In an earlier note, we suggested that instead of a "see what happens" approach, you really plan your summer with intention, for maximum pleasure.

Anita at Look for the Woman suggested pursuing an artistic activity, as part of her 5 recommendations. And we heartily encourage everyone to make some art, even if it's in secret.

Photo by Christian Fregnan on Unsplash

Here are 3 easy ways to enjoy the visual arts, whether you plan to be a patron or a participant:

Looking to learn more, appreciate, or even write about fine art this summer? Here's a starter list of French terms often used in the art world. 

Want to refresh your love of art, or learn more about your favorite artist or period? Artsy has put together this list of free online art history classes to get you started. 

Or will you dabble with drawing? Laura lets us in on the trick in Instagram that lets you make digital art for free, no software or accessories needed. (Laura was also one of my fashion sketching teachers at Parsons, and is a genius at hacking our tech devices for drawing, as well as traditional techniques. She teaches remotely in her online workshops too.) 

Timelapse demo video from Laura Volpintesta/Fashion Illustration Tribe.

Feeling nervous about starting a new hobby? We highly recommend the books of Julia Cameron, and Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird for getting comfortable with "beginner's mind."

We also love Improvised Life, a membership only blog, for easy and inexpensive ways to live artistically, to train your eye and find art in the unexpected.

So,

do you have a resource for creativity you want to play with this summer?

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