If I were a beach bum, I'd be engaging in good books that help me to better understand the creative experience. I came across this review of three books that are now on my reading list (Art21 magazine.) I especially want to read Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing by Margaret Livingstone. While it is an older book, from 2002, I keep seeing citations from it in other articles so it must be still relevant today. In the book she identifies the way humans perceive art in terms of luminescence (value) and color, and how the brain tries to make sense of forms. I am sure this book would have very practical applications to teaching and offer "ways in" to making the process more interesting and relevant to students.
Another intriguing book is The Psychology of Art by George Mather. In addition to examining the aesthetic experience in terms of what happens in the brain, he has theories about art and evolution. Sounds like an amazing read!
Maybe I should hit the beach after all...What will you make today?