5 ways to use painting to brighten your day and bring back your motivation and inspiration!
Soma Mandal Datta 
This article will explore five ways that painting can be used to brighten your day, restore motivation, and re-invigorate your creative spirit.
5 ways to use painting to brighten your day and bring back your motivation and inspiration!
For those who find themselves in need of some extra motivation and inspiration on a daily basis, there is an easy and effective way to turn the tide - painting.
Painting is an incredibly powerful outlet that can be used to awaken creativity and open the mind to new realms of thought and emotion. By engaging in the creative process, we can discover a powerful spark of motivation and inspiration that can be used in all areas of life. As someone wise once said (and I agree):
" Painting is yoga for your mind"
Source: Anonymous
The following article will explore five ways that painting can be used to brighten your day, restore motivation, and re-invigorate your creative spirit. Each of these methods has been used by artists, professionals, and creatives around the world to create meaningful works of art and to motivate themselves to keep moving forward.
Why I paint and recommend you should too!
While painting for many years, as I built my painting skills and mastered the fundamentals of painting, I realized that there was more to painting than simply painting beautiful art. I discovered that there's beauty in the ugly muddy paintings too - which is that they are like the leftovers of empty coffee cups after a candid, heartfelt chat among friends. The ugly paintings are leftovers of conversations I just had with myself. They represent or express what I cannot say with words. In the end, the results of such a painting process don't matter because the artistic journey enables you to process thoughts that feel chaotic in your head. You come out of it feeling better.
And so started the journey where I started experimenting with a variety of mediums from watercolours to acrylic paints and oil paints to pastels. With every medium I found that I could experience a different type of journey that fed my soul. The more I returned to painting, the more addicted I became to this habit where time seem to have stopped and worries of daily stresses a distant memory. Regular consistent painting habit changed my perception of how I would and could deal with life's challenges. And there's a whole range of scientific literature on how and why this happens. But that's for another blog post.
So if you are someone who wants to paint to unwind and hold an honest conversation with yourself, then you should try painting.And your prior or existing skills don't matter as long as you choose to enjoy the creative process and not the outcome.
Whether you are a professional artist, an enthusiastic hobbyist, or someone just looking to find their creative spark, these five methods will give you the tools and motivation you need to find your inspiration.
1. Paint using bright colours with soothing music. Choose colours that bring you joy and music that relaxes you.
Need motivation or encouragement to paint? Then try painting with your favourite colours to your favourite music playing in the background. Choose colours that make you smile and music that relaxes you like a warm hug. Try painting to the beats of music or allow the music to guide your brushstrokes. Make sure you have plenty of paint brushes and a canvas that's ready to come alive with your vision. Put on some comfy clothes, grab a cup of tea or coffee, and let your imagination take over. Create something bold and free that will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Decide to have fun no matter what the outcome.
2. Paint something that makes you happy.
Paint something that makes you happy! Whether it's a calming sunset landscape, a vibrant abstract design, or a detailed still life, painting can be a wonderful way to express yourself and honour the things that bring joy to your life. IT does not have to look like the grand masters of painting. You don't need to know the fundamentals of art if you are painting to bust stress. Again, you just need to paint while making a concious choice to enjoy the painting process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore with colours, shapes, and themes to create something that is uniquely yours. Let your creativity flow as you embark on your painting journey.
Art is a great way to bring joy and peace into your life - so take the time to paint something that brings you joy!
3. Paint something that reminds you of a happy memory, like a photo of a loved one.
When life feels overwhelming and the world can seem a bit too much, take a break and spend some time expressing yourself through art. Paint something that reminds you of a happy memory and find joy in the simple moments. Whether it is a beloved pet, a loved one, a tropical paradise, or simply a beautiful summer day, let yourself be transported to a place of happiness and calm. Even if it’s just for a moment, this can be a powerful reminder of the beauty that exists in the world, even when life can seem difficult.
Again, try not to get lost in the details. Paint using symbols or colours or collage pics to make it a mixed media artwork. The idea is to create out of a 'happy place' in your mind which allows you to feel those happy emotions again.
Also, in some cases the diversion achieved through your art journey draws focus to what exists in your life to be grateful for than what doesn't. It's the one of the best self-care tools to a mentally fitter 'you'.
Art can be an incredibly powerful tool to bring to life the moments that make us feel alive and happy. And who knows, maybe you’ll even discover something new about yourself along the way!
4. Go with your gut and paint whatever you feel like with no pressure or expectation.
Go with your gut and paint whatever you feel like with no pressure or expectation. Don't worry about others' opinions and make sure to stay true to yourself. Forget about what people may think and create something you are passionate about. Try to be creative and express yourself in whatever way feels right. Splash a bit of paint. Let loose. Let it go. Remember your 'why' when you paint.
You may not have the same level of skill as other artists, but don't let that discourage you. Use this as an opportunity to learn and grow, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. You may surprise yourself with the results. Don't be afraid to experiment and be bold. Allow your imagination to come alive and be sure to enjoy the process. You never know what kind of amazing artwork you can create when you let go and trust the creative process.
5. Start doodling and let the artwork take you on a journey.
Doodling is a fun and easy way for beginners who want to get started into painting but unsure where to start. And yes one can doodle with paint too! Watercolours and Acrylics are both great mediums to create doodle art. Turn your paper into a portal to an alternate universe and explore the depths of your creative mind. Who knows what you'll find? Maybe you'll discover a continent of dragons, or an alien race living on a distant planet. Maybe you'll even uncover the secrets of the universe itself! Who knows what treasures await when you let the artwork take you on a thrilling adventure? Go with the flow and see where it takes you!
The Takeaway
Painting can be an incredibly rewarding and relaxing activity that can help you find your motivation and inspiration. There are a variety of different techniques and styles you can use to create something unique that reflects your personality and brings you joy. There are also variety of art materials to explore and experiment with in order to find yourself in a state of flow where you find the gap in time to process your thoughts and emotions.
So whether you're a beginner artist or an experienced painter, you can use these five painting tips to brighten your day and help you find the motivation and inspiration you need. Paint every day to stay mentally and emotionally fit. If you are painting to unwind and motivate yourself, then choose to have fun whether you are able to paint or not. Choose to enjoy the creative journey and come out of it feeling like you have had the best conversation with a friend over a cuppa and paint.
To watch free video tutorials go here:
Tranquil Canvas You Tube Channel
Categories: Beginners Guide, creative me-time, Paintyourhappy, Wellbeing
