Carolyn, my mother-in-law, is very creative. She is really into clay reliefs this year. She is 80 years old and still working on her art! She really loves paper clay and has enjoyed many hours working on her pictures. My daughter, Cara, got her going on this media. They've had a lot of fun working on their art together. Carolyn also gets together with her friend Bonnie to work on art together. What a great hobby! We all love her creations.

sunflower relief

in progress- this is the tray Carolyn uses. She sits in a recliner with this tray in her lap and she works on her art while she watches TV. 

tip #4: sketchbook/ journal

My art tip today is to keep a sketchbook or journal.
It takes a bit of using one to decide how you really want to use one:) I used to just use any scrap of paper that was near me to draw on, and I didn't keep them very often. I do still have some napkins, paper towels, book pages, etc. that I have tucked into a spiral pad of drawing paper- but a sketchbook is a great way to keep a record of your progress. I have tried different sizes and bindings, have made my own, have purchased them and have been given some.  I find that I like to tuck one in my purse, so I love the little moleskines with the pockets.  I also carry the little skinny brown moleskines sometimes. Cara and I are in love with moleskines, they are quite addictive. Last night Cara read a quote to me that said a moleskine was better that a little black dress! so true!
A sketchbook, for me, is just a collection of my ideas, drawings, and sketches. It's a place to play. I write down scattered thoughts and ideas, practice contour lines, work out designs, create thumbnails and predrawings, try new materials, collage, tuck momentos in pockets, etc. etc. Sketchbooks have no rules. If you make a mistake, oh well... if you don't use it everyday, oh well... The only boundaries or rules are self imposed.  So, be easy on yourself and give yourself lots of freedom to create pages any way you want in your sketchbook!
I was very dedicated to my sketchbook for awhile, but lately I have gotten away from it. I miss it, so I am giving myself a new challenge- a self imposed rule that I have to draw 3 flowers from my garden this week.  The lily of the valley is in bloom and I don't want my sketchbook to miss that!

Tip #3- Just do it!

Here are a duo of huge canvas' painted orange, ready for whatever is next!

Sometimes it's just hard to get started. So many people want to be creative, and they wish they could draw or make artwork. I can't tell you how many people tell me they wish they could draw, or they used to paint and they wish they still did... I am here to say, just do it! It really is like exercise. You have to just do it. You don't have to wait to be good, or to have the right equipment, and there is no reason to be afraid of failure. If you want to make something, just make it! The more often you do it, the better you get, the more you understand, the more confident you get. As with exercise, start simple and easy. Begin with scribbles and doodles, or simple shapes, or cut and paste some fun pictures together. Enjoy yourself! Don't think that everything you make has to be a masterpiece. You don't have to frame everything you make, and it doesn't have to be a gift to anyone. If you want to throw your work away, who's stopping you? Don't let anything get in the way of having fun, and enjoying the process of what you are making. Unlike exercise, you don't need a Dr.'s permission to start, no matter how out of shape you are :) Let me know if you get creating. I'd love to see your progress.