Last week I was experimenting with pen and ink and demoing different supports.

Watercolour paper, vellum, comic board… liquid acrylics, transparent inks, india ink – a bunch of stuff.

I really enjoyed the mark-making aspect of the inks, and the organic flow that results when I let the brush express it’s shape in paint… as opposed to me ‘pushing’ it to paint what I want.

The quality and intensity of the Liquitex Acrylic Inks inspired me too – so I spent a couple days “playing”.

Playing is so important

We can get stale in our art and revisit the same techniques and colour choices again and again – because they work.

But there needs to be risk and experimentation to grow.

Playing with your mediums without a need to “see results” or have anything saleable is integral to your art practice.

Playing gives you permission to push the boundaries of your current skill set without the stress of a deadline, commission or monetary requirement.


Like a day of rest, give yourself regular time to play with your art and be inspired by the process of discovery and experimentation.

My Organic Shapes Play-Time:

Make time to have fun. Your enjoyment will keep your art fresh and resonant and relevant.

GO PLAY!