What you will need:
Stretched canvas or canvas board (8 x 10 is a good size)
Acrylic paints
Paintbrush or brushes
paper which can be recycled
Cup of water, I cut half of an empty water bottle and use it so I don't damage any of my cups
Intro:
Art offers a lot which can't be taught in any other subject. I've never felt it was just an elective class. When I taught an art class for the school that I graduated from the first thing most of the students told me is that they weren't artistic at all and that they didn't even know how to draw or paint ect. While, I won't deny that the great artists of our time certainly express talent and skill...being creative is something we are all naturally born with. It's just as important as learning to walk or to reason. Our creativity is what makes us human and allows us to discover who we truly are. So something I love about abstract art is the freedom it allows you to explore who you are and what you are feeling.
For this class, I really encourage you to remain open minded with what you create and do your best to step outside of the inner art critic. This is something that children are typically able to do because they haven't learned yet that they need to draw within the lines. It's ok to draw outside of the lines. For some of you, this lack of rules or structure might back you uncomfortable and for others this might be a walk in the park. Either way is ok! Personalities and the way you currently live life will definitely influence how you feel about doing this. But I urge you to give it a real try because the benefits are well worth it.
Getting started:
Just like before, we are going to start by creating a relaxing atmosphere. Make sure you have plenty of space to paint and to have your supplies close by. Again, I tend to paint on the ground just because I like all of the space which it gives me and I feel more open. It's not the easiest position on your back. So you may want to use and easel or a table if that is more comfortable for you. If that's the case you want need the paper to go underneath the canvas. Being comfortable is also very important. You want to be mostly distraction free & comfortable. This is time you are taking for yourself to slow down and be present. Music that I enjoy, a cup of tea and lit incense always make painting more pleasurable for me.
Make sure that you have all of your supplies then begin placing them out so that you won't have to go looking for something later.
Jumping in:
This next part is about getting still and listening. It may be strange at first but you're listening to what you are currently feeling. This is the really important part where you don't judge how you feel or decide something isn't a good enough feeling. It's ok if you're feeling stressed, bored, anxious, angry or any feeling which isn't positive. I want you to tune into those feelings. It's not about making them stronger, either. You're simply becoming aware of them being there as if shining a light on them. Then turn your attention to your paints & your canvas. Begin to envision what those feelings would look like if they were a color or a shape. Would the colors be very bright or more muted? Would the colors be dark? Would the shapes be solid and structured or erratic like splatters? Would colors be clear and crisp or mixed together? You obviously could be feeling several different feelings and make a mixture of something. Maybe something has been on your mind lately that words just quite can't cut..now is the time to paint it out. You can paint faces or actual images if you want. There really aren't any rules except that none of what pops into your mind is wrong! You may find it hard at first to begin or it may spill out of you like a dam breaking. Go with it either way. By the end of it, you're likely to feel a release from it. I have several artist friends who have used this method when they are angry and the abstract turned out quite beautiful albeit dark. Even if it's dark, a little scary or not as aesthetically pleasing as you want it to be - be proud of yourself for fully expressing your emotions onto canvas. This is good for anyone even if you don't want to pick up being an artist. But if you are looking to hone in on your skills as a artist...this is the perfect way to find your voice.
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