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Notan is a Japanese word that means “dark and light.”  It is the art of noticing how shapes and spaces work together. What is there and what is not there, light and dark, presence and absence. Every shape has a partner and when they come together, they create harmony and balance. Using just two colors , you can make designs that are simple, striking, and full of visual magic. The best part? It is easy and fun. Fold, cut, flip , and watch your symmetrical design appear like magic! By exploring Notan, you will practice cutting and folding while discovering how opposites work together  in art. Patterns, balance, and creativity all come alive. To see the full Notan lesson and step-by-step guide , you can purchase and download the complete resource. Perfect for art classrooms, homeschool projects, or anyone who wants a deeper dive into creating bold Notan designs. Instant download so you can start creating right away. If you enjoyed this lesson, explore more creative art ideas and mentoring opportunities at SoBudd.

What are Thumbnail sketches? Thumbnail sketches are basically shorthand for artists. Quick drawings made with no corrections or details. Thumbnail Sketches or rough drafts are used to help visualize the look of a work of art, gather ideas and create an interesting composition. These are usually done quickly no bigger than a couple inches in any direction. Thumbnail sketches are NOT detailed drawings! Keep these things in mind when getting started on thumbnail sketching. Use thumbnail sketches to explore ideas Think about proportion and composition Make sure you work fast and don't invest too much time in each one Keep them simple, no details just shapes, values and forms Shop Sophia's Art! Sophia is a contemporary artist and art educator creating vibrant, expressive work that blends abstraction and figurative elements to tell emotionally rich stories. Her art is rooted in movement, energy, and connection, inviting viewers to experience color and form in a deeply personal way. Read more about Sophia here.

A contour is the line which defines a form, edge or outline. Contour drawing is the place where most beginning artists start. So basically a contour line drawing is an "outline drawing," that uses no shading. You are following the visible edges of a shape. A contour drawing is done when the artist looks intently at the EDGES of an object, but rarely looks at the paper while the pencil moves. The goal of a contour drawing is to make a line that is authentic and true to what you are actually seeing, and to train your hand to copy your eye's movement. Each contour drawing will be individual and unique. There are several different types of contour line drawings and I will show my favorite examples of each! BLIND CONTOUR This is one of my favorites by February James. 'Blind contour drawing' is when contour drawing is done without looking at the paper AT ALL. This helps train you to look more often at your subject than look at your paper. Staring down at your paper while drawing can be a hard habit to break~ Each drawing is one of a kind! Here are some by February James CONTINUOUS CONTOUR LINE "Continuous line contour drawing' is a contour drawing done without picking your pencil off of the paper. It is essentially done with one long line. Continuous line contour drawings can be done 100% "blind" or not. Here are some rad examples by Belgium Artist Kris Trappeniers MODIFIED CONTOUR LINE A "modified contour line drawing" allows you to look at your paper and pick up your pen, using multiple lines instead of one. Although not completely blind, the artist should only look at the paper 10% of the time, and at the object 90% of the time. The artist only looks at the paper to place their pencil when they start a new line. Contour drawings use no shading, but lighter and darker tonal areas can be "suggested" by varying line width and pressure. Darker, thicker lines can be used in shadow areas, and lighter, thinner lines in lighter areas. Examples from pinterest CROSS-CONTOUR Cross contour lines are drawn lines which travel, as the name suggests, across the form. Cross contours follow the form of the surface area- using curved lines over curving or spherical planes, straight lines across flat surfaces, etc. Cross contour drawing of a shell by Matt Louscher WHY DO CONTOUR DRAWING? So you can develop good hand-eye coordination which is KEY when learning to draw. With regular practice, contour drawing exercises will help train your hand to follow your eye's movements and develop the right brain (creative side!) muscles. This help it become more assertive and aware of the observable balance the left brain's tendency to standardize, generalize, and simplify everything, which creates stereotypical ways of seeing and drawing. HOW TO DO IT While you draw, look at the object 90% of the time (100% of the time if doing a BLIND contour). Look only at your paper when you are ready to make a new line on your paper and you are checking where to place it. Concentrate on practicing your hand-eye coordination instead of worrying about the look of your drawing. Go as slowly as a Sloth. Close one eye while you draw. Detail, detail, detail! Capture edges only, but capture as much information as you can! Capture every nook and cranny on paper. Each and every edge, crack, line, wrinkly, etc. that is possible to SEE. SOME HELPFUL VIDEOS I LIKE TO SHOW MY STUDENTS IF THEY WERE ABSENT DURING INSTRUCTION OR JUST NEED AN EXTRA BOOST TO GET STARTED. (One day I will record myself teaching...but until then...) Contour Drawing Blind Contour Drawing Cross Contour Drawing Sophia is a contemporary artist and art educator creating vibrant, expressive work that blends abstraction and figurative elements to tell emotionally rich stories. Her art is rooted in movement, energy, and connection, inviting viewers to experience color and form in a deeply personal way. Read more about Sophia here. If you enjoyed this lesson, explore more creative art ideas and mentoring opportunities at SoBudd.

