Living in Western Canada has me feeling extra blessed lately as Spring has begun to grace us with Her beautiful presence! The Cherry Blossom trees have outdone themselves, painting the streets and parks with inspirational fragrance and colour. I couldn’t help but create something in their honour, and these playful petalled pixies proved just the thing— I call them the Cherry Blossom Bluxsoms! And fear not if Spring is not abound in your local, for nature’s inspiration is always bountiful in any season. What has provoked you to get creative, playful or otherwise inspired lately? If you’re needing a nudge, I suggest taking a peek outside of your window.
If you liked these nature-inspired creations, stay tuned for my upcoming whimsical Self-Love Oracle Deck that will feature more of such flowerlings along with other magical creatures and monsters. Subscribe here or follow @artofnonsense on Facebook, InstagramandYouTubeor visit theArt of Nonsense Shop
Until next time, keep an eye out for those impishly fleeting inspirations and, as always, Follow Your Creativity!
Sometimes it’s important to go back to the basics. And while we may talk a lot about creativity and how to get creative, perhaps we don’t discuss often enough what creativity and being creative actually is.
The Oxford Dictionary (www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com) defines “creativity” as “the use of skill and imagination to produce something new or to produce art.” I find this interesting, because I would argue that creativity extends much further than this definition…further than creating a tangible something out of nothing or finishing with something that “qualifies” as art.
Are we not using creativity when putting together our outfit in the morning or when planning an exciting outing or activity? Are we not being creative in the way we view the world when we pick out faces in trees or imagine what it would be like to fly? And is creativity not found in the most mundane moments when we tell a joke or problem solve a block in the road?
Perhaps, though, it is just my understanding of the definition that is limiting. After all, to “produce something” is pretty vague and doesn’t necessarily mean that there needs to be something physical created to qualify as a creative pursuit. Maybe what we create is a new aesthetic, a new experience, a new viewpoint, possibility, perspective or energy. I want to challenge people who don’t view themselves as “creative” because they don’t produce “art”. Meanwhile, these same people may be building literal bridges, solving mathematical problems, making scientific discoveries, or finding ways to help other people in countless ways. ALL EXTREMELY CREATIVE THINGS! Creativity is limitless, and I believe, that as humans and monsters, we are inherently all creative— just in different ways! So if you haven’t ever done so, or need a more recent update, give yourself a good pat on the back or a mental congratulations for being a creative being! Because you are.
It’s going to feel like I jumped ship here and swam to another topic, but bear with me because I promise this next part relates. I am personally someone who really loves creating new and original things, especially, as you may know, in the realm of monsters and stories and other whimsical artwork. It brings me such joy to let my imagination (literally) run wild, sometimes without a clue as to where it will lead. To me, this is fun, exciting, fulfilling and intensely pleasing to my visual senses and mental processes. I love this so much that sometimes I forget that creativity can be expressed in other ways. As a result, I end up setting very high expectations for myself to always create “new and incredible things.” But the fact is, while some healthy goals or incentives can be helpful, a pile of unachievable expectations is definitely not. What that pile creates is stress, and stress, as some of you may have realized by this point in your lives, is a creativity BUMMER. It’s usually counterproductive to creativity. So isn’t the idea of just letting yourself have some freedom over what you feel like doing, thinking, trying, creating— well, freeing? What would happen if you just let yourself DO without worrying about the outcome? After all, if you, like me, have decided to expand the definition of “creativity” altogether, it pretty much doesn’t matter what you choose to do… you will be successful in your endeavour to get creative.
With this in mind, considering I have been learning how to draw digitally after years of drawing on paper and hitting the to-be-expected learning curves, I recently decided to focus on replicating other people’s artwork rather than creating original illustrations for a little while! GASP! Now calm down, it’s not like I am claiming to be the original artist nor am I selling this work. It’s practise. It’s fun. It’s (for me) different. And guess what? Turns out it is also both educational AND creative. DOUBLE GASP! There is something about following a step-by-step tutorial or replicating an artwork that a) takes the pressure off of needing to come up with “new and incredible things” and b) allows you to play, flow, experiment and discover in new and creative ways. No more thinking up an idea for two hours before having a subject to paint. You just paint. No more worrying about perfection in each stroke because it doesn’t matter! It’s just you and a creative process, done deal.
Now I know, this is not revolutionary. People do this all the time. It’s even taught in art schools. You replicate other people in many fields other than art too, to learn and to get a feel for something that isn’t yours. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t revolutionary for me or for some others who would benefit from a nudge. Basically, all I’m saying is to get out of your own head and try something that is new and different for you. Do something in a way you normally wouldn’t and just see what happens.
