South Australia is alive throughout August with a celebration of arts thanks to the ever-popular South Australian Living Arts festival (SALA). Discover drawing tips from one of South Australia’s most respected artists, Judy Morris.
With 648 events and a record number 11,648 artists participating, the 2022 festival features exhibitions that showcase nature and the environment.
Have you thought about starting your artist journey but are unsure how to start? Check out Adelaide National Park City’s 50 Ways activity series. It features creative ideas on how to engage with nature through art.
We caught up with Adelaide Hills fine artist and SALA favourite, Judy Morris ahead of the opening of her Bold Botanicals exhibition to chat painting and drawing tips for budding artists.
Here’s Judy’s top 5 tips to start painting and drawing nature:
1. Just get started
Just pick up a pencil or pen, whatever is handy, and start drawing whatever is around you. You might then want to get some marker pens or paints and experiment with different styles of drawing. Don’t think about it, just do it. Most importantly, enjoy it.
2. Take an art class
The best way to pick up clues about different art styles and techniques is to go along to some classes. There are many community-based classes and private art schools that offer courses for beginners. Trying classes or tutorials that concentrate on different subject matters. These can help you decide which direction you want to take on your artistic journey.
There are also some free online tutorials for beginners.
3. Look to social media
There are plenty of artist pages on Facebook and Instagram for inspiration.
See what professional and amateur artists around the world are doing in a variety of media.
4. Immerse yourself in nature
Discovering and being in nature is essential in finding inspiration as an artist.
Photography is a great way of capturing subject matter and taking in the moment. Nothing beats the peace that can be experienced by sitting quietly in nature to experience the natural world.
5. Check out a SALA exhibition
Head along to as many exhibitions as you can - nothing beats seeing the work in real life. SALA is a great chance to see a wide range of artists with different levels of experience and applying different techniques.
Need more inspiration to connect with nature?
Adelaide National Park City’s 50 ways series includes a great range of creative activities, including art and drawing ideas to keep everyone entertained.
Help get the message out about Adelaide National Park City by sharing your own art with the hashtag #AdelaideNationalParkCity.
