Lately, I've been most active in my little art group which I started when Covid hit, as a safe and supportive place to connect with students and art friends. Since 2021, I've been hosting a fun, weekly art game called 'Artropology' that is only available to members of Sharlena Wood’s Art Group. The group is private to keep the focus on creativity, yet all visual artists are welcome!
Artropology is a card game that focuses on Principals and Elements of Design prompts to create a non-objective work of art in the spirit of play, and learning how to nurture your intuition and decision making skills.
Every week I post an event in the group where we meet in the Facebook Group Event 'ROOMS' at a scheduled time. It’s a different time every week as I try to work with my schedule as well as offer a variety of days and times to reach those working, retired, early risers, evening night owls etc. You can drop in/out of the game at any time if you need to arrive late or leave early, that's fine. The game usually lasts 45 mins to an hour including a final moment to share work with each other. xx
The game rules/overview, including a visual of the principals and elements of design, is posted below.
After the game, you can post an image of your work in the group to share 😊
The game is free, but if you have fun playing and want a way to show your appreciation, here's the voluntary Tip Jar • https://tinyurl.com/ydcf6sn4 • or etransfer to sharlenawood@gmail.com
ARTROPOLOGY • a painting game of Elements and Principles of design • Rules & Overview
ARTROPOLOGY • a painting game of Elements and Principles
Game created by Jeanne Krabbendam© www.jeannekrabbendam.com
You will need:
Art materials such as brushes, alternative mark-making tools (palette knives), water container, rags, paint palette, paint in different colours and neutrals (acrylics recommended), and/or mixed media (optional ie. soft pastels, oil pastels, coloured pencils, charcoal); and one painting surface of your choice (ie. 8”x10”).
This game can be played in any media, but there are challenges with each one! Please choose what you are most comfortable with - no need to struggle with media while trying to have fun :)
Object of the game
The object is to create a small artwork following the assignments given on the random cards drawn, to have fun while learning to use the Elements of Art and Principles of Design and get to know the building blocks and stepping stones to create balanced artworks.
Expect to simply ‘play’, and not be concerned about the result. The result aims for abstract non-objective, and sometimes I will add a theme to help inspire us with a focus or task ie. a primary colour palette. Should you begin to see a representative image emerge, feel free to continue to paint after the game and work towards revealing the vision.
The Play
I will begin by rolling a coloured dice to randomly direct which card to pick. I will read the card out loud for everyone to hear. Grab tools and choose colours required to complete the action - you will have to make decisions even if some prompts give you specific directions. You will have 1 minute to perform the assignment. When the minute ends, I’ll call "brushes up” and draw another card.
Things to consider:
Begin working all over, allow the first few cards to mostly cover the page so you have a base to layer up on.
Repeat what works, especially if you like a thing
Scrap or wipe off if you immediately hate a thing
You can always ignore a card if you don’t like the direction, and you can re-use any previous card direction at any point it serves you.
However you interpret the card is good enough for the moment. If you find yourself feeling lost, you may wish to look deeper into understanding your medium, researching principals and elements of art and design theory, art classes or private tutoring.
Don’t fall in love too soon - it could inhibit something more amazing happening in the future.
End of game
I will call for the last two rounds, so all participants can anticipate and start finishing their artworks. All work can be posted in the group for sharing.
