SCC Art Instructor, Rob Lipnick, has shared these 28 creative prompts to spark creativity during this period of social distancing. Art helps to relieve stress and improve mental health and wellness.
“Art – no matter whether you choose to create it yourself or simply observe and enjoy it – is a relaxing and inspiring activity for many people. However, the particular benefits of artistic expression go much further than relaxation and enjoyment. Studies suggest that art therapy can be very valuable in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and even some phobias. It is a great way to express your emotions without words, process complex feelings and find relief. In this article, we will take a closer look at art therapy and discuss its mental health benefits.”
from https://www.rtor.org/2018/07/10/benefits-of-art-therapy/
28 Ideas to Spark Creativity
- Go on a virtual museum tour. Select your favorite work and recreate it in a different style
- Write “joy” or “gratitude” in the middle of a page and draw three things that bring you small joys or moments of gratitude during this time.
- Follow Monet’s lead, do a drawing of the same building or view at different times of the day.
- Make stamps from unusual household items and use them to make a printed pattern or use a household item as a paintbrush (old toothbrush, rag, etc) to make an artwork.
- Create a coloring book page and share it here for others to use. Or, print out one of these coloring pages and complete them.
- Create doodle cards to send to family and friends—and include one for your mailman. Postal service employees are still delivering, leave a goodie for them in your mailbox.
- Have you been staring at someone for too long? Partner? Housemate? Dog? Sketch their face. Be nice.
- Dealing with new emotions during this time? Create an abstract drawing or painting to express that emotion.
- Channel your Andy Goldsworthy: go on a nature walk, find outdoor inspiration or unconventional materials to start a new work.
- Create a calming collage: cut out images that make you feel calm and put them together
- Puppets aren’t just for kids. Puppets are friends. Create a new friend to keep you company in isolation.
- Ask a friend or family member for a one-word prompt every hour throughout the day. Sketch and send them each creation for increased inspiration and connectivity.
- Create one mini painting, drawing, etc. in your medium each day to document this time.
- We all need some relaxation and time to breathe right now. Turn on some calming music and do a free-flowing drawing or painting exercise to the music. Do not censor yourself.
- Repurpose trash and junk mail as project material to make a sculpture or collage.
- Share the love: repost five images of artwork from your favorite artist friends.
- Pick a color or material you normally avoid and use it in excess.
- Write a letter to your future self.
- Try painting with coffee, espresso, wine, or other non-traditional liquids.
- Toilet paper hoarder challenge: use your empty rolls to create a sculpture.
- Make a stress ball out of a balloon, illustrate with sharpie, fill with flour, squeeze away.
- Try your hand at creating natural dyes (avocado pits, tea, coffee are all natural dyes you might have laying around).
- Make a cup of tea and paint with your tea leaves.
- Reading more books lately? Recreate a scene or moment.
- Tune-up your senses. List four things you saw and four things you heard. Do a 2-minute doodle.
- Think of one person that might be having a hard time right now. Create something to make them happy.
- Post a photo of your most peaceful artwork (think tranquil landscapes, plein air sunsets, etc)
- Get a big piece of paper or poster board and make art to hang in your windows to create an outdoor gallery for people taking their daily walks in the neighborhood. Or, join the #Shareyourstickynoteart challenge created by Barbara Januszkiewicz and share your art with neighbors that way!
