In our Fail Better Crafternoon programs, we have fun learning from failure. That’s because art is not about perfection but about the process of creation and experimentation.
In fact, making art is good for you! According to the NPR article “Feeling Artsy? Here’s How Making Art Helps Your Brain,” some studies show that “the act of creation can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood.”
The article goes on to state that you don’t have to be a professional artist to get these health benefits. Everyone can create. It’s part of being human! And it doesn’t even matter if you like what you make—the finished product isn’t the point.
The process of making art—whether it’s doodling, coloring in a zentangle, watercolor painting, or something else—can help you enter what’s called a flow state. Being in flow means that you’re so focused on what you’re doing, you forget about yourself and your problems. You may even forget what time it is or how long you’ve been working on something.
The library has lots of resources to help you get creative, whether it’s through attending one of our programs like Crafternoon: Fail Better with Watercolors, using the equipment in the Creative Space, checking out books and maker kits, or taking a free video course through Universal Class.
See below for a sampling of resources on watercolor painting.
Paint with a Maker Kit
Teen Maker Kit: Water Painting
This maker kit includes painting and coloring pages, colored pencils, brushes, and information packets on creating your own water paintings. Anyone can check out the kit at the Teen Desk and use it in the library. (Only teens can use it in the Teen Library.)
Take a Free Online Course with Universal Class
Universal Class offers over 500 online courses for patrons interested in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. Check out Universal Class using the Libby app.
Watercolor Painting 101
Most books and courses out there demand a large amount of self-study and miss the point of learning to paint—to have fun! Included in the course are tips from professional painters, examples of some of the greatest watercolor work ever created, and instructions that can take you from never having picked up a brush to completing your first full painting in no time.
Mixed Media Art
This is a specialized art course in which you will be using a multitude of art mediums and supplies, maybe get a little messy, create new art, but most of all, you will have fun!
Watercolor Books
Click on the covers below to learn more about them.