As part of a new series of posts entitled Just Imagine, I want to cover storytelling techniques alongside the art of visual expression. For this month’s post, I would like to share with you some of the techniques that I have discovered over the years that have been very helpful as well as insightful.

I’ve always been a big fan of CS Lewis. One of the things that I have always absolutely loved about his work is the depth and layers of meaning behind the stories he writes. One of the most interesting things that I have discovered about the work of CS Lewis is that in his series called the Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis incorporated an element into the series that was completely hidden from the content of the series, at least on the outside looking in.

After the author’s death, it was determined that Lewis created each one of his stories in the Narnia series to be expressive of a different planet in our solar system. The words were taken direct from a poetic work written by Lewis himself. As an author, Lewis had always loved astrology and planetary research, believing it to be related to a higher power. Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of CS Lewis by Michael Ward is a wonderful book that discusses the discovery of the secret layers in the series. The revelatory book will give you lots of details into the research behind this theory.

I’ve always loved the thought of writers getting together and collaborating on works in progress. CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and other authors used to meet as a group in a local pub The Eagle and Child when they were at Oxford. The group was called the Inklings. The influence they had on each other and their work was profound. You can check out more insights about the inklings in this video:

Challenging ourselves as visual storytellers to find a connection between our conscious reality and unconscious imaginative life has always been exciting to me. I love how the use of layers of meaning and symbolism in both art and writing can have a profound impact on storytelling. The mystery behind what is revealed and what is hidden in the underlying layers of meaning become provocative and engaging for the reader and viewer.

One of the rituals that I have incorporated into my creative process is that I write and sketch for at least one hour first thing in the morning, with my hazelnut coffee by my side of course! I also do the same thing one hour before I go to bed (sans coffee). I have no intent, no plan and no desire for a certain outcome. I pick up my book and pen, allowing whatever comes to mind for about one hour. Sometimes, I get lost in the process and go for longer. But, when I’m in the process, there is no hesitation and no erasing (hence the pen and not a pencil).

What I have found is that my mind dump starts very utilitarian in direction and then somewhere along the line, it changes. Because I’m not limiting my mind with a specific intent or directive, it starts to move into places that I would not have imagined. It’s almost like this amazing insight jumps out when I’m completely shut off the desire to control things. It may not happen right away, so be patient with your process. I you let go and let things flow and have no expectations, you completely block your inner critic, allowing your creative side to come out and play.

For example, I may start revealing insights about something that happened during my day and the things that really were quite inspiring and perhaps even a little unsettling. It is almost like you have to get that stuff out first to clean the slate. Some days and even weeks can be all about cleaning out the mental dust, debris and dirt. But eventually the inner space of the mind does get cleared out and there is room for some pretty amazing stuff to enter!

If you are up for the challenge, I will give you a mission or quest to take on. For the next month, give Inner Ramblings a try. Don’t analyze, proofread, redraw or make neat these inner insights. Mine go all over the place. Also, do them alone without any distractions. This will help channel your unconscious mind.

Albert Einstein once said, “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” Artistic and creative endeavors are the gateways to imagination. When my students are challenged by outside forces beyond their control, I tell them to use their superpower: their creative spirit within. It is a way to cope with the stresses of the world that seem to do everything it can to diminish us. Art and creativity, I believe, expands us as human beings. Sometimes, I think that our creativity is the only thing that is genuine, real and authentic to who we really are and all the rest is just a mirage.

To make things interesting, I suggest you create a personal book that has some kind of pre-existing, abstract environment to the inside pages. Using collage, painting or any technique, creating a stimulating and provocative environment from which to ramble. This will engage the senses and allow you to have an interesting point of departure.

Collage and paint are in the process of being added onto the pages of a blank book. Plastic sheets are used to protect the backsides of the pages. The tape and sheets are removed once the process of building an imaginative environment is completed. When everything is dry, the pages will lay back flat.

The pages above are texturized with heavy gesso using a palette knife and then painted in washes of color.

The above spread shows gesso texturing to create a dynamic environment.

In the above picture, I am using a roller to apply gesso. I use the same technique to colorize my spreads.

Above is a work-in-progress page that has been painted and textured using left over paint from my palette. A die-cut on the page creates an interesting element to the design. Later, text and sketching will be added using acrylic pens.

The creative exercise that I am sharing is all about painting intuitively, collaging from things that inspire and gathering insights to what is going on between the conscious and unconscious mind. Don’t even try or attempt to make a picture or even tell a story but instead focus on what comes out. Follow your inner muse. Your story and vision through your art will reveal itself to you over time. Give it a try!

In addition to my handmade and hand-altered books, I also have a series of creative journals called PAINT PICTURES WITH WORDS for purchase on my boutique.

The Paint Pictures with Words Journals are 6″ x 9″ hard cover journals with wraparound fantasy-inspired imagery. Painted textures throughout the journals serve as inspirational background from which to write on the lined interior pages. Let the journals inspire you to “Paint Pictures with Words!”

For more mixed-media explorations check these new projects out:

NEW VIDEO from Muddy Colors: IGNITING THE CREATIVE PROCESS: Backgrounds, Borders & Beyond!