Successful Artwork has a Full Range of Value What is value? Value  is how light or dark something is.Artists use value to create form, depth, and realism  in their drawings. Why draw a value scale? Creating a smooth value scale helps train your eye to see small changes between light and dark . This exercise will help you: see subtle value changes create smoother shading improve depth and form in your drawings gain better control of your drawing tools Learning to control value is one of the most important skills in drawing. PART 1 – Value Scale (Left vertical boxes) Shade each box so the values change evenly  from top to bottom. Top box:  white (leave it blank) Bottom box:  darkest black All boxes in between should gradually and evenly get darker 👉 No outlines should be visible inside the boxes. PART 2 – Continuous Value Bar (Long rectangle at the bottom) Create one smooth, continuous gradient  from: black → gray → white There should be: no stripes no visible steps no harsh lines PART 3 – Shaded Spheres (Three large circles on the left) Shade each circle to look like a round form (a sphere). Remember: the lightest area is the highlight the darkest area is the shadow values should gradually change across the form PART 4 – Shading to Remove the Outline (Shapes on the right side) Shade each shape so the outline disappears  and the form is created using value only . Focus on: smooth transitions consistent light source clean, blended shading 👉 The goal is to make the shape readable without relying on the outline. Materials Pencil Success Checklist ☐ Values change smoothly ☐ No visible banding or stripes ☐ No heavy outlines left inside shaded areas ☐ Full value range is used (light to dark) ☐ Shading follows the form of the shape Artworks that exhibit a full range of value are generally successful. It doesn't matter the type of art you are creating. As long as there are dark values in harmony with light values, your artwork will most likely be aesthetically pleasing. A full range of value means that they are ample amounts of light values- called tints, and dark values- called shades. To be sure that you have a full range of value in your artwork you may create a value scale.   Using a value scale, you can be sure that you create a full range of value. Many artists use a value scale as they work, identifying specific values and adding them in appropriate spots. Take this still life for example If we were to take out all the color, we would still see the hula girl, rope and fabric and recognize it as these items. In other words, we are just showing the values of the image. This illustrates how an artist would see the values and begin to draw with them. Now that you have your shading and value down, Set up a still life with shoes, kitchen utensils, your favorite things....I set one up in my classroom with random things I had laying around the classroom. Turn off the class room lights and turn on the spot light to create dramatic lighting! You can move it around as you take your photos!  Snap about five to ten shots of the still life. Get close ups, it can be abstract, find an angle you love!!! Make sure you have good composition. Once you have taken your shots go into the editor and remove the color. Do any light adjustments at this time.   Here are some I took as examples for my students! Now it's time to draw! You can free hand it by observation or take a photo and use the grid drawing method! Research by Sophia Buddenhagen Art, Helping Art Teachers Find Resources! #arteducation If you enjoyed this lesson, explore more creative art ideas and mentoring opportunities at SoBudd. Sophia is a contemporary artist and art educator creating vibrant, expressive work that blends abstraction and figurative elements to tell emotionally rich stories. Her art is rooted in movement, energy, and connection, inviting viewers to experience color and form in a deeply personal way. Read more about Sophia here.

