How to take your drawings, to the next level.

Today I want to share some very concrete experiments with you. A way for you to come into that place of flow, and having some guidelines so it feels safer to let go of control.

The first experiment is a very good way to start, you can use it if you feel a little doubtful, a little tired or not really inspired. When you do this experiment, it will make you forget time and space as you go deeper and deeper into the moment.

Lisen’t to this video, where I share my process, or read the blog post.

1) Take 5 pieces of paper, and a timer. Use all the drawing materials you like, I’am very fond of molotov markers, and then I spice it up with pencil, coal, ball pen, and whatever suits me.

2) For the first piece of paper you set the timer to 2 minutes. When the time is out, you take the next paper and set the timer to 4 minutes, and then you continue expanding with 2 minutes for each new paper, till you reach 10 minutes for the last paper.

It’s very interesting how it will free you, when you have the limited timeframe, and the fact that you shift the paper and have to start all over each time, makes your approach more fresh. It allows you to stay open, and to dare to try out new ideas, not thinking so much of the outcome.

As I said before it will take you into the present moment. It will take you out of your mind, out of doubt, self sabortage the urge to have it all planned. You will be abel to feel, maybe just for some moments this relaxed state of joy, excitement and flow. If you feel the urge, you can go on expanding with 2 minutes, as many times you wish, or you can make your own experiments if it works better for you. Maybe you want to do it quicker, so you can expand with only one minute. You could also begin with pencil, and then take a second round on the same papers, then using markers, or paint. Don’t take the experiments as another rule, just take what resonates, and play around with making your own experiments. Your own rules.

But it’s not only a great way to get into the flow, you also end up with 5 pieces of work. Some of them you might want to keep as they are, the others you can use in new works, taking them to the next level.

Be open for the things that comes to you unexpected. The things you didn’t plan. Very often it is in that we wasn’t looking for, that was what we needed.

Use the drawing that failed. Use the outcasts of the paper cuts. Use the other side of the paper. Don’t care about how it will look like. Falling on purpose. Make yourself fail. Do something that you haven’t tried before.

Don’t hang on to the good results, don’t hang on to the bad. Let it all go in every moment. Maybe it is difficult for you to really fail, because you are too good at covering it up. Let it really fail. You can’t still make it fail? Wow, then you don’t have to be so afraid. That’s the whole thing. You have to experience that you can’t fail.

Everything is perfect. When we go beyond our bonderies it’s where magic are, where we think we will fail, we will succeed.

I will explain how I used the form of my original drawing as a skabelon, not for you to do exactly the same, but to show you some tools you can use in your own process. Also it gives you an idea how to look for new ways to approach your work.

1) I started by cutting one of my quick drawings out from the first exercise. Placing it on a bigger seized paper. I wanted an equal seized form to oppose it, so I made an outline of the drawing on another paper.

2) I looked for some materials, and found an old canvas with a wonderfull sky blue paint on it. I just thought it would be so good togheter with my drawing. I used the negative paper form as a skabelon, and cut the form in the sky blue canvas. I also tried to use the backside of the canvas, but it looked too pale to me. I really like to use different materials in my drawings, it gives another rawness to the work.

In my work I like to work with contrasts and dualities, and them bind them togheter in a kind of symetry. I have the urge to create balance between the different aspects of myself. To get the differences to “speak” to each other, to get an inner dialog and acceptance between the different aspects. To focus on the form instead of the lines, is a very simpel hack. The two ways of working complements each other, as much as they opposes each other.

Hope you could use these tips. Have a lovely day.

I’am teaching in “how you can free yourself in the creative process”, go to workshops, to read about my courses and workshops. Next ones is in August 2019.

