How to Use Painting as a Form of Self-Care
In this cozy blog post, I want to talk about how to use painting as a form of self-care. As an artist, painting has always been my happy place. But you don’t have to be a professional artist to benefit from this art form. I like to approach it like a painting meditation. You don’t have to create your art for anyone but you. You can use it to calm your mind, get into the flow, and just breathe.
In our busy world, it can sometimes feel like taking care of yourself falls to the bottom of your never-ending to-do list. Believe me, between juggling being a business owner and raising two wonderful girls, I know how hard it can be to find a moment of time for yourself! But even if you only have 15 minutes, you can enjoy the calming benefits of using art as a self-care practice. You are so worth it!
Now let’s dive into some of the top tips I have for creating a self-care art practice!
Setup a nice environment
You don’t have to have a dedicated space to paint, but it can be helpful to make your space as vibey as possible. Even if all you have is your kitchen table, try lighting a candle, bringing over a vase of your favorite flowers, clearing off the table, and turning it into your painting oasis!
Breathe
Start your painting sesh by taking a few deep breaths. This will really help you sink into your body so you’ll feel centered and peaceful before you start painting.
Forget about perfection
The biggest hurdle artists face is perfectionism. But remember, this is all about how to use painting as a form of self-care! Let go of worrying about whether or not your art is “perfect.” This practice is just for you. You don’t have to share what you make with anyone if you don’t want to. It’s all about enjoying the process of creation and putting a brush to canvas.
If your painting doesn’t turn out perfectly, don’t beat yourself up. Find joy in the fact that you got to carve out a quiet moment just for you. Feel gratitude for the fact that (even if it’s not perfect) you created something that didn’t exist before. That’s pretty magical if you ask me!
Paint in an abstract style
By this point, you may be thinking, “Jessi, I want to get into painting, but I have no clue WHAT to paint.” Well, my friend, that’s where abstract painting comes into play. You don’t have to worry about getting it perfect because you’re not painting something representational. Abstract painting is the ultimate way to get in touch with yourself and let your creativity run free.
I have tons of abstract painting tutorials on my blog and through my online classes. Follow along with one of my tutorials if you’re not sure where to start. I always make sure that these are low-pressure, fun, and perfect for beginners!
Pump your favorite jams
Music can be a great way to set the mood, so turn on a playlist that makes you feel good! Plus music can help enhance our creativity, so it’s the perfect complement to a self-care painting sesh.
Follow your intuition and let it flow
I like the term “intuitive painting.” It’s used to describe situations where artists start their paintings without a clear plan in place. It gives you the freedom to listen to your gut instincts and let the painting reveal itself as you’re painting.
The other day I was putting a few abstract brushstrokes on paper without any real plan of what they would become. Eventually, I noticed that the painting was starting to take the shape of an abstract cityscape. The thin lines looked like a bridge and it reminded me of San Francisco where my husband and I first met. I was feeling all the lovey-dovey vibes and decided to officially turn this collection of paint strokes into a San Francisco skyline. It’s such a special piece, but I don’t know if it would have ever turned out as well as it did had I tried to plan the composition out ahead of time.
It just goes to show how important it is to go with the flow!
I hope that this post encourages you to try your hand at painting as a form of self-care. If you need some ideas for what to paint, try my class, Joyful Abstracts! I’ll walk you through my entire abstract painting process from start to finish and you’ll learn how to create a beautiful piece centering around the emotion of JOY!
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