Blog
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4 Ways to Focus on Being Present and Grateful as We Stay Creative
The skies are moody today, the wind is blowing, the temperatures are lower, and the autumn colors are popping. All the signs are there. We’re heading into cozy season. It’s a great time to grab a hot drink, a soft blanket, and take a little time to think about the things that make us grateful. Did you know that taking a little time to remember a few things we are thankful for each day lifts our moods, too? Go ahead. Test it. Write or draw three things that you are glad you have in your life right now. Don’t you feel better? Today, I’ll give you several more ways you…
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How are You Feeling Today? How to Give Your Emotions Room
“How are you feeling today?” You might respond, “Good,” “Fine,” “Okay,” or even “Great!” Notice how vague these words are. Are they really identifying feelings? What does ‘fine’ mean? Are you feeling happy, motivated, generous, or are you giving the expected answer because you’re unsure if the person asking really wants to know how you’re feeling? Sometimes, I’m a little out of touch with my feelings, and I struggle to name them and give them room to exist. Most of the time, it’s because I’m in a hurry … a hurry to move past those feelings and on to something that I think is more productive. But what if our…
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How to Stay Positive as You Cope with Negativity
When Negativity Tries to Steal Your Day Somedays you find yourself in a little bit of a stormy mood. Maybe your day didn’t go quite as you planned, maybe you read the daily news and saw something that hit a nerve, or maybe you just woke up feeling ‘off.’ When you’re feeling stormy, you might hear others tell you that you should focus on the positive. But how do you actually do that? And let’s face it … in the storm is a difficult time to think clearly. Instead, let’s talk about a way to cope with negativity when you’re not struggling with a mood so you can be better…
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Creative Self-Care: How to Stay Mindful with Your Art
There’s a lot of talk out there about self-care. Could it be that we are more and more stressed as a whole? I wonder what’s causing that. Maybe some things come to mind for you as you read this … they definitely do for me. I’m not here to solve the world’s problems, but sometimes it’s helpful to take a moment to define what’s making us feel stressed. So … go ahead. Name the things that are putting you on high alert today … this week … this year. Write them down … just to take them out of your head for a minute. How do you take care of…
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Beautiful Hand Assembled Sketchbooks for You
A sketchbook is a great way to stay motivated in your art practice. Learn all about the parts and pieces that go into making these sketchbooks by hand.
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DIY Watercolor Kits – an Easy Way to Stay Creative
Are you looking for an easy way to get started painting with watercolors? Do you want to practice painting with watercolors, but you run out of ideas of things to paint? Do you wish you had something fun and artsy to do with friends, but you don't feel like dealing with all the extra supplies?
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A Regular Art Practice … Why is it Important?
Since I started The Painted Pen, I’ve noticed a few things about having a regular art practice. Creating art regularly does the obvious things, of course. Your art will always improve with practice. The more you make, the better it gets. The lines get more confident, and the colors you mix are truer to what you had in mind. You remember movements and they’re easier the next time. You repeat the styles you like and let go of the styles you get bored with. Your art naturally changes and grows. If the only good reason to practice art regularly was that you see a visible improvement in your work, that…
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Love Them or Hate Them? Paul Rubens Watercolors Review
Paul Rubens Art asked me if I would like to try their watercolor paints in exchange for a review. I love trying new paint and comparing it to what I use already, so of course I said, “Yes!” Let’s find out if I love them or hate them.
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Let Me Introduce You to a Pineapple Surprise Pattern Collection
It’s sweet … and lively … and fun as the tropical party gets started, but then, as the sun sets, things begin to wind down … to slow and calm. You’ll find these two colorways and more in this pineapple collection. Pineapple Surprise – Lively Colorway Pineapple Surprise – Winding Down Colorway Pattern Ideas But you might wonder how you use a pattern collection. What are patterns for exactly? Ever since I took the Immersion Surface Pattern Design Course by Bonnie Christine a few months ago, I see patterns everywhere. Seriously, inside my brain, it feels a little like one of those big popcorn machines you see when you’re at…
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A Few Simple Drawing Ideas to Try Before Christmas
If you live like I do, Christmas is a busy time filled with preparations and plans for gathering and gifting. I try not to get caught up in the hype of Christmas, but I do love the occasion to give a few gifts to the people I couldn’t live without, those I appreciate fondly, and those who impact me throughout the year. Is it about the gifts? Yes and no. I like gifts and celebrating, but I really like a reason to be able to give a little something to show I care. Drawing helps me ground myself in the present, hone my focus to one thing, and rest my…
