Blogging from A to Z Challenge: A is for Art

Today is the day—no joke! April 1 kicks off the annual Blogging from A to Z Challenge, one of my favourite times of the year. 

This isn't my first challenge, of course—scroll through my past April blogs and you'll see I've covered everything from writing tips to things that grow in Alberta. But let's face it, it's a strange year—which means I had to improvise. Or as Mom says, "get creative." I can do that!

So, in case you missed it, my theme this year is 26 Super Fun Learning Activities You Can Do From Home. That's right, I'm conjuring up 26 "educational" ideas to keep you busy while you're safe at home. Ready? Let's do this!

A is for Art

I don't know about you, but art isn't my favourite subject in school. It's not that I'm not creative—I am! But I'm much better at creative writing than drawing. The only thing I kind of know how to draw is a duck (it's bad), and don't get me started on how messy painting can be. One time, Mom made my sister Amelia and I a finger painting station and....let's just say, Amelia's fingers did not stay on the paper. 

Cartoon James Grasdal

That doesn't mean I don't appreciate good art. If you've read any of the Superman Duffy educational graphic novels (which you can download FREE from the Alberta Canola Producers' Commission), you've seen the work of Edmonton artist, James Grasdal. He's fantastic! (And he says he started drawing just by doodling...when he was a baby!) 

There are a lot—thousands, millions—of fantastic artists. And lucky for us, many of them are giving free drawing lessons during this time of self-isolation. Over the internet, of course. 

Like, check out this interactive frog drawing exercise by Kate Cosgrove, the illustrator of And The Bullfrogs Sing: A Life Cycle Begins (written by David L. Harrison.) I like frogs so I think I'm going to give it a try. 

And I've heard these free Lunch Doodles" sessions with Mo Willems are very popular. Something to check out for sure. 

If you'd rather learn about art than actually do it (hey, no judgement here), you can tour art museums online. Here's a list of six I might look at today after I try some "doodling."

Don't be afraid to scroll through Pinterest or other websites to see what artists are offering. Many of the lessons are free—all you need is an internet connection, some paper and pens/crayons/markers, and your imagination. 

Gotta jet! Happy drawing. I'll see you tomorrow for the letter "B." 

~ Chase Superman Duffy