I think about you guys a lot. I think about what makes you happy, what makes you peaceful, what stresses you out. We're getting into the crazy time of year with too much stuff on the calendar and many situations that might bring up some uncomfortable issues.
I decided I needed to help you relax. I've developed a series of watercolor meditations especially for this time of year, when you need something calm and creative to help you balance.
Bonus! You can't do them wrong.
Bonus! An excuse to try a new art form.
Bonus! They are so much fun! [Send me pics!] Enjoy!
Meditation #1: Observation
Take a deep breath and relax.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Relax your shoulders.
Relax your arms and hands.
Breathe.
You are going to have so much fun! |
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Gather your materials:
You will be able to use these few materials for all of the activities in the series.
- Watercolor pigments: Tubes, pans, or sets. Whatever is easy for you to get and use. Make sure you like the colors. [You can also use coffee or tea if that's all you have close by.] If you have tubes, then you'll need an old plate or lid to use as a palette.
- Paper: Any size mixed media paper or watercolor paper. Thicker watercolor paper won't buckle if you decide to use a lot of water in one of these activities. You'll need at least one sheet for each activity, but you'll probably have so much fun with some of these that you'll just keep playing. 6 x 6 inches or so is a nice size. Big enough to play, but not be too intimidating. If you have larger paper and want to cut it down, go right ahead. [You can also use a napkin if that's all you have close by.]
- Brush: Any watercolor brush will do. Size 8 or 10 round is good for starters. [You can also use a straw, spoon, etc. if that's all you have close by.]
- Water jar: To clean your brush in. A recycled food jar is great. Pint sized is great.
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MEDITATION 1: OBSERVE
Swish your brush around in the plain water. Get it good and wet.
Brush that plain water around the paper.
Observe what happens to the paper. See where it is shiny. See how long it takes for that shine to go away. See where it pools.
Get your brush wet again, choose your favorite color and get some of that paint on your brush. Don't worry about how much. You can't do this wrong.
Touch the tip of the brush to one of the wet spots and let the pigment move onto the paper.
Try it again in a different place. Just touch the color to the water and watch.
Try it with less paint or more paint on the brush. Just touch the color to the water and watch.
Try it with the side of the brush. Just touch the color to the water and watch.
Now play. You can't do it wrong. Just touch the paint to the water and watch what happens. |
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Thanks so very much for spending some time with this today. I hope you've used this meditation to relax and put some calm in your day. If you have a question, observation or photo you want to share, I'd love to hear from you!
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