Encouraging Creativity--The Gift of Paper, Crayons and Scissors

Having two of my grandchildren with me full time has given me a new opportunity to think about the creative spirit we are all born with, and what encourages that creativity to flourish. What can inspire hours of imaginative thought and entertainment for both Hannah, age 3, and Noah, age 6, is paper, crayons, pencils and scissors. These two can translate any scribble or cut shape into the most imaginative stories and creatures. With a little glue and staples, they can put together crazy collages that excite them and make them proud of their originality.

Today as I watched Hannah drawing, using the piano bench as her work surface, I had a flashback to 60 years ago when the piano bench was my favorite play area.

Why am I an artist today? I give my mother a lot of credit for never holding back with the typing paper. Although she was of the frugal, Depression area thinking, I always got the biggest box of crayons with the most colors and I was never restricted with the use of paper.

A little paper, crayons, pencils and paper can have a lifetime effect.

What inspired you in your creative paths, or other endeavors?

More Shows and Exhibits

Me with Donna Zagotta

While I can't find much studio time, I have been able to send images out to quite a few Exhibitions. My last post included the painting "Herons' Winter Dreams" which was accepted into the Northwest Watercolor Society International Exhibit. I was fortunate to be able to attend their Artist's Reception and Award Ceremony, where my painting received the Printing Center USA Excellence Award. What a thrill it was to meet the Juror, Donna Zagotta, and get a personal critique of my art. I was also very happy to have several friends from the Seattle area attend the reception with me.

With friends Kazy, Laurel, and Allison.

With Stitz, Laurel, and Allison.

Additionally, last night I attended the Opening of the Pacific Northwest Art Annual at UO. Again, I had family and friends come out to see my two paintings in that exhibit. I feel so well supported!

This morning I got the good news that another painting has been accepted into a national show.  This one is Red River Watercolor Society's 21st Annual National Juried Watermedia Exhibition. The juror, Michael Reardon, chose my painting "Sing Me the Legends." This painting is a sentimental favorite of mine, and wasn't truly "finished" until I reworked it last spring.

"Sing Me the Legends"