Imagine that you have a blank page in front of you and are ready to start drawing. It’s that rush of adrenaline mixed with doubts like “Can I really do this?” But here’s the secret: Harmony’s classes on pastel and alcohol ink aren’t about having perfect technique. They’re about letting yourself get messy and finding beauty in the mess – click here for helpful resources!
You don’t have to worry about being judged if you haven’t used a colored stick since school. You’ll smudge colors and build up soft shades. You might even draw something completely different, like an orange sky swirling with bright blue foxes. When someone drops a colorful stick, everyone laughs, and when someone tries something new, everyone cheers. It’s art therapy that looks like fun.
Then there’s alcohol ink, which is crazy, unexpected, and beautiful. A lot of people think you need to be careful with every drop of paint, but alcohol ink says you don’t have to. As you turn the paper, you can see the colors bloom and clash. It’s worth it no matter what, whether it’s magic or a mess. You get used to the surprises, the “happy accidents” that turn blobs into flowers or waves that weren’t meant to be there.
It’s not just the tips and tricks you learn, like how to use masking fluid, mix, or layer. These classes are truly unique. It’s the mood. Everyone wants the other person to win. Someone who is stuck on a thought might get a spark from the person next to them. People tell stories, laugh at their mistakes, and get ideas from each other all the time.
Art at Harmony is a great way to remember that being creative isn’t just for “real” artists. Everyone has this spark that’s just waiting for you to break the rules. Take out that pastel or spread that ink if you need a break from the everyday. You could surprise yourself and find happiness on the other side.