welcome to the challenge

a few steps to getting started

I'm so glad you are joining the free challenge--- 5 days to get unstuck and create more. The challenge runs August 8th to 12th. See below for suggested supplies and where to share on Instagram and FaceBook. 

Welcome Video

Suggested Supplies

use what you have on hand

Main supplies:

  • 5.5 " x 8" sketch book 100 lb (or other paper, cardboard, or substrates)
  • pencil (I used 4B) or pen


Optional:

  • light molding paste (I used Liquitex) or other thick gel 
  • medium or paintstencils and foam brushbrayer or roller
  • old gift card or spatula
  • old book pages, magazines, and glue (I used Golden matte medium and glue stick)
  • black gelly roll pen (or micron pen)
  • acrylic ink raw sienna and transparent raw umber (I used Liquitex) or other favourite colours
  • scissors 
  • photo of tree (see Pinterest Board) or on Pixaby. Photo by RegalShave
  • Elder woman reference photo. Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash

I'm here to guide you

Hi. I'm Melanie, an Indigenous portrait artist, and I teach online art classes to thousands of women around the world. I help women learn to love their creative time, so they can consistently show up for themselves and experience more joy, relaxation, and energy in their daily lives. I am a trained Expressive Arts Practitioner and experienced educator of 28 years. I am from the Squamish First Nation in Vancouver, Canada and I draw from my traditional ancestry and teachings in my art practice and lessons. I provide gentle guidance and encouragement for women, so they can experience the medicines of art and build their own unique artistic voice. I believe in you.

Melanie Rivers

Share in FaceBook Group

Join other creatives

You are welcome to join and share in my Melanie Rivers Art Face Book group. Or come and be inspired by others.
Join Group

Invite a friend

Know someone who could benefit from the free challenge?
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Invitation 1: Create texture

the bark of the tree

Play with texture using rollers, molding paste, and acrylic inks.

Video: Texture

watch video

“Trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky”- Kahil Gibran

Invitation 2: Find Story

the wisdom of the trees

Create a short story using words inspired by the wisdom of the trees.

Video: Find Story

Wisdom from the Trees

Here is what I learned about trees from the book The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: 

• Trees experience pain 

• They have memories 

• Parents live with their children 

• They are interconnected 

• They are social beings 

• They share food 

• They help their neighbors in times of need 

• They communicate through scent, sight and electrical signals 

• Together they create an ecosystem and are stronger together- advantages to working together 

• Every tree is valuable to the community- even competitors 

• Sick trees are nourished 

• They are careful not to take from each other and give each other space to grow

Live Session Replay

watch in FaceBook Group

Replay Live Session

Invitation 3: Find photo inspiration

your favourite tree

Take your own photo or find photos, create a Pinterest board. Find my Pinterest board in the supply list.

Video: Photo Inspiration

Invitation 4: Sketch a tree

Do a 5 minute sketch of your favourite tree.

Video: Sketch Tree

Invitation 5: Sketch a tree woman

her strength and wisdom

Use this area to describe the image or provide supporting information. Find the reference photo in the supply list.

Video: Tree Woman

Join the Medicine Circle Membership

The Medicine Circle invites you to set your intentions for your creative practice, learn new skills while being kind to yourself, find guilt free time for you, and experience the medicines of creating. Surround yourself with guidance, inspiration, and encouragement from me and the community.
Learn More Medicine Circle

Bonus 3: Video Sketch on Wood

Relax and watch me sketch this portrait

Bonus 3: Sketch on Wood

Relax and watch me sketch this portrait on wood. Allow it to inspire your next sketch.