A Surprising Creative Practice
all you need is crayons & the confidence of a two-year-old
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My parents gave Theo an easel for Christmas. It’s a much sleeker model than the Fisher Price version from my childhood, but it’s awakened a youthful creativity in me all the same.
Throughout the day, Theo stands at his easel and draws with crayons or dot markers—but he really loves it when someone creates with him. I sit next to him while he instructs me to draw a “daddy, mommy, baby dinosaur” or “dragon in a cave.” Then, he adds his own colorful flair, like a purple hippo (see image below).
Drawing whatever he requests (generally of the animal variety—I draw sooo many cows) makes me just as happy as reading books to him. I loved drawing with my dad when I was little, and it’s always special to pass on a favorite activity. I might grow weary of drawing farm animals day in and day out when the shine wears off and I want Theo to occupy himself at the easel while I do dishes or contemplate existence or call a friend. But for now, getting back to drawing makes me feel like a kid again, and it’s inspiring me to lean into my creative spirit.
A few weeks ago, I decided to start drawing pictures for Theo while he takes a nap, as a surprise for when he wakes up. I only spend five-ish minutes drawing (nap time is a precious resource!), and I don’t do it every day (sometimes I need a nap too). It’s a way for me to say “I love you,” and it’s immensely benefitting my creative life.
Practice
Practice, practice practice is basic advice, I know. But sometimes we adults need the reminder that practice DOES make us better. At cooking, at communicating, at writing, at sharing work on Substack, at parenting, at apologizing—everything gets better with practice. Take a look at the progress I made on Daniel Tiger just by trying again (I bet there’s a Daniel Tiger song along those lines). I knew I could capture his likeness better; I just needed to get more accustomed to putting crayon to paper.
Slowing Down
I also needed to slow the process down in order to complete a better drawing. The first Daniel Tiger was finished in all of 60 seconds, a rush job done on the way to my next task. The second was an enjoyable treat. I allotted myself five to ten minutes. I spent more time shaping his face, and I glanced at a picture of him so I could get more accurately detailed. I’m not saying it’s a masterpiece, but picture number two is a vast improvement. (Thankfully, my sweet son recognized them both.)
Confidence
Over the last decade, I’ve endeavored to keep up some sort of crafting hobby. I tried knitting, embroidery, watercolor painting, sourdough baking, and beading. Some things have stuck, like sourdough, and others were short-lived—but I’ve always had something to do with my hands in addition to all the typing and talking into a microphone.
I gave doodling, drawing, or sketching nary a thought because I didn’t think I was good enough to enjoy it. I never took an art class after middle school, even though I loved the subject. I have friends who are actual artists I dare not compare myself against. I was happy to doodle in the margins, but age old perfectionism held me back from diving back into drawing with enthusiasm.
Enter motherhood. Suddenly, I am the best artist Theo knows. (The pool is small, but it’s true. We’re a living example of the “Dragon” Bluey episode.) Theo asks me to draw a creature I’ve never once attempted to put on paper, and I try it. He draws squiggles and calls them a hippopotamus, and I believe him. Why shouldn’t I put the same faith in myself?
As an introverted creative mom, I often wish for more solo time to pursue my passions, and that’s fair. Some weeks strain my time more than others, and some phases take up more mental space leaving very little to pour into my own projects. Parenthood drains my resources, for sure. But it’s nice to see motherhood fueling my creativity and filling my tank, too. I’m taking it as a win for now and having lots of fun with my—I mean Theo’s—new easel.
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That dragon is really good! This is a sweet reflection on slowing down, Chelsey. Love it.