National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

Today, January 31, 2018, is National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day. So you must ask yourself, what is art? Expressing your inner imagination through an application, art comes in many forms. The possibilities are endless. Even though a day is set aside for finding your inspiration for creating art, incorporating art into your life should be a year-round practice.

Celebrating National Inspire your Heart with Art Day

Like people, art is different for everybody. Finding your inspiration is part of the journey of creating art. Taking photos, drawing, painting, baking and presenting, decorating cakes, performing, sculpturing, the arts are about inspiring your own heart to grow and create.

Get Your Children Involved

Children love to create. Spending time creating art with your child can easily turn into a precious memory. Using different materials help you encourage your child’s imagination.

  • Colored pencils
  • Non-toxic, washable markers’
  • Paints
  • Chalks
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Items for gluing including pieces of old material, pipe cleaners, glitter, pasta noodles, etc.
  • Clay with sculpting tools

The art inspiration materials are endless. Do not be afraid to experiment with different forms. For example, air dry clay is great for saving masterpieces. Or consider using a homemade recipe for sculpturing materials. The different textures help with inspiration. Younger children will be able to engage in fine motor skills.

Go to Your Local Art Gallery

Galleries display a variety of art mediums. Viewing other people’s work can be inspirational for creating your own art. Often galleries will host lectures, workshops or programs for basic techniques for adults who want to learn. Other galleries have themed events for children to start exploring the art world. Trying something new may not turn out as you planned. But the process is an unforgettable learning experience.

Take a Class

Many local community colleges have classes or weekend seminars for non-majors. Going to a class allows you to engage in art with direction for proven techniques. Learning the basics in a beginner’s class is a great way to explore art. At the same time, you will be able to meet others who share your desire to learn about art.

Go to a Performance

Ballet or other performance art allows you to view in a different manner. Performance art has four elements:

  • Time
  • Space
  • Performer’s body
  • An ongoing relationship with the performer and the audience

The various types of performances may surprise you. Visiting a live performance is always best. But do not hesitate to look performance art up online or on YouTube. The results can be extremely inspiring.

Art comes in many forms. Finding a genre for inspiration may take exploration beyond today. Trying something new for yourself or your children may leave you with a sense of inspiration and fulfillment.

Summer Bucket List

When most people think about bucket lists, ideas of long exotic vacations usually come to mind. A bucket list can consist of anything. With the official kick-off of the summer season, why not create a bucket list to enjoy the warm months?

Now, school is out, the summer boredom’s probably are already setting in. Creating a summer bucket list can help discover new local sites and other fun activities. Allowing you to keep from hearing those words, “I am bored”.  In addition to chasing away the summer boredoms, you and loved ones will be given a chance to learn and explore.

Consider adding a variety of items to the list. Allow your children to help participate in creating the summer bucket list ideas may surprise you.

Outdoor Fun

Being a strong advocate of unplugging from electronic devices, being outdoors is a great way to spend a day or afternoon.

  • Go to the Park: Local and state parks can be an exciting getaway.
  • Go to the Splash Park: Many communities open splash parks. Playing in the water with peers is a great way to spend the afternoon.
  • Go Swimming or Take Swim Lessons: Being at the pool or at the beach is a perfect way to spend the day.
  • Go Hiking: Unplug for the day. Leave your electronic devices behind, well, except for a cell phone for emergencies.
  • Picnic: Go on a picnic. You do not need to pack a fancy picnic basket. Just go, peanut butter and jelly make a quick lunch. Enjoy the outdoors.
  • Stargazing: Spread out a blanket in the backyard at night to watch the stars. Popcorn and making up stories make a wonderful night out.
  • Attend Local Fairs and Festivals: Summertime is the perfect opportunity to attend local fairs and festivals. Many hold a theme, providing you with a chance to learn about different foods, culture or other interesting events.
  • Music in the Park: Local art councils generally host music in the park series. Attending the weekly concerts provide you and your family a chance to learn about new music genres.
  • Watch the Sunset: The beauty of a sunset or sunrise is a perfect memory.
  • Volunteer: Summertime generally brings numerous volunteer hours. Help clean up the environment. Volunteer your time at a local animal shelter, many need dog walkers. Volunteer your time at a nursing home. Even a couple hours a week allows you to try something new. For teens, volunteering looks good on college applications. You also get a chance to meet others outside of your normal group.

For Rainy Days

  • Museums: Look up local art, science and history museums. When was the last time you visited your hometown museum? Many museums have special kid days to try to get youth interested in specific genres.
  • Attend Workshops: Learning a new skill at any age is a benefit.
  • Host a Movie Marathon: Order pizza and spend an afternoon watching the Harry Potter series or other movie franchises.
  • Art Day: Spend a day creating art. Painting, sculpt, or drawing enhances the imagination.
  • Go to the Library: Local libraries usually host summer reading programs. Allowing your children to participate with others in the community.

A summer bucket list is only limited by your imagination. Life is short. Try something new. Spend the summer having fun.

 

 

 

Drawing Day: A Chance for Inspiration

Today, May 16, 2017, is Drawing Day. I personally love to draw and sketch. I admit I am completely horrible. But, there’s just something relaxing about drawing. In fact, I have been using drawing to form character inspirations for my writing. The entire process is just another way to enhance my creativity.

As a child, I remember spending rainy days indoors. Enhancing my imagination, my mom would come up with fun creative projects to pass the time. Drawing flowers, rocks, and landscapes were always on my agenda. I fully believe, the art inspired activities helped my creativity.

In today’s technological world, I believe inspiring imagination is vital. Learning creative thinking skills has advantages in every profession. Encouraging your children with art supplies may actually provide benefits to cognitive development. The best part with the various dollar or discount stores, you can create an art supply box at a minimal price.

  • Sketchbooks
  • Drawing pads
  • Construction paper
  • Colored pencils
  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Glitter, if you are brave
  • Watercolors
  • Paint
  • Poster boards

You never know how far simple art inspirations will take you in life.