Get ready, artists! Inktober is just around the corner, starting on October 1st. It’s the perfect time to challenge your creativity and improve your inking skills by creating one drawing each day based on the official Inktober Prompt List, which has just been released!
This year’s list is full of inspiring prompts that will spark your imagination and push you to explore new sketching ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Inktober is a fun and rewarding way to grow and connect with other creatives. I have participated from years since 2016 I kind of skipped last year. So this year I really would like to do it!
The theme showing up from the prompt list is pretty clear to me and inspiring!
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s make this Inktober unforgettable! I hope you joining me!
Jake Parker the illustrator and creator of InkTober released the new “Official Prompt List 2024” I am happy to post it here so that you have some time until October 1st to get your supplies and plan your challenge, get ready is going to be fun!
Here is the INKTOBER Story and Rrules: Illustrator Jake Parker is the creator of this great challenge and initiative started in October 2009. Jake created InkTober as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year.
Here there are the Official Rules:
1) Make a drawing in ink is the original rule but you’re free to use any drawing medium you prefer! Of course Ink is what originated it all.
2) Post it*
3) Hashtag it with #inktober and #inktober2024
4) Repeat
That’s it! Now go make something beautiful… Visit Jake Parker websitefor more details, videos, inspiration and lots to learn about InkTober. If you like to join these challenges don’t forget when you post your drawing online always add the hashtags #INKTOBER2024 #INKTOBER post your ink drawing online on your Blog and/or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…add all the tags to any place you share your drawings online!
Some of my Favorite Supplies: I use Micron or COPIC pens Black, Brown, Dark Red inks #01, #005, White SAKURA Gelly Roll pen, Pentel Pocket Brush blak ink, ALVIN Mab Graves Draft/Matic Pencils , Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks.
(FYI This is not a sponsored post I have no affiliation with any of these brands. I purchase all my supplies and I am only sharing what I like and use)
Good luck to everyone joining InkTober 2024
There is plenty of time to prepare yourself! I honestly during the past 6 years I never planned or worked any sketch in advance it didn’t resonated with me because the goal of this challenge for me was to improvise and get creative and inspired day by day! I only got my supplies ready in advance! But that’s just me! Do what is the best and resonates for you and most importantly have fun and create daily!
Please if you do participate share your plans or ideas I would love to read! If you’re a beginner and have questions leave it in the comment section. I would be happy to respond!
As artists and creatives, we strive for those magical moments when creativity flows effortlessly, ideas come to life, and time seems to disappear. This beautiful state, often referred to as “flow,” is where we produce our best work and feel most connected to our creative selves. However, achieving this state can sometimes be very challenging, especially in our fast-paced, distraction-filled world where it often feels like we have no time. Here’s a guide to help you relax, find your flow, and unlock your creative potential no matter what type of creator you are. Whether you’re a painter, a writer, or a designer, you can benefit from this.
Understanding the Flow State
Flow is a psychological state where you become fully immersed in an activity, losing track of time and external distractions. It’s characterized by intense focus, a sense of control, and intrinsic motivation. Achieving flow is not only about enhancing productivity but also about experiencing profound satisfaction and joy in the creative process.
Steps to Relax and Enter the Flow State
Create a Dedicated Space
Set up a space that is solely for your art. This can be a small dedicated room or even a corner of a room, a studio, or a convenient portable art kit that you can take where you need it. Ensure it’s a space free from distractions and filled with materials and things that inspire you.
Establish a Routine
Having a consistent daily routine can signal to your brain that it’s time to create. This could involve dedicating a specific time of day to your art or engaging in a pre-creative ritual. Consider meditation, stretching, or listening to particular music. You might also enjoy a cup of herbal tea while lighting your favorite candle, turning on an aromatherapy oil diffuser, or burning incense. These practices can help you unwind, boost your mood, and improve your focus.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can help quiet the mind and reduce stress. Spend a few minutes each day practicing deep breathing, mindfulness, or guided meditation to center yourself before starting your creative work.
Set Clear Intentions and Goals
Before you begin, set clear intentions for your creative session. Whether it’s experimenting with a new technique, finishing a piece, or simply enjoying the process, having a goal can help focus your mind.
Eliminate Distractions
Turn off notifications and keep your phone distant from you, set boundaries with those around you, let them know that you’re working, and create a serene environment. Consider using noise-canceling headphones or playing calming music to maintain your focus.
Embrace Imperfection
Allow yourself to create without the pressure of perfection. Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and give yourself permission to freely experiment and play without any pressure.
