Artists United
The Artists Network team has made the transition to working from home in order to keep everyone safer against the spread of COVID-19, but we’re still here to support your creativity, provide community, and celebrate the therapeutic power of art.
We will be bringing you a variety of content to keep you positive and motivated–from how to make great art at home and breaking through creative blocks, to tips for making time for art every day, roundups of online inspiration destinations, and more. Reach out to us on social media and let us know what you would like to see from us and share how you are using art as a support, escape, and source of joy during this time with #creativeboost. The important thing is to stay safe, stay engaged and use art to take a break. We are all in this together!
Stay Creative
When it comes to social distancing and working from home, without the benefit of co-workers, artists are well acquainted with the idea. We call it “studio time.” But these are unusual times, both crazy and stressful, and can be more challenging for focused art-making. So, here are some tips for de-stressing, practicing self-care and staying creative in these special circumstances:
Organize your painting space.
Clean out the clutter. Take stock of your supplies. Order online to replenish favorite materials. Treat yourself to something fun and new, too, to stay inspired!
Find inspiration in your immediate surroundings.
Paint a still life of everyday objects at hand; make a portrait of your family members, pet, or yourself; or an interior of a favorite room or backyard spot.
Take advantage of art resources from the comfort of your couch.
Check out a podcast, take a virtual museum tour, stream an art film or documentary, or read a favorite art book.
Try it out! The time is now!
There’s no better time to learn a new technique, sign up for an online course, try out new art supplies, or start a new project that you’ve been saving for “someday.” It will help keep your mind active and your creativity engaged.
Make art together.
Feeling extra grateful for art in these stressful times? Make art with someone you live with or offer a virtual lesson. Share the power of creativity.
Stay connected with fellow artists.
Whether through WetCanvas, Instagram, a Facebook group, or online forum, continue learning new skills and meeting new people.
Make quiet time for yourself.
Depending on your situation, you may be facing too much or too little time on your own. Either way, your art can help carve out some special time just for you.
Be safe, take care, and stay inspired,
The Artists Network Team
I haven’t been able to access any classes I purchased in the past, which I could download. Today I decided I would purchase the $99 annual downloading subscription so I could stream, but I got timed out every time I tried. I thought maybe I was making a mistake so I asked my husband who is tech savvy and a Cisco Networking Instructor among other things. He had no luck either. What’s happening?
Hi Caroline, Please reach out to our customer service team with the chat feature on the site. They can help you with this issue! Thanks for reaching out.
Hi I am trying to find some Watercolor courses I purchased. they are not in my dashboard anymore
need some help please.
Hi Roseann, thanks for the question! Paint Alongs are live workshop events that happen every month put on by the artist Johannes and are separate from our Artists Network TV video catalog you subscribe to. Registering for Johannes’ Paint Along is a separate purchase. He streams them from his studio and answers your questions live and you even have the option to submit your work for his review. They are fantastic! Let us know if you have other questions.
I want to sign up for Paint Along Live 66. Is that included in the yearly fee I just paid ($99) for a year of programming?