared?
what inspires me in general?
what colors am I drawn to? Or what colors best represent me?
how will I choose my materials and how will they affect my composition?
am I creating everything with purpose?
am I having fun and letting my mind wander?

We will do away with the following mindsets:

artist inspiration is competition
art focused on the process is aimless
inner critics – name it and tell them to hush!

Finally, each lesson should be shared. This is important because when we put our artful expressions out there for others to see and engage with, we build self-confidence. We see our own work in a different light. Even if no one likes or comments, we still have put ourselves “out there,” which in and of itself is a tremendous accomplishment.

“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.”

– Georgia O’Keeffe

Mini-lesson 1: Painting without brushes

MATERIALS:
• any type of paint - OR if paint is unavailable, paint with ketchup, mustard, food coloring (careful of stains), coffee, tea, etc*
• Q-tips
• Plastic Utensils
• Leaves, sticks, etc.
• String, yarn, fabric
• Sponges
• Rubber bands
• Either mixed media paper or watercolor paper, canvas or card board. (must be thick enough to take wet materials, like paint or water)

Mini-lesson 2: Your imagination is showing

MATERIALS:

Printed black and white image of your bust (shoulders up) head or face with an expression of thinking/imagining something
• Any Coloring and Painting materials, but use a mix
Embellishments (puffs, buttons, macaroni, jewels, string, etc.)
• Scissors
• Glue stick and/or glue
• Large Paper (thick enough for your chosen materials) or cardboard

Mini-lesson 3: Paper play

MATERIALS:

*Coloring materials! Choose one or any/all of the following: markers, crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, chalk pastels

various papercolors, weights and textures
• artists tape
scissors
clear tape, glue and/or staples
• cardboard, or thick paper

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Exploring and processing your relationship with art, in your own instinctual way is the best way to get in touch with your imagination and awaken your creative insights.

Discovering the solutions that are within ourselves to create something new is true self-discovery. For instance, where did you find your inspiration? How did you use color, materials and piece your compositions together?

Creativity is in YOU, not in what you are taught, not even in these lessons but it is in what you do with the lesson that was given to you, where you take it. Most things can be taught to us, but it is creativity that helps us imagine our own ideas.

Mia Temple is the Founder of Ooze Studio and Creative Director for a small technology and identity analytics company based in Central California. She is currently also leading the Art Program at a local elementary school where her two out of three children attend. With over 25 years of experience in Graphic Design and Marketing, 15+ years in Fashion and Textiles and a life-time of living in a creative family, this Mom of three knows how important it is to keep your creativity alive, visit it often and nurture it - especially during busy times! After working with a vast array of clients Mia is always drawn to anything that oozes inspiration and is passionate about cultivating creativity within her community and beyond.

“The greatest thing about inspiration is that it can come from anywhere, and with focus it can bring amazing creations to life. I'm constantly tapping into creative waters and re-fueling my artistic juices with new supplies of color, form and composition.” – Mia Temple

Courtney Esbend

--

11