Intuitive painting is a powerful way to bring authenticity and play into your art, and can be used to generate ideas as well as for removing blocks. In a world that often pushes us to conform and suppress our natural impulses, intuitive painting helps us break free from those constraints and embrace the fullness of who we are as artists.
I remember when I was a kid and creativity flowed effortlessly. Yet as time passed and I developed my technical skills while facing art career setbacks, I became more and more blocked.
I discovered intuitive painting from Damini Celebre’s book “Painting the Landscape of Your Soul” and immediately got excited because I knew this would transform my art. I bought a roll of white craft paper and some children’s acrylic paints and committed to doing one intuitive painting a day. I would do them on floor which enhanced the kid-like, playfulness of the experience. Using kid’s paints and craft paper helped connect me with my inner child, who loves everything that it creates.What happened overtime was that it helped me find my artistic voice, generate ideas for my work and release blocks.
The key with intuitive painting is to listen to your first gut impulse and do that –to hear it, not question it and to do it. Then do your next thought. Let your inner child/inner artist play.
There are two types of intuitive painting that you can explore. The first is more image based and could be a good way to generate ideas for your work, and the second if more feeling based and is a good way to shift fears and limiting beliefs that are stuck in the body.
Image Based Intuitive Painting:
Intuitive painting is a powerful source of idea generation. Here’s how you can dive into it:
- Sacred Space: Create a quiet and focused environment for your practice. Find a spot that resonates with you, whether it’s on the floor, at a wall, or even in a sketchbook.
- Color Calling: Tune in to identify the color that is calling out to you to start with.
- First Thought, Best Thought: Trust your initial instincts. What’s the first shape or mark that comes to mind? Don’t question it, just do it!
- Continued Listening: Progress intuitively. Let each mark guide the next, without self-doubt.
- Inspiration from Within: Let your imagination roam freely. Allow any art that comes to mind to inspire your strokes.
- Release Judgment: Resist the urge to critique your work. Remember, the goal isn’t to create a perfect piece.
- Save and Reflect: Once your painting dries, roll it up. These works will become a visual journal of your creative journey.
Intuitive Painting to Release Trapped Energy:
Intuitive painting is also a potent tool for releasing trapped emotions. Here’s how:
- Body Awareness: Identify a fear or block you’d like to overcome. Tune into your body, locating areas of tightness where you’re avoiding breath. Ask this area about its color and shape.
- Free Expression: Let your mind roam free. Paint whatever comes to mind, without judgment.
- Observing Judgment: Be aware of critical thoughts. Let them pass without affecting your process.
- Emotional Awareness: As you paint, emotions may surface. Allow them to flow through your creation.
- Lean Into It: Amplify any emotions that arise, even if they’re uncomfortable.
- Do the Unthinkable: Deliberately ruin it often!
- Insight Reflection: Take time to ponder the insights you’ve gained. Sometimes, what we perceive as a block may reveal something deeper.
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