Times have changed since the pandemic outbreak. Especially with travel and all the health requirements needed to get to your destination. So I thought I was saved from all these quarantine protocols since I have all my vaccine shots and negative RT-PCR tests. Guess I was not! I had to follow these strict guidelines of isolating myself for 6 days and 5 nights in a quarantine hotel which was really nerve wracking and take another test on the 5th day. Sucks! Oh well! I had no choice but to deal with it. I said to myself, 'get a grip girl!'
On a lighter note, I just got back from a two week vacation in the Maldives with my boyfriend. Best two week date ever! Took lots of island photos and enjoyed every bit of island life. Creative inspiration everywhere when connecting with nature. The artists in me always pack something extra. When I say extra, it's a set of watercolor paints, watercolor brushes and a small watercolor sketchbook. These kept my sanity during quarantine week. So glad I brought it! Here's 5 steps to get creative during quarantine week.
1. Pack light essential artist's materials.
A set of watercolor paints, sketchbook, watercolor brush.
My go to is a set of watercolor paints. It's a 90 color tin box solid watercolor set. A small 140 x 90mm, 300gsm watercolor sketch pad. Has nice texture and the water doesn't seep thru the pages. One or two watercolor brushes will be a great accompaniment for a creative week. Materials doesn't have to be expensive. Remember creativity's supposed to be fun!
I do have to admit that I cried the first day of isolation and the second day as well. But got to fight those depressing thoughts and move into a creative frequency. Because of the internet, staying sane in isolation nowadays is not as dramatic as it was compared to war times. Thank God for the free WIFI!
2. When in vacation take lots of photos! Always be camera ready! Especially when you want to capture sunsets and sunrises. Taking visual inspirations will help during isolation and get you into a free flowing zone. Only remembering good memories. Also don't forget to free up space before embarking in your journey. You'll never know how much inspiration's out there.
3. Try not to think too much. Find a nice corner in the room and lay out all your materials. Avoid stressing yourself in creating the most beautiful artwork. This is a free flowing session and mistakes are allowed. Just let things be!
“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” – Bob Ross
4. Choose photos that you feel most connected to. Follow the feeling not the outcome. Trust your gut that painting the photo you feel connected to will bring you joy as well as excitement in the creative process.
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” – Andy Warhol
Each watercolor painting is reminiscent of the beautiful beaches, sunsets and sunrises.
Sunset Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Our Favorite Spot!
Sunset Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunset Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunset Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunset Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunset Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
We also found our favorite sunset spot watching the sunset change its glorious golden hues. Almost like watching magic right before our eyes. Basking in the warm glow, saying gratitude for the amazing day.
Made me feel better, positive and creative once I was into the groove. I painted nonstop from 8am until the afternoon for the rest of the remaining days. Sometimes you don't have to think but just do and let get into a flow.
Sunrise Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunrise Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunrise Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunrise Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunrise Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunrise Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunrise Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Sunrise Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Into the Lake Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
We wake up early in the morning to witness the sunrise like a great ball of fire by the beach. Not all sunrises are the same. Greeting the day with such positivity and aliveness!
Island Beach Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
The pristine waters of the Indian Ocean changes into a wide array of blue, emerald green colors. No other words could describe the beauty of this paradise.
Island Beach Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Island Beach Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Island Beach Watercolor Painting by Czerina de Jesus Art
Island Beach Watercolor by Czerina de Jesus
5. Say a gratitude of thanks. Being grateful in time of isolation will make the quarantine week less of a pain and more of a journey. A moment of gratitude for having a creative time and for travel has rewards for an individual's well being.
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” - Cicero
Having a creative practice during quarantine doesn't mean you have to produce the best artwork. It's a form of release and a contemplative space to divert your senses in something productive. Making the most out of the hours not spent socializing. With a simple setup to begin with, I let the watercolor paint flow into my paper much like how the sea felt into my feet. A good catharsis, therapeutic to be in a creative space... not holding back. Just letting things be, as it is in the moment.
Download the accompanying Art Materials Guide For A Creative Travel week
here.