Stay Physically Comfortable
Ensure your workspace is ergonomically friendly. Comfortable seating, proper lighting, a good room temperature, wear comfortable clothes and taking breaks to stretch can prevent physical discomfort that might disrupt your flow while being seat for long time in the same position.
Engage in Warm-Up Exercises
Start with simple, low-pressure activities to get your creative juices flowing. This could be doodling, sketching, or experimenting with colors and textures.
Use Positive Affirmations
Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. rise your energy. Remind yourself of your capabilities and the joy you find in creating art.
Allow for Breaks and Downtime
Sometimes stepping away from your work for awhile can help rejuvenate your mind and overcome creative blocks. Engage in activities that relax you, such as walking in nature, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
Techniques to Enhance Creativity
Journaling and Brainstorming
Keep a journal to jot down ideas, thoughts, and inspirations. Regularly brainstorm and mind map to explore new concepts and perspectives.
Collaboration and Feedback
Collaborate with other artists is very inspiring and motivating, seek feedback. Different viewpoints can spark new ideas and help you see your work from a fresh angle.
Explore New Mediums and Techniques
Challenge yourself by trying new mediums or techniques. This can break monotony and open up new creative pathways. I personally work primary with watercolor and I love to create in many different ways,
Stay Inspired
Surround yourself with inspiration. Visit galleries, read art books, follow other artists, and immerse yourself in different art forms and cultures.
Reflect on Your Progress
Regularly reflect on your artistic journey. Acknowledge your growth, celebrate your achievements, and learn from your challenges, help and inspire others.
The Benefits of Achieving Flow
Reaching a flow state has numerous benefits for artists:
Increased Productivity: Work more efficiently and produce higher quality art.
Enhanced Creativity: Tap into deeper levels of creativity and innovation.
Greater Satisfaction: Experience profound joy and fulfillment in the creative process.
Improved Mental Health: Reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better overall well-being.
Achieving a flow state is a powerful way to enhance your creativity and produce your best work. By creating a dedicated space, establishing a routine, practicing mindfulness, and embracing imperfection, you can relax and enter this state more easily. Remember, the journey to flow is personal and unique to each artist. Experiment with these techniques, find what works best for you, and let your creativity soar.
What techniques do you use to relax and enter a flow state? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
Welcome to my new series of insightful blog posts tailored specifically for artists, designed to provide valuable tips, inspiration, and guidance to help you thrive in your creative journey.
This is my second post of this series, if you missed the first you can read it here: Dive into creativity: Tips for Watercolor Artists to Stay Inspired
Yesterday I was going through my sketchbooks. I realized it would make for a great post!
In the world of art, the sketchbook holds a special place as the artist’s constant companion and trusted confidant. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out on your artistic journey, the importance of using a sketchbook cannot be overstated. In this post, we’ll explore the myriad benefits of sketching and why every artist should make it a priority in their creative practice.
Cultivating Creativity: A sketchbook is more than just a place to jot down ideas or doodle aimlessly, it’s a playground for creativity. By regularly sketching and experimenting in your sketchbook, you’re giving yourself the freedom to explore new ideas, techniques, and concepts without the pressure of producing a finished piece. Embrace the spontaneity of sketching and allow yourself to play, knowing that every mark you make is a step toward unlocking your artistic potential.
Capturing Inspiration: Inspiration can strike at any moment, and having a sketchbook on hand ensures that you never miss a creative opportunity. Whether you’re out and about always carry a sketchbook in your bag or if cozied up at home, keep your sketchbook nearby to capture quickly moments of inspiration, observations from your surroundings, or flashes of insight. Use your sketchbook as a visual diary of your artistic journey, documenting ideas, sketches, and reflections as they come to you.
Honing Your Skills: Just as athletes train rigorously to improve their performance, artists must dedicate time to honing their craft. A sketchbook provides the perfect platform for skill-building and experimentation. Use it to practice drawing, with pencil or a ink pen without the use of an eraser. Explore new techniques, or refine your artistic style. The more you engage with your sketchbook, the more your skills will develop, paving the way for growth and mastery in your chosen medium.
Overcoming Creative Blocks: Creative blocks are an inevitable part of the artistic process, but a sketchbook can be a powerful tool for overcoming them. When faced with a lack of inspiration or motivation, turn to your sketchbook as a means of reigniting your creative spark. Experiment with different ideas, doodle aimlessly, train yourself to continual line contour or simply let your thoughts flow onto the page. Often, the act of sketching can help break through mental barriers and open up new avenues of exploration.