Transform Your Stress into Art: A Guided Abstract Painting Workshop Stress is a natural part of life—something we all experience at one time or another. But how we cope with it can make all the difference. Rather than avoiding or ignoring it, learning to manage stress can significantly improve your overall well-being. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me in a transformative abstract painting workshop where you’ll learn how to turn your stress into art. As an experienced artist and art educator, I’ve discovered the profound healing power of art in relieving stress and anxiety. In this workshop, I’ll guide you through the process of creating your own abstract piece, helping you use color, texture, and movement to express your emotions. No prior artistic experience is needed—just an open mind and a willingness to explore your creativity. Understanding Stress and How to Cope There are two types of stress: the stress we can control the stress we can't control The stress we have control over can often be resolved with time and effort. But when it’s beyond our control, the best we can do is cope. Coping means managing through difficult times instead of letting them overwhelm us. One of the most effective ways I’ve learned to cope is through art. Turning Stress into Art Let’s dive in. Grab a pencil and any surface you’d like to work on—whether it’s paper, wood, canvas, or something else. The first step is to release everything that’s bothering you. Write it all down—big or small, light or dark, let your thoughts flow freely. Sometimes, I scribble all over the surface, and other times, I leave it more open. This process helps me release anger, sadness, frustration, and any other emotions I might be holding onto. It’s a form of letting go. Here are some prompts to help you get started on processing your stress: How do you know when you’re feeling stressed? What triggered the stress? What feelings, actions, or words best describe your emotional state? What in your life feels most overwhelming right now? Once your surface is filled with words, scribbles, or whatever else comes to mind, you’re ready for the next step. Sometimes, I go over certain words to make them stand out even more. The Next Step: Layering with Paint Now, it’s time for the fun part—painting! I usually start with white paint because I love how it smudges the pencil marks, giving the piece a raw, textured feel. The paint mutes out the words, but sometimes I let a few stand out. It’s up to you how far you want to take this part of the process—whether you choose to cover everything or leave certain parts visible. Once the paint is applied, crank up some music and let go. This is your time to be creative! Pick any colors you feel drawn to and let them flow. You don’t need a plan—just let the paint guide you. You can build your piece over time, letting each layer dry before adding the next. I’ve worked on some paintings for months, each layer representing different emotions and stages of growth. You’re done when you feel like it. There’s no right or wrong way to approach this. The beauty of abstract art is that it’s personal and intuitive. And years down the line, when you look back at your painting, you’ll be reminded of that tough time you went through and how you overcame it. Why Painting Helps For me, these paintings are always a reminder that life has its peaks and valleys. When I’m in the midst of a challenge, painting helps me navigate through the tough times. It’s a beautiful process of transformation—turning stress into something meaningful and creative. So, join me in this workshop, and let’s explore how art can be a powerful tool for managing stress and unlocking your creativity. Want to take it to the next level and do a workshop with Sophia? Email us with Transforming Stress into Abstract Art in the subject line. Sophia is a contemporary artist and art educator creating vibrant, expressive work that blends abstraction and figurative elements to tell emotionally rich stories. Her art is rooted in movement, energy, and connection, inviting viewers to experience color and form in a deeply personal way. Read more about Sophia here. If you enjoyed this lesson, explore more creative art ideas and mentoring opportunities at SoBudd.

What You Will Learn How to create a grid on paper from a photo How to scale a small photo up for a larger drawing How to keep squares even and labeled for easier drawing Materials 4×6 photo Ruler Pencil Eraser Larger drawing paper (double or triple the size of the photo) Step 1 – Decide Your Grid Look at your 4×6 photo. Decide how many rows and columns you’ll divide it into (for example: 4 rows × 6 columns ). Choose your paper size: double or triple the photo size (example: 8×12″ or 12×18″). Tip:  The bigger the grid squares, the easier it is to draw details. Step 2 – Draw the Grid on the Photo Measure the height and width of the photo. Divide the height by the number of rows (Example: 6″ ÷ 4 rows). Divide the width by the number of columns (Example: 4″ ÷ 6 columns). Draw light lines on the photo to make your grid squares. Step 3 – Draw the Grid on Your Paper Measure your larger paper. Divide it into the same number of rows and columns as your photo grid. Draw light vertical and horizontal lines so the squares match the layout of the photo grid. Now your grid on paper matches the photo grid just bigger! Step 4 – Label Your Grid (Optional) Number the columns (1, 2, 3, …). Letter the rows (A, B, C, …).This makes it easier to know which square you’re working on when you begin drawing. Step 5 – Practice Pick a square and draw just that section from the photo to your paper. Notice how the grid helps you look closely and place shapes more accurately. Tips Draw lightly so the grid can be erased later. Check measurements so your squares are even and consistent. The grid will help make drawing less overwhelming! If you enjoyed this lesson, explore more creative art ideas and mentoring opportunities at SoBudd.