I’am sharing this information to you freely, from my own experiences. Hope you can use it in your own process. Any donation, is deeply appreciated. :-)

Donate

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level. May 15, 2019
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out. Apr 30, 2019
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis. Apr 6, 2019
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process?? Mar 8, 2019
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition? Feb 13, 2018
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart. Jan 8, 2018
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger. Nov 20, 2017
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about? Nov 8, 2017
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!! Oct 31, 2017
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere. Oct 12, 2017
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines. Oct 12, 2017
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ? Oct 12, 2017
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow. May 26, 2020
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours. May 6, 2020
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide. Apr 22, 2020
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self. Apr 18, 2020
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature. Apr 4, 2020
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective. Oct 9, 2019
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded? Sep 20, 2019
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow. Sep 10, 2019
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment. Jul 28, 2019
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control. Jul 15, 2019
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process. Jun 1, 2019
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making. Apr 1, 2019
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream. Feb 20, 2019
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves? Feb 10, 2019
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO. Feb 1, 2019
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-) Jan 2, 2019
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures. Nov 22, 2018
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process? Feb 2, 2018
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down Dec 20, 2017
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way. Dec 12, 2017
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn. Dec 5, 2017
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide. Oct 12, 2017
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-) Sep 5, 2017
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings Sep 5, 2017
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation? Sep 5, 2017
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis. Apr 6, 2019
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level. May 15, 2019
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out. Apr 30, 2019
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making. Apr 1, 2019
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process?? Mar 8, 2019
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream. Feb 20, 2019
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves? Feb 10, 2019
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO. Feb 1, 2019

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.

Not expecting anything. Not wanting any specific result. Not waiting to arrive to a certain destination. You know very often we say, when I have done this and this, then I will just have fun. We think that we have to deserve it. First work and then play. We have learned to struggle and to fight our ways through life. To be strong. To tame ourselves. We make “to do” lists. We have so may goals. But what when we get there? Is it worth it? I think to be present in the creative process, is a kind of learning how to live moment to moment. To learn to be in peace and harmony with yourself, eventhough your outer circumstances is chaotic. Allowing yourself to be you. That all about you is okay. That is your reward. That is your freedom.

Sculpture experiments, from my own process.

Yesterday I had a day in my studio, where I didn’t come to any solutions. I played around with a sculpture the whole day, but it didn’t fall into place. It didn’t click. I’am learning all the time, and normally I would be a little unsatisfied with myself. But yesterday I was so happy on my way home. Because I had really had fun, and I had this knowing that everything will fall into place. The energy from the day was still in my body the whole evening.

The feeling of flow comes when what you are doing, is in harmony with where you are.

So I’am learning to enjoy the yourney, to relax in knowing that I can create more courageous, if I don’t fix my mind on a specific goal.

But I think the reason why we resist the moment, resist o be present, is that it triggers all our emotions. Because to be in the process is not just bliss all the time, you will meet all parts of yourself.

How do you forget the result ??

When we think of a result, it is often a mental picture of what we want. So instead of the mental picture, go for the flow feeling instead. The feeling of flow comes when what you are doing, is in harmony with where you are. For example, if you are sad, use that feeling and express it, instead of suppressing it, because you think you have to be happy. Every time you suppress an emotion, it builds up, and it takes a lot of energy. If you keep suppressing these more negative emotions you will eventually run out of space. Your body will be full. All the emotions will come to the surface, and you might get a serious breakdown. So release the feelings instead, allow them to be felt, express them in your art. Soon you will feel relieved because you are getting in touch with new aspects of yourself. Relieved because you have more energy, and more space inside of you..

Marie J.Engelsvold. “Don’t resist the moment.” Acrylics, pencil and paper cuts on paper. 30 x 30 cm. 2019

How do we go from the expectation to the dream ??

So one of the biggest challenges is to let go of the expectations of the result. If we always have a goal in mind, it is as if we are starting to hurry, and we reject everything that does not look like something that can lead to our goals.

Often the inner critic begins to beat us up. We begin to sabotage ourselves. It is not good enough. We try again and again, to get to the desired result but we fail. Sometimes we actually succeeds, and the result is satisfying. But often we have to cross both arms and teeth to get there. We can also have learned a lot of techniques, so everything we do looks okay, it is actually really nice and tidy and people like what we do. But you may not be completely happy, and you are dreaming of something else.