Art is a deeply personal form of self-expression: and a sketchbook offers a safe space to explore and express your innermost thoughts and emotions. It’s your space where you are free to do anything you want. Use your sketchbook as a means of catharsis, pouring your heart and soul onto the page through drawings, sketches, and written reflections. Embrace vulnerability and authenticity in your sketchbook, knowing that it’s a reflection of your unique perspective and voice as an artist. Treasure and collect your sketchbooks years after year you would love to see your growth and transformation.
In a world filled with digital distractions and constant busyness, the humble sketchbook remains a timeless tool for artists seeking to cultivate creativity, capture inspiration, hone their skills, overcome creative blocks, and foster self-expression. Whether you’re sketching on the go or indulging in a quiet moment of reflection, embrace the power of the sketchbook in your artistic practice. Your sketchbook holds the key to unlocking your creative potential, so pick up your pencil, and let your imagination soar!
Get your sketchbook ready hope this post was helpful to anyone in need and please share with your artists friends. I am curious to know what are you all going to sketch?
InkTober 2022 is coming soon!
And it means that artists around the world will participate to this great and inspiring drawing challenge. I have participated to InkTober Challenge for the past 6 years Usually I have followed the Official prompt lists combined with another of my favorite October challenges working on the two challenges in one, combining the prompts! Indeed very challenging to do it grows and test your skills. This year I am not sure I will participate I have several projects in mind! Maybe I will draw some of the prompts here and there!
Jake Parker the illustrator and creator of InkTober released the new “Official Prompt List 2022” I am happy to post it here so that you have some time until October 1st to plan your challenge and get ready!
Here is the INKTOBER Story and Rrules: Illustrator Jake Parker is the creator of this great challenge and initiative started in October 2009. Jake created InkTober as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year. Here are the Official Rules:
1) Make a drawing in ink (you can do a pencil under-drawing if you want).
2) Post it*
3) Hashtag it with #inktober and #inktober2022
4) Repeat
That’s it! Now go make something beautiful. Visit Jake Parker websitefor more details, videos, inspiration and lots to learn about InkTober. If you like to join these challenges don’t forget when you post your drawing online always add the hashtags #INKTOBER2022 #INKTOBER post your ink drawing online on your Blog and/or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…add all the tags to any place you share your drawings online!
Some of my Favorite Supplies: I use French Artists Watercolors Sennelier l’Aguarelle, Pentel Aqua Brush – Bee Paper for Watercolor 140lb, 100% cotton, cold pressed, size 6×9 inches . Micron or COPIC pens Black, Brown, Dark Red inks #01, #005, White SAKURA Gelly Roll pen, Pentel Pocket Brush blak ink, ALVIN Mab Graves Draft/Matic Pencils , Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks.
(FYI This is not a sponsored post I have no affiliation with any of these brands. I purchase all my supplies and I am only sharing what I like and use)
Good luck to everyone joining InkTober 2022
There is plenty of time to prepare yourself! I honestly during the past 6 years I never planned or worked any sketch in advance it didn’t resonated with me because the goal of this challenge for me was to improvise and get creative and inspired day by day! I only got my supplies ready in advance! But that’s just me! Do what is the best and resonates for you and most importantly have fun and create!
Please if you do participate share your plans or ideas I would love to read! If you’re a beginner or not and have any questions leave it in the comment section I would be happy to respond!
Wishing you all a Wonderful and Merry Christmas may this day bringing you the light in your heart may it be filled with happiness and joy! This is a strange time we’re living just enjoy the moment Happy Holidays!
Thank you always for following my journey I am very grateful for you all!
Much Love,
Since 2009 in October, artists all over the world take on the InkTober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month.
InkTober 2020
October is coming soon! And it means that artists around the world will participate to this great and inspiring drawing challenge. This is my 5th year of InkTober, I will do all my best to create as much as possible and I hope to be able to complete the 31 days. This year honestly I have no idea how I will approach the two challenges! Usually in the past few years I have followed the Official prompt lists and to make it more challenging and intriguing I combined the two challenges in one, combining the prompts! Not easy to do. Sometimes the two prompts aren’t a good match but that’s were creativity do the magic! Right now, I am navigating ideas trying to make plans, not sure I want to combine the two challenges together. If not, I need to pick one, or not follow the official prompts and make my own list….lots to think for me! Your suggestions are welcome! ❤
Jake Parker the illustrator and creator of Inktober released the new “Official Prompt List 2020” and I love to post it here so that you have some time until October 1st to plan and get ready!
2017 I have Joined the two challenges InkTober and MabsDrawlloweenClub this one is a little more spoocky – Halloween theme prompts are created by Pop Surrealist artist Mab Graves! My daily drawings were inspired by the combination of the two challenges daily prompt words creating my own hybrid challenge “DrawllooweenTober” yes this was my idea to enable me to join both challenges daily creating one drawing. And well it was pretty challenging, not easy but I wanted to make it harder to stimulate creativity in a different way and I made it! The outcome was a lovely collection of dark themed spooky drawings which I am very pleased!
