How can painting help you break out of your routine and completely shift your mood. Shall we?
The act of painting is an excellent way to de-stress and unwind. But what if you're not a great painter? The good news is that anyone can learn how to paint and create beautiful art in just a few simple steps. This article will show you how to make the most out of your painting sessions, so you can use them as a way to ease anxiety, stress, or other negative emotions.
Or right, buckle up and let's go!
Tip #1 - Identify the right time of the day that you can dedicate to painting.
It is important to set aside a time of day that works for you. Some people like to paint in the morning or afternoon while others prefer to do it at night. It could be a weekend or weekday, but it should be a time when you are not distracted by other activities and responsibilities. You should also try and avoid getting too tired because this will affect your ability to concentrate on what you’re doing and may result in frustration if things don’t go according to plan!
And with that being said..
Tip #2 - Use soft, gentle music to provide a soothing backdrop for your painting sessions
When it comes to painting, music is everything. You are motivated, inspired, and pushed by it. Make sure to pick music that will achieve all of the above and allow you to fully enjoy your painting session.
"Don't wait for inspiration. It comes while working." – Henri Matisse
Tip #3 - Choose a theme that expresses you
Yes, even if it sounds obvious, I have to say it. Don't just paint something, for the sake of it, you need to be inspired by it. I occasionally look through my camera roll when I'm stuck to see If I managed to get any interesting pictures. Even if I am not happy with them, a simple image can encourage me to look online for more resources.
I usually end up in Pinterest, but that's just me! :)
Tip #4 - Think about doing some preparatory sketches before you actually begin the painting.
A sketch can also help with planning, so if you're not sure where to start, it's helpful to do some sketches first and see where they lead you. In other words, don't try and start painting without a plan—it will only bring frustration! If you want to start out making something specific (like a landscape), then look at examples of paintings like that which have already been done by artists who inspire you and use them as inspiration for what kinds of things should be included in this particular piece."
Tip #5 - Lastly, focus entirely on what you are doing and leave all your worries behind you.
If you're having trouble finding a way to get your mind off of things, try one of these techniques:
Meditation. The great thing about meditation is that you can do it anywhere—in fact, it's better if you do it in a place where there aren't many distractions. Try sitting in a quiet room for five minutes or so; focus on your breathing and try not to think about anything else. Think about how each breath makes your body feel lighter, less tense and more relaxed. Relaxation exercises are also helpful because they can help remind us that our bodies are capable of being calm even when anxiety is running high.
Yoga/T'ai Chi/Breathing Exercises/Visualization/Guided Imagery/Relaxation Techniques (and other similar methods). All these things involve taking time out from what we're doing in order to focus entirely on what we are doing and leave all our worries behind us for the moment; this helps release tension from the body as well as clear the mind of clutter so new ideas might come through later on!
Art is the journey of a free soul.
As you can see, there are many ways in which painting can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s a great hobby that has the capacity to transform your life in so many positive ways. So what are you waiting for? Get started with painting today!
Register for my painting workshops in Amsterdam, and let's add a bit more creativity to your Wednesdays.