The dream you feel, is not the expectation. The expectation is that mental picture you have of yourself, that you have to feel and be a certain way. The mental picture of your outcome. The expectations will always get disappointed, and you begin to judge yourself if it is not met. So drop that mental picture, The dream cannot die. The dream is the one you think is unrealistic, the one that can't be done. The one who is only possible if you had lots of time and money and courage. But it is the dream that makes your heart beat, the dream that gives your life direction, and the dream which nourishes the flame in your passion. But how do we go from the expectation to the dream ?? It's a bit like the same mechanism as when we switch from the left side to the right side of the brain. And the harmony when we get all our parts to play together. I'm talking about the same thing, just in different ways. Because we constantly run into the same problems, but because the situation changes, we do not see it.

In the creative processes, you meet yourself head on.

The first thing you have to do is forget the result, go into the process, be present in the process and don't think about the end result. The dream is now, it’s not a destination. If you build a lot of expectations around the dream, the dream cannot come into your present reality. The dream is not a picture, it’s alive. That is what is the adventure, to enter into the unknown.

These are the same mechanisms as in your life, if you are afraid of the unknown (and we are all to a lesser extent), then you cannot be present in your life. So that's why I say that in the creative processes, you meet yourself head on. And if you dare to go into the eye of the storm, you can free yourself from your limitations and learn to accept and love yourself in your wholeness. Without cutting pieces of yourself out. This is also why we have such a hard time being present in the process, and accepting our own self-expression because we meet ourselves all the time. And we all have parts we don't like and don't accept. So the expectation of the result is also the expectation of yourself.

When you expect things from yourself and other people, you also judge if your expectations is not met. If you judge yourself, you tell yourself that you are not good enough. You do not accept yourself as you are, but only as the image of how you want yourself to be.

Release the expectations on how to get there, and surrender to the journey.

So when I say, go into the process and forget about the result, it sounds very easy. But it's not easy, it's really challenging for most of us. And so, it is something you learn gradually.

I, myself have been a visual artist for 20 years, and of course I also love to be in the process when I am in flow. And I think that is why I became an artist. When I was very young, I discovered that I could disappear from the world and go into my own dream. I could come in a state of true presence and joy. That is the flow. Forgetting time and place, being fully present in what you do. That is the price. And then you have arrived. When you live the dream, the dream is all there. Allow yourself to dream big, and allow yourself to trust it. But the dream becomes reality only when you follow your inner voice and allow yourself to rely on the process.

You still can't figure out how to get there ?? Take the first step, and that is your creative passion. You must turn on the spark, before you can burn. Release the expectations on how to get there, and surrender to the journey. And if your dream is more time to be creative and express yourself, take that time. Start with what you can today, and then expand slowly.

I’am sharing this information to you freely, from my own experiences. Hope you can use it in your own process. Any donation, is deeply appreciated. :-))

Donate

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

How do you work with composition?

Hi, how are you doing??

Today I want to talk about how you can work with composition. Are you contious about composition when creating? I normally talk a lot about the process, how to create from your heart. How to stay in deep contact to your feelings, and how you can express it in your artwork. I write about the topic in many different ways, in hope you will get what I'am talking about. But sometimes you have to step back, and do some mindwork. To analyse what you are doing, and how you can progress, and raise above obstacles. When you are more confident in being in the flow of your heart, you can start trying to analyse your work, without going into being overly critical and judgemental about your drawings.

Imagine you have done some drawings, but you are not quite satisfied. Take a look at the composition of your drawings.

How do you arrange the elements on the paper? Do you always work in the center of the paper? Do you fill out all the white space?? Or do you only use the lower part of the paper?
How about the size of the elements of your drawing? are they all the same size?? Are they all very small or very huge??
What about the contrast between light and dark? Look at your drawing and find the darkest element and the lightest element. Are there a big contrast between the two values? Or are the tones or values of the colours nearly the same?

