Ways To Get Creative, Outside!
Here are just a few ideas for how to spend time outside, getting creative:
1-Sketchbook!!
*This is one of our favorites! We are a HUGE fan of the sketchbook. You don’t have to know how to draw the hands of the peasants like Van Gogh or the detailed houses that Thomas Kinkade was so well-down for… there’s really no right or wrong to it. Grab a pack of inexpensive water colors or colored pencils and just throw some color onto the paper as you look at a field of flowers or the bright green grass and trees; There doesn’t have to be any form to it, if you’re not the best at making shapes; This is for you and your mind to grow creatively, so don’t overthink it.. Just enjoy it!
Places to bring your sketchbook:
-Nature trails
-The zoo
-Botanical gardens
-The beach or mountains
-*Even nighttime artwork:
Explore the Darkness! Things are magical in the dark, so search the star-lit sky, take a full-moon walk, or just sit around a campfire, observing the night and nature around it, in all it's glory!
*Flashlight tag is also a great way to spend time outside at night, having fun in nature and with your loved ones!
When starting a sketchbook, remember to just look around you for inspiration and draw it in your own way… remember there’s no right or wrong. Some of the most famous painters, throughout history, painted with quick and choppy brushstrokes, full of color and beauty (not all of them look realistic)
*Check out some examples of impressionistic landscapes:
impressionistic landscapes
2- Yoga
*Do some good for your body mind, and stress-levels, and step outside for your next yoga session. For decades, aerobic exercise—the type that raises your heart and breathing rates, such as running or cycling—has been touted by scientists as the gold standard in terms of the number of health benefits it brings. More energy, improved mood, lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers, better sleep, better thinking, and on and on. Add in some gorgeous, natural scenery and you’ve got a match made in Heaven!
If yoga isn't you things, consider taking your workout, outside, no matter what it is!. Lift those weights in the fresh air, take a long scenic walk, and more!
3-Relax (and look at the clouds)
*Remember when you would lay on your back under the warm sun, and look up at the clouds, defining what each specific one looked like? Do it again as adult, weather you’re on a blanket, in hammock, or floating in the pool, it’s fun to use your imagination and enjoy a little nostalgia at the same time! Relax outside, and do light things as you go, to help improve your creativity. Play some mind-strengthening games, listen to music, daydream, and more!
4-Read
*Take some time for yourself and dive into an alternate world. Sit quietly in a lovely area outside and take in all that nature (and the author) have to offer! This is a great way to ensure you’ll have some “me time”, away from distractions, in a pretty and calming environment, and even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, that’s something your body and mind will thank you for!
5-Photography
* A photograph captures a moment in time in its actuality, whereas something like a painting or drawing (however accurate) is essentially a rendering of whatever the artist chooses to see. Have fun, taking pictures of everything you see, everywhere you go, and with the endless options of filters and other special effects, have fun creating some artwork right from your phone or computer!
Create a photo hunt — Give the kids a list of things to find outside and have them take photos of it. Whether you’re providing your younger gang with disposable cameras (and showing them how to use them…) or encouraging the older crew to use their phone’s cameras, persuading everyone to take in the natural beauty around them is always a great idea and something that you’ll be so happy to see the result of. Looking at the photos and different angles and styles of each picture at the end of the experience will shed some light onto the beauty of nature for and how your family views beauty, in general, too!
6- Get crafty!!
*Spend time getting creative and making some projects, alone OR enlist the kids to help! Check out sites like ‘Pinterest’ for countless project ideas and have fun making them! Talk about recycling and using natural objects, reminding the little ones about the importance of reusing items, taking care of the Earth, and getting creative with everyday objects!
((Two of our favorite art activities, using found objects and implementing ‘recycling')):
*PINECONE FLOWER ART
Made with items you can either find in nature (pinecones), the thrift store (frame), and any craft store (paints), this craft is easy and inexpensive to create and even the kids will LOVE to help out with this one!
https://www....flower-frame/
*PLASTIC BOTTLE BIRDHOUSES
If you’re looking for a way to repurpose those plastic 2 litter bottles, we’ve got a solution that the birds will thank you for!
http://www.g...e-bird-house/
Encourage the kids to get out there and have fun:
-Draw with chalk on the sidewalk (or even a trampoline)
-Use string or yarn or twine to tie natural objects into for a fun and creative piece of jewelry (like rocks, seagrass, feathers, shells, etc)
-Rock paintings (painting it forward) (or other natural objects like feathers, leaves, etc)
**More: 21 Outdoor Art Ideas For Kids:
https://artf...eas-for-kids/
7-Journal
*Get in touch with your inner-most thoughts and take a pad of paper and pen outside to do your thinking. If you’re new to the journaling game, you can start by simply jotting down thoughts, feelings, random words, or ideas for a simple but effective way to get your brain going. The most common way people use their journals is as a way to express themselves through words on paper, rather than actions and words, aloud. Take the time to write the things you’re thankful for, memories you made and don’t want to forget, a cathartic letter to someone you can’t talk to anymore.. and so on. Sit outside in a gorgeous location, sip some coffee and write away.
For the days when you’re not wanting to go outside to create your art, come in to our painting and wine studio for a class that will leave you happy! We offer 2-3 hour classes where you’ll spend time in a creative environment, sipping wine, catching up with loved ones, listening to music, and creating a stunning work of art! You’ll leave the class with a treasured painting, as well as memories that will last a lifetime! Stop in for Mother’s Day and treat Mom to a fun day (or night) out where she’ll enjoy some time, getting creative and finding her inner-artist! Our handmade paintings also make the perfect idea for a gift for Mom (or any of the Moms in your life) on Mother’s Day!
**Check out all of the amazing classes we’re offer for Mom this year:
https://www....hismothersday
We hope to see you soon! Whether you’re heading in for a relaxing day alone, bringing in your whole gang to spend time together, or treating Mom to a special celebration, we’re here for you! Remember that first-time painters are welcomed, as that’s what we're meant for… those people who say they “can’t paint”, and then inevitably, leave the class, realizing that they could paint all along! Leave, proud of the handpainted work of art that you made and can display in your home (or give as a gift), for years to come!
Cheers!