A short reflection before continuing the practice cycle
Connection
After spending some time exploring materials, marks, and ideas, it can be helpful to pause and notice what stood out to you.
The Connection step is a short reflection that helps you recognize which materials, techniques, or ideas you may want to continue developing.
You don’t need to analyze your work deeply. Simply notice what feels interesting, surprising, or worth repeating.
Keep your Studio Journal nearby so you can write or sketch a few notes as you move through these prompts.
Finding a Connection
Ask yourself:
- Which exercises did I enjoy repeating?
- Which page in my sketchbook feels the most interesting?
- Did any marks, shapes, or colors stand out to me?
- Which experiment surprised me the most?
- Is there anything I would like to try again?
Write down a few notes in your Studio Journal.
Looking Back at Your Explorations
Both are useful.
- As you review your work, consider:
- Was there anything that felt difficult or confusing?
- Is there a technique I would like to practice again?
- Did anything almost work the way I hoped?
- Is there something I am curious to try a different way?
- Take a moment to write a few notes in your journal.
Next, choose the area you explored most during this step.
What Would You Like to Understand Better?
- What objects made interesting designs?
- Which patterns did I enjoy repeating?
- Which marks felt relaxing or satisfying to draw?
- Is there a pattern I would like to develop further?
- Are there other objects I'd like to try using?
- Are there other art supplies, such as paper or pens, I'd like to try using?
Mindful Drawing
- Which combinations of drawing and paint worked well together?
- Did layering create any interesting effects?
- Is there anything you want to try that you haven't yet?
- Which ideas felt successful?
- Is there an art medium I would like to explore further?
Sketchbook Explorations
You might decide to:
- Continue exploring another direction
- Repeat an experiment you enjoyed
- Begin developing a small series based on an idea that stood out
There is no rush to move forward. Take the time you need.
When you feel ready, you can continue with the next step of the Studio Practice Cycle.
Noticing What Connects
Noticing What Connects
As you look back at your explorations, you may begin to see small patterns in your work.
Perhaps a color combination caught your attention, a pattern felt satisfying to repeat, or a particular mark or brushstroke felt natural to continue.
These moments of connection often point toward ideas that are worth developing further.
In the next step of the Studio Practice Cycle, you’ll take one of those ideas and begin exploring it through a small series of studies.
Next Step in the Practice Cycle:
