How to Make Painting Even More Enjoyable
If there is one thing I’ve learned over the years it's that watercolour painting offers the painter so much more than just the finished painting.
But let’s make the whole painting experience even more enjoyable by indulging all 5 senses as we paint. I’ve got plenty of simple suggestions that you can try today and make your painting time even better.
Of course it is rewarding to have the finished product of a painting in your own two hands, but that is just the cherry on the top. It is the whole experience of the watercolour painting process that keeps us coming back to the paints time and again.
It's not just a pleasant activity to keep you busy for an afternoon and help you relax. Watercolour painting offers the:
fun of being creative,
satisfaction of making something with your own two hands,
reward of learning new skills,
joy of playing with colour,
pleasure of the tactile delight of the supplies.
We really deserve these things. It’s play for grown ups. And grown ups need to play just as much as kids.
So get the most out of your painting process with these 5 tips to engage the senses and pamper yourself with the ideal experience.
1 .Make your Painting Space Special and Uniquely You
One of the great things about watercolour is that you don't need a large space. Watercolourists don’t need those large floor easels or drop cloths all over the floor. But whether you work in a designated studio room or just a corner of the couch in front of the telly, there are simple things you can do to make your painting space special and uniquely you.
How about decorating your space with things that lift your spirit and warm your heart? You might want to hang some of those inexpensive fairy lights in your studio, little ornaments or knick knacks that are meaningful to you or have framed photos of loved ones nearby.
If your studio space is also known as the kitchen table, or the sofa on a Sunday afternoon, don’t think you are missing out on this one. Do you have a special pencil case that brings you a bit of joy?
(We artsy types do love ALL the stationery…. don’ t we?)
How about crystals? If you are into that sort of thing, you can keep a few of those near you when you paint. Or what about a cute charm or tassel that you can attach to your pencil case?
These little things are not as trivial as they might seem. It comes down to the easiest self care, I’d say.
2 .Set the Tone in Your Painting Space
Do you have studio music?
I wouldn’t be without it! I love my Spotify playlists. I recommend having a selection to choose from to suit your mood. I am partial to a little cosy jazz most of the time but I also have playlists of pop that cheer me up and classical playlists if it is calming that I need.
Prefer to listen to audiobook or podcast? Great idea! We are spoilt for choice with these sorts of things these days. Why not take advantage of them?
The only time I don’t have music when I am painting is when I am recording demonstrations for my classes and membership - the Happy Painters Hub. Copyright and all that… you know, means I can’t have unlicensed music audible in the background of the videos. But its okay, because of course, I have a lot to say talking through my painting process step by step anyway.
I thoroughly enjoy sharing these monthly classes with my Happy Painters - we have a lot of fun, even without the music!
Want to check it out for yourself?
Of course you do… click here to investigate.
3. Bring Nature With You into Your Painting Space
Painting might be a rainy day activity but I think you can bring the outdoors into the studio with you in any weather. Nature is both calming and inspiring.
How about adding a potted plant or two to your space? ( Also excellent subject matter for your sketchbook, by the way). Speaking of which, fresh flowers are also a joy of course, even if is just a daisy in a recycled jar.
If you’ve been on a walk recently you might have come across something interesting like a fascinating seed pod, a wildflower or a simple dandelion. These things are not just drawing and painting subject matter, they can inspire us with ideas about colour or texture too.
4 .Turn Up the Ambience in Your Painting Space
I must admit I am a bit nutty about scented candles.
Lighting a candle is the catalyst that starts my painting sessions. There is something about having a simple action to take, like striking the match and lighting the candle to help you get over the inertia that we often feel at the start of a new activity.
A candle creates a perfect ambience in my book, especially one with an uplifting scent.
So far, I have managed to start a little fire 🔥 in the paper on my desk and burn my hair 😬 (bending over to plug the camera into the back of my computer). This however, has not dimmed my love of candles! 😂
Sharing my cautionary tale feels like the responsible thing to do, but I’m sure you are far more sensible and safe with your candles.
By the way, since we are on the subject of scents, did you know you can get scented watercolour paints?
I know, I was amazed too.
And no, its not just the kiddy paints from Kmart. I have seen some sets on sites like Temu and Etsy but the big paint manufacturers have some too, on occasion. Daniel Smith put out a limited edition T’is the Season Watercolour Set of 3 colours full of fun and fragrance (apparently) including one called Christmas Tree Green which is pine scented.
5 .Treat yourself to a Painting Snack
Let’s not ignore our sense of taste. A painting snack could just be a cup of tea or other favourite beverage. If you are in the mood for a little more, how about a painting cookie jar… jelly babies… someone stop me before I put on a few pounds.
Really, I find it is not so much the food as it is the ritual. As with the lighting the candle, making a cup of tea is a signal for my brain that it is time to get painting. Tiny little steps like this make it easier to get into the fun of painting and over the hurdle that starting can sometimes be.
In conclusion, painting is such a fun and relaxing pastime in itself. But why not make the whole experience even more enjoyable by delighting all five senses even more. Make your painting time even more special with a few of these ideas and spoil yourself today.
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