Their are a lot more things to look at, but theese 3 are the most important ones.

**Marie J.Engelsvold. “Connection between different parts of myself” Acrylic tusch on paper. 42 x 29,7 cm. 2014**

**Marie J.Engelsvold. "Relationship with outlets for magic" Acrylic tusch on paper. 21 x 29,7 cm. 2014**

**Marie J.Engelsvold. “Try to transform ”Acrylic tusch on paper. 21 x 29,7 cm. 2014**

Now take one of your drawings, and use the same elements but arrange them differently on the paper. Maybe using another size can help you.( I very often change to a bigger size of paper when I'am stuck.) Change the size of some of the elements to make more contrast. Also make one of the elements very dark, and another one very light.

How did it work?? Sometimes we just get some habits and we do the same things all the time.

By thinking about theese things you just push your limits of what is possible. In the beginning you have to work contious with being aware of how you compose your drawing. But after doing it many times you will do it quite intuitively, and you have another tool in your toolbelt.

Maybe I have just opened the pandoras box for you? Because when you start to change how you look at your artwork, when you have new ideas on how to do it differently, a lot more ideas and possibilities will arise. So just keep going, it's so much fun:-))

Looking for more tips? look at this blogpost "Experiment with shapes and lines."

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

Make a kickstart.

Happy new year!!

I always like to start the new year, reflecting on how satisfied I'am with my life. What I like to change, and how I can do it. This year I came to one single thought. I just want to be me. I want to keep things simple, not starting up new projects without checking in on how I feel about it. I want to have time to go all in on what I really appreciate. And what I really appreciate, is to create. But as you know, creating takes time. You need to spend time, to really commit to your creative process. Since you are reading this, I assume you also want to express yourself. Creating from a true authentic place.

"Make a kickstart" Blog; Drawings from within

So why not start the new year by really committing to your creativity? What about making a kickstart?

If you really want to commit to your creative process, you have to set aside some time in your schedule. I will recommend you to start the new year with a dayly routine.

1 drawing pr. day, for 1 month. Use 30 minutes or better 1 hour pr. day. Do this to make a kick start.

You will see that it really makes a difference. You will end the month with a pile of drawings. I guess you will be quite hooked on these creative moments, where you can connect with your self. Try to make it fun, let go of the result. If you have a very busy calendar, make it down to 20 minutes. You can ask me "But why forcing myself to draw everyday, even when I'am totally stressed and just don't feel like being creative?" I say "just try to make room for this activity for 20 -60 minutes pr. day, and see what happens". Just make small doodles on a little paper in the train, or even in front of the television. But commit to do it everyday, and make a new and rewarding habit for yourself.

I'am excited to hear from you, how you are doing?? If some of you are situated in the area of Copenhagen, I can recommend to sign up for my course. "Find your own visual language" The courses are ongoing 11 mondays. Time is 8.45 -12.15 am. Hope to see you around.

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

Slow down

Now we are very soon reaching the holidays, and it's time to slow down. You might spend a lot of time with your family and friends, but try to make some room for creating as well. Time to draw and reconnect with yourself. To draw in realignment with your inner space is a kind of spiritual praxis. You will see that when you invest some time to be present with yourself, you will be more present with your family as well.

**Marie J.Engelsvold. “My inner christmas tree” Acrylic tusch and papercuts on paper. 29,7 x 21 cm. 2014**

You need to slow down to be abel to lisent to your inner voice, to be abel to create without bothering of the result. To create just for the pure bliss of creating. In our society very often we have learned to use the time wisely, to be effective and productive. We have learned that when we use time on something it should be payable. Forget all this. To create is not a waste of time, it's investing in your inner self. It's about coming into deeper connecting with who you are, and what is important for you. You might discover new aspects of yourself, feelings that you have been hiding for yourself and others. It's actually the best way to spend your time, because when you get realigned with your authensiticity, everything will fall into place.

I have experienced that the way I create, have a lot to do of how I'am living my day to day life.

