This week’s artist date idea focuses around sketching the nature around you, then adding mixed media elements. Before taking yourself on this artist date, you’ll need to pack a bag to take along. Here’s what it should include:
- Sketchbook or art journal
- Pencils
- Charcoals
- Colored pencils
- Crayons
- Glue sticks
- White glue
- Scissors
- Tape
- Envelopes
- Sandwich bags
- Disposable or personal use camera
- Small blanket
- Dry snacks
- Bottle of water
Once you’ve packed your bag and marked your date on the calendar, be sure to talk with your family and friends about your plans. This will ensure your time will be interrupted and it may inspire others to take an opportunity for themselves to go on an artist date. The success of an artist date is dependant on the commitment to time and follow-through, so be sure potential obstacles are avoided by good planning.
When planning your date, decide on a location that is conducive to the kind of work you’ll be creating. It’ll be too difficult to concentrate on your work and truly enjoy the experience if your location is too busy. Try finding a quiet corner in a park, on a hiking trail, in a bird sanctuary, in your back yard or in the grassy area of a school playground. Avoid surrounding yourself with a lot of people or commotion, if possible.
While on your date, set yourself up for quiet and quality time by creating a comfortable setting. Lay out your blanket and cover it with all the contents of your bag. Spread everything out so you can still sit comfortably while having easy access to all your materials.
Your assignment:
When you sit and get comfortable, start sketching the first thing you see immediately. If this subject mater is too challenging or doesn’t hold your interest, simply shift your vision to another subject matter. Create several sketches, working quickly and without a lot of detail.
After your sketches are complete, take your sandwich bags and envelopes and gather flat items surrounding you. If you choose to pick up weigh-y items, use them for rubbings in your piece rather then trying to affix them to the page. The textures from these items will add specific interest to portions of your sketches. Once you’ve satisfied your collection needs, return to your blanket and put them to use:
- add color and interest to your sketches using crayons and colored pencils.
- affix flat elements throughout your pieces using glue sticks, tape and white glue: this can be in collage style or as actual additions to your subject (you may to trim some items using scissors)
- use rocks, leaves and branches to create rubbings in random portions of your sketches
Before you finish your artist date, take out your camera and photograph your surroundings. These photographs will work in future art pieces, art journal work, altered art pieces and paintings.
