I am turning to the masters of play to help me when drawing the ideas that pop into my head.  When I draw it is often far far from perfect.  In fact, it is often not even recognizable.  How do I know that is okay? I studied the masters of play, kids.

When a kid wants to draw a person, they don’t spend time assessing proportions or sweating if it will look hyper realistic.  They just grab something and start drawing with pride.  Skill isn’t a requirement for play.

In the video, I prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that skill is not a prerequisite of having fun while playing!

Watch Playing and painting like a kid in my Art Journal on YouTube.

Watch the Fineliner video mentioned in the video.

My inspiration for this play was all the animated critters in Pokemon Go. Yes, I am admitting that as an adult I find great joy when a Jigglypuff or Oddish is captured.  I blame my kids for getting into this wonderful silly game.

My drawing isn’t very realistic…or even recognizable. But then again, who ever said play had to be those things?  Not someone who was playing!

After the background was loaded with color, I brought in my 1700’s stencil from StencilGirl.  In the video, you’ll see how I added white space then covered it right back up!

To my neighbors….painting the house like this is a dream of mine, but for now I will show some restraint.  For now…

Now you’ve seen my play, let’s see yours!  Share what you’re creating with us all in the Facebook group and be inspired by what others are creating! And be sure to leave a comment here to get entered in the monthly $50 gift certificate giveaway!

What is Let’s Play?  It’s all about rediscovering the ability to play. Each month I share a specific strategy that helped me recapture the freedom and fun of play.  This month’s theme is act like a kid. You can see more of the Let’s Play series here.

Want to see more Let’s Play videos? You can find all the weekly posts here.

Sharing your play:   I, and a whole bunch of others, would love to see what you’re creating!  We’re sharing it in the Facebook group called A Colorful Place to Play. Why Facebook?  I’ve listened to your feedback about how and where you’d like to share your play instead of the link parties.

Monthly giveaways:  Leave comment on any (and all for more chances) of the weekly Let’s Play blog posts to be entered and one winner each month will be chosen by random.org.  Want more chances to win a $50 gift certificate to DickBlick.com?  Pin any of the images from the page or share about it on Facebook- then come back and leave a comment telling me what you did and you can have more chances to win! Giveaway closes the Sunday,September 4th at 11 pm EST and the winner will announced on the blog the following Monday.

Congrats to Kristiina, last month’s winner!

A friend of mine wanted to start art journaling but the idea was so overwhelming—the supplies, the ideas, the creativity, what’s wrong, what’s right?— that she couldn’t get started. So much joy in creating—and she was missing out!

So many questions racing through her mind: How do you start?  What goes on a page? What colors should be used? What tools are needed? When is a page finished?  Will it be “good enough”?  Pretty intimidating—no wonder it was so hard for her to start!  So I created this workshop to answer all those questions.

Art Journaling FUNdamentals is all about getting started and art journaling with confidence.  Why do those two go together?  Because they come from the same place -a fundamental understanding of the essential principles of art journaling.  When you know those, getting started is easy and you create with confidence.

So if you’re brand new to art journaling or would like more confidence creating art journal pages, this self paced workshop is for you!

Watch Art Journaling FUNdamentals on YouTube. 

After this workshop here is just some of what you’ll know:

• • 3 sure fire questions you can ask yourself whenever you sit down to art journal so you always know where to start a page

• • Easy color theory so that you know how to pick colors and how to avoid making mud

• • The magic number to building up layers 

• • How to know when a page is finished and what to do when it feels unfinished

• • Which glues work with what types of papers and why

• How to deal with the ugly pages, after all we all have them!

In depth supply videos explaining what the tools and materials are so that you can decide which ones are best for you.  It also makes it very easy to substitute with similar supplies you already have!

• Picking the art journal that is right for you
• Paints
• Oil Pastels, Watercolor Crayons, and Gesso
• Watercolors
• Writing Supplies
• Glues and Adhesives
• Pattern Making Supplies

The lessons:

• Color Theory the Carolyn Way
• Speed Dating Your Art Supplies
• A Guided Tour of Glues and Collaging
• Getting the Most from an Art Supply
• The Uglies
• Brought to You By the Number 3
• Dancing Baby Wipes
• Tabloid Headlines
• Bringing it All Together
• Hot Mess to Happy
• What is Finished?
• From a Blank Page

3 BONUS lessons when you get signed up now

• Game Show Grid
• 3 Colorful Circles
• Linear Leftovers

PLUS another BONUS!  How to Scribble Journal!

This is now a self paced workshop, so it’s all waiting for you in the classroom as soon as you’re registered!

30 day money back guarantee. I want you to have the workshop that is right for you.  If you feel this workshop isn’t for you, let me know within 30 days and I’ll refund your money. No questions asked.

This workshop is designed to fit your schedule. The videos are downloadable so watch them online or offline on your computer or mobile device.  You have the flexibility to watch the lesson the day it comes out or anytime since you have lifetime access to the classroom.  

Throughout the workshop, I’ll be there answering your questions and offering support in both the classroom and a secret Facebook group.  I’m looking forward to seeing your art journal creations!

What supplies do you need? You’ll need something to art journal on and something to art with.  Very non-specific and unhelpful, I hear you.  I am strong believer in “use what you have first.”  The workshop includes detailed supply videos introducing you to the supplies I use, along with ways to decide which supplies are right for you.

What’s it like to take a workshop with me?

“If people see your work and think ‘no way I could do that’ they are wrong. They can. Your instructions and videos make each step simple, and encourage the participant to PLAY. You break down those barriers we all put up that restrict us from trying a new technique or supply. In your workshop there are no mistakes…..just learning exercises.” Jo Murray

“I’ve taken two classes with Carolyn and love her breezy, casual, encouraging teaching style.  She knows we all make mistakes and are too often ruled by our inner critics–and she has lots of suggestions for how to happily exploit the first and tame the second. She has fun and her enthusiasm is contagious, making learning enjoyable.  I highly recommend her workshops and classes!”  -Jane O’Brien

“I highly recommend taking any of Carolyn Dube’s classes. She gives lots of content and keeps it fun. A beginner won’t get overwhelmed yet there is still plenty of information to keep a more seasoned artist interested and engaged. Carolyn is a wonderful artist and an amazing teacher.” -Raine Phoenix

“I was a newbie—recently. Carolyn’s amazing artistry, teaching, down-to-earth explanations of color theory, paint mediums, building pages, etc., have taken me from “deer in the headlights” in the art section of the hobby store to “wow this is so cool, I’m taking art lessons and loving it” in a very short period of time. She’s fun, funny and talented. Can’t miss with this workshop!” – Lisa Slagle

*****This workshop is now closed. Get signed up for my newsletter to know when the next one is released!*****