Welcome to month 7 of the Elegance and Enchantment Creative Challenge! If you are just stumbling across this post and want to read more about the origins of the challenge and how you can get involved, I encourage you to start with this post. You can check out recaps from our other challenges here:
Challenge 1 // Challenge 2 // Challenge 3 // Challenge 4 // Challenge 5
Challenge 7 will take place from July 10th – August 15th, but please take extra days if you need them. I’ve been quite the procrastinator when it comes to painting and it’s time for me to make good on my claims. About 5 or 6 years ago I was at an art gallery with James and my sister in law, and I boldly stupidly told them that “I could paint those”. That Christmas, James got me oil paints for Christmas, and I still have yet to take the shrink wrapping off of the box that they came in. My sister in law hasn’t stopped asking when she’ll be receiving the masterpiece I’ve promised her. Fingers crossed that I’ve actually retained some of the painting skills I learned in high school or I’m never going to hear the end of it.
Our watercolor challenge overwhelmingly demonstrated that Creative Challenge Community Members are brimming over with talent when it comes to painting. I cannot wait to see what everyone comes up with this time around!
So you think you’re in for this challenge, but you’re having a hard time coming up with what you should paint? I’m right there with you— in fact I blame my 6-year painting postponement on my indecision to choose a subject. Here are some ideas I’ve brainstormed. Hope these can help get the creative juices flowing:
1. Pablo who? Try your hand at some abstract painting. Explore bold colors, shape and form.
2. Ask your children or your pet to sit still while you paint their portrait. Okay, who are we kidding— you can work from a photograph.
3. Paint a landscape of a place that is special to you, like I did in the watercolor challenge.
4. Painting classes and parties have been popping up all over the US. Grab a bottle of wine and a friend for a fun night of guided painting. They supply the materials, so you just need to bring your creativity!
5. Take some of those hand lettering skills you may have learned in the calligraphy challenge and combine bold color with beautiful typography on your canvas.
If you are looking for some painting tips and tricks, here are some great resources:
– Craftsy.com
– Pinterest Tutorials
– Skillshare Tutorials
– Paint and Sip Classes (mentioned above)
Here are some popular chains: Painting with a Twist // Pinot’s Palette // Paint Nite
– Classes at your local town center, museum, or adult continuing education
Need to stock up on materials? Here are a few places to check out:
– Amazon.com
– Your local art supply or craft store
Remember to share your creative projects with the community!
1. Join the official Creative Challenge Facebook Group
Ask questions about technique, share your struggles and show off your progress
2. Collaborate in the Creative Challenge Pinterest Board
Share your favorite projects, tips and tutorials. Please request to contribute to this board by following the board, following me, and leaving a comment on one of the board’s pins asking to be added. All are welcome!
3. Use the hashtag #EECreativeChallenge
Snap photos of your work and share on Instagram
4. Write your own blog posts chronicling your creative journey
I’m happy to promote, pin and share!
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