This week, I took on the Simplest Things Challenge, a 5-day slow drawing Challenge with Amy at Mindful Art Studio. The Challenge encourages the exploration of making simple marks and seeing where the process leads.
 |
| Day 1 prompt: Closer |
Simple supplies
I’ve done the Simplest Things Challenge a couple of times. Sometimes I draw in a sketchbook, sometimes on small pieces of card stock or watercolor paper, and often the compositions become fodder for pages in my art junk journals.
As I was traveling earlier in the week, I packed a small 4” x 6” sketchbook and a few Micro pens in my travel bag. This weekend, I opened a small palette of watercolors and pulled out a paintbrush. So, even the supplies for this Challenge are minimal!
 |
| Day 2 prompt: Squiggle |
Daily prompts
I like the low-pressure nature of the daily prompts. There are only 5 of them! It’s a short, easy Challenge to do. Responses to the prompts can go in any direction.
 |
| Another version of Closer (Day 1 prompt) with Dots (Day 3 prompt). |
 |
| Another version of Day 2 prompt: Squiggle. Watercolor and line drawing. |
 |
| Day 3 prompt: Dot |
The prompts offer an opportunity to let the mind wander while interpreting them. The slow drawing makes you present and in the moment.
 |
| Day 3 prompt: Dot |
 |
| Day 4 prompt: Branching |
 |
| Day 5 prompt: Smash |
The simplicity of the prompts makes the Challenge accessible to any skill level. If you’re looking to spark your creativity without feeling overwhelmed, the Simplest Things Challenge is a perfect way to dive into making marks with any art supplies you have on hand—pencils, markers, paint pens, watercolors, etc..
 |
| Day 4 prompt: Branching |
This Challenge is a reminder that sometimes, art isn’t about complexity—it’s about slowing down, showing up for your art practice, and seeing the beauty in the smallest and simplest of things.