When I'am fearless in my creative process, when I'am feeling free and enjoy myself, it will change how I'am feeling in my other activities throughout the day. I will be more present with my family, more observant of the moments, and the small things. I also experience that when I'am slowing down, my life is not falling apart. Actually my life improves, and everything falls into the right place.

Try to make a space for yourself, where you can create. Read my earlier blogposts "Express your feelings" and "Want to find your own visual language ?", for ideas on how you can do it.

**Marie J.Engelsvold. “Looking inside this mental tent” Acrylic tusch on paper. 42 x 29,7 cm. 2014**

If you are not abel to create, because you are visiting family and friends, have a little notebook in your bag. Now try to check in to your feelings at least two times a day.

Just sit for a moment and feel your body, observe your thoughts. Write everything down, no matter how stupid it is. This is also a very good exercise in being present. Just say to yourself it's okay to be here, it's okay to feel what I'am feeling. I don't have to do anything else than being me.

Have a very nice holiday :-)

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

There is no "right" way.

I call my Blog "Free yourself through art making", because the connection with your own person, your own inner voice is the most important thing in the creative process. You have to give something of yourself, to make the artwork alive. First of all, there are no correct ways of drawing. Don't be bothered if you have no technical skills. Look at children drawings, most professional artists love the creations of children. Why? because they don't censor themselves, because they haven't learned the "right" way. Begin to draw intuitively, and see what happens. Is it mostly abstract forms? or do you draw something figurative?

What attracts you in other artists work? Do you enjoy artwork which is very precise and detailed? or do you prefer something simple and bold? Do you like to draw from memory, or capture a dream? Do you mostly like patterns, in all forms? Or maybe you like to observe and draw things from your surroundings? Maybe you like a combination of different technics, mixing abstract and figurative forms? Every way is the best way, as long as it is working for you. The most important thing is to start listening to your own inner guidance. What do you like? What do you want to express? What is important for you?

If you really like to master a certain skill, you could take a drawing lesson. It's important to follow your urges. But before you sign up, try to do it your own way. If you want to draw faces, try to draw all kinds of faces, look at photos, other artists work or childrens drawings.

I have a collection of drawings I like at Pinterest, take a look if you need some inspiration. Very often your own way is the most charming way, and the "right" way can be the wrong way. I see a lot of technical skilled drawings, that can be very nice and decorative, but seems a little boring to me. The best drawings are the ones which shows the artists personality, and uniqueness.

Be sure, the technical skills that you need to express your self, will follow along if you are consistent in the drawing process, and enjoys it.

I prefer to work abstract, but it has not always been that way. In many years I worked with both abstract and figurative elements. Now I like to explore mostly abstract forms. But I'am also inspired by figurative elements and you might see a hint of a staircase or a table in my drawings. Read this blogpost for more inspiration: "Find inspiration everywhere" I also love sculptures and installations, I have a board on Pinterest, I call sculptures and installations I like, here I have a huge collection. Take a look:-)

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!

You have been drawing for hours, but the drawing doesn't feel right. You are quite frustrated, but before you just scream, and curl the paper togehter, throwing it in the garbage bin, wait a minute:-) Take a deep breath, maybe a cup of coffee, stretch your legs, jump a little, talk with somebody.

After this little break, return to your drawing, and have another look. Take a deep breath again. Now ask yourself what you like about your drawing, and what you don't like. How could you change it now, when it's almost done? Is it only a small correction or do you need to do some serious redesigning? If you can't come up with anything now, take a look at my list. "Before you throw your drawing in the bin"

Marie J.Engelsvold. "Balancing" 42 x 84 cm. 2015This drawing. "Balancing", is an exampel of how I had made a drawing that just didn't resonated with me, and made it into something completely new. The diamond shape in the middle was the failed drawin… — Marie J.Engelsvold. "Balancing" 42 x 84 cm. 2015
This drawing. "Balancing", is an exampel of how I had made a drawing that just didn't resonated with me, and made it into something completely new. The diamond shape in the middle was the failed drawing, I placed it on a quite huge paper, and it progressed in a way that was completely unexpected.

