The Magic of Daily Doodles: Why Painting Every Day Can Transform Your Art
I'm here to spill the beans on a secret that's as simple as it is effective to improve your skill as a watercolour artist: painting daily. 🎨✨
Yes, you heard that right! It's not rocket science, nor is it an ancient secret guarded by the old masters. It's about dedication, routine, and, dare I say, a bit of fun.
Crafting a Daily Art Habit: Make art everyday
Remember the joy of creating art as a child? The fearless exploration, the unapologetic creativity?
Recapture that spirit by painting daily and sharing your creations with the world. This journey is not just about accumulating a portfolio; it's about discovering your voice in the vast chorus of watercolour artists. It's about making art an undeniable part of your life, as essential as air.
Through this process, you'll find what makes your heart beat faster, whether it's the rush of painting a bustling cityscape or the calm of a serene landscape.
Image by Paolo Ghedini from Pixabay
What Gets in the Way of Making Art Everyday?
Let's face it, we're all busier than a set of watercolour brushes at a plein air festival. Finding time to paint can feel like trying to squeeze another colour onto an already crowded palette. But here's the kicker: you don't need to carve out a massive chunk of your day. Setting a specific time for your art, be it early morning or late evening, creates a sacred ritual. It's like having a coffee date with your creativity, and trust me, your muse appreciates punctuality.
The Ritual of Consistency: Your Artistic Anchor
Make painting a part of your everyday life.
Imagine painting becoming as routine as brushing your teeth or brewing your morning coffee. Establishing a daily painting habit anchors your day, transforming creativity from a fleeting muse into a loyal companion.
By choosing a specific time to meet your brush and paper, you're not just marking your calendar; you're etching a commitment into your heart. And remember, keeping your painting supplies in sight is like leaving breadcrumbs for your creativity, guiding you back to your artful haven every day.
Desk Ready, Set, Go!
Imagine walking up to your painting desk, and it's as inviting as a freshly opened box of watercolours. That's the dream, right? Having your space prepped and ready to go eliminates the "ugh, I need to set everything up" barrier. Whether it's a corner of your dining table or a dedicated studio, make it your little art sanctuary. A place where your brushes eagerly await your return, whispering sweet nothings about the masterpieces you'll create together.
Find a space where you can lay out your art materials and be creative.
Making art everyday with doodles
Now, I know what you're thinking, "But Louise, what if I don't have a grand idea every day?" To that, I say, fret not! Not every session needs to birth a masterpiece. Simple doodles, abstract blobs of colour, or sketches of your coffee mug are more than enough. It's about the process, not just the product. These little acts of creativity are like appetizers, whetting your appetite for bigger projects.
Making art everyday is a simple, creative practice that will help students in a fun and inspired way - try it! I created some simple brush control exercises for my Patrons and blog readers that might be a helpful starting point.
You don't need to always complete a painting, you can focus your attention on painting simple brush strokes.
The Power of Petite Practices
Who said size matters? When it comes to watercolour painting, small is mighty. Embarking on smaller projects allows for a deliciously rapid cycle of experimentation and learning. Each mini masterpiece is a playground for technique, be it mastering the whimsical washes or the delicate dance of colours. This approach is akin to sketching with watercolours, where every stroke, every blend, tells a story, teaches a lesson, and, most importantly, builds your confidence.
Doom Scrolling? No, Thank You!
Ah, the siren call of the internet, with its endless stream of photos, videos, and, let's be honest, cat memes. While it's tempting to fall down this rabbit hole for yet another tutorial or reference picture, remember, every minute spent scrolling is a stroke not painted. You do not need more ideas for your next project. Resist the urge to doom scroll through social media or the news. Your canvas awaits, and unlike the internet, it doesn't refresh with new content every second. Give it your own unique updates instead.
Image by MrJayW from Pixabay
Building Muscle Memory: Your Secret Art Arsenal
I noticed a dramatic improvement in my skills when I transitioned from a weekend painter to a daily one. As a former schoolteacher, time was a luxury I didn't have. But when I started painting every day in 2014, it was a game-changer. This consistent practice builds muscle memory, honing your hand-eye coordination and fine-tuning those brushstrokes until they become second nature. It's like training for an art marathon, where endurance, pace, and technique are key.
I have recently published a video, where I explain how persistence and repetition have helped my development as an artist.
Deepen your Bond with your tools by making art everyday
In the realm of art making, your relationship with your art supplies is akin to a deep, unfolding friendship. Each day you engage with your paints, brushes, and paper, you're not just dabbling in pigments and textures; you're cultivating an intimate knowledge of your toolkit. This daily ritual allows you to understand the quirks and qualities of your materials at a granular level.
Develop a daily routine of spending time with your brushes and paints.
As your skill level ascends, so does your ability to harness the full potential of your supplies. You learn which brush delivers the softest washes, which paper holds up to your boldest experiments, and which paints blend together like a dream.
This nuanced understanding elevates your art making, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. By integrating daily practice into your routine, you're not just improving your technique; you're building a symbiotic relationship with your art materials, one where familiarity breeds not contempt but creativity. This journey enriches your art, infusing each piece with a level of sophistication and depth that only comes from truly knowing the tools of your trade.
The Mastery in Repetition: A Loop of Learning
Repetition might sound like the villain in the story of creativity, but in truth, it's the unsung hero. Painting the same subject over and over is not a punishment; it's a path to enlightenment. With each iteration, you peel back a layer, uncovering deeper insights and refining your technique. This methodical madness is where you learn to let go, to improvise, and to see the world through a kaleidoscope of perspectives.
Making art everyday might involve painting the same subject more than once.
A Community of Kindred Spirits: The Circle of Inspiration
No artist is an island, even in the age of social distancing. Engaging with a community of fellow watercolour enthusiasts is like opening a treasure chest of motivation, inspiration, and constructive critique. Sharing your journey, celebrating your wins, and learning from your mishaps in a supportive environment can propel your skills to new heights and deepen your love for the medium. On Patreon, Facebook and Discord you can connect with like-minded students.
Unleash the Daily Doodle: Paint Every day!
In the grand scheme of things, painting daily is less about churning out portfolio pieces and more about connecting with your creative self regularly. It's a commitment to growth, a testament to your passion, and, frankly, a lot of fun. So, set that time, prep your desk, embrace the doodle, ditch the doom-scrolling, and let muscle memory do its magic. Remember, every day is a new opportunity to splash a bit of your soul onto the canvas. And who knows? You might just surprise yourself with how much you grow.
Now, go forth and paint your heart out. The world is your oyster, and your palette is the pearl! 🌟🎨
If you are interested in learning to paint in watercolour, I have over 170 online, voiced over watercolour tutorials for all skill levels.
The macaw is available to purchase as a print in the shop.
