Inspiration comes from many places, and seeing the world through the eyes of a child is one of the most joy-filled ways to experience creative exploration. The enthusiastic expressions of of children in nature, in the garden, and playing with paint is off the charts wonderful - as in full of wonder. I LOVE seeing children happy and free to play! Children are naturally inspiring! Here is the latest child-inspired art with the making of pencil and watercolor fairies.

Recently, my granddaughters came over for a visit. They arrived flitting into the house with boundless enthusiasm. My imagination was kindled, and I saw them as sparkly fairies, colorful and full of joy. They were wearing clothes similar to what you find in the paintings below. I love when I see pictures in my mind. It reminds me of what I used to ‘see’ and sketch when my kids were little.

A snapshot of the process

Here’s a reel showing a speedy version of painting over the pencil drawing.

Even though I’ve been drawing and painting for a long time, it is still good to gain some new motivation and see how others approach the craft. I’ve been inspired by Danielle Donaldson’s illustrations, especially how she combines pencil and watercolor. My favorite book of hers is The Art of Creative Watercolor. I have also watched through most of her Mighty Tiny course and Wild Blue Yonder course.

In the past, most of my illustration has focused on using pen and watercolor, but now am finding a greater measure of freedom in the forgiving media of pencil again.

Personalized Board books & cards

Over the years of grand-parenting, I’ve made a board book for each of our (nine) grandchildren, except for our adopted granddaughter who came to us as a teenager. For her, I painting a portrait and wrote a blessing on the back.

I have one more board book to make, and am a couple years behind. Honestly, I feel a bit bad and a board book might be beyond his learning level, but figure at the end of the day it is important and better late than never.

I just finished Flo’s book (upper right), just in time for her upcoming birthday. Her book, along with our youngest grandson’s still to make, need to be different from the rest. That is because her name is too long to fit in the board book and his is too short.

Since I was following a format of letters in the previous books, this time I decided to write and illustrate scenes that feature the first letter of her name, instead of each letter of her name. Maybe I’ll write a separate post about that. I’ve done a few posts about the first three in the past. Here are the links:

https://www.valeriesjodin.com/blog/2015/03/board-book-blessing-number-3?rq=board%20book

https://www.valeriesjodin.com/blog/2010/12/board-book-blessings?rq=board%20book

Children inspire artists!

Ages ago, when I began painting and joined a weekly painting group, I was a young mom with two small kids. That’s when it became clear that I am a maker and painting is my ‘THING.”

I asked advice from the older women painters in the group on being an artist and a mother. The most accomplished painter in the group told me I made my choice when I became a wife and mother. Being an artist was no longer an option for me. Her response was disheartening and rubbed me the wrong way. Inside I told myself I would prove her wrong.

Now that I am the older woman painter I can say that what she said is not true. For me, the opposite of what she said has proven true. My children and grandchildren have been one of my most joyful forms of creative inspiration. Volunteering and teaching art in school has also been highly motivational for me.

Recently, when we moved, I came across some old illustrations I did about forty years ago. Our toddler had a stuffed bear he carried around everywhere. Sometimes, usually at bedtime, while reading stories, I imagined him to be the bear holding a little doll. It inspired my first pen and watercolor illustrations. I can’t find that particular one at the moment, but did come across these larger ones.

I guess I’m coming full circle, back to playful whimsy inspired by the children I love.

The theme of revisiting the past and connecting that activity to the present is a part of my healing process. Even in the midst of the all that is not right in the world, I feel deep gratitude for people in my life and the memories we are making together.

Be encouraged!
Valerie

Inspiration & Resources

Book: The Art of Creative Watercolor by Danielle Donaldson

E-Courses by Danielle Donaldson: https://danielle-donaldson.teachable.com/courses/

E-Course by Danielle Donaldson through Jeanne Oliver: https://jeanneoliver.com/course-home/?search=Danielle%20Donaldson

Affiliates

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