$20.00

If you are interested in learning more about working in relief on the painted surface or working in experimental mixed-media techniques, check out my Masterclass on patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/lisalcyr

A Unique Approach:

Masterclass is a unique approach to learning, where each artist works on their own projects, whether that be standalone works or works in a series. Unlike a workshop or an assignment-driven class, this online atelier supports each individual artist’s intent on creating works that they really want to pursue. 

There are approximately SEVEN Live Events every month. The Masterclass Saturday sessions (usually held on the first Saturday of the month) are from 11:00am to 1:00pm EST and the In the Studio sessions are from 2:00pm to 3:00pm on the same day. In addition, there is a monthly Paint, Draw + Create Together event (once a month) on Tuesday from 11:00am to 1:00pm EST and the weekly Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration Social events (3 to 4 times a month) are on Tuesday from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Patron Art Feedback sessions for Masterclass are conducted four times a year, giving each artist time to create their works. Artists that cannot attend live can submit up to 3 pieces for a live session review. Each review is recorded.

Experimental + Traditional Techniques:

The Masterclass online atelier covers a variety of topics from studio best practices to a vast array of experimental and traditional painting as well as expressive drawing techniques. The instructor provides monthly assistance and guidance through live  demonstrations, lectures and group chats. ​If you miss a class, you can watch the recording at a later date. 

Painted Passages: This series of posts and videos on how to employ freeform painting techniques to create magical backgrounds and environments in mixed media.

Collage Techniques: This series of posts and videos on using collage techniques in mixed-media works of art.

Working in Relief: This series of posts and videos focuses on working in relief in mixed media, exploring self-expression through texture-building and bas-relief techniques onto the painted surface.

Studio Basics: This series of posts and videos on artistic best practices for the studio artist, from working surfaces, grounds, painting mediums, varnishes, drawing and painting media to brushes, tools and equipment.

Expressive Drawing Series: This series of posts and videos explores alternative mark-making using drawing materials to create expressive works of art. 

Conceptual Development: This series of posts and videos focuses on developing concepts for visually expressive works of art.

Masks, Props + Costuming: This series of posts and videos focuses on how I create unique masks, props and costumes for my figurative subjects.

Insights from the Natural World: This series of posts and videos explores using nature as an inspirational muse for creating artistic works

Just Imagine: This series of posts and videos explore working in a sketchbook as well as creating custom made books. Tactile surfaces, unique designs and engaging presentations stimulate brain activity, allowing artists to drift back to a playful state of mind.

Paint Pictures with Words Writing Club: This series of posts and videos explore writing about our works, creating poetry and prose and using the power of words to assist in the creative process!

Mixed Media Artist Series: This series of posts and videos includes insightful and thought-provoking profiles of leading artists, working in unique techniques and innovative approaches in art.

The Art of Promotion: This series of posts and videos cover artistic promotional strategies and practices.

Check out the complete Collection of Content already on the Navigating the Labyrinth of the Creative Mind site!

Behind-the-Scenes Access:

The artist brings you into her studio through live behind-the-scenes access and weekly posts and videos to current projects and creative endeavors.​

In addition, you have early access to the artist’s upcoming Shows and Exhibitions.

Creative Enrichment:

Discussions regarding artistic growth and development, nurturing the creative spirit, developing personal content, embracing a multidisciplinary mindset and creating message-driven art are also explored as ways to assist artists on their own creative path.

Throughout this online workshop experience, artists discover a multitude of ways to ignite creativity, opening the door for the artistic spirit to shine! Check out the testimonials above from artists around the globe!

Get weekly access to the Rediscovering Your Creative Self weekly podcast which focuses on developing a relationship with the creative spirit that resides within and making daily lifestyle changes that enhance creativity, building a more creative and playful mindset.

Throughout the audio program, topics such as battling the inner critic, handling creative block, working through anxiety and self-doubt and interrupting the patterns that bind are explored. Managing fears, seeing mistakes as rites of passage, knowing when to open and close doors, riding the wave of triumphs and tribulations, avoiding distractions and coping with naysayers that keep one from seeing the light that resides within are covered.

Every month on the Navigating the Labyrinth of the Creative Mind site, there is new Sketchbook Challenge prompt and directive, allowing artists to discover alternative ways in which to practice art that is more personal. Art created from this endeavor is shared on the private Community Chat with other artists.

Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration Weekly Social

Every Tuesday night from 7:00pm to 8:30pm EST, you can attend an open sketchbook night social event called Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration. We discuss the Rediscovering Your Creative Self podcast episode of the week, setting an intention for our work and making daily lifestyle changes that enhance creativity.

Artists use the Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration weekly get-together as a time to commit to working in their sketchbook, experimenting and discussing with other artists topics that will help in developing a relationship with the creative spirit that resides within. Recordings are available for Masterclass artists if they miss a session!

Build a Community:

Be a part of a creative tribe, interacting with artists and enthusiasts from all around the world who have shared interests in art. This is an opportunity to create a robust artistic community, broadening your horizons as a creative person.

Your membership also includes private access to the  Community Group, where patrons share art and works-in-progress, post the monthly Sketchbook Challenges as well as the weekly Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration Social art and work from the Paint Pictures with Words Writing Club. They also share inspiration, discuss new artistic tools, products and equipment as well as interesting and informative books on art and so much more!

Join Us:

The Navigating the Labyrinth of the Creative Mind Online Atelier has weekly posts and videos as well as several LIVE events each month.​

Join month-to-month for $25/mo US or save 5% if you join yearly!

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