Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. -Pablo Picasso
Last night I spent a couple hours doodling with my daughter and two of her cousins. It was so fun to see the creativity, the spark of creation, the lines that whirled & then created the outline of a lion, a dolphin, a girls curly locks of hair. It always surprises me to see how in tune children are with diving deep within to find their belief in their own creative abilities.
First there were words of self-criticism, words of personal imperfection & disbelief in their ability. Then the drawing began. It turned into a chain of confidence boosters as one finished a small, doodled whale, then another was sparked into making a self-portrait…the chain continued on as they each complimented and cheered one another on in their pursuit of creation. It was neat to see the transformation within each little ten-year old girl. We doodled, colored, grabbed stuffed animals as inspiration for shapes and design & played for hours. It was so fun!! But the best thing of all…just letting myself play, to doodle like a little girl, to be part of the sisterhood of creativity & cheer each other on in the creative, play process.
So, today, I am going to give you (adults who have children within) some links to find play tools for your personal delight and creative possibilities. Take some time over the next couple of weeks & just set aside some time to PLAY!! Pick a mandala to color, doodle, pull out some chalk & create on your driveway, listen to the Ted talk about the importance of play in creativity, sketch, whirl with markers, create a art journal, etc. Here are some ideas and links to fulfill this little request. Enjoy!
FINDING CREATIVITY. IMAGINATION. the CHILD WITHIN
Creativity in business: Ted talk by Tim Brown: Tales of Creativity and Play Tim talks about the powerful relationship between creative thinking and play–with many examples you can try at home www.ted.com/talks/tim_brown_on_creativity_and_play.html
Blog: http://playaboutit.wordpress.com/ Reflections on adult play in modern society
Color Mandala’s: Mandala’s are amazing symmetrical designs that are fun to color. Print one off and just fill in the swirls and patterns. It is very calming for the mind. Here is a great link for a variety of mandalas–http://www.colormandala.com/
Doodle & Drawing Ideas: link to Pinterest ideas http://pinterest.com/majekmom/doodles-drawing-ideas/
List of 40 impressive doodle artists for your inspiration: http://www.creativebloq.com/illustration/doodle-art-912775
Create an art journal: http://www.createmixedmedia.com/make/journaling/journal-doodling
Well, I hope these ideas get your creativity going. Take some time to let the child within come out and PLAY!! Have a MARVELOUS, fun-filled day!! My BEST to YOU. -Heather
yourhappyplaceblog 
You’re completely right about how kids have belief in their own creative abilities, maybe more so than adults. I’ve always loved being able to draw my own characters and creatures from my imagination, and it was something I did a lot of when I was a kid. I don’t feel as though I have as much confidence to do that now, though, and so there are a lot of things that I want to draw, but don’t have the belief in myself to actually draw them. I like the idea of an art journal–thank you as always for the inspiration!
Thanks Alex,
You are so supportive and wonderful. Thank you. Always LOVE hearing from you.
I would suggest…smile. Smile. Go. Do. Play. If you want to try drawing, just allow your child within to let go, to draw without judgement or criticism and just enjoy the moment. Make it an experience–buy yourself a fun pack of pencils or markers, a new note pad to doodle in and just begin.
Have FUN!! Keep me posted. Best wishes. Be gentle with yourself (your child within). Hugs to you.
You’re very welcome! 🙂
I should smile more. I forget how nice it is to be able to smile just because I’m happy.
I’ll let you know how it turns out. Big hugs to you too!