I first saw this project on Pinterest and was linked to Instagram. It's easy and fun. Draw the brushes and then paint an abstract background. You can use straws to create the texture you see here.

How can an artist take an idea further? Well, it starts with an idea and then try to build on the idea a couple times. Next, I try to challenge myself art technique wise. For example, this project required a fantasy animal with transportation. I saw a caterpillar that was similar and thought I could change that into a lizard. Then I wanted a story. I created a father lizard with his son while riding motorcycles. I went with markers because I wanted vibrant colors with some of the pen and ink texture techniques such as cross-hatch. 

For every lesson, I test it out. A lot of research and practice goes into each lesson. I strongly believe in creating an example so that I understand the challenges students will face. I also understand the common mistakes that will be made, because I did them too and I will be able to give advice on how to avoid or correct it. This video shows every art piece I made for the lessons. 

I always use the same supplies as the students to make the examples. This way I know the challenges that the students will face and how to fix it. During the pandemic, I had to create a supply list that did not go over $30 and could be found easily at one store for online learning. I went to that famous big box store and was able to find everything needed for the year for under $30. I practiced with those supplies. The ice cream drawing to the left is made with cheap colored pencils on cheap drawing paper. 

Note: When I put together the list, it also had the brand names. Some parents bought the more expensive brands, their choice, but then wondered why it went over $30?  So, it's important to explain the cost of the specific brand names that you pick.