Yes, You Can Create Art

Art can be terrifying. It might bring up old, embedded feelings of self-doubt. As a teacher, I nurture artistic self-confidence in my meditative watercolor classes by offering incredibly simple art meditations on tiny pieces of paper. These non-intimidating creative experiences help students work through doubt and enjoy creative self-discovery.

A simple meditation to get you started

Drag a brush full of watery paint lightly across the paper to make a thin stripe. Keep the brush on “ballerina toes,” barely touching the paper. Repeat until your paper is full of tiny stripes.

Replace judgment with curiosity

Simple tasks are not necessarily easy. It is hard to keep light and even pressure on the brush, or to keep lines straight. A mean inner voice might tell you, “I’m no good at this.” Let that judgment go by choosing to be curious! Try changing the angle of your arm, brush, or paper, or the direction of your brushstroke, and ask yourself, “Is this any easier?” Give yourself time to figure it out.

Be fully aware of the present

Any mark on the paper is in the past. Your planned marks are in the future. The present is the place where the tip of the brush is touching the paper, and it’s the only place where you have any control.

If you find yourself thinking about what you’ve done or what you want to do, pause and redirect your eyes to the tip of the brush. You might need to do this often.

Cultivate joy

Any time you feel a creative urge, follow it. Bend or break the “rules” as inspiration strikes.

 

If it feels good, do it again. For example, I love drawing lines through “windows,” so I do it often. Notice what is fun for you, and do more of that.

 

 

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Jinjer Markley is hosting a workshop for Minnesota Women’s Press readers June 7, 3:30–5pm, in Minneapolis. jinjermarkley.com
Click here to register.