This month, I'm participating in the 31 Day Challenge by The Nester. My topic is:
Be More Creative in 31 Days
You can read about it here.
Let's begin!
The best way to start being more creative is to look at art. Lots of it.
I'm always amazed at the endless forms of art that there are. From Renaissance paintings by the masters, to magazine ads, tattoos, quilting, wood carving, collage, sculpture, architecture, graffiti, textiles.....art - even art you don't understand - should be appreciated. Each form is an expression of the artist, and requires skill, practice and commitment to the craft.
If you want to cultivate your own creativity, seek out the art that is around you and look, truly look at it. Like this:
"Looking Down Yosemite Valley, California" by Albert Bierstadt, Birmingham Museum of Art. This is one of my favorites from the Hudson River School.
Young Mother Sewing, Mary Cassatt
What a timeless moment.
I love this piece by Patrick Gunderson.
Fabulous collage art by Derek Gores.
I could go on and on with examples of art, but I'm going to let you do a little sleuthing on your own. As you look at art, ask yourself some questions:
What is the predominant color in the work?
Is there a secondary color that you notice?
Has the artist used complementary colors or analogous colors to create interest? (Look at the Gunderson painting above....he has used one of these techniques)
Where is the focal point of the piece? Every sculpture, painting, collage, and work has someplace the artist wanted you to rest your eyes, and then follow through the remainder of the piece. Did you know you were being deliberately guided?
Is there a message the artist is trying to convey?
How does the artist use light to his advantage? Atmosphere? Mood?
Is there an emotion conveyed by the subjects?
How does this piece or object speak to you?
Almost everything you see around you has been designed by someone. The chair you're sitting in, the table that holds your computer, the orange juice pitcher, the lamp, the car, the billboard you pass each day.
Each piece can be pulled apart into elements of color, texture, design and message. Each can be observed and appreciated.
Today's Be More Creative assignment:
Look at this Vermeer painting and ask the above questions and make your own observations:
The Milkmaid, Vermeer
What stands out to you? Where is the focal point? What is the atmosphere? How has Vermeer used color to make this painting visually pleasing? Is there an "active" and "passive" zone? What details draw your eye? Do you have questions for the artist as to why he included certain things?
Let's discuss in the comments! Have fun with this!
Now, for a bonus, think about how a knowledge of artistry affects your home.
Take a look around you and "see" the colors, layouts and textures. Is there a focal point? Have you used color to your advantage? Simply asking the same questions within your home will make you a more creative homemaker. I'd love to know what you observe, now that you are really looking.
You have taken the first step to being more creative, my friend.
