In 2016, I was in France to write the story of Beefy Parisian Pig.
While there, my new friend Cobra shared the idea of limiting one’s art materials while creating. It was the first time I’d heard of using only a few colors or art supplies in the creative process.
For me, who had always used multiple colors and materials, this idea of “limitation” was unusual and intriguing. And honestly, I didn’t try it more than a few times back then.
Fast forward almost 10 years » to now. I’ve been following
~ a children’s book writer and illustrator in England. Along with a few others, she is sharing a 3 materials challenge in August. It’s taken me this long to expand my mind and explore this “limiting” idea.On the final leg of my vacation last week, I sat in a rocking chair outside at my favorite Blowing Rock motel and played with colors to find my 3 materials palette.
In that play time, I also decided to take a new path and invited Reginald Rat to be my creative partner in this upcoming 3 materials art-making process. He’s a carpenter, artist, and messy character I hope to share more in the future.
Reginald Rat (below ⬇️- that’s Pema the Doxle above ⬆️) is in two “children’s” stories I’ve been writing, re-writing, illustrating and re-illustrating the last few years. There’s been so much editing, I’ve gotten lost in it all.
Until now, I’ve been hesitant to share him publicly as I was hoping to find an agent for the stories. Part of expanding my heart, though, is taking the leap and introducing him to you now!
Here are some color experiments Reginald and I have been dabbling in.
(the wet sketchbook pages stuck together which is why there’s some red on the green page 😂)
I find just applying different colors on the paper is a peaceful, mindfulness practice. Have you tried this?
Maybe you’d like to join the August 3 materials challenge too? If so, follow Naomi here on Substack and on IG » and let me know, so we can follow each other’s creative processes in August!
The world is quite overwhelming and seeming moreso by the minute. It’s okay to have a respite and play. I hope you will!
New idea possibility:
Limiting can be expanding.
Reginald is adorable 😍