So I am still working on doing some drawing as personal art therapy. I find it an effective pain distraction as I have to be intent on my focus on what I am doing.
I have been teaching myself because we do not have art therapy in our area. Some of the art I have produced has just been winging it and some have been from an art book I ordered. I am an amateur but I used to draw when I was young. But everyone is an amateur when they begin a hobby and there is something awesome about the slow progression of improvement. It is satisfying. I don’t think we necessarily have to be Awesome at art therapy, by the way, just express ourselves. Get that emotion out in a positive way. Be creative. Distract from the pain. Creativity comes with a lot of its own benefits.
- “Art filled occupational voids, distracted thoughts of illness”
- “Improved well–being by decreasing negative emotions and increasing positive ones”
- “Improved medical outcomes, trends toward reduced depression”
- “Reductions in stress and anxiety; increases in positive emotions”
- “Reductions in distress and negative emotions”
- “Improvements in flow and spontaneity, expression of grief, positive identity, and social networks” James Clear
As you guys might know my main passion is writing (blogging, non-fiction, poetry at times, and my fantasy fiction books under my pen name) And I do love being creative as a way to get out the emotions I am feeling in a positive way. Drawing and art is just a Different more visual way of doing that.
These I produced freehand from my own brain ball
And then I have been refining my skills from the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.
Which is a book for beginners to just get those basic skills to look at the world a little differently. I recommend it really if you are starting out or refining old skills. Or need a refresher. It is Not a How-to book. It is teaching you to look at shape and empty space and shading and angles… all the things you need to draw anything. And it goes through certain things like hands, profiles, a chair, distance… things like that.
These are some of the things I have practiced by using the book
Hands- which I had a real hard time with but now I am quite improved at
And then the latest is side profile portraits (first sucked but then I read the lesson again and did it again and then it turned out well. I will do a few more before I am satisfied I have this lesson Down)
With my dizziness being as bad as it has been lately I can’t get out and about much or Do much so I found this to be something I can sometimes do from a prone position. On the days I have the energy to do so. And I love that I create I can appreciate. It brings me some joy. And that is all that matters really when it comes down to it.
You are talented. Keep up the good work. I find creativity helps relax me too.
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Thank you! It has been really fun to get into again. And it is very relaxing.
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I enjoyed your artwork, Nikki! The piece with the girl laying down with a hand by her face is quite moving.
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That was inspired by the fact I have been very ill and unable to really do anything but rest. So it was my mood.
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I enjoy looking at your artwork. The drawing of the girl on her side with a hand by her face is very moving.
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Great drawings! Hope you find it relaxing 👍 thanks for sharing
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Thank you! It is a great new hobby for sure
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Your ‘brain ball’ is working well, and I think it’s great you’re doing this yourself (though it’s a shame there’s no art therapy in your area as I’m sure a lot of people could benefit from it). I want, or perhaps feel like I should, get back into art but I can’t seem to make myself do it. Depression maybe, I don’t know, just don’t have the energy or spark for it. But distractions and expression are both so important. Loved seeing your artistic flair, Nikki!
Caz xx
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It is tricky since some days o just can’t do it at all. No matter what I do. And other days I create quite well. I guess it depends on pain levels
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I really enjoyed viewing your pictures Nikki, thank you for sharing.
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Thanks! I like this new hobby.
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that is wonderful!
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I love your art and writing both, Nikki! You are so talented 🙂
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Thank you! ❤
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Your drawings are awesome!!!! Loved that face like mask you drew!
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Thank you!
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My pleasure, Nikki!
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Hi Nikki, your art is amazing. I am also using art as a form of therapy. Keep going with it all xx
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Thank you! It is a great way to express ourselves for sure
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nice drawings
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Thank you! 🙂
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Nice drawing
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I’m getting a bit better over time!
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Hi Nikki, I really love your art. I also use art to calm myself down when I’m mad and it really helps. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks! It is a new hobby but I feel I am improving every day. It does really help a lot
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