Holiday breaks are a wonderful opportunity to see family and friends, to watch movies, and to catch up on sleep. However, just like athletes never stop exercising their bodies, we need to keep exercising our minds. Sleep in and sleep plenty, but then create some art!

The most important thing to do is to create from what inspires you. If you want to draw your menorah or tree or niece or something else, go ahead, but here are some exercises that you can do to keep improving your skills.

• Set up your own still life

• Practice drawing drapery, the folds of cloth are difficult, but excellent to have mastered for future work involving organic shapes and forms

• Work on a self-portrait in the mirror. Play with the use of light and reflections.

• Search through your old photos. You will likely find many pictures worth drawing.

• Clean! Cleaning, especially cleaning your art supplies often leads to discoveries like old pigments you never opened. You may find inspiration or a bold new idea.

• Write a list of goals for your art. Look through your old pieces to see how you have improved.

• Read books, listen to music, go for walks - fill your head with memorable imagery and sensory experiences before heading back to the easel. Or bring the camera or sketchbook along with you!minds. Sleep in and sleep plenty, but then create some art!

When the holidays are over, you will not only be ready for classes, but even be further along than before.