Do you remember reading The Hungry Caterpillar? I loved this book! It wasn’t until a few years ago that I became curious about how Eric Carle painted. Eric’s simple sense of play inspires all artists to nurture the child within. A whole world of art and paper collage possibilities opened up for me. In this post, I am going to share a quote and some of my paper collage projects.

Everything from the title to reading about what inspired Eric Carle is inspiring. Reading this book along with other artist books always reinforces the idea that there is room for all of us.

I must add these words somewhere on my website.

Art is something that lights a fire within us all. Every child has an affinity for art. They look at even the simplest of things with wonder and awe. And isn’t that what one needs in life: the ability to look at things with curiosity and passion and find beauty in even the most mundane things?

I have always known this about myself. I think it’s my curiosity and art abilities that keep me humble, peaceful and living my life. It can be easy to get caught up in what others think of you. Art keeps me grounded and looking within.

Here is another quote

I also try to keep an open mind, to listen to my intuition and allow for the unexpected, the coincidental.

Ok, here is a third Eric Carle quote because these words speak to me too.

You do not need sophisticated visuals to tell a story. Sometimes, the best things are expressed through the simplest of mediums. What matters is that you convey your ideas in a clear and concise manner.

Sometimes all I do is pick up the brush and doodle. Then I feel like it’s my best work. Oh, but then I think that was easy and simple, could my blooms really be good? Yes! I like my simple ideas. I will remind myself that there is only make. There is no judgement.

Here are some of my favorite paper collage projects.

Ok now that the words of Eric Carle are on my mind what are the projects that I want to take on? How about starting a new journal using only my watercolors! I can focus on doodling and generating ideas for a new book project. I want to practice painting flowers.

Spring is near. I can’t wait for all the blooms! I’ll probably share daily on Instagram. I have been exploring neutrals. Adding burnt sienna to my pinks, yellows and oranges warms them up.

What are you working on? Please comment below and let me know which Eric Carle quote speaks to you the most. I was going to choose one but all three speak to me! If you want to try paper collage, this video can help. Make it a good one!

With Love, Mireya