Travel Art

Schenna Mountains, watercolour and watercolour pencil, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Blog 22

I returned from my vacation late on Wednesday with many impressions and inspiration. Unfortunately, I am still exhausted from the flight and too tired to write a proper blog post. Therefore, I am sharing some of the artworks I created during the trip. I started all of them (except for the rose) with watercolour pencils, then added watercolours in some areas.

For the rose, I only had cheap coloured pencils, which did not stop me from capturing the beautiful first bloom in my sister's garden.

Starting next week, I will share more details about the trip. 

Have a wonderful weekend! I wish my German-speaking readers Frohe Pfingsten! Happy Memorial Day to my American followers!

Art Journals to Increase Creativity

 

Blog 21

During my vacation, I am replacing the weekly blogs with creativity tips. Please share your creations with me. After my return, I will pick one lucky winner from all the replies for a one-hour private painting or felting lesson with me. You can send them to info@KerstinPeters.ca.


Keep a journal or a sketchbook in your purse and close to your desk to capture your ideas and thoughts. This way, you are always prepared when inspiration hits you. Plus, whenever you have to wait, you have something to do aside from scrolling through your latest messages.

 

Sketching uses more senses and is an activity that is far more relaxing. With practice, you will improve your observational and artistic skills. Writing and sketching can help you clarify your thoughts, explore your ideas, and uncover hidden insights. Over time, you have fantastic documentation of your creative journey to look at and appreciate your progress.


You can take a photo of almost everything with your phone nowadays, but leaving your marks on paper is much more satisfying.


I packed a compact watercolour set, some watercolour pencils, and a mechanical pencil for my trip to capture any sights that inspire me. I am sure I will have a lot to tell you after my return.

Surround Yourself with Inspiration

 

150th Tulip, left: acrylic, right: markers and coloured pencils

Blog 20

During my vacation, I am replacing the weekly blogs with creativity tips. I am sure I have lots to tell you after my return that will inspire you.

Surround yourself with things that inspire you, whether artwork, books, photos, music, events or nature. Exposure to different experiences can ignite your creative spark and help you generate new ideas.
Plus, ensure you always have art materials easily accessible to express your creativity when it hits you. Keep a basket with paper, pencils, markers, scissors and other items available. If you have to go on a hunt for equipment, you might lose your creative spark and get frustrated with yourself instead.

Many artists have more materials than they can ever use. However, not having the ideal materials for your project should not prevent you from creating. I always tell my students it is better to work with a substitute than to keep watching without starting. For example, if you see a painting that you enjoy, you can also recreate it with pencils or markers. Often you can use different materials in one artwork. Have fun with it, and find creative substitutes. I would love to see your creations. You can send them to info@KerstinPeters.ca. After my vacation, I will pick one lucky winner from all the replies for a one-hour private painting or felting lesson with me.

A couple of years ago, I had planned an acrylic painting of the Canada 150th Tulip for clients of several group homes, but most participants had no painting supplies. Therefore, I created the image with markers and coloured pencils.

Break Your Routines

 

Turtle Family, Mixed Media, 12” x 48” NFS

 

 Blog 19


I am currently on vacation. Therefore, I am replacing the weekly blogs with creativity tips. I am sure I have lots to tell you after my return that will inspire you. In the meantime, I would love to see your creations. You can send them to info@KerstinPeters.ca. After my vacation, I will pick one lucky winner from all the replies for a one-hour private painting or felting lesson with me.


Try using different materials or techniques. Experimenting with new approaches can help you see things from a fresh perspective and spark new ideas.


Here are some examples:

 

 

If you love to work with acrylic paints, you can experiment with various gels or pastes to create different effects. I used glass bead gel for the turtle painting (see top of blog and details above), crackle and molding paste for the pear and crackle paste for the flower.

 

 

If you love needle felting, add some embroidery thread and beads. 

Happy Creating!