Healing from Life
Procreate is great for abstract painting.
I’ve known it for a very long time. However, I had a fresh reminder during the beginning of the shut down in March 2020. Watercolor painting eased my anxiety, slowed down my heart rate, and had me thinking happier thoughts. It was just so simple and almost instantaneous as I watched the paint pool and flow through the water on my page. In that simple act, I had found my calm again.
The secret was in acting when I didn’t feel like it. It somehow broke the negative momentum and turned it all around.
That’s what my class series, Abstract Watercolor Painting is all about. I wanted to share my discovery with as many as possible so they could get some relief from the new stress that we now all face.
Why does this work? Is it because we are all inherently creative? I believe it is.
This painting is straight from my watercolor sketchbook.
How can that be, you ask? How many times have you heard someone say, “I don’t have an artistic bone in my body.” Or how about, “ I can’t stand my work and neither can my friends or family.” I see people confuse artistic ability with creativity all the time. Creativity can come in many, many forms. Perhaps your creative strength is in the realm of color. Or maybe you’re really good at problem solving. That most definitely takes a lot of creativity! However, if you really want to also be an artist, or a collector of art, I believe that you can.
Whether you’ve studied or practiced art, I think it’s irrelevant. If you’ve ever really enjoyed a sunrise, or a sunset, that is art appreciation at it’s finest!
Many soldiers returning from combat suffering from PTSD (Post Trauma Stress Disorder) have had tremendous progress after engaging artistic projects. Children who have suffered trauma also have been known to heal significantly after painting, drawing, collaging etc. but sadly, people confuse artistic ability and desire with being Picasso, Monet, or Rothko. Being great or famous isn’t the point, it’s more about the journey and self expression. It’s about being you, and not letting anyone else talk you out of what that means.
Abstract art is so perfect for this application because there is no pressure to portray anything specific.
Another one from from my watercolor sketchbook.
Color, shape, and form now become your own interpretation, and therefore have the ability to convey pure emotion. In this way, art now becomes a means of communication. Instead of pressure to be something specific that someone else has defined as an artist, it can be whatever you make it. If it means no one else but you ever sees your art, that’s perfectly alright. If you feel the need to create, whether it’s pottery, sewing, woodwork, life-size metal sculptures made from recycled materials, or painting and drawing, listen to yourself!
Maybe your form of creation is nothing mentioned here, but it makes you happy whatever it is. How is that wrong?
Why should you not have the opportunity to do those things? I say go for it! Do those things your heart is calling you to do. If I’ve learned anything from all of the 2020 challenges, it’s that life is precious, and we shouldn’t discount our dreams. Even if you end up only enhancing your own life from creating, how can that not be worth it?
Ready to start learning art, or further your art practice? You’ve got this!!!