My husband passed away very suddenly 3 years ago. To keep myself busy I decided to get out my old watercolours which I hadn’t used for years. I painted for an hour or so every day and now I paint all the time when I’m home. Painting has been absolutely lifesaving for me and helped me through a dark place back to myself. All hobbies are good, it’s a form of mindfulness and gives you something to think about as you go about your daily business. 😁🇬🇧
Losing a husband is, unfortunately, a thing we have in common. Mine passed from cancer about 8 months ago and turning to art was one thing that helped me through his diagnosis, treatment, and eventual death. A lifesaver, for sure.
Yes…I too sadly can relate, I started a drawing course in an attempt keep busy 8 years ago after I lost my husband. It triggered a creative urge I didn’t know was there. Since then art has helped me through several subsequent bereavements. I also find when I have bad arthritic flare ups, if I draw, paint, the pain is considerably less…it’s like the immersion in the activity switches off pain receptors.
All my life I heard I needed to hit the gym to release brain chemicals-I’m sure true, but I got no joy from it. BUT, I took my first drawing class recently as a senior citizen and felt such joy. Now, I’m on to the 2nd class. So wish I had pursued this younger, but am making my days count!!!
I have been an artist since I was a toddler. No lie. My first tempora painting in elementary school (2nd grade) had my teacher so excited that she was speechless. She was showing other teachers in the hallway. I didn't know what was so special about it, but it made me very happy. I painted "Blue Boy" from memory. Lol. My special painting was added to the hallway wall and it stayed there all year long. I put my brushes away for many years and in my 30s I started painting in oils just for relaxation. I eventually stopped doing that as well. Finally, in my 50s I decided to learn watercolor painting. I've been painting in watercolor for 16 years now. I've finally discovered my passion. I paint every day even if it's just a sketch. Thanks for your testimony. It makes sense. Enjoy your new found love.
How wonderful that you were able to reconnect with this essential part of who you are after so many years! I used to teach art to elementary schoolers and often found myself wishing we were all able to hold onto the sort of fearless creativity we had as children.
When I have long periods in between creating, I get brain fog and sort of feel stuck and disengaged. When I can create freely, I feel more confident and smart and also able to take more risks. Thank you for this insight. I’m glad that you are finding healing in creativity.
It’s amazing, isn’t it? I know we can’t always control the muse, but we can at least control the part of us that just gets out there and -makes stuff- regardless!
I have not painted in about a year BUT when I was fully engaged in watercolors out of pure nessacity, I am a card maker and have chronic pain so I was searching for a sit-down hobby that wouldn't add any extra pain, I found so much peace and happiness and of course less pain while painting. Thank you for inspiring me to pick up that brush and start painting again ❤
I have a friend who uses art and craft to help manage her chronic pain. It's not a miracle, but it helps! I'm glad painting helped you find some relief.
Yes! I started water color this last year in my 70th year and it’s literally like flipping a switch in my brain. Hard to describe but there’s definitely a sense of wholeness and contentment after painting for a bit. The beautiful thing about water color is it’s so easy to do (no big set up and no big clean up) and it’s kinda hard to mess it up! Everything is good. Well, almost everything. 😉
"Magic's just science that we don't understand yet.” -Arthur C. Clarke I'm utterly fascinated to learn what you've shared here as it helps me understand why creative journaling calms my entire nervous system in a way that truly feels restorative. I'm gonna go see if our library has this book right now.
I tell people all the time that my artistic pursuits and hobbies are my Zen and how I maintain my sanity in my crazy life 😂! Whether I'm painting, target shooting, knitting, playing piano or any of my various interests I always feel better afterwards. That state of flow is so important. I feel refreshed and more alert after just about any time spent doing these things. And art in general taught me to be more observant and appreciative of nature and structures and differences between people in good ways. Basically more observant and appreciative of life!
Been painting for 4 years and didn’t have any art experience prior. Did it to relax and I can honestly in the 4 years of practicing, I’m more observant of the nuances of colors when I’m observing nature, I’m more aware and I feel like I need to paint as a means to relax. Really enjoyed watching this video. Thank you for sharing your experience!
