Keeping Creative While Quarantined: Channel Your Inner Impressionist By Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

Do you have an old denim- or canvas-covered 3-ring binder sitting in a closet somewhere? Or a sturdy but stained tote bag or purse that has seen better days? If so, this is the time to get out some acrylic paints, a few brushes, and channel your inner Impressionist!

Museums around the world have virtual galleries in which to browse, or look up artists by name. My notebook pays homage to Monet.

No outlines, just spots and splotches of color to create a garden, a forest, a still life, or whatever you feel like doing. Look to nature for inspiration or use your imagination. Either way, your painting will be unique and special!

Two of the three close-up photos above show the inside of the notebook - bright and shiny because the paper is coated and reflects light. The third shows the weave pattern on the outside - colors appear more muted though it’s the same paint.

YOUR TURN

• Instead of a bag or notebook, paint on a T-shirt, aprons, or jeans!
• Work on a canvas board or stretched canvas instead of a functional object.
• Paint in your art journal or onto sheets of heavy paper in a color other than white (textured or smooth finish). Sheets of brown wrapping paper are a good starting point.
• Cut or tear up the painted papers for collage!
• Stencil on top of the painted pieces.

Next, paint papers to fill the notebook, OR add lined paper and make lists of things to do when the quarantining ends.

My list starts with these items:
1. Eat out in restaurants 3 times a day for a week!
2. Drop off a pan of brownies at the fire department.
3. Head to the die cutting machine with the 3 children from up the street and make cards.