I have been creating a Little Art as a Daily Practice for the past two months, and it has totally rejuvenated me as an artist. If you follow me on instagram you have seen most of these pieces, but I wanted to write about the experience too. This post is about creating tiny art, creating art daily and creating art for yourself.
It was in the beginning of September that I saw a little art challenge on Instagram. An artist that I follow posted it to her feed, inviting other to create “a little art” along with her. I jumped on the same day, without any planning or thinking. I do think planning is a good thing, but sometimes you should jump in without a plan. Just doing something without giving it much thought can stop your Inner Critic from telling you that you really don’t have time for another project right now. It can also help you to start a project even when it is not the first of the month and year, even when you haven’t proclaimed it on your blog, even when you know you’ll be too busy later that month…
But I had strips of watercolor paper, leftovers from bookbinding, laying around without purpose (eI find it is hard to throw away good paper, even when I don’t think I will have any use for those small pieces). Each strip was quickly, and without measuring, cut into two small squares for art experiments (once again I prove to myself that you just should never throw away good paper. Ever!). No planning: I just used what was available, and got started.
I decided to to what I like to call a watercolor doodle each day, something mostly abstract and quick. An it has really been super fun. Some I have fallen in love with, others I don’t like at all. But the most important thing, this little art project has made me think about art a lot, and about what I as an artist in development need, to be able to call myself an artist. I think mostly, I just need to make art. A lot more art.
I need to keep art-making at the forefront of my mind, instead of forgetting about it for months, like I did previously this year. I was charged with energy during my year of 365 Collages and it was amazing, but I also got a little burnt out. Since then I have kind of forgotten about the importance of creating art.
If you want to learn about your artistic style and develop your own voice, having a project like this is perfect! If you are interested in growing as an artist or person, you should cultivate a habit towards that growth, with some kind of growth plan in mind.
It can be way too easy to let the days slide by, without taking the time for what you heart desire. Personally, I feel the pull of work and must-does daily and that makes me long to throw it all out the window sometimes. Because all I want to do all day, is paint and create. But as I am (trying to learn to) prioritize, I hope I can fit more of both work and play into my life. I do need both money making work, and artistic fulfillment. But admittedly, the balance is difficult.
Therefor I find it even more satisfying seeing all of these:
They make me happy. How about you, do you like them?
As per usual, it has not been exactly daily for me, but it has given me such a wonderful push these past months, to create, explore – and play. I haven’t even counted how many I have done yet, and I definitely haven’t given these titles. They are art, yes, but more for me, for fun, for exploring. For play.
I took loads of photos of my creations from September, as you can see, and posted most of them to @ihannas instagram (on the day I made them) since this fun project started there.
But then October came and I continued, without having time to write this post. But today I took the time to share all of this, and here are some of my little artworks from October too (yay!):
Thanks for letting me share these watercolor doodles with you.
I want to give credit to artist Victoria Johnson (who I follow on Instagram because she is an awesome illustrator who does the cutest paintings, collages and artworks). She is the one who started the project of A little art on a whim, and invited anyone who had a similar style/color scheme to post under the tag #alittleart as well and create daily along with her. I jumped on of course, and I’m so glad I did.
PS: After writing this post I am thinking even more about art, and what to plan for next year. Do you have any ideas for projects, monthly, weekly or daily? Another new year is approaching, what should we make of all those days? Are any of you creating a daily habit of any sort, or doing a 365-project? Let me know!
Also read my post: How to Plan for a 365 Project of your own.
I do like them! They’re so pretty, and as a collection they’re coherent & yet I can see growth.
My biggest problem is that I was raised by very practical people whose voices are still in my head asking, “What are you going to DO with that?” And so I end up in an existential crisis instead of making art. What *am* I going to do with hundreds of little art pieces. I make some into greeting cards/postcards, but I don’t send that much mail, so I guess…repurpose in other art? Maybe even just get rid of it (nooooo! It’s good paper!!!) and call it a learning exercise? Thoughts? What do you do with your little art? How do you store/repurpose them?
Put them in a shoe box and visit them from time to time to brighten your day!
Use frames from the dollar store to frame a few favorites; you can change them every week or month or whenever. You can do seasonal themes with your framed art: winter; Valentines; holidays; birthdays of family members and more.
Cut up some to use for collage.
SO many ideas!
Of course I love this idea…exploring without expectations to discover any potential voice or style that lurks inside of you!
Also, I love love love the colors you chose, and my favorite image is the one with the thin black lines and the word “art.”
Hi Hanna! Great post! Thanks for all your sharing ways, I so enjoy your blog.
Been in a place of finding it hard to create. Mind clutter is influencing what I do and even, if I do it. Have to push myself. Anyway, thank you for appearing in my inbox from time to time and bringing me back to earth with your colorful pieces of art. In this case, “tiny art”. I think I can handle that. Be well and many thanks!
Very inspiring Hanna! As usual, I love your colors! Lots of fun pattern, lines and marks. I can even see a little Jane Davies influence in a few :) Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration!
Love these! I particularly love the very first photo in this post. I can see it scaled up to poster size. Those are just the colours that make my heart sing. <3
I have recently been away for a two week holiday in Japan! EeeeeK! I know! how lucky am I! I have come back brim full of inspiration and can't wait to share my journey on my blog – (once I get over the exhaustion I am feeling right now). I was on a textile tour and it was BRILLIANT but we had a gruelling schedule with a lot of time spent on coaches, trains and planes. During this travelling time I did little bits of art in a small square sketchbook. I gave them to anyone who showed an interest in what I was doing, or as a thank you, and once I heard it was our coach driver's mother's birthday, so I made one into a card for her: it felt good! Random acts of Art. I always took a photo of the piece before letting it go – now I wish I had taken a photo of the person I gave it too as well.
I love the idea of a 365 project but it feels too difficult to commit to. I have been wondering about a once a month design project (design is my passion!) ……… with perhaps a shape or item to include or inspire each month's designs …….. what do you think?
Hanna, I have really been enjoying your most recent posts. These “little” art pieces are so bright and cheerful, and no two alike! A wonderful example of diving into art a step at a time. My favorite is the one that looks like pink or red ribbons filled with yellows and greens. I can see these framed to create a whole wall of color.
My own “art practice” at the moment is DIY stuff around the house, getting ready for winter. I try to do a small step every day even if it’s only for five or ten minutes and it’s amazing, things really do get done!