Sketching an object from life is a great warm-up exercise that can result in stunning work. Find an object near you, such as a glass or a flower pot. Take any piece of paper and the medium of your choice, like charcoal or pencil, and draw it. Set a time limit for yourself, ranging between five and 10 minutes. Focus on the larger forms that make up the object instead of paying attention to the small details. Create a sketch with a fluid feel to it. Once your time is up, examine your rough sketch. Add details and color as you like. Further develop this short project into a full drawing in the future.
Creating a found object sculpture will help you see beauty in everyday objects. Look around the room and find at least three things that catch your eye. Don't spend too much time finding the objects -- pick up what instantly inspires you. Arrange the objects into a sculpture. Either attach them with an adhesive like tape or glue, or simply place them together in an appealing way. The set-up of a piece is important in sculpture, so arrange the objects on a table or something in the room that serves as a platform for the piece.
A collage is a quick activity that can result in something very personal and inspiring. Set a theme for the collage, or simply go by what interests and inspires you at the moment. Collect images to suit your chosen theme. These can be photographs, textures or images that you have drawn or painted. Arrange them on a blank piece of paper in the pattern of your choice. Attach them to the paper with glue or tape. A collage can also be done on any other solid material, such as wood or plastic, making it a very accessible activity.
Color focused paintings are quick studies in color of how various hues interact. Find a couple of different paint colors and a piece of paper or canvas. Apply paint to the canvas with a large brush, one color at a time. The goal is to completely fill your canvas up with various colors as quickly as possible. Mix different colors together to create new ones. Experiment in the ways that you apply the color, using varying strokes each time. Continue until the canvas is coated in color.