Before you throw your drawing in the bin:

Take another element and place it, so it will cover the area you don't like. You can use a white acrylic marker or a white piece of paper. If you want color, use a colored piece of paper, or a colored acrylic marker. Of course you can use whatever tool you like, as long as it cover up the problem area.

Cut out the element/elements you like, and place it on another paper. If you need more space, choose a bigger paper. You can now use it as it is, or you can continue to work with this new setup.

If you only use pencil or pen, spice it up by using another tool. You can use watercolor, acrylic markers, chalk, or goauche. Try out different tools, turn your failed drawing into an experiment. It can be much easier to expand your limits and try something new on a piece of paper that's not completely blank. And the experiment might turn into something unexpected and interesting. (If you use gouache, or watercolor it's important that your paper is thick quality paper at least 220 gram.)

If you just can't make it work, take some white gouache or white acrylic marker, and make a thin layer which cover it all up. Now you have a new surface, where you can still have a glimpse of the old drawing. On top of that you can create something new, while keeping the history of the process, which gives a nice layer effect. (If you use gouache, or watercolor it's important that your paper is thick quality paper at least 220 gram.)

Another radical solution is to cut it all up in pieces. use them as mosaic elements on another drawing, or place them in a box with pieces of paper, you never know when you will need it.

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

Experiment with shapes and lines.

If you take a look at a drawings elements, it basically consists of lines and shapes. Do you mostly use lines or shapes in your own drawings? Maybe a combination of the two? It's important to be aware of what elements you use. Shapes can create denseness in the drawings, and with lines you create movement and details.

Look at this article on "How to Be an Artist, According to Wassily Kandinsky"

"Kandinsky experimented with compositions populated by lines, simple geometric shapes, and the energized points where they met or overlapped. "

No matter how you normally draw, it can be very rewarding to go back to basic. Using very simpel elements. In this little exersice, you will only use abstract shapes and lines. Try to avoid recognizable elements, concentrate on the composition.

Materials: paper, glue, scissor, cardboard, colored paper, some tools you like to make lines.

Cut some shapes, from cardboard or colored paper. place them on a piece of paper. Play around, and when you like it, glue them on.

Now draw some lines on the same paper. Make a lot of these compositions, using only shapes and lines.

When you have 10 compositions. Choose one you like the most. Now use this one, as a starting point for 10 more compositions.

Think of how many ways you can variate the drawing. What happens if you take one of the shapes, making it much larger? Change one of the shapes from geometric to rounded? Making a lot of lines and only small shapes? Experiment with the possibilities, and see what happens. Eventhough your starting point was only a few shapes and lines, very soon you will learn how many ways you can go with theese elements.

In my pinterest collection I have a board called drawings I like. Take a look, and see how many different ways you can work with lines and shapes. If you like, take a look at some of my drawings here at my website. When I look at my own drawings, I see a lot of shapes, lines and textures that I tend to use. Shapes and lines I feel more attracted to than others. It's like the letters in my visual language. Are you aware of the shapes and lines you are using?

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Let your feelings be your guide.

You have probably experienced a lot of times where you got stuck in your drawing process. You begin to think about if you like your drawing, and if it would fit into the livingroom. Suddenly you start censoring yourself, judging yourself and you might stop the whole project. Another drawing is ending it's life in the bin. ( see my post: Wait before you throw your drawing in the bin)

In our society and in the schoolsystem, we often learn to use our analytical skills more. We are told to lisen't to the authorities, and so vi gradually lose contact with our own feelings, and the way we see things. (see my blogpost: "Why it's important to unlearn). Of course of that, many of us have difficulties in living creatively, and expressing ourselves in a unique way. When we are creative, and only uses our mind, it's difficult. The mind wants to have full control, to draw things that it knows, and can explain, and generally have a quick result without too much effort.