Grid Portrait Drawing Lesson (Inspired by Albrecht Dürer) Grid Drawing Self-Portraits – Inspired by Albrecht Dürer About the Artist Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) was a German Renaissance artist known for his incredibly detailed drawings. In works like Head of an Old Man  (1521), he carefully observed every wrinkle, shadow, and line to show not just a person’s features, but also their mood. We’re using Dürer as inspiration for our own self-portraits—thinking about proportion, detail, and expression—while practicing the grid drawing method to help us draw accurately. What You Will Learn How to use a grid to divide your drawing into smaller, manageable sections How to observe shapes, lines, and shadows more carefully How to show mood or expression in your self-portrait Materials Mirror or selfie/photo Pencil Eraser Ruler Drawing paper Step 0 – Look Closely Before you start, study your face in the mirror or your photo. Ask yourself: What features are unique to me? What mood or expression do I want to show in my self-portrait? Step 1 – Draw the Grid Lightly draw a grid on your drawing paper. Choose how many squares will help you see your face in sections without being too small or too big. Step 2 – Start Drawing Work one square at a time. Carefully observe the shapes, angles, and shadows in each square. Think about the mood or expression in your face—how can small details show it? Tips: Draw lightly first Focus on placement and proportion before adding shading Compare each square to your mirror/photo frequently Step 3 – Reflection When your portrait is finished: Which part of your face shows your mood best? Which square was easiest or hardest? How did using the grid help you notice details you might have missed? Optional Next Step Erase the grid lines lightly. Add shading to create depth, light, and mood in your self-portrait. If you enjoyed this lesson, explore more creative art ideas and mentoring opportunities at SoBudd.

Project Goal The goal of this project is to explore important principles of sculpture, including composition, form, shape, and repetition. You will create a relief sculpture using found objects and arrange them into a unified design. Artist Research Visit the following website and read about Louise Nevelson: https://www.studiointernational.com/index.php/louise-nevelson-the-artist-and-the-legend In your sketchbook or on a separate sheet of paper, write one paragraph (4–6 sentences) explaining how Louise Nevelson became known for her assemblage sculptures made from found objects. Use your own words. Do not copy and paste from the website. Be sure to include: what materials she used how she arranged her objects how color played an important role in her work Vocabulary found objects – objects that originally had a different purpose and are collected and used in artwork assemblage – a form of sculpture made by arranging found objects into a single artwork monochromatic – using only one color (with lighter and darker values of that color) form – a three-dimensional shape shape – a two-dimensional or flat area with defined edges composition – the way elements are arranged to create a pleasing design Now for the Project!!!! Step 1 – Collect Materials Collect 12–15 found objects in a variety of interesting shapes and sizes.Choose objects that will create strong forms and textures when grouped together. Step 2 – Plan Your Composition Arrange your objects inside your box lid before gluing. Materials You will need Box lid or shallow box Disposable odds and ends (junk materials) Glue Paint Paint brushes As you experiment: group similar objects together to create repetition rotate and turn objects to find interesting angles place objects at different depths and positions make sure the design fills the space and feels balanced When you are satisfied with your composition, carefully glue all pieces in place. Step 3 – Create a Monochromatic Sculpture Paint the entire assemblage using one color. Be sure to paint all objects, the inside edges of the box, the background, everything!!!! Allow your work to dry completely. As you paint, notice how the objects are transformed into unified shapes and forms, and how the single color helps simplify and strengthen the overall design. Reflection In 2–3 sentences, explain how you used repetition, form, and composition in your sculpture and how painting it one color changed the way your objects look. If you enjoyed this lesson, explore more creative art ideas and mentoring opportunities at SoBudd.