That sort of observation is exactly what started me researching neuroplasticity and brain changes because, wow, it's a whole new way of seeing the world. Especially for someone like me, who has always been more of a word person. Thank YOU for sharing your experience! It's lovely to find kindred spirits through these videos.
Great video, thank you. I loved hearing about the research. I do paper collage each day about 2 or 3 times per day. It seems to have brought me a feeling of purpose, focus, calmness and grounding. I find that I'm willing to try new things when collaging, when I'm reluctant to try new things outside of art. It has helped me recover from sensory overload and recharge my energy. I am neurodivergent.
This makes so much sense. I think for many of us, making art feels like a safe place to experiment and, with time, that can transfer over to other parts of life.That's why art therapy is a thing!
I teach calming art workshops and the flow state and happiness from all the participants is evident from the first session. Thank you for sharing your personal experience. I agree making art makes you happier.
❤oh yes! Making art is the absolute best! Even just scribbling in my sketchbook when i feel stressed, it all just goes away and i feel renewed and at peace.
YES! One of the research papers I read mostly focused on doodling, and even just that was enough to induce some of these effects. I'm loathe to go anywhere without a sketchbook now.
Wow, I loved the scientific explanations about this! I have experienced this *magical* transformation myself and can’t get enough! Thanks for this great video! Also, I second the person who said they loved your glasses! 🤓 ❤
This video came up on my feed and just wanted to let you know- I’m so glad that it did! Subscribed to your channel right away, may the algorithm treat you well here! You deserve your stories to be heard. I can’t wait to watch more ❤
I have started wtercolors since 2019 and the joy i get just making a draw... I had left drawing because of one critique and getting back With a new technique It chage everything for me. I starting drawing even With pencils again. So much time not conecting With my art i was stupid hearing those critics that kill my art for so long
I absolutely have noticed that I feel so much better mentally if I make time to do art! What people describe as the release from exercise, I don't seem to get as much (I do a bit) but art is on a whole other level for me- it's so therapeutic!
Thank you for this video! I am pursuing art as a career or way of life, and in my darker hours I find myself questioning if making art really is important to the world. I know it is, but sometimes with everything going on in the world, it doesn't always feel that way. It's nice to know that by creating art and enjoying art, I am changing or healing my brain, and possibly others as well.
STEPPING STONES of progress might motivate us, with CREATIVE WORKS ? Talking might be forgotten, but MARKINGS might suggest PROGRESSIONS Thanks Jenn, for this great suggestion. Will try to THINK on it, more .... TNX ========================================================+ TNX MCH
Thank You what a great video….. I’m so excited because I have been wondering …. If I create more could I expand my view of things… could not have come at a better time!!!!!!
My husband passed away very suddenly 3 years ago. To keep myself busy I decided to get out my old watercolours which I hadn’t used for years. I painted for an hour or so every day and now I paint all the time when I’m home. Painting has been absolutely lifesaving for me and helped me through a dark place back to myself. All hobbies are good, it’s a form of mindfulness and gives you something to think about as you go about your daily business. 😁🇬🇧
Losing a husband is, unfortunately, a thing we have in common. Mine passed from cancer about 8 months ago and turning to art was one thing that helped me through his diagnosis, treatment, and eventual death. A lifesaver, for sure.
Yes…I too sadly can relate, I started a drawing course in an attempt keep busy 8 years ago after I lost my husband. It triggered a creative urge I didn’t know was there. Since then art has helped me through several subsequent bereavements. I also find when I have bad arthritic flare ups, if I draw, paint, the pain is considerably less…it’s like the immersion in the activity switches off pain receptors.
Oh Jane, I wish none of us had to face such challenges! But since we do, I'm so glad to have something so simple and effective to turn to.
How lucky we know the secret that engaging in art can do. 😁👍🇬🇧
🧡
All my life I heard I needed to hit the gym to release brain chemicals-I’m sure true, but I got no joy from it. BUT, I took my first drawing class recently as a senior citizen and felt such joy. Now, I’m on to the 2nd class. So wish I had pursued this younger, but am making my days count!!!
Right there with you! I'm 51 and wishing I'd taken art classes in high school and college.
Nenhum aprendizado se perde...Somos eternos aprendizes!🌷🇧🇷
Agreed!
I'm 63, and in January will begin a drawing class at the local university! So, your comment makes me feel encouraged!
