Art Starts: May, What is Waking Up?

May: What Is Waking Up

Art does not always have to begin with a grand idea.

Sometimes it begins with paying attention.

A tree frog that makes you happy.
A painted turtle crossing the road.
A ribbon snake hiding in the Mexican heather.
The gold light of morning through the trees.
A hummingbird at the feeder.
A dog running free on a quiet beach.
A flower opening.
Dew on the grass.
A porch coffee.
A bird call you hear every morning.

These small moments are enough.

For May, you might choose one thing to meditate on and make art around it.

You do not have to paint an entire scene.

You could paint:

• One flower

• One frog

• One bird

• One shell

• One leaf

• One tiny cottage

• One turtle

• One bee

• One hummingbird

• One sunrise sky

• One garden gate

• One cup of tea

• One page of handwriting

Art journals can begin very simply.

Cut out colors you love.
Paint little swatches.
Collect leaves or flowers.
Write a memory beside a sketch.
Glue in a photograph.
Draw what is outside your window.
Make a list of what is waking up around you.

You do not have to make something perfect.

You only have to notice something enough to want to keep it.