Painting is a good way to relax, clear your mind, and express yourself. Whenever I start painting, I can literally feel the creativity flooding my brain. It almost brings me into a meditative state, where I don’t worry, or think about anything else. It’s just me and my painting. It almost takes me away for a moment, like a mental vacation. Painting is a very good exercise to practice mindfulness because it requires you to be in that exact moment so you can come up with ideas, create and work on your piece of art. If you’ve never tried it, then give it a shot. You don’t have to have an art degree to create something beautiful. Some people are scared or think they can’t do it, but honestly, with a little bit of practice and patience, I think everyone has the ability to add meaningful arrangements of colors or shapes on a blank canvas. The first barrier before you start is the question: What do I want to paint? This can be quite challenging sometimes, but there are ways to tickle your creativity, that’ll help you find your own, unique painting idea.
So how to come up with painting ideas?
+ Random start
Pick a few colors, and start by just brushing the paint on the blank canvas. You can pick colors you associate with a feeling, a memory, or it can just be your favorite color. Use random brush strokes up-down/ left-right/ sideways, circles, whatever feels good in that moment. It’s not always about creating the next masterpiece (…that creates a lot of pressure), just sit back and trust in the power of randomness. Once you feel like you see enough color on your canvas pause for a moment and take a look at it. Try to see something. Find objects, shapes, scenery – use your imagination. Turn the painting around. That might help you see more, but you don’t have to find anything. It can also be an abstract piece of art if you wish.
+ Paint an object you can see
A good way to learn light, shapes, shadows & texture is to draw something you can physically see in front of you. Just look around, pick an item you like, and try to draw it as realistically as possible. If you don’t find anything at home, go outside, get some fresh air, and look around. Sit down at a nice spot, and I’m sure you will get inspired. You can also always take a picture of yourself and try to draw your own portrait.+ Get inspired by watching painting tutorials
Since I didn’t go to art school or went to any art classes, I love to browse the internet and look at paintings or watch painting tutorials. This is not only teaching you the know-how you need to get better at painting and drawing, but it’s also the perfect source for some inspiration. Watching other artists paint, showing different styles and ideas can trigger your own creativity and you might come up with some crazy ideas while watching.+ Get yourself a sketchbook
A sketchbook can help you gather ideas on the go. Take it with you all the time. Maybe you get inspired when you’re on your way to work, for out for a walk, or about to meet some friends. You can write down ideas or draw whatever is on your mind. Use it like a diary or journal, try to think of things that caught your attention throughout the day. This will not only give you storage for ideas you can get back to later, but it is also a calming evening ritual. You can find a sketchbook right here.