I have been an artist since I was a toddler. No lie. My first tempora painting in elementary school (2nd grade) had my teacher so excited that she was speechless. She was showing other teachers in the hallway. I didn't know what was so special about it, but it made me very happy. I painted "Blue Boy" from memory. Lol.
My special painting was added to the hallway wall and it stayed there all year long.
I put my brushes away for many years and in my 30s I started painting in oils just for relaxation. I eventually stopped doing that as well.
Finally, in my 50s I decided to learn watercolor painting. I've been painting in watercolor for 16 years now. I've finally discovered my passion. I paint every day even if it's just a sketch. Thanks for your testimony. It makes sense. Enjoy your new found love.
How wonderful that you were able to reconnect with this essential part of who you are after so many years! I used to teach art to elementary schoolers and often found myself wishing we were all able to hold onto the sort of fearless creativity we had as children.
When I have long periods in between creating, I get brain fog and sort of feel stuck and disengaged. When I can create freely, I feel more confident and smart and also able to take more risks.
Thank you for this insight. I’m glad that you are finding healing in creativity.
It’s amazing, isn’t it? I know we can’t always control the muse, but we can at least control the part of us that just gets out there and -makes stuff- regardless!
Making art was a big part of comforting myself after my dad passed
It makes so much sense. My condolences to you on your loss.
I have not painted in about a year BUT when I was fully engaged in watercolors out of pure nessacity, I am a card maker and have chronic pain so I was searching for a sit-down hobby that wouldn't add any extra pain, I found so much peace and happiness and of course less pain while painting. Thank you for inspiring me to pick up that brush and start painting again ❤
I have a friend who uses art and craft to help manage her chronic pain. It's not a miracle, but it helps! I'm glad painting helped you find some relief.
Yes! I started water color this last year in my 70th year and it’s literally like flipping a switch in my brain. Hard to describe but there’s definitely a sense of wholeness and contentment after painting for a bit. The beautiful thing about water color is it’s so easy to do (no big set up and no big clean up) and it’s kinda hard to mess it up! Everything is good. Well, almost everything. 😉
Yes! I’m inspired by a friend of mine who simply pulls her kit out of her bag and paints for a bit whenever the mood strikes. It doesn’t take much!
"Magic's just science that we don't understand yet.” -Arthur C. Clarke
I'm utterly fascinated to learn what you've shared here as it helps me understand why creative journaling calms my entire nervous system in a way that truly feels restorative. I'm gonna go see if our library has this book right now.
It’s definitely worth a read! And I love that quote!
I tell people all the time that my artistic pursuits and hobbies are my Zen and how I maintain my sanity in my crazy life 😂! Whether I'm painting, target shooting, knitting, playing piano or any of my various interests I always feel better afterwards. That state of flow is so important. I feel refreshed and more alert after just about any time spent doing these things. And art in general taught me to be more observant and appreciative of nature and structures and differences between people in good ways. Basically more observant and appreciative of life!
Well said! And a big yes on the flow state. I’m fascinated by the through line between flow and happiness.
@fromjenn me too!
Ditto!
Been painting for 4 years and didn’t have any art experience prior. Did it to relax and I can honestly in the 4 years of practicing, I’m more observant of the nuances of colors when I’m observing nature, I’m more aware and I feel like I need to paint as a means to relax. Really enjoyed watching this video. Thank you for sharing your experience!
That sort of observation is exactly what started me researching neuroplasticity and brain changes because, wow, it's a whole new way of seeing the world. Especially for someone like me, who has always been more of a word person. Thank YOU for sharing your experience! It's lovely to find kindred spirits through these videos.
Art and music classes are what got me through nursing school for sure. Stress reiever!
Oh, that's fab! I'll bet it has made you a better nurse, as well!
When you speak about this experience you shine and your smile is so warm. It was great to see. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! I really try to be as genuine as possible when I’m on camera!
Great video, thank you. I loved hearing about the research. I do paper collage each day about 2 or 3 times per day. It seems to have brought me a feeling of purpose, focus, calmness and grounding. I find that I'm willing to try new things when collaging, when I'm reluctant to try new things outside of art. It has helped me recover from sensory overload and recharge my energy. I am neurodivergent.
