Abstract Art

Find the beauty in everything. What do you see in this painting? Does it seem as if the artist was happy, sad or indifferent? There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. It is what ever you see and feel.

Art can be a useful tool when working through difficult roadblocks in life. Let’s try to create emotional art. This can be kept as personal as a journal. Creating abstract art is a satisfying form of expression to release anger, fear, anxiety or depression. There are no rules. Try blindfolding yourself for this exercise if you find it difficult to get started and need to work around self criticism.

This is a great tool for young children who are learning about releasing their frustration and anger. Children with divorced parents benefit from this as it is an adjustment going between houses. If you’re with a child or a friend while they experience a strong emotion, gently offer some paper (can even be a newspaper or a grocery bag) and hand them a marker, pencil or paint. Use whatever is accessible to move the paint around. Nothing fancy and no rules allowed. The goal is to move that emotion through the body and onto the page. The beauty comes after. Walk away from the drawing or painting and when you return you’ll see/feel the beauty of that true release of emotion. Throw it away or keep it to serve as a journal where you will see a progression of emotional expression. Once it leaves you, it’s over. No two paintings will be the same. Notice the color, shapes and lines that were created.

Stand at a distance to see what beauty came from this emotional “breakdown” that may lead to a breakthrough. Keep this exercise in mind and use it as often as you need. Share this technique with anyone that may benefit from this experience.