My drawing “Frankenstein Bride” of this series become my first Die Cut Sticker
2018 I have joined again the two challenges, I really love both and the community of artists around these two challenges. I didn’t want to miss them so I’ve participated with my hybrid mixing the prompts and my own hashtag is #drawlloweentober you can see my Gallery Inktober+ MabsDrawlloweenClub 2018
2019 Once again last year I have combined the prompts of the two challenges here you can see some of my drawings! To see all the drawings visit my Drawlloweentober 2019 Gallery
InKtober – Mabsdrawlloween club 2019
Settember 1st 2020 both challenges Official Prompt Lists were released on September 1st. Here there is also the MadsDrawlloweenClub2020 Prompt List artist Mab Graves list is always inspired and dedicated to the Halloween theme.
Mabsdrawlloween 2020 Official Prompt List
My Favorite Supplies: I use French Artists Watercolors Sennelier l’Aguarelle, Pentel Aqua Brush – Bee Paper for Watercolor 140lb, 100% cotton, cold pressed, size 6×9 inches . Micron or COPIC pens Black, Brown, Dark Red inks #01, #005, White SAKURA Gelly Roll pen, Pentel Pocket Brush blak ink, ALVIN Mab Graves Draft/Matic Pencils , Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks.
(FYI This is not a sponsored post I purchase all my supplies and I am sharing what I like and use)
My Supplies!
Join us: these Challenges are open to anyone that love sketching with ink pens and if you’re member of the #worldwatercolorgroup you’re free to add a dash of watercolor. I hope that some of you will try this and join me and thousands of other artists around the world. You don’t have to be drawing every day if you don’t have time. You can drawing every other day, or every few days, or one entry a week! Doesn’t has to be a complicate drawing, it can be a small sketch, it will help you to develop a habit and refine your skills. Btw if you’re not crazy like me you don’t have to participate to both challenges just pick one! 😉 Good luck everyone hope to see you in October!
Here is the INKTOBER Story and Rrules: Illustrator Jake Parker is the creator of this great challenge and initiative started in October 2009. Jake created InkTober as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year. Here are the Official Rules:
1) Make a drawing in ink (you can do a pencil under-drawing if you want).
2) Post it*
3) Hashtag it with #inktober and #inktober2019
4) Repeat That’s it! Now go make something beautiful.
I am very excited to join once again and participate to the challenges! I would be sharing my progress here on the Blog and daily on Instagram @carolinarussoart Visit Jake Parker websitefor more details, videos, inspiration and lots to learn about Inktober. If you like to join these challenges don’t forget when you post your drawing online always add the hashtags #INKTOBER2020 #INKTOBER if you choose Mab Graves challenge add #mabsdrawlloweenclub2020 and if you add watercolor hashtag #worldwatercolorgroup2020 post your ink drawing online on your Blog and/or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…add all the tags to any place you share your drawings online! Phew….I made it to the end of this long post! ❤
You can find some of my past Inktober drawings available as Open Edition Signed Prints in my ETSY Shop
#carolinarussoart
I hope that artists here on WordPress will join this challenge with me,
There is time to get organized and prepare yourself for for October! Please share your plans or ideas I would love to know!
The month of May is almost over and so the #mermay Art Challenge. I love painting mermaids and sadly this year I had no time, I was only able to create one new mermaid to include in my existing Mermaids Collection. I painted only one but I am very happy with my painting and who said that time is over for creating Mermaids? Yes the challenge is over but I can create new Mermaids whenever I want! 😉
Today I am excited to share with you my “New Release” of my Mermaid painting having the title “Exploring The Abyss” I painted in my traditional and signature style watercolor and ink. If you followed my recent posts on Instagram you remember this mermaid because I was showing my work in progress with some sneak peek, from the pencil sketch to the begin stage of watercolor, if you missed you can visit @carolinarussoart and see how this painting become alive. This watercolor mermaid had a quite long process, lots of details and layers for me to be able to obtain all the shades of colors.
A Limited Edition of #20 Fine Art Prints is now Available made to order! If you would like to order one of the beautiful twenty numbered, signed and hand embellished Prints you can they are available only in size 8×10 inches and I Offer a 10% Off discount to my Bloggers friends and anyone that place an Order here on the Blog if you like to reserve a print just read the details and fill in the order form linked in this page. I do ship Worldwide. If you have any question contact me.