This makes so much sense. I think for many of us, making art feels like a safe place to experiment and, with time, that can transfer over to other parts of life.That's why art therapy is a thing!
I teach calming art workshops and the flow state and happiness from all the participants is evident from the first session. Thank you for sharing your personal experience. I agree making art makes you happier.
It must be so gratifying to see this change happen in your students!
❤oh yes! Making art is the absolute best! Even just scribbling in my sketchbook when i feel stressed, it all just goes away and i feel renewed and at peace.
YES! One of the research papers I read mostly focused on doodling, and even just that was enough to induce some of these effects. I'm loathe to go anywhere without a sketchbook now.
Wow, I loved the scientific explanations about this! I have experienced this *magical* transformation myself and can’t get enough!
Thanks for this great video! Also, I second the person who said they loved your glasses! 🤓 ❤
The science just confirms what we already knew, but it’s cool to learn the mechanisms of it. And thank you!
This video came up on my feed and just wanted to let you know- I’m so glad that it did! Subscribed to your channel right away, may the algorithm treat you well here! You deserve your stories to be heard. I can’t wait to watch more ❤
Welcome to the channel! Glad you found it. And thank you for taking the time to comment. That means so much to me!
I have started wtercolors since 2019 and the joy i get just making a draw... I had left drawing because of one critique and getting back With a new technique It chage everything for me. I starting drawing even With pencils again. So much time not conecting With my art i was stupid hearing those critics that kill my art for so long
It can be so hard when you take a hit to your self-esteem like that! I’m so glad to hear you’re back at it! Process over perfection!
I absolutely have noticed that I feel so much better mentally if I make time to do art! What people describe as the release from exercise, I don't seem to get as much (I do a bit) but art is on a whole other level for me- it's so therapeutic!
I feel the same way! Walking absolutely helps my mental health, but it's a slower burn than the immediate boost I get from art.
@@fromjenn yes, making art makes me more happy than cycling or walking, I noticed that too
👍👍
Thank you for this video! I am pursuing art as a career or way of life, and in my darker hours I find myself questioning if making art really is important to the world. I know it is, but sometimes with everything going on in the world, it doesn't always feel that way. It's nice to know that by creating art and enjoying art, I am changing or healing my brain, and possibly others as well.
I think most of us have gone down that particular questioning path. I’m glad this video provided a different perspective!
Follow highest bliss always! Abraham hicks
Great video Jenn
Thanks for watching!
Fascinating and wonderful. Thank you for this video. I only started watercolor painting 12 days ago but I already feel much better mentally.
I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying it. I suspect painting and sketching are both permanent additions to my creative life.
I love your glasses by the way!!
Thank you!
STEPPING STONES of progress might motivate us, with CREATIVE WORKS ?
Talking might be forgotten, but MARKINGS might suggest PROGRESSIONS
Thanks Jenn, for this great suggestion. Will try to THINK on it, more .... TNX
========================================================+ TNX MCH
TNX Jenn
Thanks for watching and responding. Glad it sparked some insights!
This is sooooooooooo helpful ❤
Glad to hear it!
Great! Program! Great! You are so right!
Thanks so much!
Your video is very encouraging! Thank you!
So glad you found it helpful!
Thank you! New subscriber here, happy to have found you. Fascinating topic, explains so much! 🎨💖😀
Welcome! Glad to have you here!
Fascinating ❤Thank you for sharing this information.
Thanks for watching! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Thank You what a great video….. I’m so excited because I have been wondering …. If I create more could I expand my view of things… could not have come at a better time!!!!!!
Love hearing this!
My cursive handwriting improved to the point that people were complimenting me on it after I began my full time art practice.
Oh wow! Side benefit! Similarly, I noticed I was much less clumsy when I was dancing regularly.
1:05 impressionism!
This is the course where I learned how different “sketching” with paint is from “sketching” with a pen or pencil!
so interesting! can you link to the class you took?
It was an in-person class, offered sporadically through a local botanic garden. I can link to the instructor though!
She has books that are definitely worth checking out: www.vheinstudio.com/
Jen, what was the class you took, that you talked about in the beginning on your video?
It was a local watercolor class. Here’s the instructor’s website. www.vheinstudio.com/