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Therapeutic art: Surprising Benefits of Creative Expression

Creativity is a powerful force! Painting is therapeutic art, an outlet for stress. Learn more about how I make painting a part of my self-care and how you can, too!

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melissa painting

Creativity is a powerful force! Painting is therapeutic art, an outlet for stress, an inspiration for romance, and even a way to cope with trauma. Painting is my favorite leisure activity unless I’m at the beach, then I adore the ocean, waves, salty air, and sunrises the most. 😊 

 

The Caribbean is one of our favorite destinations. Maybe it’s the reflection of the sun on the turquoise waters, or perhaps it’s the way the sand feels between our toes. John and I just can’t get enough of it, whatever it is.

 

Every time we go back, we feel like we’re coming home. There’s just something about the Caribbean that feels like home. The warm sun on your skin, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and the smell of the salt in the air. It’s like a little slice of paradise.

Painting with Emotion

 

Whatever it is, the Caribbean keeps us coming back. When John and I return from traveling, the memories are still vivid in my mind. So to keep them alive, I paint them. I focus on the creative process by getting in touch with my feelings and start painting with emotion. 

 

I turn to painting to express myself and let go of my daily stresses. When painting, I am in the moment and focused on the process, not the result. I become entirely absorbed in the moment,  and focused on the process, not the outcome. Before I know it, John is sending me a text at 1:00 am, asking me to come to bed!

 

It has been 40 years since I last picked up a brush, and I’ve forgotten how much joy and tranquility painting brings me! I started painting when I was 17 and didn’t pick up a paintbrush again until I turned 57, during COVID. I’m not joking!

 

Painting allowed me to escape the constant chaos in our country and all around the world. The therapeutic art process takes me back to the carefree locations John and I love to visit, and I express that happiness on my canvas.I’ve painted sunrises, sunsets, cenotes, cliffs, moonlit oceans, waves crashing, and so much more. It’s not too late to start painting if you’ve ever dreamt of doing so!

Set Aside a Little Time Each Day for Creativity

 

You don’t have to dedicate your entire day to create, but you want to ensure you’re setting aside some time each day for this purpose, whether it is painting, journaling, or any other creative hobby. 

Spending some time writing down your thoughts and emotions can be a simple way to get them out of your head and onto paper or your canvas.  Engaging in creative activities can help you feel less stressed, less anxious, and more confident about yourself when you are finished.

 

Try Meditation Before Your Creative Session

 

You may benefit from practicing meditation before painting or other creative expressions. Activities like these help slow you down and relax your mind. For helpful tips on how to get started with meditation, take a look at our blog post, Just 10 Minutes a Day to Find Your Calm and Gain Clarity. 

 

Follow Along Painting Tutorials

 

My preferred YouTube painting lessons are landscapes. I like how the colors blend beautifully, and the light seems to dance across the scene. It’s always been mesmerizing to me. 

 

No matter what your preference is, there are so many great artists to choose from on YouTube. Whether you’re into abstracts, people, or sketching, find what makes you happy in life and express it on your canvas.

 

If you need a moment to unwind, I hope my paintings in the  Own It Shop will serve as a source of peace.

If you don’t have the confidence to start painting on your own, I highly recommend checking out Michelle the Painter because she’s a fantastic teacher, and she’ll help you discover your own unique style.

 

Paint & Sip at Home with Michelle the Painter

 

Michelle the Painter and her YouTube painting tutorial channel,  “Paint & Sip at Home,” is one of my favorite go-to’s. Whenever I want to paint, I’ll look through her tutorials to find something that calls me. 

Paint & Sip at Home is an excellent beginning point if you are new to painting or if you’ve grown rusty like me. Her lessons are easy to follow, and she goes slowly, so you do not have to pause and restart a million times. Michelle always has a special sipping drink to accompany her painting tutorial, so it is always a lot of fun no matter what she is sipping!

 

Joni Young Art

 

I also really like Joni Young, but she is more advanced. Joni paints landscapes, which might not be your thing, but she is a very talented artist with a lot of helpful advice in her videos.

Painting is a therapeutic art method that allows you to clear your mind and relax, whether you go it alone or with Michelle or Joni.

 

What better way to start than with these two fantastic painting guides? If you’re new to painting, I suggest starting with Michelle and taking a look at Blick Art Supplies to get everything you need to start expressing yourself.

 

Dick Blick Art Supplies

 

No matter your skill level, there’s no better place to start than with Dick Blick Art Supplies. They have everything you need, from high-quality brushes and canvases to paints that fit your specific needs.

 

Whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, Dick Blick has the perfect supplies for you. Their selection of brushes is second to none, and their canvases are of the highest quality. Their paints come in a wide selection of colors so that you can find the perfect hue for your next masterpiece.

 

So what are you waiting for? Get started on your next Art project today with Dick Blick Art Supplies for best are supplies and lowest prices.

 

Check out their great sales by clicking this link – Dick Blick Art Supplies.


Let’s Paint the Town

 

Red or whatever color you want. When painting the town, there’s no wrong way to do it, as long as you’re having fun and enjoying yourself.  

 

I hope my paintings inspire you to appreciate the creative process of therapeutic art.  I can’t wait to see some of your creations, so be sure to tag me #ownitcoach when you post your painting or any other creative expression!  Happy Painting!!

 

See more of our Own It Moments, and check out my paintings in the Own It Shop!

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