I’m happy to share a YouTube video from an older course where I demonstrate how to create mixed media portraits of some of my heroes. This practice is not only a way to honor those who inspire you but also a chance to explore different materials and techniques in your art, sketchbooks, and art journals. Portraits of your heroes can be a beautiful way to connect with their spirit and your own creative process. I took out all the blah blahs and just added some chill music, materials and process is quite simple.
& Some Tips for Keeping It Together During Crazy Times…
Finding moments of light and creativity can help rest and recharge our nervous systems. Don’t forget to sketch! Keeping a sketchbook is a powerful practice that can offer both quiet support and inspiration. Sketching can be a way to explore your inner world and capture fleeting moments of beauty that you can reference when you need it most.
Not Sure What to Draw? Here Are Some Drawing Prompts to Get You Warmed Up:
- Favorite Toys: Draw your kids’ (or pets’!) favorite toys or ones from your own childhood. Capture their essence and the happiness they bring.
- Grandmother’s Jewelry: Create a sketch of a cherished piece of family jewelry. It doesn’t have to be an expensive piece. Focus on the details and the memories it holds.
- Old Family Photos: Use an old family photo as inspiration. Draw the scene or the faces, reflecting on the stories behind them.
- Childhood Home: Sketch your childhood home or bedroom from memory or with a photo reference. Revisit the places where you felt most at home and safe.
- Pet Napping: Capture the serene beauty of your pet in a restful moment. Their peaceful presence can also be a source of peace for you.
- Art Supplies: Draw your favorite art supplies in their natural state. Observe the tools you use to create and appreciate their form and function.
- Houseplants: Sketch your houseplants. Capture their unique shapes and the way they bring life to your space.
- Library Book Covers: Draw the covers of books from your favorite library or bookstore. Reflect on the stories they hold and the visual impact of their design.
- Quotes: Illustrate a quote that resonates with you. Let the words inspire a visual representation that captures their essence.
- Everyday Objects: Find beauty in everyday items around you—whether it’s a coffee cup, a pair of shoes, or a well-loved blanket. Sketch them with attention to detail.
Engaging in sketching can be more than just a creative outlet; it can also be a calming practice for your nervous system. When you immerse yourself in the act of drawing, you enter a state of flow that reduces stress and promotes relaxation. The repetitive motion of drawing and the focus required can help calm your mind, lower anxiety levels, and create a sense of tranquility.
Elevate Your Spirit
In challenging times, your sketchbook can be a sanctuary. Let it be a space where you explore, reflect, and find joy in your creative practice. I hope these prompts and the mixed media portrait practice help lift your spirits and offer a bit of respite.
Stay creative and inspired, and keep fighting for a better tomorrow.