The COVID-19 has imprinted major shifts in every aspect of our lives, making up to the changes that waved over and lending a helping hand to one another has become an important part in keeping the world running in harmony amidst all the other emergencies befalling around us. The pandemic has made a difference in the functioning of artists in all fields, this has led to the closing of museums, cancellation of concerts and shoots, unavailability of art supplies and street artists are unable to perform on the sidewalks due to the stay at home restrictions.
Being out of supplies or not having the usual assets that help you spread your wings of creativity shouldn’t hinder your artistic expression on canvas or anywhere else for that matter. Here are different ways in which you can still be creative with the resources you already have lying around your house. Let’s make something extraordinary out of the ordinary!
1. Best out of waste: Bottles, CD’s, plastic, polythene bags, newspapers, used sheets and many more recyclable and reusable materials occupy so much space in our homes. Using these basic items we can create wondrous artworks. Children can also take up activities like this which will instill the idea of saving our nature, this will encourage them to abide by the rules of the four R’s. Doing something creative and sculpting artistic pieces out of waste materials like old paintbrushes, plastic and glass to place them around your house gives a different artsy and personalized vibe. This is called ‘junk art; or ‘recycled art’.
2. Making textured paper: This is a fun activity everyone has been this quarantine! Making textured paper is worth the effort as you have the choice to create paper moulding to your preference of thickness, colour, shape, patterns and texture. This is how you can make textured paper; 1. Soak small pieces of paper in water overnight 2. Blend this mixture in a blender (Optional- You can add colour) 3. Strain the pulp out into a mould 4. Leave it for drying overnight 5. And now you have them ready!
3. Art with makeup: This is a major trend of this decade, makeup is nothing less than complicated art supplies and you have yourself as the canvas. Drawing illusionistic and perspective art on yourself with makeup has become the most popular art and cosmetic trend on social media platforms like Instagram today. This requires hours of patience and skill to work in intricate details of the whole art. Most social media influencers and makeup artists have ventured into this form, it is interesting to watch a video with groovy soundtracks in the background where artists are displaying their skills in face art with makeup.
4. Makeup on paper: Makeup is also used to create mesmerizing work on paper. Making portraits of celebrities and faces have quite caught the interest of the Millenials. Exploring new materials that express colours apart from regular paints is definitely a challenge and to be an expert in this category demands time and effort. Using some red lipstick when you run out of red paint isn’t a bad idea right?
5. Light watercolour paintings :Going out of paints? Go for this! Mixing excess water to the paints to obtain more of one shade is most useful when you are out of stock. These paintings look elegant and beautiful, they give a subtle vibe of joy and is eye candy in a living room of aesthetic furniture and showpieces.
6. DIY paints: In a mood to experiment? Then maybe you should try making paints from scratch. Homemade paint is easy to make
and non-toxic too. All you have to do is mix half a cup of flour, salt, water and colour into the bowl and mix it well to obtain the perfect consistency.
Its always about going out of your usual ways to explore new mediums and styles to work with colors and play with your creative side. Trying new things always help you grow towards the innovation and curiosity.