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Details about my painting: .I used a Draft/Matic Pencil 0.5mm by ALVIN for my sketch. I painted on BEE Paper 140lb 100% Cotton Cold Press, I used French Artists Watercolor by Sennelier l’Aguarelle. Ink pen COPIC Multiliner #01 and a SAKURA White Gelly Roll pen.
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You can see more of my Paintings visiting my GALLERYthere are several Galleries here on my Blog! You find them in the drop down menu under Watercolors.
All my collections of watercolors paintings and illustrations are always available for Pre-Order in Limited Edition Art Prints here on my Blog!
Please follow me on my Instagram dedicated to my Art! @carolinarussoart
#mermay2019 #CarolinaRussoArt
Have a wonderful week dear friends and happy Mermaids!
I am wonder which home will adopt her?
I wish you all dear friends and followers a wonderful Christmas Day and Holidays!
I am very thankful for your support and for following my journey my art couldn’t be known around the world without you! Your beautiful comments and encouragement ongoing is precious. Thank you beyond words to everyone that wanted to Collaborate with me during this year and to the ones that has decided to own one of my paintings or any of my artwork pieces I am honored to have my art in your house it means everything to me! ✨
My Collaboration with music artist Nu-San and Coming Soon Album Release!
Today post is an update for this interesting project and collaboration. Who follow me maybe remember my older post. Recently I had welcomed new followers to my Blog and this post is an update on this on going project and collaboration.
I have collaborated with music artist Nu-San and I was commissioned to create a watercolor painting as the Cover for his Coming Soon New Album “Nu Nostalgia” today we are celebrating the launch and release of the Video of Nu-San Single “Come With Me” a beautiful and moving song included in the album. I like to share it with you while we’re looking forward to the Album release!
Nu-San yesterday released the video of the Single “Come With Me” you can watch it here:
“NU NOSTALGIA” Album Cover – Original Watercolor Painting
This is a wonderful project!
And I am so honored and grateful beyond words that Nu-San wants my Art to illustrate his music. I love music and love to support music artists with my art. I always wanted to create an artwork that would be illustrating a music album as the “Cover” I am so happy that this wish is coming true and would be tangible soon. Nu-San discography includes other beautiful albums but this one is the first that would be made in “Vinyl” and it is a dream coming true for Nu-San. We are happy to share this achievement it is special. Thank you again Sandy for this great collaboration!
This project and watercolor painting is also part of my Collection Series, check my Gallery “ART FOR MUSIC”a series of artworks inspired by music artists reflecting my passion for music.
Nu-San
Nu-Sanis a solo project and electronic music producer and composer from Scotland, UK.
He has composed original chill out and dance tracks and creates unique haunting sounds and techno music, that’s the way I can best describe the sound of his music. I can’t wait to listen what he has created for the new coming album!
This is one of the photos of “Nu-San” that inspired my Portrait for the new album cover, you can see his face in my painting!
My painting is a watercolor and ink portrait in my signature style it has a hint of Gothic and a feeling of darkness. Nu-San asked me to include in the painting ravens birds, a graveyard scene, a castle and gave me the freedom to create. I enjoyed painting this atmospheric portrait not in a classic and common “Gothic Style” but revised in my own style. We are very happy about how the painting turned out and we can’t wait to see it as a Vinyl.
If you would like to discover Nu-San music you can visit his links:
❤ PRE-ORDER Now! ❤
– The Special Limited Edition Prints of my painting
The Album Cover of Nu Nostalgia –
The painting is available in an exclusive Special Limited Edition of only #30 Fine Art Prints. Each print is numbered and hand signed by me, print size is small as 5×11 inches and fit in a A4 paper size looks beautiful framed. Prints are High Quality printed on heavy weight 210gm matte paper, semi-smooth surface. Printed in my studio by me. All Prints are released as Limited Edition, numbered, hand signed. A Certificate of Authenticity is included. If you are a Nu-San fan or you like to Pre-Order and reserve a beautiful print of my painting before the album release, you can!
***PRINTS SPECIAL: Available at the special price of $25+ Shipping $4 USA or $6 International.
To order just fill in the form that you find in this link: Nu San “Nu Nostalgia” Print
If you have any question please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Artist’s Details about my watercolor ink painting: I painted on watercolor Fabriano paper, the original painting is size 12 x 24 inches. I used French watercolors by Sennelier. For the outline I used Black ink pens COPIC Multiliner #03 – #05 and a Fountain Pen Pilot Prera fine nib.
You can see more of my Paintings and artworks visiting my GALLERYthere are several Galleries in the drop down menu under “Watercolors”.
My drawing “Frankenstein Bride” of this series become my first Die Cut 
Carolina Russo Art 
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