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What to do when you have a case of the blahs?
A few months ago, I spoke to my art teacher, David S, about feeling unmotivated to paint. The current situation was getting me a little down, and I wanted to get back to painting. I just couldn’t bring myself to get my paper and brushes out.
David suggested that I draw while I walk and sent me samples of an artist who did that. I loved looking at the walk sketches.
Photo: Unsplash, Mr.Autthaporn Pradidpong Walking with intention
I started to walk and look closely at my surroundings. I made marks on my little notebook. Some were very strange, and others actually looked like what I was seeing. The more I did them, the more precise the marks became. These are walks for art and not for exercise, and I do them at least twice a week now. When I walk by the ocean where there are many people, I get strange looks and hear funny comments. They don’t know how much fun I am having! I have almost bumped into a few posts and gone too near the rails or the wall but caught myself just in time.
Walking and Drawing is a mindful walk. You will feel connected with everything that is around you. When you move slowly, you look at things carefully and your feelings for your surroundings are intensified. By adding the act of drawing your mind stays focused in the present and focused. Walking and Drawing is a cure for the endless wandering mind!
Many apps will help you plan a walk, and some will even allow you to add your photos. Take a photograph every 15 minutes and you will have a journal of your walk.
I went on a lovely short walk near the Cascais market and did quick sketches of the things that I liked, and I also took many photos. I drew while I walked on parts of the walks. So it was a walk that was all about recording what I saw and how I felt.
The pencil shows emotion. When I like something, the lines flow smoothly. I have noticed that my marks get hard and thick when I think differently about an object. Sometimes I have a hard time drawing something the way that I think that it should look. The lines get repetitive and unclear. I have learned to appreciate and accept these more challenging drawings. When it all gets too complicated, I go back to stick figures.
When I get home, I sketch and doodle the things that caught my attention during my walk. I may add a few words here and there, and then I color it all in. I love to use watercolor pencils for this type of thing.
I make a stamp with information about the location, the date and little red marks to show that it was done during the pandemic.
Map your walks and share them with me. Remember it’s all about memories and it does wonders for our mental health!
Marguerite
Facebook 50andrising
Instagram 50andrising
Links for you:
My art teacher: David Schofield
How to Design an Illustrated Map
Main photo: Unsplash, @evocative_thread
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
Welcome to the sunny side of life for women over 50! We aim to create a space where women feel empowered, supported, and inspired to lead their best lives after 50. Join our Instagram!
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photo: Unsplash, @evocative_thread
A few months ago, I spoke to my art teacher, David S, about feeling unmotivated to paint. The current situation was getting me a little down, and I wanted to get back to painting. I just couldn’t bring myself to get my paper and brushes out.
David suggested that I draw while I walk and sent me samples of an artist who did that. I loved looking at the walk sketches.
Photo: Unsplash, Mr.Autthaporn Pradidpong Walking with intention
I started to walk and look closely at my surroundings. I made marks on my little notebook. Some were very strange, and others actually looked like what I was seeing. The more I did them, the more precise the marks became. These are walks for art and not for exercise, and I do them at least twice a week now. When I walk by the ocean where there are many people, I get strange looks and hear funny comments. They don’t know how much fun I am having! I have almost bumped into a few posts and gone too near the rails or the wall but caught myself just in time.
Walking and Drawing is a mindful walk. You will feel connected with everything that is around you. When you move slowly, you look at things carefully and your feelings for your surroundings are intensified. By adding the act of drawing your mind stays focused in the present and focused. Walking and Drawing is a cure for the endless wandering mind!
Many apps will help you plan a walk, and some will even allow you to add your photos. Take a photograph every 15 minutes and you will have a journal of your walk.
I went on a lovely short walk near the Cascais market and did quick sketches of the things that I liked, and I also took many photos. I drew while I walked on parts of the walks. So it was a walk that was all about recording what I saw and how I felt.
The pencil shows emotion. When I like something, the lines flow smoothly. I have noticed that my marks get hard and thick when I think differently about an object. Sometimes I have a hard time drawing something the way that I think that it should look. The lines get repetitive and unclear. I have learned to appreciate and accept these more challenging drawings. When it all gets too complicated, I go back to stick figures.
When I get home, I sketch and doodle the things that caught my attention during my walk. I may add a few words here and there, and then I color it all in. I love to use watercolor pencils for this type of thing.
I make a stamp with information about the location, the date and little red marks to show that it was done during the pandemic.
Map your walks and share them with me. Remember it’s all about memories and it does wonders for our mental health!
Marguerite
Facebook 50andrising
Instagram 50andrising
Links for you:
My art teacher: David Schofield
How to Design an Illustrated Map
Do you want to contact me? email: marguerite@50andrising.com
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