Built to Spill 🍷 💦 🎨

Transforming a "mistake" into a surprising work of art.

Welcome! We are so excited to get started. We hope you are too.

Today's prompt explores a different approach of utilizing our hands. As humans, we possess an innate ability to create. Consider the numerous everyday tasks that involve your hands, which you may not view as creative (but they are!) From preparing a sandwich for your children to cooking dinner for a friend, arranging flowers, or organizing a closet - these seemingly mundane tasks exhibit a touch of creativity. Remember, a hint of physical creativity can make a significant impact.

What you’ll need:

1. Paper (Sketch paper, printer paper, or any other you have available)

2. A liquid (coffee, wine, tea, paint, etc.)

3. Paper towels

4. Art supplies (markers, colored pencils, pens, etc.)

Steps:

1. Pour a small amount of your chosen liquid on your paper. Let it flow freely or manipulate it to create interesting shapes.

2. Blot it with a paper towel. Do this a few times to get a variety of shades and patterns.

3. Once it's dried, turn the spill mark into something else by drawing on and around it. It could be anything - an animal, a landscape, a dream, or an abstract creation.

4. Click the “heart” button for this post to track your progress and let us know you did this one.

5. If you’re up for it, share a picture of your creation with a friend, and/or in the Substack chat!

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Tips, Guidance, Inspiration, and Science

Want to keep going?

1. Try it with a group! It's a great activity for family time or a fun challenge with friends. In a group, you could create another spill paper and give it to someone else to add to for a collaboration.

2. Experiment with different liquids. They each create unique textures and color effects.

3.  Use different colors and materials to add dimension and depth to your art.

Help! I'm stuck!

1. First, remember: this exercise is about having fun and being spontaneous, not creating a masterpiece.

2. Look at the spill from different angles. Sometimes, a simple shift in perspective can reveal a surprising image.

3. Think about what the spill reminds you of. It could be a leaf, a bird, a mountain, or even a fantastical creature.

4. Use the spill as a background or base, and create a scene around it.

5. Try using different colors and materials to add dimension and depth to your art.

What’s the science?

Visual art making repairs mood. Drake, J. E., Coleman, K., & Winner, E. (2011). Short-term mood repair through art: Effects of medium and strategy. Art therapy, 28(1), 26-30.

"There are no mistakes, only happy accidents." - Bob Ross