Creative Flow: 7 Days of Mixed Media Abstracts with Everyday Materials

Feeling creatively blocked? This course is designed to help you start and maintain a creative practice, even if you don't know what to create! Discover the joy of abstract painting using everyday materials – a relaxing and accessible way to unlock your artistic potential.

This class emphasizes the power of process over product. By working with unpredictable materials, you'll learn to embrace chance and experimentation, focusing on staying present and enjoying the journey. We'll shift your mindset from "impossible" to "possible," fostering an abundance of creative possibilities and building momentum in your art.

You'll gain valuable insights into:

• Understanding your paints: Learn how to effectively use acrylics, gouache, and watercolors (or whatever you have on hand!).
• Creative applications of everyday objects: Transform ordinary items into extraordinary art.
• Embracing the flow state: Discover techniques to tap into your creative flow and overcome artistic resistance.
• Cultivating a creative habit: Simple daily practices to keep your creativity alive.

THE MAIN LESSONS:

• Day 1: The Need To Create: Baking Paper – Explore the expressive potential of baking paper in your abstract art.
• Day 2: The Flow State: Film & Tissue Paper – Unleash your creativity with the delicate textures of film and tissue paper.
• Day 3: Focusing on the Process: Cling Wrap – Learn to embrace imperfection and focus on the process with cling wrap.
• Day 4: Resistance: Wax – Overcome creative blocks and explore texture with wax.
• Day 5: Building a Habit: Salt & Grains – Develop a consistent creative practice using simple additions like salt and grains.
• Day 6: The Importance of Play: Soap – Embrace spontaneity and fun with dishwashing soap.
• Day 7: Finding Your Way: Ribbons – Add movement and visual interest with ribbons.

PREPARATION:

To ensure a smooth creative experience, we recommend preparing your materials after watching lesson 3 ("Gathering the Materials"). This removes barriers to entry, allowing you to focus solely on creating each day. Reserve approximately 20-30 minutes each day for your project.

MATERIALS:

Download the complete material list in the “Project & Resources” section of this class (available from your desktop computer only). You'll need:

• Paper: Watercolor paper (200 gsm), glossy coated printer paper, or photo paper.
• Paints: Acrylic, gouache, watercolor (use what you have!).
• Brushes
• Water jars
• Kitchen tissue
• Painters tape
• Corrugated cardboard (for taping paper)
• Everyday Materials: Baking paper, tissue paper, film (clear plastic sleeves, document folders), cling wrap/plastic wrap/thin plastic bags, white wax candle, plastic card, salt, rice, grains, noodles, dish washing soap, drinking straw, flat water container or cup, spoon or plastic card for transfer, ribbons.

Ready to unlock your creative potential? We'll see you in class!

(Music by: Pablo by Lesion X - [link to SoundCloud and YouTube] - Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License)