West Australian expressionist artist Anita Shortland shares her process for packaging original artwork for delivery.

Australian mixed-media artist Anita Shortland shares the art supplies she takes with her on art-walks.

Mixed-media intuitive artist Anita Shortland shares her everyday art kit, the essential materials that fit in a small handbag or large purse for sketching on the go.

You can absolutely make imperfect marks (the quirkier the better) for 5 minutes a day on whatever paper you have handy, for the purpose of training your eye and hand. These are my top 4 tips for sticking to a daily art practice.

There are infinite ways to be creative and no wrong or right way to be an artist. It’s better to make something, anything, than to feel stuck. Letting go of perfectionism and just enjoying the process is a great way to get started. Not everything you make needs to be a masterpiece (and if you haven’t made anything in a while, why should it be?). Here are some suggestions to help stretch your creative legs:

The book gives you all the information you need to get started and refer back to as you go. It’s not a linear, step-by-step set of instructions to get you directly from A to B, but rather a map and compass to guide you as you wander and explore whichever direction takes your fancy. Sometimes making new discoveries, or stumbling on fresh perspectives of familiar landmarks. Sometimes lingering or returning, finding well-worn paths and forgotten tracks that all combine to reveal the hallmarks of your unique creative style.

If you can’t study an art degree, or get to lots of in person workshops, online resources like these can help you develop your own art practice.

This painting tells the story that it’s never too late to embrace a new beginning.