Do you feel Autumn coming down the lane? Embracing the Allure of Autumn: A Symphony of Senses
As the final days of summer retreat, a subtle shift occurs, gently coaxing us into a new chapter. The autumn season comes to life, and with it, the anticipation of a new school year looms in the crisp air, captivating all our senses.
Sight:
Gazing upon the world, nature transforms into a captivating canvas. The lush greens slowly surrender, painting the scenery with warm hues of amber, vivid orange, and deep burgundy. The trees once drenched in sunlight, now proudly display their colorful tapestry, hinting at the bittersweet transition awaiting us. Leaves delicately waltz through the air, gracefully dancing their way to the ground. The sight of school buses gliding past in a procession, adorned by giddy children, signals the impending return to knowledge and purpose.
Sound:
AutuUnlegrance of apple cider dances invitingly, and pumpkin-spiced delights tempt our senses at every turn. The air takes on a crispness that subtly foreshadows the colder months ahead, beckoning us to cozy up with a warm cup of tea.
Taste:
Autumn desserts entice our taste buds, weaving a tale of comfort and indulgence. The first bite into a caramel apple, the warmth of cinnamon-laden pastries, and the buttery richness of pumpkin pie awaken our palates to the delights of the season. The tang of freshly picked apples, still slightly warm from the autumn sun, unleashes an explosion of crisp juiciness that embodies the essence of fall.
Touch:
Coolness traces along our skin, a gentle reminder that summer's warmth has shifted. Layers of clothing embrace us, soft sweaters and cozy scarves wrapping us in a comforting I do! I love the fall, it is my favorite season of the year. For me, it feels like change. Starting fresh. Planting bulbs and harvesting the last of the tomatoes. Crunchy colorful leaves and hot apple cider. New pencils and notebook paper and of course...new art supplies! This year even though things around us might be different, some things don’t need to change at all and this includes some of the routines we have for back to school. This includes getting ready for art and whatever form that will take this year whether it be, online, videos, private lessons, small group lessons, or as a teacher in your classroom. Let’s dive into my tips!

What a great and exciting year it will be for creating and using our artistic voices! Here are some helpful tips to prepare for classes whatever your game plan for art might be this year. I hope these tips will get you excited to start your year of art and creativity off right!

7 Tips to Get Into An Artistic Mindset this FallAs the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, it's time to embrace the creative energy that fall brings. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, here are seven tips to help you get into an artistic mindset this season.
1. Embrace the Colors of Fall: Take inspiration from the vibrant hues of autumn. Step outside and immerse yourself in nature's palette—the oranges, yellows, and reds that adorn the trees. Allow these colors to influence your artwork and ignite your creativity.
2. Create a Cozy Studio Space: Transform a corner of your home into a cozy studio space that reflects your artistic personality. Surround yourself with your favorite art supplies, hang up artwork that inspires you, and curate a space that encourages creativity and productivity.
3. Explore New Techniques: Fall is an ideal time to experiment with new artistic techniques. Take advantage of the season to explore different mediums or try out a new style of art. Push yourself to learn something new and expand your artistic repertoire.
4. Seek Inspiration from Fall Activities: Engage in fall activities that can inspire your artistic practice. Take a leisurely walk in the park, visit a farmer's market, or sip a warm drink at a local café. These experiences can provide fresh perspectives and themes to incorporate into your artwork.
5. Connect with Other Artists: Join local art communities, attend workshops, or even start an art group with like-minded individuals. Surrounding yourself with fellow artists can foster a supportive and collaborative environment that boosts your motivation and creativity.
6. Engage in Art Challenges: Fall often brings art challenges or prompts that can jump-start your imagination. Participate in daily drawing challenges or inktober, where you create an ink drawing every day in October. These challenges can keep you accountable and provide the opportunity to explore new ideas.
7. Practice Mindfulness: Take moments to slow down, breathe, and be present in your artistic process. Meditation and mindfulness exercises can help quiet your mind, reduce stress, and allow your creativity to flow freely. Embrace the art-making process as a form of self-expression and relaxation.
With these seven tips, you can tap into an artistic mindset this fall and let your creativity thrive. Embrace the season's colors, create a cozy space, explore new techniques, seek inspiration, connect with others, engage in challenges, and practice mindfulness.

Tip #1: Try a New Art Lesson

I have been working hard this summer to open up my little shop on the website. It has resources for homeschoolers and teachers alike who would like to integrate more art and hands-on activities into their schooling time. There is a variety of activities including, Art & Literature, Art and Math, Just Art and coming soon Art and History as well Songs & Chants too!

Tip #2:  Prepare Your Art Box

Get out your art box and go through it. What supplies did you leave in there from last year?  Do you have your own art box? See what you are out of or don't have and restock it. This is also the time to take out things you aren't using as well. Clean up your brushes and water container and find your missing tools. For a list of common tools that I keep in my art box go HERE. There are things I always have in my art box, most are common tools that can be found at home.

Tip #3: View Your Growth

Look through your old artwork or portfolio from previous years. Admire your progress and the art that you have done. This will help you to see what skills you should concentrate on this year as school begins. It should also give you a feeling of accomplishment to see your growth as an artist!

Tip #4: Make A Space

Organize your creating space. Sort through paper, deep clean surfaces, and re-design areas for more efficiency. Maybe your art space is the same as your school space? Give everything a spot so that you will stay organized. This includes your artwork too. Consider creating an art portfolio. This could be a spiral sketchbook or three-ring binder that you build over the year. Every time you complete a project or create a masterpiece it goes into the portfolio. This makes it easy to look through your work from year to year (see tip #3)

Tip #5: Hang It Up

Frame and hang your best work! This should help encourage you to keep up the good work and continue the art of practice.

Tip #6: Make An Art Kit

Create an Art-on-the-go kit. What is this you ask? It is a small travel kit(mine is actually in a tote bag) with compact art supplies that you can bring with you so you can do art anywhere and anytime. This is a good way to practice your skills when you are waiting at the doctor's office or at the library.  It makes it easy to take outside on a nature walk, to the beach, or into the garden. For more ideas click HERE!

Tip #7: Keep Practicing

As you begin getting your brain in gear also get out your drawing paper or sketchbook. During your school day, sketch something after you have finished your math skills. Anything you like. Remember drawing and art skills are like any other skill, to be good at it, you have to practice. It is also a great brain break set the timer for 10 min. you will be surprised at what you can do in that short time. If would you like some free drawing prompts to get started go HERE

I look forward to our creative time together this year!

Get Started Right Away with a Master Study at the Atelier

The Apprentice Atelier Van Gogh is a course on the Master artist Van Gogh. This is an online, open-and-go, video course.  Eight weeks, 35 how-to videos, three slideshows with audio, all kinds of worksheets and curriculum instructions give a rich in-depth study of the Master painter Vincent Van Gogh.   For more info visit Apprentice Atelier.