Here are my four different renderings from Jess Bircham’s fox tutorial. The original image did not come from my creative mind, but I suppose the renderings did! So in the end, I created something “new” regardless, didn’t I? And moving on from this experience, I will continue to make other “new and incredible things”— maybe even in new and incredible ways…
Four Fox Renderings by Kristy Fae based on Tutorial by Jess Bircham
If you like the idea of trying an art tutorial, I highly recommend that you check out the amazing Jess Bircham’s digital fox illustration tutorial or search for a tutorial in your chosen medium or subject on YouTube! If you do, make sure to share with the hashtag #copycatcreativity and always continue to… Follow Your Creativity!
Today is a very special day because today is the day that Super Max and I launch our greatly anticipated Youtube Vlog called “The Monster Playground”! We can’t tell you how much fun we had making it— spur of the moment, when the inspiration barked out to us from a heron’s beak overhead— and we hope it adds a good giggle to your day too!
This YouTube Vlog, much like Art of Nonsense, is all about adding more creativity and play to your day and joy to your life! So without further ado, we are proud to present our very first episode, “Wild Victoria”:
Get ready to venture through the wild parks of Victoria B.C. with Kristy the Pterodactyl Hunter to discover the most fascinating and unusual creatures around! While she may think she knows what she’s talking about, can you find any mistakes that Kristy makes while identifying these gorgeous birds and animals (aside from her accent)? Come on, let’s check it out!!!
If you enjoy this 5 minute whacky demonstration of ridiculousness, then please like, subscribe, and share the fun! And make sure you get outside this week to enjoy seeing the world with an extra dose of silly sauce 😉
Thanks for tuning in! If you want to be notified of future blog posts, make sure to click FOLLOW and also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for more monsterly inspiration!
If you’re like me, and you live somewhere where the sun has been graciously showing its face more often these days, then you’ll understand this week’s illustration…Yes, I am more than ecstatic to be soaking up the warmth and light and am taking every opportunity to do so! I hope you’re all finding ways to play in, relax beneath, and otherwise enjoy, thoroughly, the sunshine. Haven’t we earned it!? Just remember to be a little safer than the overzealous critter below and use sun screen or cover up, hydrate, and don’t overdo it (as hard as that might be after waiting for what feels like SO long!).
The Sun-Monster by Kristy Biscuit
Have fun and play safe everyone!
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to subscribe for more monsterly fun! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Art of Nonsense Shopfor adoptable critters…
Can you get this tongue twister to roll off your tongue— rhymes and embellished spellings and all? I’m having fun over here inventing new critters and their tails and tales. Have you got any silly willy furry friends to share with me? The key to success here is, you got it, have FUN and get SILLY!
“The Zuzzy Zzama” by Kristy Biscuit
This whimsical children’s illustration is the result of the second lesson of Lisa Bardot’s “How to Draw Fur in Procreate” tutorial that I’m following on Skillshare. Find more of Lisa’s tutorials and Procreate brushes at www.bardotbrush.com
Experimenting with different ways of how to make FURRY, FUZZY, HAIRY creatures come off the page as though you could reach out and pet them is especially exciting for me. Not only do I love furry creatures (and indubitably petting them) but I’m also thrilled about incorporating my learnings into my upcoming children’s book, “My Very Hairy Monster Friends”, featuring nonsense poems similar to the one above! Make sure to follow the blog for updates on this and other uberly creative projects…and last but not least, have a ssuper dduper dday!
Hey all, I hope you had a relaxing and joyful weekend. Today, I wanted to share one of my very favourite REAL-LIFE monsters: the sloth! This very hairy creature, who has giant claws for fingers, and moves so slowly he grows moss on his back, is something right out of a nonsensical storybook in my opinion. Cute as anything and strange as can be, I can’t help but obsessively love sloths! What is your favourite “strange” and furry creature?
