Art therapy is a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and personal growth. It allows us to tap into our creativity, explore emotions, and connect with our inner selves. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of owl-themed art therapy, guided by the talented artist and teacher, Barb Nicholson.
Preparing Your Creative Space
Before embarking on any artistic journey, it’s essential to set the stage. Barb emphasizes the importance of preparation. Gather your materials, find inspiration, and create a sacred space. Light a candle, play your favorite music, and disconnect from distractions. This ritual primes your mind and heart for the creative process.
Owlology: A Mixed Media Adventure
Barb’s course, Owlology, invites participants of all levels to explore mixed media techniques using owls as their muse. Owls, with their varied lines and captivating eyes, provide endless possibilities for expressive art. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this course promises inspiration and growth.
Project 1: Warming Up to the Owl
In the first lesson, we meet the owl. Through quick, expressive sketches, we explore water-soluble pencils and pens. Splash and play with black and white, infusing personality into simple owl shapes. Delightful and fun, this exercise sets the stage for our owl-themed journey.
Project 2: Ink Blot Mixed Media Owls
Next, we dive into ink blot mono prints. These unique prints embrace imperfection—ink has a mind of its own. Dark shapes and unexpected areas add to the whimsy. From these prints, we create painted mixed media owl characters, each one distinct. Let your creativity soar!
Project 3: Owl Party on Watercolor Paper
Our final project combines techniques learned. Gather your owl friends for an artful party! Explore new tricks and techniques while emphasizing story and setting. The result? A magical, playful “Owl Party” piece ready to adorn your home or gift to a friend.
The Art of Finishing
Barb reminds us that finishing art is an intricate process. It involves back-and-forth adjustments, keen observation, and knowing when to stop. Sometimes, leaving a project overnight reveals areas needing refinement or a color change. The details elevate art from okay to exceptional.
Remember to save your deli paper from the ink prints—it’ll play a crucial role in our final project.
Owlology isn’t just about art; it’s about self-discovery, mindfulness, and embracing imperfection. So, let’s spread our wings and explore the whimsical world of owls through art therapy.
Remember: No two art pieces are ever the same, just as no two people are alike. 🦉🎨
In this article, we’ve explored the transformative power of art therapy, specifically focusing on owl-themed creativity. Barb Nicholson has been making art since she colored her newly painted bedroom wall with Crayola Crayons in 1970. Her parents were not impressed.
She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Major in Finance and Minor in Economics. She did try an art class when at University, but found it too constrictive.
During a successful career in Residential Real Estate Sales, she joined her husband to form a Real Estate Development and Property Management Company. She has three sons, two daughters in-law, two grandsons and a plethora of four legged friends. Upon becoming an empty nester, Barb delved wholeheartedly back into her love of art making. She has been a full time artist ever since.
Her art has been published on the OWN network, the Brene Brown Gifts of Imperfection e-course, in Somerset Studio and various newspapers. Her original art is in private and corporate collections in the US and Canada. She is the creator of The Art Journal Box. She is a published author in both Mom and Dadpreneurs and a number of Faith Writer anthologies.
Barb hopes you will give yourself permission to make some ugly art therapy, letting go of worry and becoming immersed in the process. She also imagines a world where everyone owns beautiful and inspiring art displayed in their sacred living spaces.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, let the magic of owls guide your creative journey! 🌟🎨🦉
