Hi John,

When was the last time you added a new habit or routine to your life?

This accidentally happened to me over the weekend.

I woke up early Saturday and made coffee, as usual, but instead of pulling out my sketchbook, I was pulled outside to garden.

This happened again on Sunday: Instead of painting, I went for a walk.

Then on Monday: The usual putzing around with cut paper and paint was replaced with hiking with a friend.

What was happening?! 😜

For full transparency I tend to shift my schedule as life evolves. When one area of my experience feels like it needs attention, I find myself shifting to test new habits.

Going back to January, when the mornings were dark and cold, the early mornings felt like the right time to hunker down with my sketchbook and art supplies.

Now that the weather is more delightful and the sun is shining, I'm leaning in for vitamin D and exercise.

So where does that put my art? Well, the good news is that my habit is pretty solid, and I'm committed to it, and I've moved it to the evenings as a winding down exercise.

And it's been pretty great! The sun is down, I'm chilling out, the kids are hanging out nearby, and it's a mindful way to wrap the day.

So far so good. I think it will stick for a while.

Here's the exercise I did last night in case you want to give it a go:

Art Journal Exercise with Watercolor Circles: Fill a page with watercolor circles and ovals. Change the color for variety. Play with a combination of watery paint and bolder paint. If you want, make up your own rules for color combinations or shapes: Don't like circles? Try squares. Touch the edges of your shapes and appreciate the watery colors blend together. The next day, take a picture of your sketchbook with your dog. (Oops, that may be just me)

If you're a TinkerLab Kids Art Studio Member, try one of these Circle Art Explorations, just for you:

• ​Collaborative Circle Painting​
• ​Artist Study: Kandinsky Circles​
• ​Compass Painting​

>> You can find additional art journaling exercises by searching Google for TinkerLab Art Journal​

Coming full circle,

P.S. Here are 3 more ways TinkerLab can inspire and support your creativity journey:

1. Want to join our kids art membership? Make art with kids in the TinkerLab Kids Art Studio​
2. Explore your creative potential by downloading the May Sketchbook Challenge
3. Break through artist blocks with Art Prompt Cards that spark creativity and inspiration