You know that lovely feeling after one of our summer classes, when you’re packing away your pencils and your mind is still buzzing with ideas? Then a few weeks pass between courses, and before you know it, you’re wondering where your sketchbook even is.
It happens to everyone, but here’s the thing: you can absolutely keep your creativity ticking over in this in-between time before our autumn course begins, without needing a studio or hours of free time.
All you really need is a little corner of your home, a few simple tools, and a few minutes here and there to play with them. It’s amazing how much this can keep your skills feeling fresh until we’re back in the classroom.
We’ve put together just some of the ways you can make space for art at home during the summer break and before the start of our autumn course.
Why Just Five Minutes Works Wonders
It’s so easy to tell ourselves, “I’ll do some drawing when I have more time,” but if we wait for a big chunk of free time, sometimes it never comes.
That’s why we love the five-minute sketch. It’s short enough to fit between other things, but still long enough to keep your hand, eye, and brain connected.
Here’s how to try it:
- Grab your sketchbook (or even the back of an envelope if that’s what’s closest).
- Pick something right in front of you – a mug, a spoon, a plant, a pebble from the garden.
- Keep it small, maybe just a little thumbnail sketch, a couple of inches wide.
- Set a timer for five minutes and start. No rubbing out, no worrying about getting it “right.”
When you take perfection out of the equation, you relax, and when you relax, you notice more. You’ll be surprised how much confidence you build by doing this regularly – and by autumn, you’ll be sketching like it’s second nature.
Your Own Little Art Corner
A “mini art station” sounds fancy, but in reality, it can be as simple as a basket of supplies on the kitchen table.
Here’s a friendly recipe for setting one up:
- Find your spot
A corner of the kitchen, the end of the dining table, a windowsill, or even a lap tray on the sofa. Natural light is lovely, but a little lamp works perfectly too.
- Contain the chaos
Use a basket or box to keep everything together. It makes starting (and tidying up) much quicker.
- Go back to basics
All you need to start is:
- A sketchbook or pad
- Two pencils (an HB and a softer 4B or 6B)
- A sharpener and an eraser
- Optional extras: a few coloured pencils or a small watercolour set with a cup for water and a cloth.
- Make it a place you want to be
Add a little something that makes you smile – a plant, a postcard, a candle, or even just a clean, clear surface with your favourite mug of tea nearby.
- Leave it ready
Open sketchbook, sharpened pencils, ready to go. If it’s easy to start, you’ll start more often.
Finding Ideas Without Leaving Home
The moment you sit down, your brain might say, “But what should I draw?” Don’t overthink it – your home is full of ideas.
- Shapes and shadows – a fruit bowl, your reading glasses, a favourite chair.
- Windowsill treasures – potted plants, a candle, ornaments, or the changing view outside.
- The garden – leaves, flowers, a bird feeder, or even just one interesting pebble.
- The cupboard surprise – mugs or that tin of biscuits you keep for special occasions.
- Little life moments – your morning tea, shoes by the door, a half-read book.
- The five-minute object hunt – spend five minutes finding something that catches your eye, then sketch it for another five.
- Colour as a clue – pick a colour you love, find an object that matches, and draw it in black and white or full colour.
The Quiet Magic of Art Time
Art isn’t only about making something “good.” Sometimes it’s about the pause it gives you.
- Your mind slows down – focusing on lines and shapes pushes the day’s noise into the background.
- You breathe differently – something about sketching just naturally relaxes you.
- Stress melts a bit – even doodles can soften the edges of a hectic day.
- You remember yourself – your tastes, your imagination, your way of seeing things.
- You see progress – a sketch a day, no matter how small, really does add up.
It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. In fact, sometimes the wobbly, “just having a go” sketches are the ones you’ll look back on most fondly.
Keeping the Habit Alive
Think of this summer break as your creative bridge to the autumn term. You’ve worked hard and learned so much – now it’s about keeping those skills alive so you can build on them later.
Your home can absolutely be your creative space. It might be a tiny corner of the kitchen or a sunny spot in the garden, but if it’s ready for you, it’s enough. Grab your sketchbook, pick something nearby, and give yourself five minutes. You might find it’s the best five minutes of your day.
When we see you again, you’ll be glad you kept that little spark going.
Summer Bundle 2025
If you’d like a little extra boost to keep your creativity flowing this summer, we’ve put together a brand-new Summer Bundle for our students – available at the end of the Summer 2025 course.
The idea is simple: a portable set of high-quality art materials you can take “out and about” so you can sketch, paint and experiment wherever you like. You’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips.
The bundle includes an A5 sketch pad, postcard-sized watercolour paper pads, a set of 24 tin watercolour pans, a water brush, oil pastels and more – even a mini spray bottle for those lovely water effects. It’s the perfect companion for spontaneous summer creativity.
We can’t wait to see what you create next.
If you’d like a little more guidance, our friendly team is always here to help.
Simply click and enter your postcode to find your nearest Seasons Art Class – we’ve got branches throughout the UK.