Painting your Stress Away

Does abstract painting really relieve stress? How to you cope?

Today we are overwhelmed with bad news and events that are out of our control. Stress levels are at an all time high and some people have come to rely on illegal drugs and liquor to relieve their stress. There are other, more effective and productive means to achieve this.

People are under more pressure and stress and need a way to express themselves that's healthy and creative. Personally I have started abstract acrylic painting with as a hobby and tension reliever. I don’t have to be concerned with realism, form, proportion and color choices. Just go with the flow of the paint and move the brush or use your fingers.

No one can criticize an abstract because it's not supposed to be recognizable. That's a great relief to those fearful of rejection . Not painting the right way or not like everyone else is a fear of so many people . So many simple don't even try.

Steps to free form abstract painting

When you’re having a bad day and need to express your inner self and release some demons, throw the paint on the canvas , use your fingers, hands or other body parts to paint whatever comes to mind.

• Lay the canvas out, or the drawing paper,on the table.
• open the tubes of paint, on the table.
• be sure to cover the table with plastic or newspaper
• find the brush size you want to use and dip it into the paint
• if this isn't good, choose another one, or your fingers
• Paint and paint without any picture in your mind
• stand back after a while and see if there is any feeling about it

Look at the abstract example son this page; how do you feel when viewing them?

If you feel nothing,then continue painting, my friend.

It is not as expensive as you may think. You can buy a beginner set of acrylic paints for around $9.99 and with some cheap acrylic brush set for 13.99. The canvas can be pre-made and online auctions have some great deals now. Of course you can paint on heavy paper. I like Acrylic paint because it is fast-drying paint containing pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion.

Acrylic paints can be diluted with water, but become water-resistant when dry. Depending on how much the paint is diluted (with water) or modified with acrylic gels, mediums, or pastes, the finished acrylic painting can resemble a watercolor or an oil painting, or have its own unique characteristics not attainable with the other media.

Oil paint is simply too hard to deal with,as far as I’m concerned. It seems to tug at the brush and doesn’t dry fast enough for me. And don’t get any on your clothes. I try to wear a big shirt when painting;I’ve been known to splash a little on the floors and myself.

Abstract Defined

Abstract painting is my favorite way to paint because Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition which exists independently of visual references to the world.

There are different forms of abstract painting, but you don't need to know that to feel better. Later on, you can find out what style you are painting.breath deep and don't worry what it's called.

It allows freedom of movement and color. The painter does not have to adhere to any rigid rules of painting .if you want to paint a tree purple then so be it. Maybe the tree is wavy or geometric in form. Whatever you feel at the moment and how it makes you feel is most important. I think having a sense of control over the painting, making your own version of reality is what so appealing to me and many others.

It’s quite therapeutic and calming to be able to choose the colors ,movements, form and size. When it’s finished, it’s your baby! I do believe that Abstract painting as a stress reliever, could be a big help! Now ,don't you feel better?

Stacie L Copyrighted material