Most children loves to draw, and do it quite intuitively. Children don't draw what they see, more how they feel it. These drawings have an irresistible radiation. Because they don't censor themselves and they don't censor their feelings. But at a certain age, we want to make drawings that are naturalistic and "correct". When we fail, many of us drop to draw. We think we don't have the skill. We want to be able to draw what we see. In school we don't learn to draw, like we learn to read.

If you want to be abel to draw naturalistic, I can recommend the book ”Drawing of the right side of the brain” of Betty Edwards.

But I'am more concerned about the fact, that we loose our ability to draw what we feel. A lot of people have difficulties with feelings. We don't have a proper language for feelings, because they many times are wordless. But through drawing or creating we can be connected with parts of ourselves, which might have been buried for a long time.

When we have contact with our feelings, our drawings will be more authentic and playfull. We are not afraid to dwell in the process. Connecting different things to create something new. You have to give your feelings a chance to lead the process, without the mind interferring all the time. In the beginning it might be a good idea to be more focused on connecting with your body and feelings. Gradually you can incooperate your analyzing skills. The result is to be abel to create without judging your creative process. To flow and be intuitive, when you decide you want to connect with your feelings. And being abel to decide when you will stop the process, and work more mind based and analytical.

Creating is actually a balance between the mind and the feelings. But letting your feelings be the guide, so your artwork will be brave and authentic. Try it!

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me

Want to find your own visual language ?

What is a visual language? You know, when you look at an artwork, and immidiately recognizing the artist? That is because it's an artwork, with a strong personal signature.

The visual language is the way you compose your artwork, the use of colors and shapes. How hard you press the pencil against the paper. Do you like a lot of details? or do you prefer big simpel shapes? All the elements in your drawings, are like the letters in an alphabet. When you have found your visual alphabet, there are endless possibilities on how to combine the elements, so don't think that you have to draw the same all the time. The way you combine the elements (letters in your visual alphabet) is the language. Actually one of the signs that you have found your own language, is that it allows you to dig deeper. Because your are narrowing down the spand of options, according to choice. And the deeper you go, the more you go into details, the more you will be open to the possibilities in the process. Another important thing to be aware of, if you want to attain your own unique signature, is to connect with your feelings. To create artwork which have a true voice. To create out of a need, to express something which is important to you. In my blog "Drawings from within," this will be my main focus. At the same time it will ressonate with all parts of you, and have a truly unique and authentic quality. You only find your visual language through praxis, create everyday or as often as possible, and you will slowly find your own unique expression.

**Marie J.Engelsvold. “Transformation of system” Acrylic tusch and papercuts on paper. 29,7 x 21 cm. 2015**

How to start?

1: Find your tools. Which kind of tools do you like??

I prefer acrylic markers (molotow) as my main tool, but like to combine them with more or less anything else:-), pencils, papercuts, watercoulour, textiles, yarn.....When I talk about drawings, I’am very broad in my definition, it could be anything on paper, actually.
Get your hands on a lot of different tools, and try them out. Or look at drawings you like, which tools are used? Maybee you want to combine different kinds of tools.? Like pencil togheter with crayons, or watercolor in combination with chalks?? Goache, color pencils and pen?? Or maybee just a pen in red??
As a start I will suggest you draw on relatively thick paper, like 220 gram. In that way you can keep on working, whitout everything falls into pieces.

Find a space

What I love most about drawing is how easy it is to find the time and space.

First of all you don’t need a big space, a studio or a lot of free time. You can begin to draw eventhough you have a full time job. In the beginning you can use a sketchbook, of quality paper.

The best option is to find a time in the day or evening, where you can be alone, somewhere with a table and a good workchair. If that’s not possible – you can use your transport time plugging some relaxing music in your ears to create a private space.
Another option is to go out in nature, a park, by the sea, your garden …or another outdoor place you like, and where you can sit by your self.

Use at least ½ an hour, 1 hour is better….or if possible longer spand of time. It’s not nice to have to look at your watch all the time, which gives a lot of tension and stress.

