"A child can draw that" is what they say until they take the brush themselves. I love the free spirit of what you draw, seeing you paint it's quite soothing.

The phrase that resonated the most with me was considering what you are ‘longing for’. That’s quite powerful as having thought about that, you will make an image that brings you joy, regardless of whether anyone else admires or approves.  Without the joy, we’d never turn up to paint!  Thanks Helen, great video as usual. 😊

I deal with energy limiting chronic health issues, so unfortunately I have many low energy days. For me, I work small (small sketchbook), work short (5-10 minutes), work simple (few supplies, simple techniques). I purposely have small sketchbooks/art journals so it doesn't feel overwhelming. I have a rolling cart with all my art supplies on it in my living room. That way I can create easily while resting comfortably on my couch. I just use a lap desk. I personally work with quick drying materials like tempera paint sticks and acrylic markers so I don't have to wait for things to dry. I work with limited  or mono color palettes to reduce decision making, helpful for dealing with low energy and brain fog. I enjoy working with grid style art journaling as that makes the spaces even smaller and even less overwhelming.

I really resonated with you saying our sketchbooks aren't art galleries, they're playgrounds. I might even write that on my sketchbook cover. 😊

I'm definitely feeling lower energy today. I'm going to do some simple scribble art with my purple tempera paint sticks and purple acrylic Sharpie creative markers. 😊

I recently did what you did for your travel sketchbook, and I am IN LOVE with the process AND the outcome so far!! I have a 5 1-2" x 8 1-2" softcover Alpha series Stillman & Birn sketchbook. I picked 3 sketchinks (permanent when dry) and smudged, swiped, & splattered ink on every page. Now I have a Kuratake black brush pen and a white brush pen, and in the evenings I go through with 1 of the brush pens and lay down random shapes and patterns, flipping to different pages as I go. The next day, I might pick the other color brush pen and again randomly go through the sketchbook to put shapes & patterns on pages. No page is complete. There is no rhyme or reason to which page I pick or what I draw. I just come back to my sketchbook anew each time, and every time I hold it, I feel so much joy from it. No pressure, no stakes, no plan. Only what makes me happy. Thank you for the inspiration!!!

‘WHEN YOUR mojo feels so-so” love it! I think I need a tshirt of that phrase!!!!!

I was literally watching another one of your videos when this popped up.
This is the perfect video for anyone who has any type of chronic condition. We put far too much pressure on ourselves to make perfect art. If it's not fun, then what's the point?
One of the very best things about your art that I love is the childlike quality! I also share your love of pattern, you incorporate that so well. Thank you for sharing this, and I hope that you feel better and more energetic soon. Take good care of yourself. 🌻

I have always been conditioned to believe that art making was primarily about discipline, technique and hard work… What a refreshing perspective! Playfulness, joy, pleasure, low expectations, enjoying the process… These words sound like music to my soul! That’s probably why I’m so drawn to you and your wonderful artwork. Thank you so much Helen for opening that beautiful path for me❤

I will never not want to listen to you, Helen. You are the voice of reason (to me) about the creative process. It feels good to have permission to play. I closed my IG account because someone said a certain picture looked like a toddler got a box of crayons. I now realize I should have taken that as a compliment. I won't be fooled in the future. ;)

Whenever someone says 'A child could have done that' I just think it shows how incredibly ignorant they are about art and art making 😂

Your work is joyous and you are an inspiration!

She’s the fairy you wanna build the most beautiful magical garden hoping she’ll stay for ever 🥰💗🙏

Only someone who knows nothing about art can say that a child can make art like yours. You are one of the artists I love most. I love the freedom in your paintings and your semi abstract style. It's very unique and inspiring.

"it's not an art gallery" is something i could remind myself of more often when in my sketchbook!

There's absolutely nothing wrong with letting our inner child play with art. ❤❤❤

I love watching your videos Helen.  I can't draw anything realistic, but I love to paint and colour, so abstract is my love.  I love the idea that you have expressed here about not creating anything realistic, but something that brings you joy and peace.  Thank you for your wise words.

The whimsical and childlike quality of your art is its superpower! It makes me happy to see the interesting shapes and bright colors! 😊

I have no word to say tank you in a way that you can understand how tankfull i am for your authenticity. You have reach my woman creative soul.

"My Mojo is feeling a lil bit so-so" :) I've learned something new today. Love the British humor! Thank you for being such an inspiration Helen. Cheers from Austria🌺

I'm trying to work my way out of an art slump due to low energy and literally just said to hubby last night, that I need to pull out an art journal and just play, so your video is a very timely reminder to help me refocus and your advice will really help. Thank you Helen.❤

I was very free drawing as a child and as an adult I am still looking for this freedom in my practice, it is not easy! Your videos and your art help me a lot! So it IS a compliment that your work looks like a child could make it, your paintings and sketchbooks are so free and expressive and infinitely inspiring!! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us!!

Oh good, Just what I needed today, a Helen post❤😊