How to Make Painting More Fun and Less Stress!
I am all about encouraging others to create some joy in their life through art.
If painting and creating stresses you out, then my mission would be counter-porductive
So I have 4 suggestions for how you might go about creating some joy in your life with art and make painting and creating a little easier on yourself.
1. Choose a Forgiving Approach: Aim for Joy and not Perfection:
Painting can be anything you want it to be. It's Art and Art can't be wrong.
- Do you want your art in a museam for perpetuity?
- Are you creating a gift?
- Do you want to just relax and paint?
Try not to put so much pressure on yourself. When you are just starting out, aim for Joy and not perfection.
Besides: I will let you in on a little secret.
THERE IS NOT SUCH THING AS PERFECT.
2. Choose Shortcuts:
A. Start with a template or tracer. This is not cheating. I cannot draw. I can paint. Drawing and painting are two different skills. Start with a simple template of a design you like and trace it onto your surface with Graphite Paper. You can find some here.
B. Start with a stencil or use stencils. Stencils are an easy way to get size, placement, and shape before you get started. I will use a stencil and lightly paint/stencil it with a soft color or white, just to get me started. Then I use that design to hand paint over.
These are some of my Favorite Stencils!!
Essential Stencil for quality, trendy, reusable stencils.
Use the Code STENCILSPOT for 10% off.
Layering stencils work great as a starting point for your art.
Or just grab a flower!
This is a great set to start practicing with.
3. Embrace a No-Pressure Mindset:
- Process Over Product: Focus on the joy of creating rather than the outcome.
- Experiment: Try new techniques, colors, and styles without worrying about perfection.
- Set Time Limits: Give yourself a set amount of time to paint, which can help you stay loose and spontaneous. We are all so busy. Just carve out 20-30 minutes to see what happens.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and appreciate your progress and efforts, no matter how small. Concentrate on what worked and not what you don't love. and remember, if there is a stroke you are not happy with,
ADD A LEAF
4. Use a few Stress-Reducing Techniques:
- Turn on your favorite music or podcast
- Remember to Breathe
- Give yourself a time limit or take breaks.
Try any or all of these 4 suggestions and get started creating some joy in your life with art and make painting a little easier on yourself.