Kristy Biscuit’s Furry Sloth
I had a lot of fun trying out a new style by following a tutorial on Skill Share by Lisa Bardot called “How to Draw Fur in Procreate.” She also shows you how to make fluff and feathers! I can’t wait to apply these techniques to some of my make-believe monsters! I highly recommend this and other tutorials, free brushes and more by Lisa at http://www.bardotbrush.com
Hello fellow fans of Nonsense. It was a week inspired by watching the 2019 series “Dickinson” about the infamous poet. Seeing Emily’s conflict with confidence in her poetry had me reflecting on how many artists (including me) struggle with their self-worth, feeling “not good enough” and a fear of being seen. The following poem ensued, as well as this silly little self-portrait, both of which I actually quite love! Be warned that I may exaggerate slightly in the poem and that it is by no means meant to be self-deprecatory— quite the opposite rather. It is meant to be empowering! Wouldn’t it liberating to just celebrate the joy of creating and what it means to you, rather than being pulled down by the weight of perfectionism, expectation, and judgement? Create whatever makes you happy, dear ones. And remember, if you create, you are already an artist. So go and claim the title! I challenge you to create a quick 20-30 minute self-portrait this week, and share it on social media with the #drawyourselfchallenge
Kristy Biscuit Self-Portrait
“A Bad Artist” by Kristy Biscuit
Some may call me a bad artist, Not because the work I create is mediocre— But because I don’t obey the confines, I like to colour outside the lines In the most literal sense. I love imperfection. I don’t stay inside the box Of what it means to be a “good little artist”. I don’t need to fit in, I don’t like to characterize My work by comparison to genres, Or to other artists, Be them classic, contemporary or whatnot. What I create is beautiful, But not perfect enough to fall Under any fancy terms. And what I create is original, Yet not different enough To be called revolutionary. Some may call me a bad artist, Because I don’t know the trends. I don’t walk the walk, I don’t talk the talk, Whilst visiting fancy art shows. I don’t pay hundreds or thousands, or more, To hang art on my walls To honour those “more” talented than me. My walls drip with my own creations, Proudly. Yes, I prefer to create Over viewing other’s work— Though I occasionally do, And am sometimes inspired— But my preference lies In my own muddied hands, Muddled face, Crumpled pages. Yes, I prefer to create. For creation is my fire. Creation, my air. Creation, my water. Creation, the earth I tread upon. Some may call me a bad artist, But I say, I am a Great One, Because what I create is mine. It is my joy, And nothing matters more.
Whether you’re currently out there dodging, seeking, or tending to cupid’s arrow, you’ve probably noticed that it’s February— and February is a month abundant in reminders of love, hearts, chocolate and otherwise festive symbols and gestures. Despite any prevalent customs, Valentine’s Day is still a very different experience for each and every one of us. For some, yes, romantic and exciting; for others sorrowful; and for certain people, dull or meaningless…and the list goes on. Like any other day on planet Earth, we don’t know what our fellow humans are going through, how they’re feeling, or what they’ve endured. May this time of year remind us to be gentle, compassionate, and loving: to ourselves; to our loved ones; to the strangers we pass throughout our day; and to all people and living things outside of our bubbles, our cities, and even our countries.
Love knows no bounds. And in order to celebrate LOVE from whatever position you’re viewing it from this February, I’d like to offer you this sweet and loving Heart Monster! Feel free to print him out, colour him brightly, and fill in the hearts with people or beings you’d like to send love out to this month! Let this Heart Monster be a reminder that love is in our own hearts first and foremost, and that we can extend it outwards into the world just by setting the intention to do so. I hope you enjoy this fun monster colouring page and I would love to hear about who you filled your hearts with (and I recommend including YOU!) in the comments below…
Whether you’re a student of art, a professional artist, or a creative dabbler, it’s important to step away from the confines of projects and end results once in a while (or even more often than that preferably). Giving yourself time to experiment, scribble, scratch, doodle— and otherwise mess around— can not only be fun and therapeutic, but it can also give way to creations and ideas that could inspire a future project. You never know just what you might find: an outlet, a new technique, or a wacky character that jumps off the page and steals your heart! Here’s the little one born of my scribbles this week… what do you think? Should this Scribbler have his own story?
What Will Your Scribbles Give Life To?
Take some time out this week to do something creative just for the sake of doing it! No means to an end. No agenda. No perfectionism. No erasing or un-doing even! Hide away from distractions and technology while you do it. Give it your full attention. Run wild with it! Take special notice of how you feel during the process— I’d love to hear about your experience and see what you end up with!
Happy Monster Monday! I hope everyone’s had a great week. Here in Victoria, we were blessed with many sunny days and I’ve had a tough time staying inside to work (it’s been so much fun playing outside with the bobs of seals and the romps of otters— which, I’ve learned, are real terms for the families of these marine mammals! How cute is that? Oh, by the way, you can find me at “Kristy Durst Photography” on Facebook if you want to see glimpses of those adventures and more to come).
Nonetheless, I did manage to make some progress on the Curious Critter from last week, and as promised, I’m here to share the progress— so behold the first pass of colour. In case you missed last week’s blog, this is following the “Beginner’s Guide to Digital Drawing in Procreate” on 21-draw.com
And I hereby challenge you this week: go get creative or get out and play! Both are equally as important and nourishing…
Blocking out Colour on my Character Design in Procreate
Play. Create. Discover... 