Last month was my birthday, and I received a really thoughtful and inspiring gift from my two grandchildren — a box of Art Dice! There are nine wooden dice in total, and each one represents a different aspect of art practice. When rolled together, they give a random but creative prompt — including tone, subject, style, and medium.
Think of it like this: one dice might say “Calm” (Tone), another “Bird” (Subject), “Impression” (Style), and “Acrylic Paint” (Medium). It’s a playful and surprisingly powerful way to get out of a creative rut or to simply try something new.
As a bit of fun (and a creative challenge), I rolled the dice. Here’s what came up (as seen in the photo):
- Medium: Acrylic Paint
- Subject: Landscape
- Style: Abstract
- Tone: Vibrant/Joyful
- Palette: Red/Orange
With that exciting combination in mind, I began working on a new piece. The vibrant red and orange tones really lifted the composition, while the abstract landscape allowed me to explore looser brushwork and bolder shapes than I might usually use. There was something so freeing about letting the dice decide and simply following their lead.
It was such a refreshing experience, and I highly recommend this approach to anyone looking to break routine or find new inspiration. Sometimes the best ideas come from outside our usual patterns — or from a birthday box of colourful dice!
Landscape in felt tip pens by Christine Eltherington July 2025
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