Home Ed Creatives

I like starting my Classes with a ‘Warm-up’ activity. It could be a question or a drawing activity. It is just a good way for everyone to relax after logging in, for some finding the right password. I have always done this and continue to do so. One of the activities I do is to ask the children some questions. One of my favourite questions in to draw destination of the the longest journey they have ever taken.

Original illustration by Pauline Baynes – illustrator of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Baynes illustrated all seven books in the series. I recently visited a special exhibit at Monttisfont House, Hampshire where I took a photo of the above illustration.

I have yet to find any child that can’t remember the longest journey they have taken. I use this question to draw parallels to how growing in one’s Creativity is all about a Journey, actually a very long one. One that can be trying, sometimes even challenging – wondering when we will ever ‘get there’. But like any physical journey, if we stop thinking about ‘the destination’; but ‘be present’ in the moment, the journey becomes more pleasurable.

Recent books I read on two amazing legendary Artists from two different eras.

I find it fascinating to see this evident in journeys of various Artists – dead or alive, well-known or yet to be discovered. They all seem to ‘bask’ the moment they were in. It was not always easy but their continual focus on ‘the present’, their creativity flourished. Claude Monet’s journey began in a some incredibly challenging moments – full of criticisms. Seeing his paintings throughout his long life or hearing about David Hockney’s recent creative ventures with drawing on his iPad; is simply inspiring.

I love sharing these insights with the young Creatives across my groups especially at their tender age. For those whom I have had the privilege of watching their journey for more than the initial 5 weeks – some for almost two years; it has been a joy seeing their confidence in themselves blossom

One my earliest happiest memories is linked to drawing. Due to various factors I did not pursue it. During my years as a full time Home Educating Mom of two, Art was always part of what we did.

Me sitting in front of my Blackboard. I remember spending a lot of time drawing and writing on it.

One of the things that got me back into nurturing my own personal creative journey was doing Daily Monthly Prompts which were recommended to me by a fellow Home Educating parent. That sparked something in me. Whilst I did not manage to do it daily, it nurtured confidence in exploring and experimenting with different mediums. That is the whole point of Drawing Prompts – to spark motivation to invest in developing one’s creativity.

My response to the Drawing Prompt something from the ‘80s. Watercolour Pencils & Ink – July 2019

Monthly prompts are usually found on Instagram. There is something inviting about doing it with others and sharing it with others. I have occasionally organised Drawing Prompts for the Creatives signed up in my classes. One of my goals in 2023 is to publish one every month. Anyone is welcome to join in. If you are Home Educating/Schooling, how about adding it into your daily schedule.

The prompts are just tools to spark ideas for drawing. Draw them in any Art medium – pencils, biro pen, paints, collage – whatever you like! There is no pressure to join in daily, but adding a creativity session into one’s daily routine helps. You may find it useful to have a dedicated sketch book for all your drawings but a folder works as well. Do date your Art pieces as it’s encouraging to look back at the pieces you have done after a period of time. Everyone, including the great Masters start somewhere!

Vincent Van Gogh – A Life in Letters by Nienke Bakker, Leo Jansen, Hans Luijten – Thames & Hudson – pages 44 &45

I will be publishing the Monthly Prompts here and on my Social Media Pages. There is no obligation to share them with me or on Social Media. But if you do, do tag me as I would love to see them. Whenever relevant, I will be using the season or special commemorative day as the prompt of the day. So for example, 18th January is National Winnie the Pooh day; so Pooh Bear is assigned that day. I will be joining in when I can and I hope you will too!