Painting can be therapeutic and it allows us to pour from a window of our inner landscape. When we do not have the words to express our feelings and emotions, painting acts as a wonderful outlet for expression. Recently, Janhvi Kapoor took to social media to share a glimpse into some artworks she made in her free time. “When papa makes you pose like a student with your paintings so he can forward it to his friend groups and try to hype ur very basic art skills (sic),” she captioned her Instagram post.
For a newbie, trying your hand at a new hobby might seem intimidating. If you too like Janhvi consider your artistic skills “basic” here are some quick and easy tips to help you keep at it and hone your craft without much pressure.
Kaav Ranj, Director at Createit suggested using what you have. “You don’t have to buy expensive or specific paints or paintbrushes. Set up an art station, a dedicated space will keep your habit going and your hobby regular. This could be just a paper and some pencils, or a stack of paper and paint,” he said.
Roshni Bhatia, Art psychotherapist, Bangalore listed out the following suggestions:
Trust the Process: Enjoy painting without striving for perfection. Let your intuition guide you to add colors or shapes simply because it feels right. This is your space to create freely
Find Inspiration Around You: Use everyday objects to express your feelings (e.g., “flowy like water” or “grounded like a rock”). Trace their shapes or let them inspire your art
“If you are unable to spend a significant portion of your day to painting, try to set aside at least ten minutes for practice. Even if you just have ten minutes to practice, it’s still preferable to not practicing at all,” said Himanshi Bathla, self-taught artist. She added that painting is not about perfection and more about expression. Even if you begin by sketching your favorite food or flowers, make an effort to enjoy yourself.
How does painting as a hobby improve mental health?
He explained that painting as a hobby improves mental health not only because it is sensory but also allows for visual stimulation in the absence of other things. Painting improves organisational ability and clarity of mind. It helps get in tune with your instincts, and improves your visual intelligence. For kids and even adults who are unable to communicate what they are feeling in words, painting helps sharpen intelligence and articulation.
“Historically speaking, patterns have been aesthetic and helpful in improving a good feeling in the mind. Things like mandalas can be helpful in elevating one’s mood and clearing the mind,” he added.
“Try filling the whole paper or canvas with paints or a mix of few. Don’t get into making a masterpiece like someone else. It’s your piece, so focus on keeping it an original piece. There is no wrong way when it comes to you and paints on paper. Of course, you can learn various techniques from YouTube, but that’s only when you have found comfort in your exploration with paints,” said Navedita Singh, art therapist.
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