Spend some time to relax before you start, feel your body, take a deep breeth. And just think about having a joyful relaxing time for yourself. Look at this as a kind of meditation, where you are creating at the same time.

Try to find some time for drawing every day, it will make you more committed, and you will amaze yourself with your own progress, making it evenmore worthfull and fulfilling.

So why not start today?:-)

Don't be afraid of change:-)

When I draw, it's important to be present in the process. I try not to think about the result, but flow with my inspiration, knowing that I can always change the drawing. I have learned that the "mistakes" gives me the possibility, of taking my drawing to a new and unexpected level. What is a mistake anyway? It's just something that doesn't fit into your perception of the "right" way. The "mistake" might be the thing that makes you try something else.

Ways to change your drawing:

By cutting out a piece of paper, and cover the area that doesn't feel right. I really like the texture it brings to the drawing. Another option is to cover the area, with the white marker, or another color. In that way, you can see the history of the process.
Sometimes the drawing just need some more space around it, and I cut it out, and place it on a bigger piece of paper. It's an endless process, but normally I don't work more than 1-2 hours, and it's done. For me it's about capturing the present moment.

Stay productive, if you are drawing every day, or as frequent as possible....you don't expect masterpieces every time. You will grow more courageous and more curious. When you are curious, you just say "hmm, this drawing might not be the best, but it's very interesting, and I can use some of it's elements in a new drawing".

When you experience that you always have an opportunity to change the drawing, you will be more relaxed and present while creating. Another gift by being in the process is the surprising result. I love to get knocked out be my own creations:-) "This is really different, but I really like this! it's strange, and a little funny, what could this be about"?

Marie J.Engelsvold. "Trying to stay present" 42 x 29,7 cm. acrylic markers, paper cuts and pencil on paper. 2015.

Turtorials and tips
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 13, 2018 How do you work with composition?
- Jan 8, 2018 Make a kickstart.
- Nov 20, 2017 Go bigger.
- Nov 8, 2017 What is your drawings all about?
- Oct 31, 2017 Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!
- Oct 12, 2017 Find inspiration everywhere.
- Oct 12, 2017 Experiment with shapes and lines.
- Oct 12, 2017 Want to find your own visual language ?
psycological aspects
- May 26, 2020 Holding your flow.
- May 6, 2020 The world is yours.
- Apr 22, 2020 Let your heart decide.
- Apr 18, 2020 Create from your self.
- Apr 4, 2020 Expand your own signature.
- Oct 9, 2019 How to shift out of the 3d perspective.
- Sep 20, 2019 What is it, to be grounded?
- Sep 10, 2019 How to follow your own flow.
- Jul 28, 2019 Releasing your resistance to the moment.
- Jul 15, 2019 Don't wait for life to be perfect, let go of control.
- Jun 1, 2019 How to raise your vibration, through the creative process.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.
- Jan 2, 2019 Let yourself shine in 2019 :-)
- Nov 22, 2018 Look at your obstacles as adventures.
- Feb 2, 2018 How to stay in the process?
- Dec 20, 2017 Slow down
- Dec 12, 2017 There is no "right" way.
- Dec 5, 2017 Why it's important to unlearn.
- Oct 12, 2017 Let your feelings be your guide.
- Sep 5, 2017 Don't be afraid of change:-)
- Sep 5, 2017 Express your feelings
- Sep 5, 2017 Can drawing be a kind of meditation?
turtorials
- Apr 6, 2019 How to start your drawing praxis.
video
- May 15, 2019 How to take your drawings, to the next level.
- Apr 30, 2019 Be bold, let your light out.
- Apr 1, 2019 How embracing all parts of you, will help you in your art making.
- Mar 8, 2019 What to do when you are stucked in the creative process??
- Feb 20, 2019 Don’t resist the moment. Live your dream.
- Feb 10, 2019 Why are we so hard on ourselves?
- Feb 1, 2019 It's okay to say NO.

Source: www.mariejengelsvold.me