Step 1: Research & Inspiration Explore wire insects online to find shapes or styles that spark your imagination. Think about how to make it uniquely yours, adding personality, symbolism, or details. Step 2: Watch & Learn ( Watch tutorials to learn how to bend, twist, and shape wire. Observe techniques for adding beads, wings, legs, or antennae. Then let your creativity take over add your own textures, patterns, and flair! Helpful Tutorials: How to Make a Tarantula with Wire Simple Wire Scorpion Dragonfly with Wire Step 3: Plan Your Sculpture Before bending wire, draw your insect from two perspectives. Front view: Overall shape, legs, wings, antennae, and energy. Side view: How your insect interacts with space—does it perch, crawl, or fly? Tip: Sketches aren’t just blueprints they are your insect’s personality on paper. Use curves, angles, and shapes that tell a story. Step 4: Create & Embellish Carefully bend and shape your wire based on your sketches. Add beads, thread, or other materials to bring life, color, and symbolism to your sculpture. Step back often and view from all angles — is it balanced, expressive, and alive? Symbolic Challenge - Think beyond the literal: Could your insect represent strength, transformation, or movement? How does its shape interact with the space around it? Do negative spaces (gaps between legs, wings, or body) create rhythm or tension? Your insect should be more than an object  it’s a miniature sculpture full of energy, rhythm, and imagination. If you enjoyed this lesson, explore more creative art ideas and mentoring opportunities at SoBudd.

When I am introducing color to my students my go to is the Design Seeds website. It is my absolute favorite site to find good color schemes! Click here to check it out! Once my students figure out what color scheme they want to use I have them look up the colors in my Color Mixing Recipe Books! Yes I have color RECIPE books and they are AWESOME!!!! This teaches students/artists how to mix colors and get out of the practice of using colors straight from the tube! Kids love this!!!!! The books by William F. Powell are my fave so far! You can find them on Amazon or shop at your local art supply store! Research by Sophia Buddenhagen Art, Helping Art Teachers Find Resources! #arteducation Sophia is a contemporary artist and art educator creating vibrant, expressive work that blends abstraction and figurative elements to tell emotionally rich stories. Her art is rooted in movement, energy, and connection, inviting viewers to experience color and form in a deeply personal way. Read more about Sophia here.

I first became interested in Dr. Frederick A. Cook and his legacy around the time I painted his portrait in 2007. On my dad’s side, through my grandmother’s line, he is part of our family story, and exploring that connection through art felt like a way to understand him beyond just a name. Frederick A. Cook was an American physician turned explorer, one of those people who looked at a frozen horizon and thought, yes, I’m going there. He joined Arctic and Greenland expeditions, learned to survive in brutal cold with the help of Inuit companions, and made one of the boldest claims in exploration history: the North Pole. In 1908, Cook announced he had reached the geographic North Pole. The world listened, but controversy followed. Another explorer, Robert Peary, claimed he reached the Pole the next year, and institutions ultimately sided with Peary. Cook’s claim was debated and dismissed by many. Even today, historians still examine what he really achieved. What draws me to his story is not the controversy, but the ambition, courage, and determination it took to attempt the impossible. Painting Cook helped me see him as a person and reflect on the complexity of legacy and how family stories carry meaning across generations. I’ve had Cook & Peary: The Polar Controversy, Resolved  by Robert M. Bryce for years. It is a massive deep dive into the North Pole claims, and Bryce shows Cook as ambitious, human, and determined, a man willing to take risks without being consumed by ego. I am amazed at the research behind it, and one day I hope to read all 1,133 pages and learn even more about the relative I painted in 2007, whose story is full of courage, mystery, and boldness. Looking back at that portrait, I see more than a face. I see a relative who dared the impossible. Cook’s story is messy, bold, and human, and it is one I’m proud to share.

The Texas Surf Museum is a place for people who love the water and for anyone curious about Texas surf culture. It highlights the history of surfing along the Texas Gulf Coast and the people who helped shape the scene over time. The museum is supported by surfers, donors, sponsors, and volunteers from across Texas. Its collection includes surfboards, photographs, magazines, trophies, and vintage gear that reflect the real history of surfing in the state. I’m grateful to have my newest series, Between Dust and Tide , on display at the Texas Surf Museum through January 22nd. Showing my work in a space that values both history and creativity makes this exhibition especially meaningful. If you haven’t been to the museum yet, come check it out and explore my art collection. I have original pieces on display and prints available to take home, just in time for Christmas. Photo from Opening Night Opening Night Clips View more works by Sophia Follow on Instagram Sophia is a contemporary artist and art educator creating vibrant, expressive work that blends abstraction and figurative elements to tell emotionally rich stories. Her art is rooted in movement, energy, and connection, inviting viewers to experience color and form in a deeply personal way. Read more about Sophia here.