I’ve never been any good at art. You know, ‘art’ in the traditional sense of creating something with paint, paper, brushes, that sort of thing. My recent Sunday posts have been about my thoughts after the stress of the workweek. I keep hearing about how important it is to ‘de-stress’. To me these were more buzz-words than anything else. However, after a series of very stressful weeks, I knew I had to do something to recharge my batteries. What should I do? Meditate? Go for long walks? Read books about mindfulness and taking the stress out of my repertoire of feelings?
Do you remember a few weeks ago I wrote a post about challenging everyone to learn something new? Enter my de-stressing, scary I’d make an embarrassment of myself, ART PROJECT! Lo and behold, I bought some ‘made for kids’ paints, basic water-color paper, and the cheapest brushes I could find. With newspapers spread around me in a 3-foot circumference, I placed a small piece of white paper on top of my ink-laden ‘easel’ (Sunday’s Chicago Tribune newspaper!).
I have heard that art for the mere sake of expressing yourself is a terrific way of relieving stress. I started by picking up a paint brush and becoming completely paralyzed by the idea of even placing it into the kiddo-friendly paint colors that were sitting before me. I had flashbacks of being a child and dreading art class. I loved English class, but the smell of paint, adhesives, construction paper, and molding clay practically sent me into a scary spin. I have always been intimidated by those who have a natural gift for creating beautiful, artistic work.
But I digress; back to, “Cher’s Art Studio” (a.k.a. the kitchen table). I started to drag the paintbrush across the paper, letting the watery paint do whatever it wanted to do. Dragging the brush in another direction, adding more paint, I started to relax, and (dare I say, enjoy this little stress-relieving endeavor) have a laugh with this ‘foreign to me’ ‘fun’.
I decided to take a thoughtful approach to this entire process. The thoughtfulness in not being hard on myself for the inability to produce something pleasing to the eye. Thoughtfulness in taking the brush and feeling quite pleased with trying; yes, just trying. I realized that this in and of itself was what the ‘de-stress’ talk was all about. Opening up your mind to simply act out of your comfort zone and paint without self-judgement.
I am not an artist; I am not going to make anything on paper look as if it needs a magnificent frame to adorn its jagged edges. What I am going to do is the ‘art’ of allowing myself to simply paint for the pleasure of it. I’d say that is the best, thoughtful way to approach de-stressing, don’t you think?
I agree with you Cher and I need to kick myself to do the same with my painting. I will not be an artist that way either 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My dear Irene, your jewelry is phenomenal art! I am in awe of your work my dear!! I am positive your painting is fantastic! For me, I need to stick with the kiddo brushes and paint and be okay with it! *biggest grin* P.S. I cannot make jewelry! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I find it very difficult to paint something nice Cher 🙂
Thank you for your kind comment 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your jewelry is incredibly inspiring, Irene! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s hard to get started until you realize everyday problems aren’t really that important, then you spend all day painting thinking about how much you hated the kid that picked on you in the 6th grade.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Mike!! I hear you!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great mix of colours. You go girl!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why thank you, Max! You have just made my entire week!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and not worry about any other outcome. To me, being creative is the greatest form of meditation as you can get totally lost in it and the rest of the world goes away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are absolutely right; thank you so much for your wonderful words! Cher xo
LikeLike
A lovely thing to do, Cher, and I think your paintings are great, the colours very soothing. I find painting meditative at times, especially when I’m really caught up in the subject matter – I can get quite lost in the process. Sounds a wonderful way to de-stress your week 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why thank you so much, Helen! I really appreciate your kind words as always! Yes, it really is a great way to de-stress! I think I’ll give it a go this weekend as well, and get the brushes prepped!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Cher! I hope you get some more painting done this weekend, and share your creations with us 🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awh, bless! Thank you so much, Helen! I really appreciate your thoughtful words! I’ll get the paints ready!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Suzie Speaks and commented:
Cher has been getting crafty!! Check out her post!
LikeLike