I often contemplate one specific difference between me and some of my friends that don’t participate in visual arts. These friends will buy a lunch, clothes, shop around for this and that to treat themselves to something small. I’ve been known to do that too, but my real enjoyment lies in the possibilities of getting a new book or maybe a new piece of art supplies. “Wow! Have you tried this pen?! The ink goes on the paper so smoothly. The color is fantastic!” “Yeah, I know I have one of these but it’s a different shade.” “These are double sided!” Oh, my reasons go on from there. I have lots of pens. Buckets of paints. Don’t even get me started on my yarn, fabric, pencils, wool, and so on.

Now I would like to say this, it is okay to have buckets and tubs full of art supplies stacked around your house. However, make sure they are items you use. A person needs to feel connected to and enjoy the process of creating Art. They also need to know the difference between organized clutter and chaos. Sorry all, cleaning is another part of the balance. Piles of unlabeled, uncared for, miscellaneous odds and ends just take up space that better things can be allowed to fill, things that can help you grow as a person rather than just bury you alive in “stuff”.

Here is my side story about clutter. You know what is clutter in your house. I’m not talking about garbage, that is easy, toss it/recycle it. Now. Put your sketchy papers in a binder if you are keeping them. Put treasures in a “treasure chest” or something. I have had well meaning friends come by in the name of trying to help me organize my “clutter”. Half of them asked if I really needed so many books or toys around the house. Yes. Yes I do. Just throw out half my kitchen, or my wardrobe, something. We all have our happy places. The boot worn through the sole? Toss it or make a flower pot if it’s worthy of that. Electric sandwich grill? Gift it or donate unless you are a sandwich fiend. Dead house plant? Dump it. Clothes you look awful in? Donate, not everyone looks bad the same way. Haha.

If you already have gobs of art supplies, as I do, don’t forget to do some Spring cleaning. Clear out pens that don’t work, paints that are past their prime, adhesives that have a foot in the grave, you get the idea. Upcycle whenever possible but get it out of your way. All artists, old and new, never stop experimenting! Work inside your current budget and discover ways to create. I’m not saying blow $60+ on those midrange watercolors if you don’t have it. What about trying some craft quality acrylic paint? Surprisingly those are still less than $2 a bottle around here. Buy a cheap pallet and start with some primary colors. You don’t have $$$+ for Copic Markers? Neither do I! Look for some other markers to learn with a little and see if you even like drawing with markers. Do you see where I’m going with this?

I tried out 3 new to me types of markers/pens to draw this picture from a favorite show today, and the average price was $1 each:

Learning doesn’t have to break the bank. I like to play around with hand lettering, in other words, turning writing into art. I don’t feel particularly skilled at this as of yet, but I experiment with it off and on. On that note I bought some calligraphy pens I thought I would like. They were NOT pleasant to use. As they scratched their way across my notebook I knew we would not be “friends”. My daughter liked the angles of the chiseled tips on them and was not as annoyed by how dry the tips of the pens were. I gave them to her. Within the hour my two year old found them and made himself extra colorful, he loves trying out new art supplies too. Moral #1, it’s okay to pass on supplies to others, we all have different tastes and sensory needs. Share and move on. Moral #2, two year olds are very good at finding not-exactly-washable ways to express their artistic selves.

Don’t be afraid to say you want to try something new. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t like it. While you’re at it, feel free to say, “Huh.” occasionally. Art is a way to test out your feelings, thoughts, and practice making choices. I venture to say that the type of results you produce might show you what priorities are in your mind. Creating something takes time. If you don’t wish to put time into a project ask yourself why. This also teaches you something.

I could drag this on but I think I’ve communicated what is on my mind today. If pens are your thing go ahead to the craft store and if they have those doodle pads test out a few sample pens. If you think wood carving, painting, felting, crochet… any of that might be your creative outlet, give it a go! Endless possibilities! Express yourself your way. Discover your senses. Keep creating!